Political Questions

Notes for understanding the political transition

Jorge Jesús Villasmil Espinoza — 2026-01-26

This editorial presents volume 44, number 84 of Cuestiones Políticas (Political Issues) and, at the same time, offers concise reflections on the assumptions and limits of a possible political transition. Rather than anticipating automatic results, the text invites us to specify what institutional and regulatory conditions must accompany any change of government for it to translate into tangible improvements for citizens and a comprehensive, sustainable recovery. The central idea is preventive: it is advisable to avoid simplistic interpretations that confuse economic relief with democratic consolidation. It emphasizes that a possible oil boom may provide resources and reduce short-term tensions but does not in itself guarantee the restoration of democracy or the strengthening of institutions. Therefore, the editorial concludes that the way out of the crisis requires political and legal reforms capable of reorganizing the incentives of power, strengthening controls, and rebuilding the rule of law.

Business intelligence and data analysis for governance and democratization of productive development in Ecuador’s MSMEs

Jacqueline Carolina Sánchez-Lunavictoria — 2026-01-26

The study analyzes the role of business intelligence and data analysis in the governance and democratization of productive development in Ecuador’s MSMEs, with a special emphasis on the commerce and services sectors. A mixed design is applied that integrates three closely related approaches: qualitative, descriptive, and documentary. It concludes that democratization does not occur automatically with technological expansion but rather requires deliberate institutional intervention: specific financing with flexible requirements, comprehensive training programs tailored to the context, public data platforms that share the costs of access to market information, and regulatory frameworks that protect the autonomy of MSMEs from technological oligopolies that concentrate advanced analytical capabilities.

Public perception of digital governance in Huancayo

Sayumi Aida Huamanchaqui Hinostroza — 2026-01-29

The study analyzed citizens' perceptions of digital governance in the Provincial Municipality of Huancayo in 2025, in a scenario where digital transformation defines the relationship between the state and citizens in a different way. The objective was to identify the technological, organizational, and social factors that influence citizens, valuing digital public management. In methodological terms, a quantitative, correlational, non-experimental design approach was used. The sample consisted of 384 citizens, who were given a structured survey with a reliability of α = 0.88, which consisted of five dimensions: Public Value, Digital Government, Consistent Use of Technologies, Participation with Digital Devices, and In- Person Participation. The data collected were analyzed using the PLS-SEM model in SmartPLS software. The results revealed that the relationships between all variables are positive and significant (p < 0.001), while Digital Participation showed a partial mediating effect. In conclusion, it was determined that digital governance in Huancayo is dependent on technological consistency, participation, and citizen trust, adding in-person and digital channels to strengthen more inclusive and transparent public management.

Punishment as a failed reintegration in Latin America

María Deisi López Ruíz — 2026-01-30

The objective of the research was to analyze punishment as failed reintegration in Latin American prison systems, evaluating the enforcement of imprisonment against standards of human dignity and the effectiveness of inter-American control. The methodology operated under a theoretical- normative framework through a doctrinal analysis of the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR); in addition, a systematic review of the criminal literature was carried out, giving priority to the SciELO database and empirical data on prison overcrowding. Among the findings, it is noteworthy that prison regimes in the region prioritize mass incarceration over dignified spaces, which leads to recidivism rates of up to 30-40%. There is ineffective oversight by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), with only 15.11% of judgments enforced and emblematic cases that have been unfulfilled for more than 15 years. It is concluded that the prison crisis transcends merely technically, favoring an axiological collapse of ius puniendi. Therefore, selective decriminalization, binding IACHR protocols with progressive sanctions, and the reform of Article 65 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR) are required, as well as the existence of multisystemic programs for effective reintegration.

Legal framework for regulating the use of artificial intelligence in education: Reflections on fundamental rights in early childhood

Lidia Janeth Llacsa Puma — 2026-02-04

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the fundamental rights established by the legal framework regulating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in early childhood education in Peru. AI offers opportunities for personalized learning, but its implementation at an early age poses ethical and privacy risks, given the socio-digital vulnerability of children. The methodology used is documentary and normative in nature, analyzing the Peruvian legal framework (Law No. 31814 and Law No. 29733) and its articulation with the National Basic Education Curriculum (CNEB), together with international guidelines from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the European Union (UNESCO, EU). The results suggest that, although Peru has a framework that promotes AI and data protection laws, it is imperative to establish specific regulations that classify early childhood educational AI systems as “high risk” (following models such as the European one) and that prioritize the ethics of care. It is concluded that the Peruvian legal framework must migrate from a general promotion approach to one of risk governance focused on the best interests of the child.

Public policies and youth entrepreneurship in Peru

Fernando Alexis Nolazco-Labajos — 2026-02-04

This study analyzes how public policies influence youth entrepreneurship and its impact on business management in Peru, a context characterized by a high concentration of micro and small enterprises. A quantitative approach with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and explanatory design was used. The sample included 237 young entrepreneurs evaluated using questionnaires validated by experts, with high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80). The analysis used logistic regression to determine causal incidence. The results reveal a significant influence of youth entrepreneurship on business management, explaining 25.9% of its variability (Nagelkerke coefficient). Competencies in innovation and strategic planning emerge as determining factors for the sustainability and competitiveness of youth businesses. It is concluded that public policies aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial skills are essential to optimize business management, ensure the sustainability of productive units, and promote economic development in high-density business environments such as Gamarra. Finally, the study highlights the importance of government programs focused on strategic training and innovation to strengthen the youth entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Educational policies and rights holders in learning environments. Social-emotional learning in the classroom

Claudia Aracelli Mejía Chávez — 2026-02-04

Using a documentary methodology with a descriptive design and qualitative approach, this study analyzes Peruvian educational policies and their approach to socio-emotional aspects in adolescents. Through a critical and multidisciplinary approach, it examines the tensions between regulatory frameworks and pedagogical practices that affect comprehensive student education. The main findings reveal that: 1) emotional recognition, empathy, and emotional bonds at school are fundamental to ensuring inclusive and equitable education; 2) addressing these issues early on guides young people toward positive mental health; and 3) the state (through policies) and educational institutions (through pedagogical practices) share the responsibility of promoting emotional well-being as a cross- curricular focus, preventing phenomena such as burnout and aggression. It is concluded that these vulnerable issues require a critical and responsible approach to transforming the classroom into a space of active coexistence, mutual respect, and educational justice. This transformation is important to reduce the levels of stress, depression, and anxiety that characterize the new contemporary effects on the adolescent population, benefiting both those going through this stage and their immediate environment of interaction.

Corporate communication in ecological crises: Strategies and social and environmental responsibility in a case of oil spill in the Peruvian sea

Valia Luz Venegas-Mejía — 2026-02-18

Care for the environment by citizens, companies, states, and other actors is imperative today, in accordance with the global public policy guidelines reflected in the 2030 Agenda. In this context, the study aimed to analyze the narratives on corporate social responsibility of the actors involved in the oil spill on the coast of Ventanilla, Callao, Peru. To this end, a qualitative phenomenological and hermeneutic research design was used. The results show that, given the damage caused to the marine ecosystem and the local population, it is urgent to strengthen the socio- environmental responsibility of the Repsol company and reorient crisis communication towards transparency, empathy, and the well-being of the affected communities. Likewise, effective and sustained multisectoral governance is required, with verifiable goals, defined deadlines, and public monitoring, aimed at addressing the ecological and socioeconomic impacts and restoring trust. It is concluded that the case of the oil spill disaster on the coast of Ventanilla highlights the need to strengthen social and environmental responsibility and to refocus crisis communication towards transparency and the well-being of the affected communities.

The role of coping with stress in public emergency management: A systematic review in firefighters (2010- 2025)

Víctor Bryan Cuadros Mariños — 2026-02-20

The review aimed to synthesize the available evidence (2010-2025) on stress coping strategies in firefighters and their relationship with public emergency management. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020, searching for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed empirical studies in SciELO, Scopus, and PubMed on coping, stress, PTSD, burnout, and organizational resilience in public service firefighters; of 268 records, 20 studies were included after critical evaluation. The results show that firefighters are frequently exposed to traumatic events, with a high prevalence of PTSD, burnout, depression, and anxiety. Adaptive coping strategies (emotional regulation, social support, active planning, and problem-focused coping) are associated with fewer psychological symptoms, better decision- making under pressure, and greater organizational resilience. Well-being programs based on the NIC taxonomy could reduce absenteeism, improve retention and institutional response capacity, and generate savings in public health. It is concluded that effective coping is key to mental health and operational performance. In Peru, resilience programs and public mental health policies with specialized units and resilience indicators are recommended.