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ARTICLES

Al Chukwuma Okoli & Augustine Agantiem: Language, Electioneering, and Social Media Contestations in Nigeria: The ‘Obidients’ and Their Opponents

Abstract: This paper explores the nexus between language and a pattern of conflict in the context of social media electioneering in Nigeria. Focusing on the 2022/2023 presidential election campaign, the paper examines how the electioneering contestations between the followers of the ‘Obidient Movement’ (Obidients) and their opponents played out within the social media space and how that adds to what is known regarding the language-conflict problematique. Relying on a conversational analysis of select narratives, the paper posits that the Obidients and their adversaries engaged in a conflictive virtual interaction wherein language played a powerful role in aggravating a rancorous electioneering discourse. The paper problematizes some of the narratives that defined the discourse and submits that those narratives carry critical implications for both democratic sustainability and national cohesion in Nigeria.

Keywords: Language, conflict, electioneering, ‘Obidients’, social media

How to cite: Okoli, A.C. and Agantiem, A. 2023. “Language, Electioneering, and Social Media Contestations in Nigeria: The ‘Obidients’ and Their Opponents.” Central European Journal of Politics 9 (2): 1–12. DOI:10.21062/cejp.2023.003

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21062/cejp.2023.003

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Ondřej Hynek: China’s Rare Earth Monopoly: Implications for Western Security

Abstract: The dominant position of Chinese suppliers on the rare earth market has led to security concerns in Western countries. This article examines the nature of rare earths, the sources of China’s rare earth monopoly, and its strategic implications for the West, particularly in defence, technology, energy, and foreign policy. It highlights the challenges Western governments and industry face in reducing their dependence on China and developing alternative sources of rare earths. It concludes with a discussion of the ramifications and possible scenarios for Western governments, including the need for coordinated international action to address China’s rare earth monopoly.

Keywords: China, geopolitics, rare-earth elements, security

How to cite: Hynek, O. 2023. “China’s Rare Earth Monopoly: Implications for Western Security.” Central European Journal of Politics 9 (2): 13–32. DOI:10.21062/cejp.2024.001

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21062/cejp.2024.001