Karel J. Leyva

Ph.D. in Political Philosophy (Université Paris Sciences et Lettres). Associate Researcher at the University of Montreal, specializing in political theory and pluralism. Editor-in-Chief of Politics and Rights Review.

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38 Articles

The image shows President Donald Trump preparing to sign a plaque along the Texas-Mexico border wall in January 2021. This act symbolizes nativist ideology, emphasizing the protection of national identity by reinforcing borders and justifying strict measures against perceived outsiders. The border wall itself became a key symbol of nativism, reflecting efforts to maintain a homogeneous national identity.

Analysis & Theories

The Political Psychology of Nativism

Social identity and intergroup threat theories explain how perceived threats fuel nativism, leading to the formation of exclusionary identities.

Karel J. Leyva

14 Min Read

This image captures the striking contrast between the simple, traditional life of an Amish girl and the broader ideals of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual freedom and modernity. Explore how these two worlds coexist and the values they represent.

Analysis & Theories

Liberal Democracy and Illiberal Minorities

Illiberal practices, deeply rooted in certain cultural and religious traditions, often clash with principles of individual autonomy, gender equality, and…

Karel J. Leyva

32 Min Read

A group of protestors is holding signs and banners during a demonstration for fair wages. The signs read "WE ARE WORTH MORE!", "STRIKE $15", and "FIGHT FOR $15". They are advocating for a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. This image captures their collective call for recognition of their value and the need for fair compensation in the workplace. Photo by Bob Simpson (CC BY-NC-SA)

Books Analysis & Theories

Healing Divides: The Power of Recognition in Social Justice

Michèle Lamont’s Seeing Others offers a compelling examination of how recognizing the humanity and worth of every individual can bridge…

Karel J. Leyva

24 Min Read

In the image, a woman wearing a black burqa is sitting on a white, rocky surface. This visual contrast highlights the tensions between religious traditions and the concept of secularism, which seeks the separation of religion and state, promoting a society where individual beliefs do not interfere with public governance or civil rights.

Books Politics & Religion

France’s Secularism: Navigating Security and Rights

About the book by Raphael Cohen-Almagor, "The Republic, Secularism and Security: France versus the Burqa and the Niqab", published by…

Karel J. Leyva

9 Min Read

According to neuroscience, liberals and conservatives show differences in brain regions, with liberals having a larger anterior cingulate cortex and conservatives having a larger right amygdala.

Books Analysis & Theories

The Neuroscience of Political Behavior

"The Political Brain" stands out as a significant work in political science, providing a framework for understanding the interaction between…

Karel J. Leyva

13 Min Read

Four men stand together, with one in the center displaying the words "Patria y Vida" written across his bare chest. The image evokes the spirit of the song "Patria y Vida," which has become an anthem of resistance against the Cuban dictatorship. Their serious expressions and dark clothing underline the song's powerful message and the unity of Cubans in their fight for freedom and justice.

Culture & Politics

Patria y Vida: Challenging Cuban Dictatorship Through Art

Patria y Vida exemplifies the transformative power of music and culture in driving social and political change.

Karel J. Leyva

27 Min Read

Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, featuring the Peace Tower, a symbol of Canadian federalism and the seat of the federal government.

Books Analysis & Theories

Federalism in the 21st Century: Theory, Practice, Challenges

About the book: 'Advanced Introduction to Federalism' by Alain-G. Gagnon and Arjun Tremblay, published by Edward Elgar in 2024.

Karel J. Leyva

30 Min Read

United Nations flag flying over a classical architecture building, representing global governance and Cosmopolitan Democracy.

Analysis & Theories

Rethinking Sovereignty: A Path to Cosmopolitan Democracy

Global shifts in civil liberties and political rights prompt a reevaluation of how cosmopolitan democracy can adapt and remain relevant…

Karel J. Leyva

16 Min Read

The image displays a close-up of two hands clasped together in solidarity or unity. In the background, there is a blurred flag featuring a cross, which may symbolize Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and national identities. The flag seems to take center stage in a gathering, suggesting a public demonstration or political event where Christian symbols are being used in a nationalistic context.

Books Politics & Religion

White Christian Nationalism’s Threat to American Democracy

The growing influence of white Christian nationalism, its impact on political decisions, and its role in shaping the political landscape…

Karel J. Leyva

7 Min Read

David Hel, prominent theorist of Cosmopolitan Global Democracy, during the seminar 'A Theory of Global Politics: From the Holocaust to the Present Day'. Photo by Fondazione Giannino Bassetti.

Analysis & Theories

Global Democracy Theories: Reshaping Political Authority

Global democracy theories critically examine the collective mechanisms shaping political authority. These theories, pivotal in political science, assess not only…

Karel J. Leyva

19 Min Read

Protesters march on July 11, 2021, against the totalitarian Cuban regime, demanding liberty and life in a fervent call for change.

Human Rights

Totalitarian Cuban Regime: 65 Years of Repression

Beneath the revolutionary facade, the totalitarian Cuban regime has systematically curtailed freedoms, silenced opposition, and left a lasting impact on…

Karel J. Leyva

35 Min Read

Explore a visual journey through the era of authoritarian regimes, featuring iconic leaders like Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Augusto Pinochet, Mao Zedong, Benito Mussolini, Kim Il-Sung, and Fidel Castro. Unpack their strategies and vulnerabilities.

Analysis & Theories

The Hidden Fragility of Authoritarian Regimes

Unpacking the complexities of authoritarian regimes reveals inherent vulnerabilities, shaped by both internal power dynamics and external influences, that challenge…

Karel J. Leyva

13 Min Read