Crisis

Geopolitical consequences in the aftermath of Russian agression against Ukraine have once again underscored that there is no alternative to common and collaborative security which is inclusive. The double standards in implementing human rights and se­lective wars of aggression on smaller states by great powers have led to a del­egitimisation of multilateral institutions and a world that is insecure for all.

The origins of the present crisis are located in the history of Ukraine, Russia, and the Soviet Union. The decisive role of the continuous expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the hegemonic designs of the United States in precipitating the crisis is analysed.

Gender relations in some adivasi (tribal) societies are relatively more egalitarian than among other communities but enormous changes are now taking place in their resource base and livelihoods. How does this affect the women's spaces in the domestic and public spheres? This paper explores the process of change as a scattered semi-nomadic group of adivasi foragers come together to form a village settlement. Focusing on one family, and one woman among them, it reflects upon whether and how an indigenous democratic fabric and relative gender egalitarianism may be retained in the face of structural changes in the adivasi life worlds. Using a personal narrative, shaped by different 'dialogical levels', the paper traces the dialogical stages through which the 'story' unfolds. It suggests that the narrative as a qualitative research tool may be used to interrogate women's political spaces and to bring the family into development discourse.