Domestic Policy Research Articles

Perkembangan Demokrasi di Amerika Serikat: dari Revolusi hingga Era Modern

This article examines the development of democracy in the United States from the American Revolution to the modern era, focusing on institutional, social, and political transformations over more than two centuries. Beginning with the Declaration of Independence and the creation of the Constitution, it explains how democratic principles were established and tested through challenges such as the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and economic and technological changes. Through historical and critical analysis, the article explores the evolution of voting rights, public participation, and power dynamics at federal and state levels. Additionally, it highlights the role of individuals and groups in shaping democratic structures and the impact of domestic and international policies on American democracy. The findings show significant progress, but ongoing challenges to democratic principles include political polarization, economic inequality, and threats to civil rights. In conclusion, the article emphasizes understanding the history of American democracy to address contemporary challenges and strengthen commitment to democratic values.

The concept and legal nature of the institution of exemption from punishment and its service

The article reveals the concept and legal nature of the institution of exemption from punishment and its serving since this institution is closely related to both the purpose of punishment and the tasks of criminal responsibility in general. In this regard, exemption from serving a sentence requires a more detailed study. Domestic criminal law policy is focused on creating and ensuring the effective functioning of the system of measures of legal influence on illegal human behavior. The main criminal-legal consequence in these relations is criminal responsibility, and the most common form of its implementation remains punishment. According to the principle of inevitability of criminal responsibility and punishment, a person who has committed a criminal offense must be held criminally responsible, which, as a general rule, is implemented by imposing a punishment of a certain type and size. The imposition of punishment for a committed criminal offense is a legal consequence of finding a person guilty of a committed criminal offense. At the same time, in accordance with other principles of criminal law – humanity and economy of criminal repression measures – if there are conditions and grounds provided for in the Criminal Code of Ukraine, a person can be released from criminal liability or from punishment and its serving. Despite the fact that these institutions are applied in the presence of certain positive post-criminal behavior of the subject of a criminal offense and are a manifestation of compromise on the part of the state, they also have differences that are not clearly defined by the legislator, so this issue requires additional research and legal argumentation. The concept of exemption from criminal responsibility cannot be equated with exemption from responsibility in connection with the absence of a criminal element in the person’s actions or in the presence of circumstances that exclude the criminality of the act. The law provides for the possibility or obligation to release from criminal responsibility a person whose actions contain a certain element of the crime. The absence of a criminal element in a person’s actions excludes the possibility of release, because one cannot be released from criminal responsibility who did not commit the crime.

National Identity and the Limits of Platform Power in the Global Economy

Abstract Among the defining features of the contemporary global economy are the digital disruption of economic sectors and the accompanying political and regulatory conflicts. Across the world, multinational technology firms have mobilized consumers as a key ally in these conflicts, a critical element of the platform power they wield. In this article, I examine how non-consumer identities can limit the exercise of platform power by such firms. By synthesizing the concept of platform power with research on political consumerism and national identity, I argue that activating national identity can generate opposition to policies favorable to multinational technology firms and, in turn, curtail their ability to appeal to public support. Empirically, this article uses an online, nationally representative survey fielded in Canada. I explore the determinants of support for global regulatory cooperation and the domestic policy status quo, as well as the causal effect of consumer and national identity framing using vignette experiments across three issue areas: banking, telecommunications, and taxation. The findings reveal that activating consumer identities consistently shifts support but the effect of national identity is more variable. This article thus contributes to scholarship on the digital economic transformation and the exercise of business power in the global economy.

Economic statecraft by design and by default: The political economy of the 5G-Huawei bans in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany

The ban of Huawei by the United States and European governments from their 5G infrastructure has been described in recent literature as economic statecraft. However, it remains under researched that in these ban decisions the domestic political and economic constellations differed. To address this gap, this study adopts an agency perspective and compares 5G Huawei policies in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. While in the United States the ban was unanimously supported by state actors and telecommunication companies and equipment manufacturers, in the United Kingdom and Germany telecommunication companies and (initially also) governments were opposing the ban. There, we also observe interests from governing parliamentarians across political parties representing cyber security interests prevail in the domestic policy making processes over political and economic actors representing economic interests. In line with recent works on the domestic politics of economic statecraft and adopting the method of structured, focused comparison our inductive, theory developing case study reveals that economic statecraft is a dyadic concept between ‘by default’ and ‘by design’. We show that economic statecraft occurs ‘by default’ in the manner that states’ and businesses’ interests align, it happens ‘by design’ in the manner that states’ and businesses’ interests diverge. We contribute to previous literature that theory building on economic statecraft should start before the notions of power and policy preferences by a closer inspection of the domestic interest constellations.

ტრიფინის პარადოქსი ოცდამეერთე საუკუნეში

This article presents a fresh perspective on the Triffin Paradox, a concept introduced by economist Robert Triffin in the mid-20th century that continues to have a significant impact on global financial systems and policies. Despite the passage of time and the evolution of the economy, the fundamental principles of the Triffin Paradox remain relevant in today's financial discussions. The paper provides a thorough analysis of the ongoing relevance of the Triffin Paradox in the modern global economy. It draws upon historical context, theoretical frameworks, and empirical evidence to shed light on how the paradox continues to manifest itself in the current financial landscape. Specifically, it explores how the dominance of the U.S. dollar as the world's primary reserve currency perpetuates structural imbalances and systemic vulnerabilities, echoing the concerns raised by Triffin. Moreover, the paper delves into the implications of the Triffin Paradox for various stakeholders, including policymakers and central banks. It examines the challenges posed by the pursuit of domestic monetary policy objectives in an interconnected world, where the stability of the global financial system relies heavily on the stability of the reserve currency issuer. Additionally, the paper explores potential strategies for mitigating the risks associated with the Triffin Paradox and fostering a more sustainable international monetary order. By integrating insights from economics, finance, and international relations, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the Triffin Paradox and its enduring significance in shaping contemporary financial dynamics. It emphasizes the need for policymakers and stakeholders to address the inherent structural tensions in the global monetary system, with the goal of promoting financial stability, economic resilience, and inclusive prosperity worldwide.

Green investments: a modern tool for sustainable development of tourism (on the example of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara)

The article discusses the impact of green investments on the sustainable development of tourism in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the creation of an eco-friendly, diverse tourist product. Data from various sources were studied and analyzed using the method of qualitative literature review, on the basis of which it was determined that the approach of making green investments in the world is becoming more and more relevant and responds to the challenges facing humanity globally - the creation of an eco-friendly environment, especially where people go for recreation and health. The article explains the global practice of green investments and their use, the findings reflected in the international scientific literature. Within the framework of the article, qualitative research was carried out using international literature, world practice, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, A study of the activities, strategic plans and investment policies of the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Adjara, NNLE Tourism Products Development Agency on the positive impact of green investments. By evaluating the statistical data and using the comparative-analytical method, it was determined that there is a scarcity of green investments in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, from the point of view of the tourist product, services are mainly provided using natural resources. By generalizing the results of the research, recommendations are created that will help the Autonomous Republic of Adjara to create a variety of tourist products and reduce the impact on the environment in the wake of mass tourism. In addition, this will allow the region to establish the status of a 4season tourist destination in international target countries. The possibility of implementing the presented recommendations requires additional research, both of the environmental study and of the domestic tax policy. The article will be interesting for specialists who work in the field of state policy research and implementation of innovative governance systems and mechanisms, as well as for students.

Travel Constraints and Willingness to Pay During a Global Crisis: Lessons from South African Domestic Tourism

Academic inquiry into the impact of crises on the behaviour of domestic tourists is still relatively new, which justifies further research into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourism. The following study explores the potential mediating effect of travel constraints experienced by South African tourists and their willingness to pay for tourism services on how pandemic-induced risks affect their tourism motivations. Data collected from 427 respondents indicate that the crisis caused by the pandemic has brought about a shift in the psychographic characteristics of South African domestic tourists, as evidenced by a statistically significant partial serial mediation of intrinsic constraints and willingness to pay in the relationship between pandemic-induced physical risk and outdoor recreational tourism motivations. The findings provide baseline data for a demand-driven domestic tourism policy and can be used to develop a strategy for the short-to-medium term.

Russia and the United States as Constitutive Others in the National Identity Discourses

This article explores the imagological foundations of the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Russia. Utilizing a historiographical review of US–Russia relations and the author’s extensive research, it employs a constructivist approach to examine the enduring patterns in their mutual representations. The analysis uncovers the cyclical nature of these perceptions, swinging between value-driven and pragmatic narratives. It suggests that throughout history, the US and Russia have consistently served as each other’s “constitutive Other” within their identity discourses. This involves the creation of meaning repertoires that align with their domestic and foreign policy goals. Moreover, the article argues that the current confrontation mirrors a clash between their respective value systems and messianic ambitions. This dynamic contributes to the development of a new kind of imagined reality, reinforcing the enduring dichotomous worldview that defines the relationship between the two nations.

Assessing sustainable future of import-independent domestic soybean production in China: policy implications and projections for 2030

Soybean production, integral to sustainable agriculture and reliant on imports, faces vulnerability to international risk factors impacting domestic food security. The 2021 Central Rural Work Conference advocated strategic adjustments for sustainable soybean production amidst resource constraints, trade conflicts, and the lingering impact of COVID-19. This study scrutinizes the developmental framework of China’s soybean industry within current domestic policies. This paper uses the soybean sown area and soybean production in each province of China from 1995 to 2020 to measure China’s soybean concentration, production layout, and comparative advantage of regional scale, to analyze in depth the overall situation of China’s soybean production as well as the differences between regions, and to pave the way for the subsequent soybean production forecast. Further, taking the domestic soybean supply and demand situation in China in 2020 as the base period, while considering the growth values of soybean production under different scenarios, the potential forecasting model is utilized to estimate China’s soybean production under different scenarios. The results show that, in terms of inter-annual variability, revealing an upward trajectory from 1995 to 2020, with a shift to major soybean producing areas, notably in the northeast and the Huanghe-Huaihe-Haihe area. From inter-provincial changes, Soybean production on the left and right sides of the “Hu-Huanyong line” has significant heterogeneity; specifically, east of the “Hu-Huanyong line,” soybean production advantages are more obvious. Additionally, the study considered the actual planting situation of soybeans and envisaged two scenarios of compound planting and strip planting. The soybean production range in 2030 is expected to be 20.73–22.32 million tons and 21.15–27.55 million tons, with self-sufficiency rates varying from 18.57 to 19.98% and 18.95 to 24.68%, respectively. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of China’s soybean industry and its potential trajectories, employing a model combining historical trends, policy analysis, and technological advancements. Results suggest a promising future with strategic adjustments in planting structures. Recommendations emphasize policymakers’ prioritization of technological investments and sustainable planting practices to achieve projected production targets. Policy interventions must address challenges tied to resource limitations, trade conflicts, and the ongoing COVID-19 effects, ensuring soybean industry resilience.

European security and Finland’s policy during the Russian aggression against Ukraine

The purpose of this article is to analyze the influence of Finland on regional policy of NATO and the Russo-Ukrainian war. The article explores political, economic and military aspects of Finland and Ukraine in the light of the Russian aggression while considering their relationships and foreign policy goals on a regional level. The author draws attention to various aspects of Helsinki domestic and foreign policy that is directed to set a balance in the region and, at the same time, to support Kyiv militarily and economically in confrontation with Moscow. Finland’s active policy of promoting stability can be described as a two-track policy, whereby EU membership and intensified military cooperation with Western partners provide a basis for the maintenance and development of relations with Russia. The author focused on energy resources and its importance for Finland that has a long history of energy trade with Russia. The trade is practically one-directional, as Finland lacks domestic fossil fuel reserves in comparison with its substantial demand for energy, whereas Russia has significant export volumes. Along with the above-mentioned issues, the author is observing aggressive Russian military activities in the Baltic Sea region. Despite peaceful relationships with Finland, Moscow does not mind to remind neighboring countries who calls the tune in the region. Pursuing this purpose, Russia increases military activity in the Baltic Sea region with relatively frequent airspace and territorial water violations. As a result, there is a risk that collisions or provocations might lead to a rapid and uncontrolled escalation. So, Finland finds its important to keep open channels for political dialogue and to seek ways to re-activate existing confidence-building measures. Finland-NATO relationships are taken into consideration as well. The author described the process of Finland’s accession to the alliance. After almost 30 years of close partnership with NATO, Finland joined the Alliance on April 4, 2023. Its partnership with NATO was historically based on its policy of military non-alignment, which changed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Following Russia’s aggression, Ukraine has requested materiel assistance from the EU and NATO member countries. To date, Finland has donated 23 defence materiel packages to Ukraine. The combined value of all defence materiel packages submitted so far is now over EUR 2 billion.

Russian humanitarian policy: problems and solutions

The article examines some problems of Russia’s humanitarian policy and humanitarian cooperation. According to the author, domestic humanitarianism does not go beyond the boundaries established by the Helsinki Final Act. The formulation of tasks and directions of domestic humanitarian policy contained in strategic planning documents is reduced only to a description of the methods and conditions of communication, leaving the specifics of humanitarian activities and humanitarian instruments outside the scope of strategic planning documents, thereby complicating its institutionalization. The author believes that the goal of humanitarian cooperation may be the formation of a global structure of support for domestic foreign policy initiatives, representing a dense network of interactions that provides ripple effects, expanding Russia’s influence and forming new dependencies. But achieving such a goal is impossible without putting forward a clear alternative to the modern world order, which will reflect not only the interests of Russia, but also of countries that disagree with the Western-centric world order.

Inflation targeting and capital flows: A tale of two cycles in developing countries

Global factors have traditionally determined capital flows, but domestic policies also matter. Developing countries face the challenge of managing procyclical capital inflows that can destabilize their macroeconomic environment. Inflation targeting can help solve this problem by enhancing the credibility and predictability of monetary policy. In this paper, we explore how inflation targeting affects the cyclical behavior of capital inflows in developing countries. First, we complement the data on international capital flows from the IMF with locational and consolidated banking statistics from the BIS. Second, we address the self-selection associated with inflation targeting by using entropy balancing. We find that inflation targeting reduces the procyclicality of capital inflows in developing countries. Specifically, inflation-targeting countries receive more (less) capital inflows during recessions (booms) than non-targeting countries. Other investment debt from the private sector mainly drives this effect. Our results are robust to various sensitivity checks and alternative specifications and methodologies.

The irruption of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies and the repositioning of the periphery in the European automotive industry

PurposeAutonomous and connected mobility technologies have led to a reconfiguration of the automotive industry value chain. This may involve an impact on the geography of the European automotive industry, especially for peripheral countries. The aim of the paper is to analyse the repositioning of a peripheral country (Portugal) in the core-periphery model of the automotive industry derived from this new technological context.Design/methodology/approachAn eclectic theoretical framework, based on the global value chain (GVC) approach, the spatial division of labour and location theory, supports this research. Moreover, an original empirical study was developed. This study comprised a comparative analysis of two samples of firms based on the key variables related to country position. One sample comprised Portuguese traditional automotive firms and the other Portuguese firms linked to autonomous and connected mobility technologies.FindingsThe results highlight the upgrading of Portugal in the European core-periphery model of the automotive industry. This is due to the presence of domestic firms, especially multinationals, linked to autonomous and connected mobility technologies in the country. The decision power derived from their position on the first levels of supply and the added value of activities and technological innovation of these new actors change the role of the country in the European automotive industry. The main implication is that managers of domestic firms and policy makers in peripheral countries can upgrade a country’s position in the European core-periphery model by shifting its competitiveness toward knowledge-based activities linked to the new mobility technologies.Originality/valueThis research is supported by a novel eclectic theoretical framework based on the global value chain (GVC) approach, the spatial division of labour and location theory. Moreover, country position is analysed through empirical evidence. An original comparative empirical study based on the key variables defined under this theoretical framework was developed.

World turbulence and Central Asia in the system of russian interests

The article examines the main trends in the domestic and foreign policy development of the Central Asian states in the current situation of increasing global geopolitical and geo-economic turbulence. The prospects for the short-term development of the states of the region in conditions changing from the beginning of 2022 are assessed. At the same time, this set of issues is analyzed from the point of view of the national interests of the Russian Federation. This option was chosen due to the special significance of the Central Asian region for maintaining stability not only of the Russian Federation, but also of the entire Eurasian space. Separately, the author considers the necessary measures required from Russia to support the Central Asian republics, preventing them from becoming a zone of the “second front” of the collective West against the Russian Federation and weakening continental stability.

Monetary policy independence in an era of financial globalization: what theory suggests and the data in Oceania say

ABSTRACT This paper shows that under a floating exchange rate and integrated financial markets an optimizing central bank concerned about price and output stability partly accommodates a change in monetary policy abroad. A positive co-movement between the domestic policy rate and the foreign interest rate does not indicate lack of monetary policy independence but is an outcome of optimal policymaking in an open economy deeply embedded in the global financial architecture. Empirical evidence on overnight interest rate changes in Oceania (New Zealand, Australia) and US federal funds rate changes is consistent with this view.

Session 14. Oral Presentation for: Implications of Western Australia’s updated domestic gas policy

Session 14. Oral Presentation for: Implications of Western Australia’s updated domestic gas policy

Право как фактор влияния на формирование и стабилизацию политического режима

The article attempts to comprehend the influence of law on all spheres of public life due to its direct participation in the process of formation and stabilization of a certain political regime. The political regime as one of the elements of the form of the state determines the foreign and domestic policy of the state, which are also reflected in the legal field. Considering each of the functions of law separately allows us to speak about the priority role of law as a stabilizer of the political regime.

The Future of the SDGs: A Comparative Constitutional Rescue Plan?

In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, to be achieved by 2030, stand as a beacon of hope, envisioning a future where prosperity, equity, and environmental sustainability coalesce. As the outcome of the 2023 SDG New York Summit (18-19 September) showed, the path to achieving these ambitious goals remains uneven, with persistent gaps in poverty eradication, climate action, and other critical areas. While legal frameworks, such as national development plans and international treaties, play a role, integrating the SDGs into the very foundation of governance –the constitution –offers a potentially powerful solution. Elevating the SDGs to constitutional principles grants them binding legal force, making governments accountable for their implementation. Additionally, integrating human rights and environmental protection principles embedded within the SDGs strengthens existing constitutional guarantees and opens avenues for legal challenges against unsustainable policies. Domestic policies must align with these ‘constitutionalised goals’, leading to a more holistic approach to sustainable development.

Homeland–diaspora nexus during crisis: Towards a transformed engagement model

AbstractHistorically, Greece perceived and approached its diaspora as a source of philanthropic funding, economic remittances and lobbying on matters of domestic and foreign policy interests. The 2009 economic crisis, the subsequent emigration wave, have added new meanings and dimensions to the Greek diaspora–homeland nexus. Drawing on qualitative analysis and process‐tracing, this article argues that the crisis has transformed the dynamics of the homeland–diaspora relation especially when it comes to political engagement from abroad. While investigating the reasons behind this transfiguration, the article examines the changing features of the Greek diaspora's political engagement, by examining the influence wielded by homeland political parties and by conducting an in‐depth analysis of the diasporic vote. The article also delves into the influence of technology to the emergence of transnational political engagement and the establishment of novel diaspora networks.

A Time of "Normalization" and Change: Research on Brezhnev's Rule and Domestic Policies

A Time of "Normalization" and Change: Research on Brezhnev's Rule and Domestic Policies