Economic Borders Research Articles

The Impact of Trade Liberalization on Economic Growth in South Africa

The failure of the South African economy to achieve the desired economic expansion raised a serious concern to investigate the potency of trade liberalization policy adopted in the country. This is evidence in macroeconomic indices such as high level of unemployment, poverty and most importantly sluggish economic growth. It is against this back drop that this study was spurred to conduct an analysis of the impact of trade liberalization on economic growth in South Africa covering the period of 1986-2022. The mixed order of integration revealed by the unit root test informed the decision to adopt the ARDL method of estimation. The main findings of interest in this study is the existence of a strong positive relationship between trade liberalization and economic growth in South Africa. Thus, the study concludes that economic integration is healthy for the national economy and hence more liberalization policies should be strategically embrace. The study recommends that the African governments especially South Africa should further open it economic border to allow for free trade with other economies of the world.

A Comparative Assessment of the Contribution of Foreign Direct Investment to Economic Development of Nigeria and Ghana

Generally, sub-Saharan countries suffer setbacks in regard to capital accumulation necessary to sponsor investment demands, thus promoting economic development. As a result, they look out for foreign sources such as foreign direct investment (FDI) to augment the investment-saving gap. Recently, due to global shake-ups and uncertainty, there has been a drastic fluctuation in the level of FDI inflow into the West African sub-region, especially in the two giant economies of Nigeria and Ghana. This attracted the attention of this research work. Thus, this study comparatively reassesses the contribution of FDI inflow to the economic development of these giant economies from 1980 to 2020 to determine which one of them benefits the most given the fluctuation in FDI inflows. The outcome reveals that FDI inflows have a significant influence on the economic development of both economies. In Nigeria particularly, evidence shows a strong positive correlation between FDI and Gross Domestic Product Per Capita (GDPPC), implying that the Nigerian economy is investment-driven in the period under consideration. Essentially, the Nigerian economy can achieve its desired development with FDI support. Similarly, findings indicate that FDI inflows into Ghana have a strong positive impact on economic development. Thus, a recommendation is made for the Ghanaian government to source more foreign resources by opening her economic borders wide for global integration. Pursuance of trade liberation policy for the purpose of attracting more foreign resources is critical to the attainment of sustainable economic development in both economies. Policy actions enabling stable macroeconomic conditions and a peaceful environment for smooth investment operations are key factors guaranteeing economic development.

POSSIBILITIES OF USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

In the era of digital transformation, among the technological solutions that will completely change the life of humanity, artificial intelligence takes the first place. It can be used to expand economic borders between countries and businesses. There is no future without artificial intelligence. Accordingly, artificial intelligence use is one of the promising directions for achieving economic well-being in our country. Artificial intelligence is already among us and participates in professional and daily activities in one form or another. Artificial intelligence is actively introduced in all areas of our lives, including education. With the ability to analyze large amounts of data, make predictions, and provide personalized experiences, artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool in recent years to improve the quality and accessibility of education as well as promote inclusive learning. We can talk about the possible benefits of using artificial intelligence in education: it can improve the learning process, it is possible to completely change all the education systems known to us, create perfect teaching materials, and establish a high standard of research. From automated assessment to personalized tutoring, AI can individually address the academic needs of each student and teacher.
 The article examines the features of artificial intelligence use in the education field and determines the possibilities for its improvement.

СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ТА РОЗВИТОК СХІДНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ ЄС: УКРАЇНА ТА МОЛДОВА

The article examines the political initiative of the European Union – the European Neighborhood Policy. The dynamics of relations between the EU member states and their neighbors have been monitored. The role of Poland in the perspective of further cooperation and potential expansion of the borders of economic interaction of neighboring EU countries is characterized. The documents and the European Neighborhood Policy Strategy were analyzed separately. The consolidating factor of Poland is singled out as an opportunity for Ukraine and Moldova to join the European Community, and for the EU to expand its economic borders and integrate new potential partners. The purpose of the article is to analyze the cooperation of the European Union with potential partners who may become members of the European community in the future. The main task of this article is to study the formation and development of the Eastern policy of the European Union on the example of Ukraine and Moldova. Another important issue is the EU’s eastward expansion. It is hindered by the imperial ambitions of Russia, which considers Eastern Europe its sphere of influence and is ready by any means to stop the integration of these countries into Europe. Only Moscow’s intervention is delaying the further expansion of the EU’s economic borders. For a long time, the people of Ukraine and Moldova have been asking who is better: Russia or the EU? Here it is worth comparing the material situation of, for example, Poland and neighboring Moldova and Ukraine, and the choice will become obvious. It was concluded that the European Neighborhood Policy is a rather effective mechanism for implementing the economic, social and political factors of the expansion of the EU borders to the East. Additionally, this initiative can serve as an incentive for modernization and further democratization of future member states. The main obstacle is the Russian Federation, which seeks to keep these countries in its orbit or to join Russia altogether. In the future, Europe must unite all possible efforts to confront this enemy of the democracies of the world.

Legal Traditions as Economic Borders

This article makes two main claims: A state’s legal tradition is embedded into its domestic institution in each issue area and a state that has a common/civil law-type domestic institution in a certain issue area (not necessarily a state that has common/civil law tradition) prefers common/civil law-type international agreements in the same issue area. The consequence of these two claims is that states’ legal tradition is often one of the primary sources of international cooperation, especially issue-specific cooperation. This in turn means that the difference in legal traditions is often a potential factor that would induce economic disintegration. By conducting theoretical and empirical investigations of three issue areas covered by free trade agreements (i.e., trade in goods, trade in services, and investment), this article demonstrates that different modes of governance are preferred by civil and common law states domestically and internationally, and that the difference in domestic systems partially explains participation and non-participation in international agreements.

The Implementation of Economic Border Policing to Enhance Inclusive Economic Productivity

Sustainable and inclusive development is the fundamental objective in reaching national development goals. National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020-2024 aims to enhance Indonesia's per capita income to that of upper-middle-income countries (MIC) with enhanced infrastructure, human resources, public services, and citizen welfare. This RPJMN objective aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which comprise 17 interrelated goals and indicators grouped into sevent development agendas. Implementation of the SDGs on a regional level is vital to attaining these objectives, as regional policies and development programmes can make a substantial contribution. The SDGs underline the significance of achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, universal access to basic services, natural resource management, and strengthening local institutions. In order to attain elevated economic growth, Indonesia necessitates an economic metamorphosis through the augmentation of productivity across several sectors. The 2023 Policy Plan (RKP 2023) adopts the theme "Increasing Productivity for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Transformation," in order to reinforce economic resilience, enhance regional development and advance human resource quality. In this context, Economic Border Policing emerges as an important strategy for supporting the revival of the national economy through cooperatives and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in border regions. Economic Border Policing is multifaceted, encompassing illegal trade control, trade and investment monitoring, welfare and rights protection, and the promotion of local economic development in border regions. Implementing Economic Border Policing is expected to create a safe and effective environment for inclusive and sustainable economic growth in border areas, facilitating enhanced economic productivity and comprehensive regional development.

Households and 1-World Economy: A Mathematical Discourse

We examine several options available for households to withstand the challenges posed by long held positions about nation-state macroeconomics and mathematically argue outlets for showcasing the foundational essence of household economy in the coming mainstreaming of 1-World economy without the necessary drawbacks of the failing nation-state macroeconomics which its attendant inadequacies and inefficiencies. We brought out the core importance of the zeroing in on household economics as we evolve further virtual economics as these are the main frames as regards our quest for survival of the human race, and showed that the household must be the core for this new world to work. This paper suggests perhaps another perspective to the other known conventional systems that can be used to assess the impact of internet enabled economic activities on households within a setting without economic borders or barriers. Finally, we relate two the concepts to the world economy.

Disparate Influences of the Provincial Sino-Russian Political Border on Sociocultural and Economic Borders

The resurgence of sovereign states in a highly globalized modern world calls for new approaches to border studies. The present paper suggests looking at political, sociocultural and economic borders as constructs of dynamic boundaries influencing people’s interactions. Through an oral history of a mixed Sino-Russian ethnic community, and a narrative review of smugglers and shuttle traders, this study examines how the flux of the political border between the Heilongjiang province and the Russian Far East (HLJ-RFE political border) changed the sociocultural and economic borders during three periods: the 1910s-1920s, the 1960s-1970s, and the 2000s-2010s, when the political border was characterized as being porous, hostile, and friendly, respectively. The study shows that the HLJ-RFE political border had a strong impact on limiting the sociocultural demarcation, but a much weaker effect on facilitating sociocultural interactions and economic regulations. The results of the study demonstrate how a strong and friendly political border may lose its potency when utilized by the local government to facilitate interethnic integration. Furthermore, the study warrants an interdisciplinary approach to border studies and a region-oriented methodology.

ВЗАЄМОЗВ’ЯЗОК СВІТОВОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ ТА ПОЛІТИКИ У СУЧАСНОМУ СВІТІ: ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ ТА ВИКЛИКИ

The article discusses the debatable issues of the relationship between world politics and the world economy. The relationship between politics and economics in international relations at the beginning of the 21st century is realized with the help of mechanisms typical for this period. The purpose of the study is to assess the state and development trends of the world economy in view of the transformations and challenges of the modern world. The author used a set of general scientific and special methods of cognition: theoretical generalization, comparison, analysis and synthesis. The author notes that in our time such new mechanisms as the interaction of states and global economic actors have appeared. intergovernmental organizations and transnational capital, as well as relations between developed and sovereign developing states. In their interactions, they use economic means as a factor in the struggle for influence in the world, region or country. An important manifestation of this trend is qualitatively new mechanisms of the relationship between politics and economics in international relations, primarily the activities of international actors who use economic means to fight for influence in the world. In addition to political borders, economic borders also appear on the world map. All this requires scientific understanding and analytical research, because globalization, technological progress and growing international dependence create a complex landscape in which economic and political affairs cannot be considered separately. In the modern world, the relationship between the world economy and politics is becoming more and more inseparable. Political decisions and global economic challenges interact and influence each other. Understanding this relationship becomes key to the development of strategies that will contribute to sustainable economic growth, harmony in international relations, and the achievement of global stability. Only through joint efforts and dialogue between politicians and economists can optimal solutions be found to solve the most important challenges facing the modern world.

The Concept of Customs Logistics

Along with the increasing pace of globalization, the volume of passenger and cargo movement between countries is steadily increasing. International supply chain in modern business activities includes not only the planning of shipment of goods, but much attention is paid to cargo clearance procedures. The growing role of customs authorities has become particularly striking in the face of the international transport collapse caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. If not for timely and correct action, the economic losses caused by the crisis would be much greater than what we are facing today. Modern business processes are widely related to the transfer of services and goods between countries. Logistics includes a specific group of activities. One part of them includes process supervision. Customs authorities control the movement of goods, vehicles and people across the economic border. What tariff and non-tariff control mechanisms are used to determine the amount of goods and taxes that have the right to enter the country. These factors accelerated the formation of new directions of logistics. Keywords: international shipping, supply chain, customs logistics, customs clearance procedures.

GEOGRAPHICAL FACTORS INCREASING ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION EFFICIENCY IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

The processes of post-Soviet economic development have raised a number of issues of territorial administration that are directly related to the relationship between society and nature. State-territorial administration starts from territorial administration units, the goal of which is the comprehensive solution of economic, social, environmental, cultural as well as political issues. Since 1995, a new administrative-territorial reform was implemented by the decision of the government, as a result of which 10 Marzes were formed instead of the previous 37 administrative districts. The capital Yerevan received the status of a region and later of a city community. In the Republic of Armenia, the administrative and economic borders have not traditionally coincided. Natural conditions, landscape uplift zones, various natural-geographical characteristics were not taken into account. The modern administrative structure is reminiscent in many respects of the events of the Soviet years, which is proved by comparison. In the conditions of today's transition economy, the practical significance of economic regionalization is to acquire new content, quality in line with market relations. These have raised a number of issues, which are divided into the following problems: socio-economic, geographical, political, demographic. It should be noted that the mentioned issues of territorial administration coincide with the socio-economic and political situation in the RA. Scientific and practical recommendations of science are useful for the systematic and effective development of state territorial administration and should be taken into account by public administration bodies, in particular, departments of territorial administration.

საბაჟო პოლიტიკის განვითარების ეტაპები და თავისებურებები

Customs policy is the major instrument to impact economy that could have significant influence on business development and budget revenues. Considering this characteristic of customs, the article provides narrative regarding the role the customs policy could play to defend economic borders and to promote and develop the foreign trade. Some of the important issues, such as the origin and development of customs affairs in Georgia, elaboration of united customs policies and its characteristics are discussed in the article. Answers on aspirations of the relevant authorities to advance customs policy are also provided. Considering the existing customs experiences and practices, the conclusions have been elaborated to evaluate the positive and negative sides of the modern customs affairs. The grounds for experience sharing of advanced foreign countries and elaborates practical steps for their implementation in Georgian reality are also provided.

Early Soviet Economic Border Controls: East-West Dimension

In most studies early Soviet borders are explored as sites of confrontational interactions between the newly created communist state and local communities. Alternatively, they emerge in scholarly research as spaces of illegal transborder exchanges and commodities transfers, resulting in the loss of official revenues and gains for informal economies. Later, in increasingly politicized contexts, these interactions resulted in the gradual “cleansing” and “sealing” of borders. The current article argues that to regain control over the borders during their transition from bridgeheads of the revolution and commodity transit zones to hermetically sealed barriers and fortress walls that occurred throughout the 1920s - 1930s, the Soviet state for some time struggled in vain to discipline not only local communities, which used the newly created borders for their own means, but multiple border controllers themselves - border guards, but primarily the customs apparatus located along Russia’s lengthy borders. For almost a decade in the specific conditions of Eastern and Northwestern Soviet border sectors, the latter refused to abide to increasingly restrictive working conditions, abandon their privileges and rights, and to submit to the new border control agency - the Soviet Main Political Directorate (GPU). Ուսումնասիրությունների մեծ մասում վաղ խորհրդային սահմանները դիտարկվում են որպես նորաստեղծ կոմունիստական պետության և տեղական համայնքների միջև առճակատման վայրեր: Գիտական հետազոտություններում այդ տարածքները ներկայացվում են նաև որպես անօրինական անդրսահմանային փոխանակումների և ապրանքների փոխանցման տարածքներ, որոնք հանգեցնում էին պետական եկամուտների նվազման և անօրինական տնտեսությունների հարստացմանը: Հետագայում, ավելի ու ավելի քաղաքականացված համատեքստում, այս փոխազդեցությունները հանգեցրին սահմանների աստիճանական «մաքրման» և «կնքման»։

The geometry of suspicious money laundering activities in financial networks

Corruption and organized crime are social problems that affect different communities around the world, involving public and private organizations in diverse sectors and activities. However, these problems are global phenomena that transcend economic, cultural, and social borders, especially, when corrupt individuals use the global financial system to protect their illegal money. This paper aims to evaluate the money laundering mechanism in financial networks, studying the structure of some suspicious money laundering groups, and how they could be detected by the use of topological and geometrical considerations that avoid the need of possibly non-available (or restricted) information.

РОЗВИТОК ПІДПРИЄМНИЦТВА В УМОВАХ ГЛОБАЛІЗАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

The article examines the interpretation of the concept of globalization of the economy. In the economy, globalization is manifested primarily in the fact that: increasing the absolute and relative level of world trade in goods and services, as well as the movement of capital and labor; there is a merger of markets, organizations and production chains; countries' economic borders are becoming increasingly transparent. It is revealed that the current state of business development in Ukraine in the context of economic globalization is characterized by tendencies to increase the importance of the external environment, which is decisive in comparison with the internal business environment. The positive dynamics of the indicator of ease of doing busi-ness in Ukraine according to the World Bank study was noted. The dynamics of the main indicators of enterprises in 2016-2020 has been analyzed, in particular, the number of operating entities, the number of employees, staff costs, sales of products (goods, services), value added by production costs, capital investment, financial result (balance) before tax. The analysis of the dynam-ics of the main indicators of enterprises in 2016-2020 showed that there is a general trend for the study period: by 2019 there was an improvement in indicators, and in 2020 – their decline. The main obstacles to the development of entrepreneurship in the globalization of the economy should be noted such as: first, limited financial resources of business entities (lack of adequate gov-ernment lending, lack of government support, etc.); secondly, excessive tax burden, in particular the lack of a legally established mechanism for exemption from taxes and mandatory payments for newly created small businesses, etc. It is established that an important prerequisite for the development of entrepreneurship in the globalization of the economy is the need for scientific and technical, innovation, investment, marketing processes, as well as the focus of entrepreneurship on international cooperation: import, export, franchising, foreign investment.

Navigating the Complexity of Regional Ocean Governance Through the Large Marine Ecosystems Approach

Governance is a multifaceted and complex process, involving a wide range of stakeholders from numerous institutions and individuals with different interests, agendas and sets of skills. A number of barriers exist for states to work together on securing their shared coastal and marine ecosystems, with discussions often becoming clouded when disputes arise over Exclusive Economic Zones, borders, oil and gas resources, continental shelves, maritime transport, and fisheries. Over the last twenty-six years, the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) International Waters focal area has utilized the Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) approach to navigate the complex problems related to transboundary issues affecting the world’s marine ecosystems, of which forty-one out of sixty-six are shared (62%) by one or more countries. To overcome the disputes and assumptions about the intentions of neighboring states, the GEF developed the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis-Strategic Action Programme (TDA-SAP) assessment and strategic planning processes to help countries learn how to work together and build trust. This formal and inclusive process analyses all pertinent factual and scientific information to set priorities for action. This practical method for integrating science into management has provided an effective approach to inform and advance sustainable LME management and governance regimes; however, there is not a one size fits all approach. This review presents six examples from the GEF International Waters portfolio that demonstrate how the LME Approach and TDA-SAP process have helped countries find the best way to mainstream ecosystem-based management approaches into existing contexts and politics. While these examples span a wide range of different settings (geographic, political, socio-economic, temporal), they have all applied the LME Approach and TDA-SAP process to tackle complex regional ocean governance issues. Each example provides a historical perspective, the key results achieved, and their unique lessons learned/best practices. Furthermore, the review identifies some of the overall shortcomings of the process and the common lessons learned, underscoring the complex and daunting challenge of achieving effective governance for multi-country LMEs. The experience provided by these examples shows that practical ecosystem-based management of the ocean and its coasts not only requires flexibility and adaptability, but also time, associated long-term vision and commitment.

Sustaining Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do FDI Inflows and External Debt Count?

The quest for the attainment of economic development is sought after by all global economies, which by effect is expected to transcend to improving livelihoods and standard of living. However, several factors hinder the process of achieving sustained economic development, especially in developing countries. In this regard, assessing the extent of economic expansion orchestrated by foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in vulnerable economies such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly in the face of the significant fall in global FDI inflow, is worthwhile. In essence, this study ascertains the impact of FDI inflows and external debt on economic growth amidst decline in FDI inflows and excessive foreign borrowings. The mixed order of integration from the stationarity test underpins the adoption of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach for data covering the period 1990 to 2018. The empirical results found FDI inflows play a crucial role in achieving economic expansion in the region. On average, FDI inflows, external debt, and foreign aids are more useful in expanding the economy compared to trade openness and exchange rate. Thus, this study recommends the need for SSA to open its economic borders for external capital, viz. FDI. A peaceful economic and political environment is a pre-condition to attract and maintain potential foreign investors. Stability in exchange rates is critical in achieving growth in FDI and other foreign resources. However, caution is required, especially in administration of external resources. Particularly, contracting external debt must strictly be driven by economic reasons rather than political motivation. Borrowed funds could be injected mainly into productive streams with the highest investment returns to boost economic development.

US-India Nexus & Chinese Appraisal: Triangular Exertions in Central & East Asia (Brief Description)

Apart from the past ideological differences, distrust, divergence of the interests, US and India relationships has been transformed from the estrangement to partnership and at least into potent nexus with the awake of the twenty first century. Since the threshold of the century, Asia is the central part of the world politics where several regional and extra-regional actors are trying to secure their interests and want to maintain their hegemony. Apart from India, China and Japan, the US and Russia are the powerful players in the Asian political theatre. After the collapse of the USSR, India and China have emerged as strong regional powers and they are playing their imperative role in the Asian affairs. Fast growth of Chinese economics, arms modernization, advancement in the technology and its course of actions in Asian region and in the sea lane of transportation push the US leadership to reshape its security policies and choose new alliance by adoption of alliance making theory in the context of balance of power in the Asia to secure its position in the region and balance or counter rising threats. Besides this, due to Indian democratic values, rising power, strategical position near the Indian Ocean, nuclear potential and power to contain China, Delhi is perceived in Washington as a valuable ally. The ‘India VS China’ in the context of economic race, past rivalry, and border issues and ‘The US VS China’ indicate that the US takes India as a countervail power to balance China in Asian periphery and wants balance of power. According to Chinese political analysts, the aim behind the ongoing US-India juxtaposition is to counter the rising China. This article tries to answer the following questions: “What is the crucial factor behind the inauguration of current US-India Nexus and specially in East and Central Asia?”, “What is the general perception of China regarding US-India nexus?”, “And what is the course of actions of three powers in Central and East Asia to preserve their positions and interests in respective regions?”.

Formación social de fronteras de la puna y el altiplano breve estudio geo-histórico sobre el norte argentino y el sur potosino

El empleo de la categoría formación social de fronteras se enmarca en un análisis geo-histórico global, con el objetivo de caracterizar territorios heterogéneos de alta complejidad social. Para el caso específico, se realiza un análisis sobre las interacciones entre espacios pertenecientes a distintos estados nacionales, en función de sus especificidades estatales y sus continuidades productivas. El desarrollo reciente en materia de infraestructura -junto con la estabilidad económica en Bolivia- propiciaron el mejoramiento general de las condiciones de vida. En contraposición, Argentina reforzó los dispositivos de “seguridad” sobre la frontera, mientras que no se realizaron grandes inversiones de capital a escala regional. Todo lo descripto activó ciertas discontinuidades en los circuitos económicos típicos de la frontera que se analizan en este artículo

Influence of Globalisation on Project Delivery and Organisational Performance

The study is an empirical analysis of the influence of globalization on project delivery and organisational performance. This is borne out of the problem that globalization is an ambivalent concept and process with its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) or with costs, benefits and burdens. The objectives of the study are to examine the significant influence of economic liberation on project delivery and organisational performance; to examine the significant influence of technological innovation on organizational performance and project delivery. Being an empirical development research, the survey research design involving the collection, collation and use of primary and secondary data from a representative sample population of 150 (one hundred and fifty) respondents was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) were used in data presentation, analysis and test of hypotheses in which all null hypotheses were rejected in favour of the alternate hypotheses which were accepted. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made; in the opening of economic borders and removal of trade barriers, nation’s economic flows should be increased to enable firm’s increase their productivity and efficiency and Company management should try to devise strategies to fulfill consumer perspective to survive in competitive market.