Mon
May
13

Macarena: Falsehoods and conspiracies in the perception of a “foul” feminist song

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Summary

In February 2024, the lyrics and video for the song “Macarena” by trap artist Erika Isac caused an amount of uproar in public debate. A feminist manifesto with a particular focus on sexual violence and the objectification of women, the clip did not shy away from foul language or implied nudity. It was followed by “Women in Parliament”, dealing with the issue of under-representation of women in politics and “Industry Plant”, addressing some of the criticism directed against “Macarena”.

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Tue
Oct
13

Call for applications: Eastern Focus Short Term Research fellowship

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Eastern Focus, a GlobalFocus Center research and analysis hub based in Bucharest, is launching a short-term research program (2 months) for (emerging) regional* experts. This program is a valuable opportunity for regional professionals to consolidate and publicize their work and skills, enhance their public profile and contribute to crucial debates. 

* From the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine. 

SCOPE OF THE FELLOWSHIP:

The program aims to foster in-depth research into topics of high significance for the region, where existing knowledge needs to keep pace with the dynamic, fast-evolving realities on the ground. The four priority domains are: 

  • Reassessing the future relationship with Russia; 
  • Seeking independence from China; 
  • The next generation Turkey; 
  • The Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean: a microcosm of great-power competition 

Selected fellows will be able to choose their own focus and approach to one of the four topics. They will receive a USD 1,000 stipend to support their work (desktop research, monitoring of latest trends, and interviews with relevant stakeholders) and will benefit from the resources and guidance of the distinguished network of experts of GlobalFocus Center and its partners, including one-on-one mentoring by top international specialists.

The research output will be published in Eastern Focus (www.eastern-focus.eu), a project powered by the Global Focus Center. This English-language digital quarterly and platform for analysis brings the most debated topics of the region into the spotlight and facilitates the integration of new voices and ideas in the international arena. 

The fellows will be expected to write (in English) a final paper/ article of around 5,000 words to conclude their research. They will also be expected to hold an online/ offline briefing/ presentation for experts and they will be able to participate in GlobalFocus Center’s thematic activities. 

ELIGIBILITY:

The ideal candidate is a Ph.D. student (preferably of International Relations, Political Science, Economy, Sociology or other related fields), or a researcher with a similar level of expertise and at least a few years’ experience, with demonstrated knowledge of one of the priority domains and proven track record (published articles, research and analysis) in their field of interest. Candidates who do not meet the above criteria are welcome to apply, so long as they can make a compelling argument for their selection. Students without a BA or entry-level, very junior researchers are not eligible. English fluency is required (writing and speaking). 

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit the following to office@eastern-focus.eu:   

  • C.V. 
  • Brief research outline, max. one page (including preliminary steps, working theory and the plan towards the outcome)
  • Writing samples (already published or in progress) – demonstrating research abilities on the chosen topic and/or related subjects

Deadline for applications: October 31, 2020
Fellowship timeframe: November 2020 – January 2021 

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