Studies in Social Science & Humanities

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Coastal Cities: A Comprehensive Review of Approaches and Challenges

PHIMIA DOOSU E., GLORY U. VICTOR — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coastal cities, which host a significant and growing portion of the global population and economic activity, are at the forefront of the climate crisis. They face existential threats from sea-level rise (SLR), increased frequency and intensity of storm surges, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion. In response, a diverse portfolio of adaptation strategies has emerged. This paper provides a comprehensive review of these strategies, categorizing them into three primary types: hard engineering, soft engineering/ecosystem-based approaches, and institutional/policy-based measures. It examines the theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, benefits, and limitations of each category. Furthermore, the paper critically analyzes the cross-cutting challenges that impede the effective implementation of adaptation measures, including financial and economic constraints, governance and institutional barriers, social equity and justice concerns, and technical and informational gaps. The review concludes that no single strategy is a panacea. Effective and sustainable adaptation requires a paradigm shift towards integrated, hybrid approaches that combine grey and green infrastructure, are supported by robust and flexible governance frameworks, and are fundamentally centered on principles of equity and justice. This integrated approach, often termed “adaptive pathways,” is essential for building long-term resilience in the world’s vulnerable coastal urban centers.

Macau After the Handover: Society, Governance, Identity and Economic Transformation Under “One Country, Two Systems”

Jean A. Berlie, Manuel Benard — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Macau occupies a unique position in modern China and the international system. As the oldest European settlement in East Asia and one of the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China, it represents a distinctive case of institutional continuity, political adaptation and economic transformation. Since its return to Chinese sovereignty on 20 December 1999, Macau has operated under the constitutional principle of One Country, Two Systems, preserving its legal traditions, bilingual administration and open economy while becoming progressively integrated into China’s national development strategy. Unlike Hong Kong, Macau has experienced relatively limited political confrontation and sustained economic growth, supported by an executive-led system, extensive intermediary associations, and the world’s largest gaming industry.

This article examines Macau’s historical evolution, political institutions, civil society, identity formation and economic development from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Combining historical analysis with institutional and political economy approaches, it argues that Macau’s stability is best explained by four mutually reinforcing factors: institutional continuity inherited from the Portuguese administration; pragmatic cooperation between the Macau SAR Government and Beijing; the mediating role of powerful community associations; and sustained economic prosperity generated by gaming and tourism. The article further analyses Macau’s integration into the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and discusses the challenges posed by economic diversification, demographic ageing and technological transformation. Rather than interpreting Macau simply as a smaller version of Hong Kong, the article demonstrates that it has developed a distinctive governance model rooted in its own historical trajectory and social structure.

The Frame Analysis of a Global Sporting Event: A Systematic Review of the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Gabriel Kusi — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the nature of scholarship in the area of coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The analysis is based on twenty-two articles retrieved from database of Google Scholar. A qualitative, quantitative and mixed method analysis of twenty-two open-access journal articles were retrieved to examine the issues discussed in the articles as well as the methods used in addressing the issues in the articles. The articles identified were published between 2021 and 2025. Content analysis data were thematically discussed to answer the research questions. The major themes identified in the study include human rights, Islamophobia, sportswashing and soft power. The review further identified twelve empirical studies out of the twenty-two articles retrieved. Researchers focused more on exploratory (qualitative) than explanatory (quantitative) research methods. This review paper is the first of its kind. Hence, it will provide a significant contribution to literature in the area of framing in the coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup since there seems to be no systematic review in the said area.

A Study on Reporting Verbs in News Reports of Global Food Security in China Daily

Lining Jiang — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Based on a self-constructed corpus and a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, this study systematically examines reporting verbs in news reports of global food security in China Daily, exploring their discourse functions and role in constructing national image. The findings show that neutral reporting verbs are used most frequently, enhancing the objectivity of news discourse while implicitly shaping an image of China as rational and open. Positive reporting verbs rank second, highlighting the importance of information, strengthening discourse authority and persuasiveness, and portraying China as an active participant in global food security governance. Negative reporting verbs are used least frequently, serving to counter unfounded accusations, maintain national image, and emphasize the urgency of food security issues. Overall, the using of reporting verbs in China Daily not only conveys information but also constructs and disseminates national image at the discourse level. The study suggests that reporting verbs are important discursive resources for ideological expression and national image construction in news media.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Mediation as a Tool in Resolving Intertribal Land Disputes: The Case of Eyumojock Sub-Division

Felix Fung Kum — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Inter-tribal land disputes constitute one of the most pervasive conflicts in rural Cameroon, particularly in the South-West Region where customary land tenure systems intersect with population growth and inter-ethnic relations. In Eyumojock Sub-Division, intertribal land disputes between the Ebinsi, Ayuk’aba, Bakwele, Afap, Ogomoko, Kembong, and other indigenous groups threaten social cohesion and economic development. Formal litigation through the court system often proves inaccessible, expensive, protracted, and culturally insensitive for rural communities, necessitating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly mediation. Despite the increasing adoption of mediation for resolving intertribal land disputes in Eyumojock Sub-Division, there exists limited scholarly examination of its effectiveness, legal appropriateness, and compliance with justice principles. Questions remain regarding whether mediation adequately protects parties’ rights, recognizes customary law, produces sustainable outcomes, and serves as a superior alternative to formal litigation in this specific context. This study critically appraises the effectiveness of mediation in resolving intertribal land disputes in Eyumojock Sub-Division by analyzing successes achieved, identifying factors influencing outcomes, evaluating challenges constraining effectiveness, and assessing implications for dispute resolution practice and policy. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, utilizing desk review of legal materials, scholarly literature, policy documents, and available case records. The research analyzed customary law principles, alternative dispute resolution frameworks, human rights standards, and comparative mediation practices to evaluate mediation’s legal appropriateness and effectiveness. The study reveals that mediation has achieved substantial successes in Eyumojock Sub-Division, including preservation of social harmony, integration of customary law systems, enhanced accessibility and cost-effectiveness, expedited resolution, party autonomy and empowerment, confidentiality protection, broad community engagement, effective enforcement through traditional authority, recognition of multiple interests beyond legal title, and prevention of violence. Its effectiveness depends on mediator competence, procedural fairness, cultural sensitivity, and supportive frameworks. It is recommended that Ongoing capacity building for mediators, community awareness programs, legal frameworks strengthening enforcement of mediation agreements, reduced government intervention in customary processes, protective measures for vulnerable groups, and integration of customary mechanisms into formal legal systems are essential for enhancing mediation’s effectiveness and sustainability in resolving intertribal land disputes in Eyumojock Sub-Division and similar contexts across Cameroon.