Border Crossing

Power Dynamics of Cross-Border Conflict in Lebanon and Syria

Lina Khatib — 2024-11-05

This paper identifies the main conflict actors in cross-border conflict across Lebanon and Syria as being Hezbollah and the Syrian Arab Armed Forces, and highlights the power hierarchies between those actors as well as between them and ordinary people in those border regions. The paper shows that in those two countries, both state and non-state actors (de factor authorities) are the main conflict actors who are invested in the conflict status quo that they profiteer from—the state is therefore also part of the problem. The paper additionally argues that there is a need to understand hierarchies of power among conflict actors and how they position local communities at the bottom of the conflict economy pyramid. The paper shows that local communities end up entangled in the conflict economy for the sake of economic coping and survival. Often, both conflict actors and local communities act pragmatically rather than ideologically for the sake of economic survival or gain, but conflict actors trap local communities in the coping economy by removing alternatives, cultivating relationships of dependency by coping communities on major conflict actors. The paper uses these conclusions to present recommendations for conflict response policies. The paper is published as part of the Cross-Border Conflict, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme funded by UK International Development.

Adjustment and Adaptation of Female International Higher Education Students: A Qualitative Study

Zeynep Mercan — 2024-11-05

Deciding to be an international student is challenging, and adjusting to a new culture is even more so for women from collectivistic cultures. Despite some attention to women’s adjustment and adaptation to different cultures, limited attention has been given to the specific challenges faced by women from diverse collectivistic backgrounds. This qualitative study explored the cultural adaptation experiences of 5 Chinese, 2 Azerbaijani, and 3 Turkish international master’s students through semi-structured interviews. Using the thematic approach, four main themes emerged from the data regarding how female students adjust to the new culture: educational adaptation, formation of social groups and language learning, understanding identity and gender, and emotional involvement in the new culture and future planning. The implications for psychological well-being and future career decisions are discussed in detail.

Daily Life Experiences of Working Women in Existential Threat

Betül Dilara Şeker — 2024-11-05

The pandemic has profoundly impacted daily life, resources, and gender roles, resulting in significant changes. This study examines how the gender roles of working women transform in the face of existential threats. We investigate their experiences, reactions, and defense mechanisms during the pandemic. The sample consists of 17 women, revealing increased inequalities and responsibilities faced in both domestic and professional settings. Participants expressed uncertainty, anxiety, and fear for their loved ones, sharing experiences with the disease, preventive measures, and psychological and social consequences. Understanding the defense mechanisms used by women will bring short-term individual benefits. This research sheds light on women's experiences during the pandemic, highlighting the urgency of addressing gender disparities in COVID-19.