Regions Of Country Research Articles

The Evolving Role of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East: Challenges to Regional Diplomacy of MBS

The state's role in regional and international affairs shifts with the leadership change, particularly when the new leader is younger and more ambitious than his predecessors. The role of Saudi Arabia has been evolving with the rise of de facto leader Muhammad Bin Salaman(MBS). As a foreign policy tool, Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of MBS, has chosen a particular diplomatic approach to lessen conflict, promote regional peace and stability, and develop its economy in order to gain more clout in the Middle East. So, what is the unique diplomatic regional approach of MBS, and why is KSA, under MBS's leadership, still facing serious challenges in the region? This study briefly explores Muhammad bin Salman's diplomatic initiatives toward regional countries with strained relations. This study highlights the challenges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia faces under Muhammad bin Salman's leadership in achieving diplomatic success with regional countries.

CLUSTER ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL WAGE DIFFERENCE IN KAZAKHSTAN AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ITS REDUCTION

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of regional differences in wages, the development of a cluster typology of the regions of Kazakhstan in terms of wages and the justification of the possibilities of reducing its regional differentiation. The article provides an overview of scientists' points of view on the problem of labor income inequality, assesses the level of regional wage differences in Kazakhstan, conducts a cluster analysis and develops a typology of the country's regions according to the level of average nominal wages, gross regional product per capita and the share of gross value added of the quasi-public sector in the gross regional product. A group of regions has been identified that are most in need of regulatory measures to increase wages. The possibilities of reducing large regional wage differences are substantiated, primarily by attracting investments to boost the economy, increase employment and labor incomes, as well as by introducing increasing regional coefficients when setting minimum wage standards in remote areas, regions with difficult natural and climatic conditions. The methods of systematic literary review, logical analysis? analogies and generalizations, economic and statistical, cluster analysis, and typology are used.

Исследование текущего состояния цифровой экономики в Королевстве Саудовская Аравия

The article aims to examine the current state of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Gulf region. The examination of the Kingdom's digital economy involved assessing its level based on various global digital indicators, which been picked and determined in accordance with the digital economy policy principles of the Kingdom. The position of Saudi Arabia and its ranking compared to other countries, particularly the G20 nations, was studied. The national strategy aimed at enhancing economic digitalization was analyzed, along with the contribution of the digital economy to the national economy. A weighted SWOT analysis was carried out, which made it possible to deter-mine the level of the current state of the digital economy of Saudi Arabia, as well as to determine its strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. As a result of the study, the authors identified the need for extensive initiatives to improve digital literacy and promote collaboration between education and the private sector, as well as targeted technical education programs, development of the local electronics industry and the development of crisis manage-ment schemes. The proposed recommendations can be used to plan and implement measures to support and accelerate the process of digitalization of the economy in the Kingdom.

MODERN POLITICAL PROCESSES AND MECHANISMS FOR ENSURING GEO-ECOLOGICAL SECURITY THE NORTHERN CASPIAN REGION (THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION)

The article examines the complex of issues of geo-ecological safety of the Northern Caspian Sea as the most important ecological zone of the Caspian Sea. This sector is under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, has a commonality of political, socio-economic and environmental problems that determine the unity of vision of the diversity of interrelated components of the environment. The increasing activity of the countries of the Caspian region associated with the development of natural resource and transport and communication potentials is accompanied by an increase in environmental imbalance. The preservation of the integrity of the ecological system of the Caspian Sea is possible through the formation of a single economic space. Modern approaches are presented on the basis of the application of comparative, structural and functional research methods, as well as the development of political and environmental mechanisms for the study of the most important factors and conditions according to the criteria of the community of homogeneous components of the natural environment and resource base, political and other conditions. The software management of these processes is predicted by the author both on an interstate basis and at the national level. As a result of the analysis, the political mechanism for ensuring the geo-ecological security of the Northern Caspian region is considered, which is characterized by a set of regional features, the main of which is the recognition of the unity of the ecological system of the Caspian Sea.

СВЯЗИ МЕЖГОДОВЫХ ВАРИАЦИЙ СРЕДНЕМЕСЯЧНЫХ УРОВНЕЙ КАСПИЯ, А ТАКЖЕ СУММ АТМОСФЕРНЫХ ОСАДКОВ В ЕГО БАССЕЙНЕ И ИХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ПРИ СОВРЕМЕННОМ ПОТЕПЛЕНИИ КЛИМАТА

In the modern period, the level of the Caspian Sea water surface is rapidly decreasing, which creates significant problems for the population and economy of all countries of the Caspian region. Therefore, improvement of the methods for forecasting its further changes is an urgent problem of hydrology, meteorology and ecology. It is generally accepted that the main reasons for the current decline in the Caspian Sea level are the influence of anthropogenic factors and climatic changes on the dynamics of its water balance components. A significant component of the incoming part of this balance is the amount of precipitation falling in the territory of the Caspian basin. One of the methods used for forecasting the Caspian Sea level is multiple regression analysis. The validity of the forecasts obtained with its help depends on the significance of the relationships between the studied process in the future and the factors monitored in the present and in the past that are taken into account in their development. The article assesses the significance of statistical correlations between interannual variations in the average monthly background levels of the Caspian Sea and the dynamics of precipitation amounts in its basin, as well as its changes during the period of modern climate warming. The ERA 5 reanalysis information was used as factual material on precipitation. Information on the levels was obtained from literary sources. It was found that in the period of 1979-2021 the conclusion on the significance of the relationships under consideration was characterized by the reliability of at least 0.95 only if the changes in precipitation amounts corresponded to May. As the time shift between the analyzed process and this factor increases from 0 to 36 months, their correlation remains positive and significant, but slightly weakens. During the period of modern climate warming, the revealed correlation also became weaker, which allows us to doubt its significance even in the near future. There were also identified the Caspian basin areas for which, on the contrary, the considered relationship strengthened during the same period. It implies that the probability of the scenario in which they remain significant in the future is higher than that of other scenarios. Therefore, it is reasonable to take the identified relationships into account when forecasting changes in the average level of the Caspian Sea.

India and the Indo-Pacific in the Post-Pandemic World Order

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India’s trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India’s trade is centred in the IndoPacific region. India’s relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India’s policy options in the post-pandemic world. India’s soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India’s crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics.

Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Seafarers’ Employment and Welfare Systems in South Korea and China: Contemporary Issues and Improvements

Seafarers are recognized as essential workers responsible for maintaining the national logistics supply chain. This study analyzes the sustainable seafarers’ employment and welfare systems in South Korea and China using the comparative case study approach and presents relevant implications. In the era of the “New Normal” after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which is marked by hyper-personalization, seafarers have become increasingly resistant to acquiring maritime education and performing onboard duties. Even though South Korea has recognized seafarers as key agents of national economic growth, the participation of the new generation in the shipping industry has recently been declining. Meanwhile, China has been developing its shipping industry since the Deng Xiaoping reforms and fosters skilled seafarers by providing rigorous maritime education. However, both countries have been experiencing difficulties in ensuring the legal and social protection of seafarers; hence, the challenge of providing sustainable employment and welfare to seafarers remains. In conclusion, this study proposes the establishment of the “Asia Maritime Education, Employment, and Welfare Support Center” to support seafarers’ employment and welfare with the cooperation of other countries in the Asian region.

India and the Indo-Pacific in the Post-Pandemic World Order

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India’s trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India’s trade is centred in the IndoPacific region. India’s relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India’s policy options in the post-pandemic world. India’s soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India’s crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics.

Историческое архитектурное наследие и современная застройка Владивостока как ресурс интеграции в АТР и формирования бренда территории в рамках политики «Разворота на Восток»: тренды и проблемы

The article examines the problems of forming a brand for the territory of Vladivostok as the largest agglomeration in the Russian Far East and a center of international cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The author analyzes the features of the building and territorial development of the city both in previous historical periods and in the conditions of the present moment. The period of analysis covers the entire history of the city’s development – from the second half of the 19th century to the present day, territorially – the entire urban development, taking into account port and industrial development. The article pays attention to such problems as the established fame of Vladivostok, the features of the urban environment, the specific structure of urban space, the relationship ofthese aspects with the development of international cooperation, business and economic activity, inbound tourism and the transformation of the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District into a well-known international location. The modern Russian policy of "Turn to the East" on the scale of the Far Eastern Federal District turns out to be largely connected with such locations as Vladivostok, and for this reason it is necessary to pay more and more attention to the development of such territories, harmoniously linking the historical "background" with the possibilities of modern urbanism.

Determinants of foreign direct investment in SADC region: Case of financial development, institutions and openness

Background: Countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have experienced low growth coupled with high levels of poverty and inequality. Economic growth has been touted as one of the major factors to deal with these problems. However, the lack of financial resources has hampered the efforts to achieve high levels of growth. This has therefore resulted in the countries putting much effort on attracting foreign capital.Aim: The study aims to investigate the extent to which financial development (FSD), financial openness, and institutional quality determine the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the SADC region.Setting: The study focuses on 15 countries in the SADC region from 2008 to 2022.Method: The study employs the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique given the problem of endogeneity between the variables of interest.Results: The findings from the study indicate that FSD and financial openness are important factors determining the flow of FDI to the SADC region. On the other hand, the effect of institutions was found to be significant when taking into account the state of FSD and financial openness.Conclusion: Policymakers are encouraged to focus on enhancing institutional frameworks, promoting FSD, and increasing financial openness to optimise capital inflows.Contribution: The study contributes to the available studies by incorporating the role that is played by institutional quality and financial openness to the modelling. This becomes important as the region aims at attracting more foreign capital so as to improve growth as domestic capital supply falls short of domestic capital demand.

Trends and Distribution of Life Expectancy and Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy - Asia-Pacific Region, 1990-2021.

The Asia-Pacific region is the most populous and diverse globally, encompassing nations with both the longest and shortest life expectancies (LE). However, less is known about the health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) situation in this region. This study found diversity in the levels and trends of HALE among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with HALE in 2021 ranging from 49.87 years in Afghanistan to 74.96 years in Singapore. The largest HALE increase from 1990 to 2021 was observed in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the smallest in Fiji. HALE continually increased as SDI increased, but different patterns of HALE across countries varied by SDI level. The diversity among these countries provides a prerequisite and scientific basis for promoting the achievement of health goals in the Asia-Pacific region through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

Fiscal sustainability analysis in selected SADC region countries with emphasis on South Africa: dynamic modeling, nonlinear causality, and machine learning approaches

Fiscal sustainability analysis in selected SADC region countries with emphasis on South Africa: dynamic modeling, nonlinear causality, and machine learning approaches

TRENDS OF TV NEWS COVERAGE IN BANGLADESH

The media booming especially the rise of satellite television channels is a significant phenomenon in the landscape of Bangladesh media which was initiated after the fall of autocratic regime in 1990. At present, twenty four satellite TV channels are in operation under the corporate ownership. These satellite channels are presenting hour-round news and views on different events and affairs. The state-owned BTV was the sole medium to cover and disseminate news, information and entertainment to the country-wide audience till 1999. Within a period of one and a half decade, ‘the media boom’ that Bangladesh is experiencing is not noticed in many other countries of the South-Asian region. In spite of this significant change in terms of quantity and ownership pattern, there still lacks a comprehensive broadcast policy to guide day-to-day operations of the channels. The article, in this backdrop, presents trend of the ever-growing satellite channels in covering news. The article also explores interests of the TV channels in terms of news selection, treatment and presentation

The constitutional codification of academic freedom over time and space

Abstract This article explores the global spread of domestic codifications of academic freedom norms by mapping constitutional provisions over time and space. Drawing on the new Academic Freedom in Constitutions dataset, the study evaluates several hypotheses that may explain the norm’s geographically diverse, yet comparatively limited, adoption in 52 per cent of constitutions today. The descriptive analysis of constitutional adoption patterns suggests that the as yet large pockets of absence are a result of the fact that academic freedom was not included as a fundamental right from the early days of constitution-making, combined with its close link to higher education development, thus locking many countries into a path dependency of early constitutions exclusive of academic freedom norms. The availability of relevant models in nearby countries, together with higher education expansion, are key facilitators of academic freedom adoption at the critical time of a constitutional reform process. Diverse countries in different regions acted as norm entrepreneurs, often motivated to domestically protect academic freedom, thus leading to the emergence of regional and other clusters of academic freedom reference types. A sizeable proportion of insincere adopters further suggests that, in some regions, academic freedom serves as a legitimizing international norm.

Realism and Multipolarity in the XXI Century. Challenges for the Balkans

The aim of this paper is to offer an insight into the phenomenon of multipolarity, a phenomenon that appeared on the global scene after the end of a unipolar moment that has lasted since the early 1990s. The paper is an attempt to present the main thesis of multipolarity as well as the correlation between multipolarity and realism as a theory in international relations. For this purpose, the most important explanatory achievements of realism have been reviewed. This was a springboard for analysing one of the world players and an active participant of the new multipolar order in the form of China, using all the realist instruments suggested, in its relations with selected countries of the Balkan region.

CPEC: A SOURCE OF STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES AND DRIVING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), significantly enhancing cooperation and interconnectivity between Pakistan and China. This $62 billion initiative, spanning communication infrastructure, energy, telecommunication, industrial zones, and Gwadar Port, is not just an economic endeavor. It holds immense strategic importance for both regional and extra-regional countries. By enhancing trade routes and transforming Pakistan’s geostrategic importance, particularly through the link between Gwadar Port and Xinjiang, CPEC provides China with direct access to the Arabian Sea. This paper delves into how CPEC strengthens bilateral ties between China and Pakistan, contributes to regional economic and political stability, and serves as a model for international collaboration. The project’s success is underpinned by infrastructure improvements, energy investments, and an expanded transportation network, positioning Pakistan as a key player in global trade and furthering China’s geopolitical and economic ambitions. Beyond development, CPEC fosters a new era of bilateral cooperation and shared strategic objectives, serving as a beacon of international collaboration.

Market of transport and logistics services in the context of global transformation of supply chains

The article examines the market of transport and logistics services in the Russian Federation and provides an analysis of key trends and changes caused by the transformation of supply chains associated with political and economic factors. The analysis examines the quantitative characteristics of the transport and logistics services market and identifies current trends and their impact on the transformation of logistics systems. An analysis of the development of the multimodal transportation segment and the role of cargo containerization in the development of this segment is provided. When discussing the results, the classifications of transport and logistics services proposed by various researchers and their applicability in studying of the market of transport and logistics services in the Russian Federation are analyzed. The impact of supply chain transformation is examined using the example of the oil and gas complex of the Russian Federation. The main problems faced by oil and gas enterprises in the context of changing supply chains and the orientation of the economy are highlighted. The article presents the main ways to solve some of the problems identified by researchers, for example, the reorientation of oil transportation to the Northern Sea Route and the Siberian pipelines, leading material flows to the east and to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

From Cadarese to Morasco: the creation of a Fascist hydroscape in alpine space after 1928

Abstract This article explores the socio-ecological impacts of Fascist hydropower extraction in the Alpine valleys of Italy, focusing on the Toce river basin during the interwar period. It investigates the conflicts between local communities and hydropower initiatives by private energy companies under Fascism, thereby revealing the regime's communication strategies rooted in its political ecology. By analysing newspaper articles, propaganda outlets and communal archival documents, the study uncovers statal and local perspectives on infrastructure development and its enduring consequences. How the political ecology of Fascism in a high-altitude hydropower construction site became an expression of Fascist modernity will thereby be shown. Despite objections from valley inhabitants, Fascist hydropower projects persisted, perpetuating socio-ecological inequalities after 1945. Even postwar efforts for compensation failed to address the long-lasting impacts on mountain communities. This research reveals the intersection of political ecology and modernist infrastructure development in Mussolini's Italy, and thus also highlights the legacies of Fascist resource extraction policies on the country's peripheral Alpine regions.

The Impact of Corporate Governance on Bank Risk-taking: Evidence of Islamic Banks in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Purpose — This study investigates the impact of Islamic corporate governance variables on risk-taking within a sample of 31 Islamic banks (IBs) operating in six countries in the Arab Gulf region during the period 2013–2022. Design/Methodology/Approach — The study utilises content analysis and employs two econometric models: the random-effect generalised least squares (GLS) technique and the generalised method of moments (GMM) approach. Findings — The findings reveal that two characteristics of Sharīʿah supervisory boards (SSBs), namely cross membership and knowledge in accounting and finance, have a negative impact on bank risk. However, it is observed that SSB size demonstrates a positive correlation with bank risk-taking, indicating that SSBs face challenges in effectively performing their supervisory role. Furthermore, it is noted that during the pandemic period, banks demonstrated significantly higher levels of credit risk and global risk. Originality/Value — This research provides a valuable addition to the existing literature by conducting the inaugural analysis of the relationship between SSBs and bank risk-taking in the Arab Gulf region, adding to the understanding of Islamic corporate governance dynamics. Research Implications — The study suggests reinforcing the structure of SSBs in IBs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by appointing members with educational backgrounds in business, accounting, and finance. Furthermore, it supports the idea that the presence of shared scholars in IBs facilitates rational decision-making by SSBs and contributes to reduced risk-taking. Haut du formulaire

Quantifying future carbon emissions uncertainties under stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulation: Insights for environmental policy consideration for the Belt and Road Initiative Region

This study critically examines future carbon (CO2) emissions in the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) region, considering factors such as energy consumption, economic growth, population growth, and population density. The objective of this study is to identify critical areas of higher emissions, which require policy intervention capable of strengthening sustainability in the BRI compact. A combined approach of stochastic modeling and Monte Carlo simulations was employed, utilizing panel data from 45 countries in the BRI region from 1990 to 2021. Results confirm that emissions are higher in all scenarios in direct proportion to electric power consumption, population growth, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. In scenarios with high emissions, a continuous and significant upward trend in CO2 emissions was observe. The medium emissions scenario exhibited a more moderated rise in emissions, suggesting a balance between economic development and environmental considerations. Critical areas for future environmental policy-making resides in electric power consumption, population growth, and GDP growth. The study strongly recommends for a shift from the current focus on road and railway infrastructure to renewable energy infrastructure, green innovations and efficient technology transfer to member countries. Without this, the BRI region is likely to face increased emissions, posing significant challenges to future sustainable development and global environmental sustainability.