Methodology

This study applied a comprehensive methodological framework consisting of different epistemological approaches (Mixed Methods). The correlational (quantitative) part established the interrelations between the investigated variables, while the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) further inferred causal relations for 65 countries in Europe and the Americas. The qualitative part used Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine four case studies (Switzerland, Uruguay, Cuba, and Colombia). The regression analysis of this study quantitatively explores the relations among factors/variables (macro). QCA adds causality considerations and bridges quantitative relations and qualitative analysis (meso). The four case studies are purely qualitative (micro).