Abstract Modernization and the Sinicization of Marxism have become prominent research topics in China today. As key issues in the study of historical and civilizational development in the new era, this paper aims to analyze the theoretical value of modernization and the Sinicization of Marxism from three perspectives: the compatibility of Marxism with traditional Chinese cultural values, its role in advancing Chinese modernization, and the contemporary challenges encountered by Chinese Marxists in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context to meet the needs of the times. Dialectical materialism is adopted as the primary methodology, on the basis of which this study seeks to offer a coherent analytical perspective. Through dialectical analysis, the paper examines the relationship between the Sinicization of Marxism and development within the framework of socialism with Chinese characteristics. On the one hand, it explores the interaction between China’s theoretical development and that of the wider world; on the other hand, it investigates the dialectical relationship between Marxism and traditional Chinese culture. By situating Marxism within the broader context of modernity, this paper argues that both traditional Chinese culture and Marxism should be upheld as foundational theoretical resources for China’s social development. The integration of traditional Chinese culture with Marxism renders the modernization and Sinicization of Marxism both rational and appropriate within the specific context of China’s national conditions, and it has been shown to provide a strong spiritual foundation for the advancement of Chinese modernization.

Abstract This paper examines the participation of women in the quarry industry in Tivland. It is an attempt to narrow the existing historical gap on the subject. Using oral interviews and extant literature in tandem with the theories of neoliberalism and the sustainable livelihood approach ( SLA ), the paper reconstructs the efforts made by women in the quarry industry in Tivland during the process of capital formation. The study investigates the historical foundations and demonstrates the technological changes in the industry under consideration. It analyses the relationship between men and women in the workplace. In doing this, the impact and challenges that have hampered the efforts of women in the quarry industry have been assessed. The paper concludes that due to the challenges associated with the quarry industry, its impact on the welfare of Tiv women, and Tiv economy and society is marginally felt.

Abstract This paper aims to examine the relevance of the Russian Oriental studies (vostokovedenie) to the Saidian understanding of Orientalism, which suggests that academics and colonialism are intertwined. Russian vostokovedenie appears to have been influenced by European Orientalism, with its civilizing mission and scholars’ embeddedness in Russian/Soviet policies, rather than as a deviation from its European counterpart. However, it also possessed its own peculiarities and differences. For instance, there were native Orientalists in faculties in Kazan, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok, and dissenting voices were heard. Particularly during the Soviet era, these Orientalists were critical of the European approach to studying other cultures. Furthermore, this paper explores Russians’ self-perception and the issue of Russian identity since Russia’s complex relationship with Eastern peoples and its Oriental heritage contribute to its distinctiveness.

Abstract The characteristics of streamers in the live streaming commerce environment can influence consumers’ cognition, emotion, and behavior, thus stimulating their impulse buying. However, few studies consider the impact of streamer combined with flow experience and social presence on live streaming effect, and the differences in personal characteristics of consumers are also ignored. Therefore, based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory, this study constructs an influence mechanism conceptual framework of live streaming consumers’ impulse buying intention under the stimulation of streamer’s characteristics. Structural equation modeling was applied to 429 survey questionnaires to test our framework. Results indicate that both expertise and interactivity of streamers enhance customer flow experience and social presence. Furthermore, social presence improves customers’ flow experience significantly. Meanwhile, Streamers’ interactivity and expertise indirectly boost impulse buying intentions through improved flow experience and social presence, but attractiveness does not influence these results.

Abstract In recent years, the dramatic changes in cooperation and alliance of states and peoples, particularly the “Sahexit” has sparked significant interest and debates among scholars. Ancient African societies and cultures sought to integrate their energies and resources to survive, fight common enemies, withstand common threats, or contemporarily, resolve disputes. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), anchored on Pan-African ideals of nonalignment, unity, and indivisibility of the destiny of African peoples, expanded its initial scope for economic purposes to deal with the rising security challenges in West Africa. Yet, ECOWAS continues to struggle with insurgent activities, recurrent coup d’etats, and more recently the threat of succession from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali (“Sahexit”). Drawing on Regional Security Complex and human security perspectives, and the literature on Pan Africanism, this paper examines the security challenges of Sahexit for the subregion. It argues that Sahexit poses significant security challenges to the fragile security situation in the subregion particularly at the regional, state, and individual levels. The exit will weaken ECOWAS regional security cooperation, disrupt coordinated regional strategies, and leave major gaps in joint security operations and intelligence sharing, and complicate insecurities in the subregion. The paper concludes with recommendations to mitigate the security challenges.

Abstract The Ming Dynasty was an important period of cultural flourishing in Chinese history, with the evolution of Neo-Confucianism and the literary revival being the two major factors shaping thought and literary development during this period. This paper explores systematically the gradual evolution of Neo-Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty, particularly the dominant position of the Cheng-Zhu School of Neo-Confucianism in the early Ming Dynasty and its subsequent diversified transformations, such as the rise of Wang Yangming’s School of Neo-Confucianism and its emphasis on individual moral cultivation and social practice. At the same time, the literary revival movement in the Ming Dynasty aimed to revive ancient classics and styles. The trend of “literature must be Qin and Han, poetry must be prosperous Tang” has been sparked, injecting classical spirit into literary creation. The moral education of Neo Confucianism and the literary revival movement had a profound interactive impact on the ideological and cultural level, jointly promoting the development of Ming Dynasty’s social culture. This article analyzes the influence of Neo Confucianism on social ethics and political education, as well as the shaping of the spiritual outlook of literati through the literary revival movement and explores the historical contributions and limitations of both. This article also evaluates the status of Neo Confucianism and literary revival in Ming Dynasty culture and their profound influence on future generations. It is believed that both are not only important manifestations of Ming Dynasty cultural characteristics, but also provide key perspectives for understanding traditional Chinese thought and literary evolution.