Leaders Of Countries Research Articles

Is country leaders’ education relevant for policy making? The case of the Covid-19 pandemic

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of a country leader’s education on policy responses and policy outcomes during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Relying on a quasi-experimental event-study approach, I find that political leaders with a graduate education responded more stringently to the first nationally registered infection than political leaders with lower educational attainment. Subsequently, political leaders with a graduate education reported fewer Covid-19 infections and Covid-19 related deaths at the onset of the pandemic. The results suggest that the education of political leaders can explain policy differences, particularly in countries with low electoral accountability. The low level of accountability allowed political leaders with a graduate education to implement stringent, evidence-based policies to contain the pandemic without fear of electoral punishment.

Topic modelling and sentiment analysis during COVID-19 revealed emotions changes for public health

Between 2020 and 2022, lockdown and restraining measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in daily routines and also in language usage. At certain points during the pandemic, populations in some countries were unwilling or unlikely to respond to government messages, either because of the tone and analytic discourse used by leaders, or because they did not understand the messages. Linguistic markers and meanings were therefore linked to low levels of engagement, negative emotions and high levels of analytical thinking, especially in relation to the discourses of influential international leaders. We subjected sixteen speeches by eight country leaders to topic modelling and sentiment analysis in order to understand how the psychological functions of language were affected during two different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this topic analysis we organize 39,073 words collected from sixteen authentic speeches delivered in two different periods of the acute phase of the pandemic. These were encoded in the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count program (LIWC), with the main aim being to identify differences between the periods. We examined the following aspects: (1) the emotional tone, analytical thinking and clout (empathy dimension); (2) the changes in these three dimensions or factors between periods 1 and 2 (February and May 2020). We observed a negative relationship between emotional tone and analytical thinking and a positive relationship between clout and emotional tone. When we considered the changes in pandemic circumstances, the psycholinguistic profiles of eight country leaders demonstrated fluctuations in language and emotions. Further reviews and research should focus on the current language and deficit wording of this population (leaders). We also note that psychologists and schoolteachers can play an important role in supporting language programmes with positive wording and by emphasising the collateral effects of face-to-face classes when teaching children to read and write.

BRICS Expansion: A Geopolitical Triumph of Partner Countries

The BRICS organization is making significant and consistent progress in its development. The 15th BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg from 22 to 24 August 2023. This summit is a global event that sets the trends and guiding principles for future economic policies. Four of the five BRICS member countries are among the ten largest countries in the world in terms of GDP, territory and population. According to open sources, the total area of the BRICS countries is 39.7 million square kilometers (26.7% of the world’s land surface), and the population is estimated at3.2 billion people (41.5% of the world’s population). The economic potential of BRICS, as the leading economic organization in the world, is more than significant. These competitive advantages in the economy and financial sphere represent an enormous resource of industrial, human and technological potential that can serve as the locomotive of the global economy. Following the conclusion of the above summit, the leaders of the BRICS countries adopted the final “Johannesburg-2” declaration, which noted the advisability of using their countries’ respective national currencies in international trade and collectively resolving problems related to international debt. In addition, decisions were made to expand BRICS and admit new member states to the organization. BRICS has established itself as a prominent entity on the global stage, whose influence in world affairs is consistently strengthening. The strategic course of their unification is aimed at planning for the future and meets the interests of the leading nations of the international community, the so-called world majority. By acting cohesively on the principles of equality, partnership support and mutual consideration, the BRICS member countries are effectively addressing the most pressing issues on the global and regional agenda. The BRICS member states are strongly in favor of the establishment of a multipolar world order that is based on international law and is fair. At the same time, they are committed to adhering to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. BRICS is the most important guarantor of the legal foundations of international relations and a fair world order in general. The recent expansion of the BRICS group is a significant event that enables the group to have an even greater influence in international affairs. The presented article analyzes the features of the recent expansion of BRICS and its impact on world geopolitics, taking into account the admission of new states to the organization. The distinctive features of the BRICS group activities and its role in relation to the G7 and G20 are revealed. The trends in the transition to a multipolar world are discussed. Furthermore, issues of political and economic cooperation between the different BRICS member countries are analyzed.

Female Leaders in Lebanese Private Schools: Perceptions, Barriers and Leadership Characteristics

Globally females are underrepresented in leadership positions. In academic settings, despite the majority of teachers being females, there is no equal representation between the two genders when it comes to leadership. The trend remains that females teach and males manage. This is discriminatory and unfair, especially when female leaders have an advantage over male leaders in school settings. If females are more effective in academic leadership positions, why aren’t they provided with equal leadership opportunities? This paper uncovers the perceptions surrounding female leaders and their ability to lead, the barriers that forbid females from advancing to leadership positions, and the predominant leadership characteristics viewed in each gender. By surveying female and male teachers from Lebanese private schools in the district of Mount Lebanon, this paper indicates that female leaders are surrounded with positive perceptions, but are, however, prevented from advancing to leadership positions by several challenges. The two most prominent barriers to female leadership are found to be related to organizational discrimination, and societal pressures. Moreover, the predominant leadership characteristics visible in each gender are confirmed by this study. Similar to studies about the situation of female leaders in other Arab countries, this research reveals a growing acceptance for female leaders in Lebanese private schools, despite the presence of challenging barriers. By uncovering the current situation of Lebanese female leaders in private schools, this study helps pave the path for much needed solutions in terms of gender equality and equity.

Assessment of the relationship between mineral extraction in the southern hemisphere and sustainable development

Sustainable mineral policies are needed to achieve environmental and social equity in the global South. This study explores the need to align mineral mining in the global South with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It studies the impact of mineral mining on sustainability in 29 global South economies from 2000 to 2021. It also conducts robustness analysis and heterogeneity tests to analyze the mediation effect and the impact of the release of SDGs on sustainability. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) Mineral mining has an inhibitory effect on sustainable development and has become a constraint for the achievement of sustainable development goals in the global South; (2) The more mineral-rich a country is, the more serious the adverse impact of mining activities is. The harm of mineral mining to sustainable development is most serious in Africa; (3) Mineral mining leads to an increase in ecological footprint and undermines environmental sustainability, while mineral rents may become a source of funds for clean production, offsetting the adverse effects of mineral mining; (4) The release of SDGs has prompted leaders of various countries to legislate and reform in the field of minerals, helping countries achieve sustainable development goals. The research results provide an effective reference for promoting environmental and social sustainable development in the global South.

Forough Farrokhzad’s “Let Us Believe in the Beginning of the Cold Season”

Abstract Forough Farrokhzad’s “Let Us Believe in the Beginning of the Cold Season” is an exploration of the poetic form of an elegy, encountering nuances of gender, sexuality, mourning, depression, and unrequited love within the containment of religious and cultural laws that dominate leadership in the Islamic country of Iran. Her poetry extends traditional boundaries of lament and elegy to explore oppositions of love and longing, birth and death, seasonality versus time’s continuance, and winter as entrance rather than ending.

Reimagining Mission in and from Africa: A contextual analysis of OM Mission Approach in Southern Africa

The activities of mainline Western missionaries in Africa have been discussed by scholars from various perspectives, but much attention has not been given to mission organizations that are not affiliated with any denomination. This article therefore focuses on the work and mission approach of Operation Mobilisation (OM) in Africa. The article is based on empirical data gathered through interviews with twelve OM country leaders in Southern Africa (Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). The key aim of the interviews was to establish from the OM leaders serving in the Southern African countries their self-understanding of the local context and the contextual implications for OM's work in and from the continent. It was to also establish some opportunities and challenges for missions for the African church and Western Established Mission Organizations WEMOs. The article argues for contextual consideration of OM’s mission agenda, missionary training, and discipleship approach in Africa.

Simulation Technologies in Obstetrics: Teaching in a New Way or Leaving the Status Quo?

The protection of reproductive health of the population of Russia has been declared by the country's leadership to be the most important state task and is one of the priority components of the National Projects "Healthcare", "Demography" and "Family". The development of the latest technologies in medicine determines the need to create and widely implement an innovative approach to the training and professional preparation of doctors. In this regard, there is a need to change the methodology for training doctors at present.

Competing narratives of the Russia–Ukraine war: Why the West hasn't convinced the rest

AbstractThis article examines the narratives surrounding Moscow's full‐scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and beyond. Since the start of the war, Western characterizations of Russia's foreign policy as revanchist and imperialist have been overshadowed by the more successful framing by Russia that its actions were driven by the need to push back on American unipolarity and Western imperialist tendencies. This article examines how the Kremlin's narrative on the war has been embraced by leaders in core BRICS countries, shaping their position vis‐à‐vis Russia and the war. Drawing on theories of strategic narratives, this article highlights how leaders in China, India, Brazil, and South Africa understand the war and create conditions in which Russia can prosecute its war against a neighbor with their support or acquiescence. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and a brief discussion of why theories of strategic narratives have been underappreciated relative to more standard power‐based and materialist explanations of the war's outbreak, scope, and trajectory by scholars of international relations.

Inclusive Special Education: What Do We Mean and What Do We Want?

The United States will soon recognize the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. Considering the past 50 years in special education, we organized this special issue of Remedial and Special Education focused on inclusive education of students with disabilities in international contexts. Just as a broad array of educators in the US have grappled with improving how the education system might most effectively include students with disabilities, educational leaders in various countries across the globe have been addressing the same question: How can we design inclusive education for students with disabilities that effectively meets their needs? The manuscripts included in this special issue represent five countries—India, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Each paper presents background on the inclusion of students with disabilities within the focus country and highlights recent advances in and proposes next steps for policy, practice, and research. Collectively, we hope the issue expands readers’ thinking about what special education could be, encourages our community to set specific goals for our next ‘milestone anniversary,’ and ignites conversations about the specific steps we need to accomplish our goals.

CONVERSATIONS WITH MAHATHIR MOHAMAD (GIANTS OF ASIA SERIES) DR M: OPERATION MALAYSIA BY TOM PLATE, MARSHALL CAVENDISH, 2012. ISBN: 9789814276634

Conversations with Mahathir Mohamad: Doctor M: Operation Malaysia by Tom Plate tells the experience of Mahathir Mohamad as a Malaysian Prime Minister with a superior legacy of his own, especially during his reign of power between 1981 to 2003. The book contains Plate’s detailed retelling of his experience interviewing Mahathir, besides reviewing the answers Mahathir provided on the issues surrounding his leadership. The combination of these two elements is the background that underlies the book’s narration. The contents are constructed by emphasising Plate’s critical perspectives as a former journalist from the West and a current professor at the Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, towards third-world country leaders who are often associated with autocratic and dictatorial leadership and the answers from the main character himself, Mahathir, as a third world country leader who considered himself as purporting accustomed democratic style which was well-tailored to be implemented to Malaysians and the country due to its historical background and at that time – timely needed. Through this book, Mahathir has attested that he was a leader who had established the nation’s industrial infrastructure and brought its name to the attention of the world. However, along the line, as he was too focused and had driven solely by the ambition, he has single-handedly tightened and degraded the country’s institutions with somewhat – oppressive with authoritarian manner. Beyond recall, the book presents readers with fresh insights and viewpoints regarding Mahathir’s leadership, which is often fraught with controversies. Keywords: Mahathir Mohamad, prime minister, modernisation, leadership, autocratic. Cite as: Razali, N. A., & Sabtu, M. H. (2024). Conversations with Mahathir Mohamad (Giants of Asia series) Dr M: Operation Malaysia by Tom Plate. (Book review). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 34-39. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp34-39

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and Its By-Products: Healthy Effects in Internal Medicine.

Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, is a precious spice coming from Asia, in particular from Iran, the country leader in its production. The spice is derived exclusively from dried stigmas and it is the most expensive one in the world. The areas of application of saffron are multiple, in fact ranging across the food, drinks, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors. As is the case with other phytochemicals, not only the final product but also saffron by-products are considered a valuable source of bioactive natural compounds. In fact, its healthy effects, especially as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (via reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines), are well-recognized in internal medicine. In particular, its healthy effects are related to counteracting degenerative maculopathy, depression and anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer and chronic kidney disease, by promoting glucose metabolism. In this review, we summarize the most important papers in which saffron has turned out to be a valuable ally in the prevention and treatment of these pathologies. Moreover, we would like to promote the use of saffron by-products as part of a bio-circular economy system, aimed at reducing wastes, at maximizing the use of resources and at promoting environmental and economic sustainability.

Full employment as a condition of crisis: Kalecki’s Marxian critique of Keynes and the Fabians (1942–45)

Abstract Between 1942 and 1945, Kalecki emphasised the incompatibility between capitalism and full employment. Rather than stabilising market economies, full employment would have triggered social conflict by providing self-confidence amongst the workers and the lower strata of society. Accordingly, in any program of social transformation, the initial condition that had to be established was (guaranteed) full employment and economic security for workers to alter the game’s rules. Like Marx, full employment of resources became a condition of crisis in a capitalist economy. Upon this premise, Kalecki rejected both Keynes’s and the Fabians’ views, according to which full employment was essentially a technical operation to be achieved by intellectual persuasion and some basic control. The emphasis on persuasion implied an overestimation of the role of economic theory, meant as a method of moulding ideas and opinions of the country leaders. On the other hand, the lack of institutional analysis implied that full employment became a mere tool to guarantee capitalism’s correct functioning. Kalecki’s stance reflected his different background, both methodological and political.

The Future of Digital Healthcare in Cardiac Prevention Programme in Indonesia: From Bedside to Boardroom

Digital technology has become integral to the practice of medicine, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns and social distancing measures. It has allowed patients, including those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, to access healthcare services regardless of their geographical location. However, the widespread integration of digital healthcare on a national scale presents numerous challenges. These obstacles encompass various aspects, including patient–physician relationships, legal policies, health information system quality, data privacy, cost–benefit analysis and the potential loss of essential human interaction. To address these hurdles, Indonesia has developed a framework and strategy for implementing digital healthcare. This review examines the experiences of digital healthcare leaders in different countries, considering their unique healthcare systems, cultural contexts and approaches to tackling these issues. Additionally, an analysis of Indonesia’s current healthcare system implementation is provided. By showcasing successful examples and considering critical factors, we hope to facilitate a successful implementation of digital healthcare in cardiac prevention while gathering valuable insights from these endeavours.

Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Economic and Political Development under the Third Term of Xi Leadership: A Viewpoint of India

China’s economic and political development under the third term of Xi Jinping’s leadership presents both opportunities and challenges, viewed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While there are potential rooms for cooperation and diplomatic engagement between India and China, there are also significant disagreements related to border disputes, trade imbalances, and geopolitical tensions. Navigating these dynamics requires careful diplomacy, strategic arrangements, and a balance of interests among the leaders in both countries. However, the conflict between India and China is potentially and geopolitically inevitable because of several key factors inherent in the international system. Since both are rising powers, seeking to assert their influence and interests either regionally or globally; moreover, both states have strong nationalist sentiments that can be mobilized by ambitious leaders to justify assertive policies and provocative tongues, making it difficult to compromise on unresolved problems and easier to ignite a destructive blaze.

Analisis Sentimen Twitter Terpilihnya Prabowo - Gibran Menggunakan Metode Neural Network

One of the most important elections in Indonesian democracy is the presidential election, which chooses the country's leader for the next five years. In the 2024 presidential election, there are three candidates for president and vice president, including the Prabowo Subianto - Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair. The election process has taken centre stage on social media, particularly Twitter, where people interact, share information, and express their opinions and feelings. This study aims to look at public opinion towards the Prabowo-Gibran team, which has attracted a lot of attention since Gibran was nominated as a vice presidential candidate until he was declared the winner in the 2024 presidential election by the KPU. This analysis provides valuable insight into understanding public opinion and feelings towards the president and vice president-elect. The method used in this research is neural network (NN), which is proven to be effective in text data classification and capable of producing high accuracy. The dataset used is public opinion on Twitter, which is taken through the data crawling process. The initial data of 1511 tweets was then cleaned and prepared into a dataset of 1500 tweets, with the main attribute being the content of the tweet. Based on the findings, the neural network model created was able to classify the sentiment of tweets related to the Prabowo-Gibran pair with an accuracy rate of 93%. Thus, this sentiment analysis makes an important contribution to understanding the public's response to the presidential election process and the election of a new president and vice president

The Early Stage of Applying Environmental, Social, and Governance in an Asian Emerging Economy

Purpose: This article aims to clarify the current situation and the factors influencing the early stages of applying environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in the Vietnamese economy. Design/methodology/approach: We employed a large-scale survey with 130 responses from November 2023 to January 2024 and statistics analysis using SPSS 26.0. Findings: We found that awareness of leaders, accountants' levels, pressure on ESG, state guidance, management process, information base, and women on boards, respectively, influence the early stages of applying environmental, social, and governance in Vietnamese enterprises. Research, Practical & Social Implications: This study illuminates the factors that influence the early stages of ESG performance in Vietnam, an emerging Asian economy. The findings highlight the crucial role of leaders' awareness and accountants’ levels in this process. This understanding can guide the country's leaders and policymakers in formulating strategies to promote ESG adoption for the sustainable development of the whole economy. Originality/value: This study stands out for its originality. It comprehensively analyzes the early period of ESG adoption in an emerging Asian country, particularly Vietnam. Its findings offer objective evidence to understand the situation and impacted factors on ESG application, aiding governments and related parties in formulating appropriate policies for sustainable development with ESG.

The Early Stage of Applying Environmental, Social, and Governance in an Asian Emerging Economy

Purpose: This article aims to clarify the current situation and the factors influencing the early stages of applying environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in the Vietnamese economy. Design/methodology/approach: We employed a large-scale survey with 130 responses from November 2023 to January 2024 and statistics analysis using SPSS 26.0. Findings: We found that awareness of leaders, accountants' levels, pressure on ESG, state guidance, management process, information base, and women on boards, respectively, influence the early stages of applying environmental, social, and governance in Vietnamese enterprises. Research, Practical & Social Implications: This study illuminates the factors that influence the early stages of ESG performance in Vietnam, an emerging Asian economy. The findings highlight the crucial role of leaders' awareness and accountants’ levels in this process. This understanding can guide the country's leaders and policymakers in formulating strategies to promote ESG adoption for the sustainable development of the whole economy. Originality/value: This study stands out for its originality. It comprehensively analyzes the early period of ESG adoption in an emerging Asian country, particularly Vietnam. Its findings offer objective evidence to understand the situation and impacted factors on ESG application, aiding governments and related parties in formulating appropriate policies for sustainable development with ESG.

Grasping The Management Of Islamic Education Amidst The Digital Era

Since technology revolutionized the world, business transformation has been total, especially in developed countries. As a result, the country's leaders adopted an unprecedented policy of implementing technology in all areas. This has resulted in almost all activities in the world using technology to continue operations, even though it is not yet fully ready. Including the application of technology in increasingly digital education, enabling the education industry to be sustainable, more affordable, and achieve optimal goals. Specifically, this research aims to understand how technology is applied in the governance of Islamic education. For this purpose, we used electronic data searches via Google Scholar and other applications. Analysis is carried out using system coding, evaluation and in-depth interpretation of the data to produce valid and reliable findings. This study used a qualitative data review design on publications published between 2010 and 2021 to obtain the most recent data. Based on the discussion of the data findings, it can be concluded that the management of Islamic educational institutions appreciates the use of digital technology or websites in graduate preparation programs that balance world interests and preparation for the hereafter, with a focus on shared knowledge and skills improvement (upskill).

The causes and consequences of official diplomatic visits: A survey

This paper surveys the nascent literature on the causes and consequences of official diplomatic visits that are undertaken by country's leaders, heads of states, chiefs of the executive, foreign ministers, and international notable figures and prominent personnel. The paper discusses the need for such a literature survey, the nature and sources of data used in the pertinent studies, and the determinants and factors behind official diplomatic visits. The paper also covers the political, economic, social, and cultural consequences of official visits. The paper concludes with some recommendations for future research.