Bilateral Partners Research Articles

Contextual factors impacting WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control implementation in Africa-a scoping review.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use causes over 8 million deaths annually including 1.3 million due to second-hand exposure. Furthermore, data from the Tobacco Atlas show that the tobacco industry continues to target new markets in the WHO African region, one of two regions where absolute numbers of smokers continue to increase. Understanding context contributes to policy formulation and implementation ensuring relevance to a country's political economy. Focusing on the WHO African region, this scoping review (i) maps the extent of academic research examining contextual factors on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) national-level implementation, and (ii) reports on contextual factors impacting the WHO FCTC implementation. Using a stepwise structured approach, we conducted a search across four academic databases, yielding 10 342 articles and 42 were selected for full data extraction. Leichter's four categories of context (situational, structural, cultural and exogenous) and the stages of heuristic policy model guided data extraction. Study findings indicated that situational contextual factors such as the burden of disease or its impact on health can push governments toward policy formulation. Structural contextual factors included political considerations, economic interests, funding, institutional congruence, strength of policy and institutional capacity as important. Cultural contextual factors included the influence of policy entrepreneurs, current social trends and public opinion. Exogenous contextual factors included the WHO FCTC, tobacco industry influence at the national-level and bi-lateral partnerships. Further understanding contextual factors affecting the WHO FCTC national implementation can strengthen policy formulation and align required support with the WHO FCTC Secretariat and other relevant bodies.

China –India border disputes: an analytical analysis of Doklam standoff to Tawang clash

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the border disputes between China and India, focusing on the period following the 2017 Doklam standoff up to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The objective is to understand the nature of these disputes, the causes of escalating tensions, and the broader implications for regional stability and bilateral relations. This article broadly highlights the Doklam standoff with that of the Tawang clashes between the Indian and Chinese armed forces. Further, this research empirically examines the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates both the countries which control territory in the China–India border dispute. As a result, before the start of the Doklam standoff in 2017, China and India had been involved in cementing a bilateral partnership through trade and economy. Since PM Modi came into power in 2014 made a state visit to China and Chinese President Xi Jinping also made a state visit to India. Meanwhile, China and India had started construction in front of the LAC and even China had established a small range of several colonies around border. This has provoked and plunged India into deeper anxiety, on the other hand, New Delhi launched several border management programs.

Working Together to Implement Gender-Responsive Policing: Gender Advisory Work in Timor-Leste

For sustainable development to occur in post-conflict contexts, security concerns need to be addressed. Gender-responsive policing aims to provide policing for all community members. The Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) is a bilateral partnership between Timor-Leste and Australia, supporting the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) to develop capacity in areas of identified need. This includes reducing sexual and gender-based violence. Delivered by the Australian Federal Police, the program is informed by a gender strategy that reflects international agreements on gender, security, and human rights. This article draws on program design, evaluations, reports, and experience, to explore how strategic objectives on gender have been translated into practical initiatives of the TLPDP. Initiatives include a gender audit of the PNTL, a scoping review of the vulnerable persons units, specialist training courses, and community awareness campaigns. The article highlights the role of strategic alignment, partnership, and collaboration within and beyond policing to amplify efforts.

Geopolitical Implications of the US-India Strategic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific Region

A geo-economics and geopolitical analysis of the shifting dynamics of the bilateral relationship between the USA and India has significant implications for the IPE in the Indo-Pacific region. This paper aims to evaluate the interaction process between the US and India, utilizing major theories related to China's emergence. This work, guided by the methodologies of realism, neoclassical realism, constructivism, and geo-economics, analyzes the strategic coordination of security defense technology and economic cooperation. It also scrutinizes how the cooperation impacts regional players such as ASEAN, Japan, and Australia, balancing the divergence of geographical perspectives and India's decoupled strategic sovereignty. The last chapter of the study analyses the transformation of the Indo-Pacific by the partnership and presents ways to advance this alliance. In fact, this paper will assist in developing a theoretical understanding regarding the great-power rivalry with the region and the importance of the bilateral partnership for the maintenance of the rule-based international order.

Russia-China relationship in the context of the war in Ukraine: Bonding Over Shared Ideology or Western Sanctions

In the face of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia’s trade and economic potentials have been limited and restricted mostly due to the imposition of sanctions. Consequently, a bond between Russia and China has developed, putting aside their former disagreements and disputes. This goes together with the fact that both countries face a shared adversary from the US and the West, which has worked in pulling them closer to each other. Amidst the dynamic environment of worldwide trade, the economic collaboration and strategic alignment between China and Russia stand out as a crucial axis. This article investigates the interdependency and asymmetries of their bilateral partnership and how they have shaped their global trade relation. Furthermore, it also analyzes the historical background of Sino-Russian connections, emphasizing significant milestones and policy changes that have influenced their present economic interconnection. It analyses the problem areas of their relation and whether this bonding will withstand future changes in the global order.

Determinants of the factors affecting the governance structure choice of the pineapple value chain: A case study on market-based agroforestry in Bangladesh

This study examines the governance structures selected by pineapple farmers in the agroforestry system of Bangladesh and the determinants that impact their choices for these structures. To evaluate the factors influencing farmers' decisions to participate in spot markets, bilateral agreements, or association transactions, the study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including surveys of 200 farmers, 15 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 2 key informant interviews (KIIs). In order to choose individual participants, the study employed a stratified random sampling technique. Utilising a multivariate probit (MVP) model, the study reveals crucial factors like age, education, farming experience, farm size, market certainty, weather influence, market connection, and pre-delivery conditions. Analysis indicates that spot market is the most favored governance structure (GS) among the three options in the agroforestry system, followed by bilateral transactions and association agreements. Evidence suggests that younger and less educated farmers tend to favor associations, whereas more experienced farmers tend to favor bilateral partnerships. Farms of bigger size typically refrain from joining groups, and unfavorable weather circumstances decrease the probability of engaging in spot markets. The study also demonstrates that robust market links exert an impact on the selection of governance frameworks. Considering the results, the study suggests enhancing training programs to facilitate farmers' understanding and involvement in associations, motivating farmer associations to appeal to larger farms and small farmers, and enhancing market information systems to establish robust market connections.

A pact of iron? China’s deepening of the Sino-Russian partnership

To characterize the bilateral partnership, this paper applies the neoclassical geopolitics approach. We first measure China’s potential, and the perception of Chinese geopolitical agents, and placed within the international distribution of capabilities. This is followed by our analytical results on Sino-Russian relations in the spheres of potential, strategic culture, and geopolitical design. The paper concludes that while there is a strategic necessity for China to strengthen the partnership, the Sino-Russian relations are unlikely transforming into a traditional military alliance, due to Beijing’s self-interest to maintain trade relations with Western countries, to avoid being tainted by Russia’s deteriorating reputation, to grasp its goal of multipolar world order, and to spread positive narratives of China as a new global leader. The Sino-Russo relations has been shifting its nature from “marriage of convenience” to “marriage who pretend to be a good couple.”

Water Sharing Geopolitics between India and Bangladesh: Recent Trends

The partnership between India and Bangladesh according to water sharing is complex by traditional, geographical, political, sociological, and economical issues. Understanding the present dynamics in water-sharing geopolitics is necessary for understanding the pathways of their bilateral partnership and the conjugation for regional sustainability and improvement. Both countries share almost 54 rivers for example Teesta, Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. These rivers are lifelines for Bangladesh and India, providing essential irrigation water, communication, and indigenous consumption. However, the unequal distribution of water and the influence of climate change have increased challenges over water management procedures. While both countries have contracted diverse treaties and agreements to manage shared rivers, implementation hazards and occasional breaches of trust have channeled their partners. Subsequently, the increasing demand for water due to population enrichment and industrialization shapes modern challenges for stable water mechanisms. This research aims to describe the present dynamics in water-sharing geopolitics between India and Bangladesh, examining the evolving trends, key factors, and their conjugations for regional sustainability and collaboration. By extending the complexities of this critical view of their partnership, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper realization of South Asia's geopolitical arena and prosecutorial dynamics for cooperative water distribution strategies.

Kazakhstan’s foreign policy strategy within the framework of Central Asian integration

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the evolution of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy strategy in relation to regional integration initiatives in Central Asia and the influence of global power to it. The geopolitical space of Central Asia, also known as Turkestan, consists of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. Using historical, institutional, and value-normative approaches, this article examines the development of Kazakhstan’s strategy after independence through its participation in multilateral frameworks like the Central Asian Union, CACO, SCO, as well as bilateral partnerships. The key trend identified is a shift from reliance on multilateral mechanisms to prioritizing bilateral relations within the region, driven by pragmatism and economic considerations. However, persisting challenges like regional instability may require Kazakhstan to reengage in multilateral cooperation on shared issues. By mapping Kazakhstan’s changing strategy, this study provides useful insights into a secondary power’s navigation of major power interests while seeking greater leadership in its region. It contributes to scholarship on Central Asian cooperation and the foreign policy options of states in this area. The analysis will interest researchers in regional studies, ethnography, and comparative politics, as well as general readers interested in Kazakhstan’s evolving strategic priorities.

Indonesia-Japan Cooperation During Covid-19

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the coronavirus family responsible for SARS and MERS, originated in Wuhan and quickly spread globally. International collaboration has been pivotal in the fight to achieve endemic control. Every nation has strived to acquire Covid-19 vaccines to safeguard their populations. For example, Indonesia forged a bilateral partnership with Japan to secure Covid-19 vaccines. Japan holds a strategic position as one of Indonesia's top five investors. Throughout the pandemic, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained close communication with its Japanese counterpart to request support in obtaining the Covid-19 vaccine. This collaboration was made possible by Indonesia's independent and proactive foreign policy, which created extensive opportunities for cooperation during the pandemic. This study aims to present the outcomes of the Indonesia-Japan collaboration in procuring Covid-19 vaccines for Indonesia, showcasing the implementation of an independent and proactive foreign policy that can yield substantial benefits.

Branding a small state as an innovation business partner

AbstractApproximately 50 small countries depend on international cooperation for their survival as sovereign nations. This case study contributes to the discussion of cosmopolitanism versus internationalism in public diplomacy and place branding. It argues that limited bilateral partnerships with universities and businesses based on government-to-government agreements and shared interest are a safer strategy for small countries seeking reputational security than outspoken support for cosmopolitan values. This strategy is a very useful form of place branding, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. The case examined is Innovation Centre Denmark, with offices in innovation hotspots in various countries. It organizes its activities as bilateral triple helixes, inspired by the work of Henry Etzkowitz and his colleagues. The center developed as part of a nation branding strategy launched by Denmark, a small Nordic country, following the so-called Muhammad crisis in 2005–2006. Then Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen described the controversy as Denmark’s worst international relations incident since WW2, as it damaged the country’s brand in some parts of the world. The article is multidisciplinary in nature, as it combines theories from international relations, business studies, and communication. The public diplomacy approach adopted is primarily represented by Nicholas Cull and his colleagues.

The Landscape of Neurosurgical Oncology Adjunct Usage in Africa: A Scoping Review

BackgroundIntraoperative neurosurgical adjuncts improve extent of resection whilst mitigating patient morbidity. The delivery of neurosurgical care via these adjuncts is the norm in high-income countries, but there is yet to be a study highlighting the usage of neurosurgical oncology adjuncts in Africa. This paper aims to provide awareness of the use of these adjuncts in Africa, reasons for limited procurement and possible solutions to the problem. MethodsThis scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Semantic derivatives of neurosurgical oncology, adjuncts and Africa were applied to medical databases. Studies in Africa with outcomes relating to adjunct usage, morbidity, mortality and quality of life were selected. Book chapters and reviews were excluded. ResultsThirteen studies with 287 patients (0.5 to 74 years) were included in the final analysis. Most studies were cohort observational(46.2%) and originated from South Africa (46.2%). Meningioma was the most prevalent tumour histology(39.4%) and neuronavigation the most readily used adjunct for surgical resection (30.8%). Using adjuncts, gross total resection was achieved in close to half the patient cohort (49.8%). Limited technology, lack of experience, cost of equipment and inconsistency in power supply were noted as factors contributing to lack of adjunct usage. ConclusionsNeurosurgical adjuncts provide significant benefits in neurosurgical oncology. There is limited utilisation of intraoperative adjuncts in most of Africa owing to limited resources and experienced professionals. Bilateral partnerships with a focus on donation and education will foster safe and sustainable adjunct incorporation in Africa.

Navigating Apropos Midst Kautilya’s Mandala’s Ploy and Contemporary India’s International Relations Plays: An Analysis

The foremost objective of the study is to provide pragmatic in-depth analysis of India’s contemporary offensive as well as hegemonic backed-strategies regarding dealing with neighbors by following kautliya "Arthashastra” wisdom which reciprocate is the main pillar of India’s foreign policy since inception. The study examines the relationship between Kautilya's Mandala theory, a cornerstone of ancient Indian foreign policy expertise, and how it informs modern India's approaches to international relations. Kautilya's Mandala theory is presented in the "Arthashastra," which highlights the intricate interconnection of surrounding states by visualizing a circle of alliances and conflicts influencing a central authority. In India's current foreign policy endeavors, the Mandala concept remains vital. India's policy of 'Neighborhood First' towards its neighbors is a reflection of the Mandala's focus on fostering relationships with neighboring governments to uphold regional peace and safeguard national interests as well as aligns India's with multilateral forums, bilateral partnerships, and strategic alliances. The applicability of Kautilya's Mandala theory to the challenges and opportunities of India's current global engagement is thoroughly examined in this essay. It looks at how India strikes a balance between the ideals of the Mandala and the challenges of contemporary international relations, taking into account the varied players, interests, and shifting dynamics of the global scene? It also takes into account how India's objectives of strategic autonomy, regional dominance, and worldwide leadership are aided by this adaptability? This study is qualitative in nature and follows analytical, descriptive methods along with content and desk analysis.

Gender Mainstreaming in Indonesia’s Bilateral International Development Cooperation

Gender mainstreaming is an important subject to be mindful of in the Indonesian government’s development cooperation with bilateral development partners. Gender conflict is one of the obstacles that countries face when executing national and international development programs. Indonesia is one of the countries that uses a gender mainstreaming technique to incorporate gender problems into development initiatives. The establishment of a gender mainstreaming strategy (PUG) is vital in developing policies, particularly in carrying out bilateral development cooperation. This is significant for Indonesia as an endeavor to decrease inequality in the country, but Indonesia’s weak PUG is one of the country’s impediments to fulfilling national interests. One of the strategies undertaken by Indonesia to integrate gender mainstreaming into international development is through the Triangular South-South Cooperation Forum in order to form a strategic partnership with Afghanistan and Germany. Afghanistan is seen as a potential bilateral partner with aligned interests in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. Given that it is not only Indonesia that has national interests, the second-party countries must also have interests and conditions that are not always mutually agreed upon and might be detrimental to Indonesia. Therefore, the dynamics of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Afghanistan are interesting to identify, considering that GIZ, as the German representative, is present as a mediator bridging the partnership. Thus, this study aims to explain the strategy for gender mainstreaming in Indonesia’s international development cooperation with bilateral partners, which is also equipped with an analysis of the constraints that affect the outcome of the cooperation.

INDO-MALAWI RELATIONS UNDER BINGU WA MUTHALIKA [2004-2012]: GAINS, CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNT

Indo-Malawi relations became more observant and functional during the period Bingu wa Muthalika became president of Malawi, that is from 2004-2012. Bingu made all necessary efforts to open Malawis resident mission in New Delhi for the first time in 2007, for Malawi to benefit from trade, aid and other social advantages which were not forthcoming at that time from the traditional Western donors. Bingus track record of human rights violations made him unpopular among Western countries. The first objective of the study was to discuss the gains Malawi made from its ties with India which included access to loans, grants, capacity building programmes, trade and investment. The second objective was to identify the challenges, the Indo-Malawi relations, encountered during the period Bingu was in power. Limited connectivity because of the long route to India from Malawi to transport goods and services and trade imbalance were some of the challenges registered. The third objective was to digest the lessons learnt. The lessons learnt, the study unearthed, were on the importance of having a strategic choice for a bilateral partner for mutual and maximum benefit from the ties, and also that agreements made have to be followed up and implemented accordingly for mutual benefit of the two countries. Additionally, People of Indian Origin [PIOs] in Malawi remain a partner in development, as their companies and businesses create jobs for the locals. The PIOs need full support and cooperation from the host country. The study used library research to collect secondary data from articles, official documents, periodicals, newspapers and YouTube videos. The data was analysed using Content analysis. KEY WORDS: Aid, Bilateral Relations, Development Cooperation, Mutual Interest, Foreign Policy Choice

Information and communication technologies legislation for self-government bodies

The research relevance is determined by the fact that in Ukraine, digital and information processes are increasingly popularised in the activities of local self-government bodies, allowing for prompt resolution of certain community tasks. However, the legislation in this area does not fully meet the requirements for the use of information and communication technologies. The study aims to analyse the powers of local self-government bodies to use information and electronic resources in their activities. The main research method used was the systemic and structural one, which helped to determine the specifics of the use of information and communication technologies. The results of the study show that Ukrainian legislation fragmentarily regulates information and communication relations of local self-government bodies. It is proposed to adopt a specialised legislative act. It is determined that local self-government bodies have a fairly significant number of information and communication technologies and e-government tools. It is found that it is expedient for Ukrainian local self-government bodies to adopt the experience of the Republic of Poland in using the crowdsourcing tool, but for its implementation, it is necessary to adopt an appropriate legal act and allocate adequate funding. The author emphasises the importance of the opinion of the international European community in the field of information support for the activities of public authorities and local self-government within the framework of bilateral partnership. The author emphasises the need to consider the financial capacity of Ukraine to maintain and develop new information and communication technology tools under the legal regime of martial law. The practical significance of the results obtained is that they encourage the introduction of new information and communication technology tools in the work of local self-government bodies.

TIPOLOGI INTERREGIONALISME UNI EROPA DALAM MERESPONS PENULARAN PANDEMI COVID-19 DI EROPA

Globalization of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a very rapid contagion effect between regions around the world and has created a multidimensional crisis in European Union countries, so an interregionalism approach is needed. This study aims to analyze the typology of European Union interregionalism in response to the contagion of Covid-19 pandemic in Europe. By using analytical descriptive methods combined with Mathew Doidge’s theory of interregionalism, Heiner Hänggi’s typological concepts of interregionalism, and data analysis techniques using Miles and Huberman’s models, this study found that European Union adheres to three types of interregionalism, namely group-to-group interregionalism, biregional-transregional interregionalism, and hybrid interregionalism. Group-to-group interregionalism is carried out by building dialogues and partnership cooperations between regions related to economic recovery and capacity building to strengthen the governance of Covid-19 pandemic with ASEAN, African Union, and Mercosur. Meanwhile, biregional-transregional interregionalism is carried out by building dialogues and partnership cooperations between regions related to capacity building to strengthen the governance of the Covid-19 pandemic with ASEM countries. Finally, hybrid interregionalism is carried out by building dialogues and bilateral partnership cooperations related to economic recovery and global health with the United States, China, Japan, Turkey, and Canada. European Union interregionalism in response to contagion effect of Covid-19 pandemic functions as a means of power balancing, collective identity formation, agenda setting, institution building, and rationalizing.

TERRORISM, TRUST, AND TURMOIL: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF US-PAKISTAN COUNTER-TERRORISM COOPERATION

This study critically examines the complications of US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation, focusing on the intricate balance between shared security objectives and the persistent trust deficits that have shaped this bilateral partnership. The analysis investigates the evolving nature of the bilateral relationship, highlighting important developments such as the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the resurgence of terrorist groups, and the impact of shifting geopolitical priorities on counterterrorism strategies. The study also explores the challenges that have strained cooperation, including allegations of Pakistan’s selective counterterrorism efforts and US concerns over sovereignty issues, particularly regarding drone strikes. Through this lens, the paper provides insights into the successes, failures, and prospects of US-Pakistan collaboration in countering terrorism, emphasizing the need for renewed trust and diplomatic engagement to address emerging security threats in the region.

Mit.OnOff: A Science Communication Project for Public Awareness about Mitochondrial Cytopathies.

Mitochondrial diseases are rare, heterogeneous, incurable and complex to diagnose. Probably due to their rareness, there is still a lack of literacy in this area, especially in society, but also in schools and in general, health care services. Accordingly, tools that may bring advancement in science and health literacy are needed. Mit.OnOff is a science communication project based on a bilateral partnership between the University of Coimbra (Portugal) and the University of Bergen (Norway). It aims to inform society about rare diseases related to mitochondrial cytopathies with an emphasis on LHON. The initiative focuses on the creation of an illustrated book explaining the diseases caused by the failure of energy production in simple and accessible language. The aim is to raise awareness (particularly in Portugal and Norway) and provide in-depth knowledge to people suffering from these diseases. This project involves expert scientists in the field of mitochondrial disease, science communicators and artists in alignment with the United Nations SDGs, Agenda 2030. Mit.OnOff is a bilateral partnership (Portugal and Norway) established to address the lack of knowledge and health literacy on the subject of mitochondrial disease. The book will be distributed in both countries, creating a sense of inclusion and visibility and influencing decisions regarding these diseases. It is a relevant educational medium (e.g., schools, health care provision). The distribution of the book is complemented with other communication materials. Oral communications are made, together with public involvement, in which special glasses will be distributed to simulate a mitochondrial disease that leads to blindness (LHON) for the public to experience what it is like living with a rare disease. It is hoped that the production of this book will give patients a sense of inclusion and representation in the media. This, in turn, will contribute to achieving the SDG targets (3,4,5,8,10,12), i.e., ensuring people live healthy lives, reducing child mortality, and increasing life expectancy, ensuring access to inclusive, equitable and quality education for all, ensuring gender equality, and contributing to a peaceful and prosperous world.

South-South Cooperation for development : an introduction

The text discusses the importance of international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI), highlighting changes in bilateral partnerships between Brazil and China, especially in the space sector, and the promotion of health cooperation in South America. Additionally, it examines transnational networks involving Brazilian scientists and researchers and regional inequalities in scientific collaboration. It also explores the evolution of technical cooperation in sectors such as metrology and food security, emphasizing the potential for future cooperation initiatives and the need for a strategic approach to sectoral agendas such as health and STI.