BHUVANA: Journal of Global Studies

COMMUNITY-BASED GASTRODIPLOMACY AND COFFEE AGROTOURISM: A CASE STUDY OF KALIANGKRIK, MAGELANG

Aghna Nur Shabrina, Nency Esha Eristya — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article explores gastrodiplomacy as a strategic approach in developing coffee-based agrotourism in Kaliangkrik, Magelang Regency, by highlighting the role of local communities in building cultural narratives through coffee. This research aims to understand how local coffee can be an instrument of public diplomacy and regional identity building. Using a qualitative interpretive method, this research is based on in-depth interviews, field observations, and literature review. The theoretical framework refers to Rockower’s concept of gastrodiplomacy and Nye’s theory of soft power. The findings show that although the practice of gastrodiplomacy has emerged organically through community-driven tourism experiences, neither the local government nor businesses have developed a systematic and sustainable strategy to promote local coffee internationally. While there have been efforts, such as geographical indication certification and promotional events, these initiatives are still fragmented and not integrated into long-term policies. This study emphasizes the need for a structured and collaborative gastrodiplomacy strategy so that local coffee can not only grow economically but also contribute to shaping the region’s cultural image at the global level.

THAI BOYS’ LOVE: QUEER REPRESENTATION AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN THAILAND’S SOFT POWER STRATEGY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Roy Setiawan, Ansgrasia Jenifer Nyarimun, Naslika Amalia — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Thai Boys’ Love has emerged as a powerful medium of cultural diplomacy, shaping Thailand’s image as a progressive and inclusive nation in Southeast Asia. This study examines how queer representation in Thai Boys’ Love is deployed as a tool of soft power in international relations. Using queer theory, media studies, and public diplomacy, the research explores the intersection of popular media narratives, regional reception, and cultural policy. The analysis focuses on three popular Thai Boys’ Love series: Love Sick, 2gether, and KinnPorsche, alongside an online survey of viewers in Indonesia and the Philippines. Findings reveal that queer representation in Thai Boys’ Love tends to be normative and aestheticized, featuring cisgender characters from urban middle-class backgrounds with personal conflicts. Digital distribution strategies and active regional fan communities have amplified the transnational reach of Thai Boys’ Love as a cultural product. This study concludes that Thai Boys’ Love functions as a form of cultural diplomacy, fostering emotional affiliation and positive perceptions of Thailand among regional audiences.

HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS IN VENEZUELA: A CASE STUDY OF THE CLOSURE OF THE UN OFFICE IN VENEZUELA IN 2024

Syfha Qalbinisa Nurman, Rio Sundari — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research explores the ongoing human rights crisis in Venezuela, with an emphasis on the closure of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office by the Nicolás Maduro regime in 2024. This closure demonstrates the increasing authoritarian nature and resistance to outside scrutiny of increasingly structured human rights violations by the state. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach as well as the theory of realism and the concept of national interest, this research examines how the Venezuelan government has implemented a defensive strategy to maintain domestic political control and state independence amid external pressure and sanctions. The findings show that the Venezuelan policy of closing the UN Human Rights Offices exacerbates the sense of impunity for human rights violations, deepens the country’s diplomatic isolation, and worsens the social and economic crisis experienced by the people. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of power politics and national interests to decipher interstate relations and the role of international institutions in the context of complex global pressures.

GREENPEACE’S TRANSNATIONAL ADVOCACY STRATEGIES AGAINST NICKEL MINING IN RAJA AMPAT

Claudia Marcia Anastasia Santioso, Melpayanty Sinaga — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to analyze the environmental diplomacy strategies employed by Greenpeace in opposing the mining project in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. This area is one of the global marine conservation sites threatened by the exploitation of natural resources carried out by mining companies. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method, sourcing data from official Greenpeace documents, such as reports, press releases, and campaign publications, relevant national and international journal articles and news, as well as interviews with Greenpeace Indonesia’s Forest Campaigner. The results show that Greenpeace employs four main strategies to maintain environmental diplomacy, such as: (a) media campaigns and global advocacy, (b) alliances with indigenous communities and local NGOs, (c) pressure through international channels, and (d) mobilization of public opinion based on ecological symbols and narratives. These strategies successfully built public pressure on the Indonesian government, resulting in a reevaluation of mining permits and, eventually, the temporary halting of all mining production activities in Raja Ampat.

MITIGASI DAN STRATEGI INDONESIA DALAM MENGHADAPI TARIF TRUMP JILID KEDUA

Erwin Miftahudin, Rizalul Kalam, Muhammad Hanif Abdurrahman — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In the contemporary era, economic power has become a key pillar in determining a country’s strategic position within the global political order. International trade is now facing serious challenges due to the implementation of protectionist policies by the United States (US) under the second term of President Donald Trump. The US has imposed high tariffs on several of its trading partners, including Indonesia. This phenomenon reflects a significant shift in US economic policy, which now leans more toward neo-mercantilism. As a result, Indonesia faces several major risks, including declining competitiveness, export levels, investment flows, a potential wave of layoffs, and economic slowdown. This study analyzes the impact of the US’s second wave of protectionism, particularly on Indonesia’s manufacturing industry, from the perspective of international political economy using a qualitative approach. Furthermore, the study evaluates strategic measures that the Indonesian government can adopt, including renegotiation with the US, expansion into non-traditional markets, and strengthening national competitiveness. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the government in formulating resilient and adaptive strategies in response to the dynamics of global protectionism.

PEMAKZULAN IMRAN KHAN SEBAGAI UPAYA MEMPERTAHANKAN DOMINASI DINASTI BHUTTO DAN SHARIF DI PAKISTAN TAHUN 2022

Naufal Arief Pratama, Evida Kartini — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze how the impeachment of Imran Khan in 2022 was part of an effort to maintain the political dominance of the Bhutto and Sharif dynasties in Pakistan. Imran Khan's victory in the 2018 general election marked a shift in Pakistan’s political power, which had long been dominated by the Bhutto and Sharif families through the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Khan’s success in challenging the dominance of these two dynasties was perceived as a threat to their political existence and long-standing popularity. This research employs a qualitative method with secondary data analysis, including a literature review from various relevant sources, which is then examined through the lens of cartel party theory and the concept of inter-party cooperation. The findings indicate that Imran Khan’s impeachment was an effort by the Bhutto and Sharif dynasties in Pakistan. Both dynasties played a significant role, from the formation of the coalition and consolidation of power to exerting political and legal pressure on Khan. These efforts were aimed at eliminating Khan from the political stage in Pakistan and ensuring he would not pose a threat in the future.