Today, the story of the opium trade is an almost archetypal representation of the social, economic and military power dynamics at play in the colonial world. But few, if any, are aware that the European encounter with Chinese opium smoking spurred a European interest in opium vapour therapy, or that its spirited uptake in European medicine inspired a research programme that spanned the continent for more than half a century. Opium smoking was intoxicating, something which experimental science suggested should be impossible, since the chemical properties of opium's active alkaloids all but precluded the possibility of vaporization. Recalling opium smoking's entrance into medical practice and the subsequent experimental interest in the chemical constitution of opium vapour, this paper reconstructs the history of European 'opium science'. In doing so, it realizes opium science as the site of competing definitions of the biomedical reality implicated in the experience of opium intoxication, one centred on the intoxicated experiences of the colonial subjects themselves. Far from being a simple story of exchange between centres and peripheries, it examines the polycentricity of knowledge circulation in the colonial world and the implacable agency of intoxication.

ABSTRACT Despite its global cultural reach and economic power, Japan remains an anomalous case among major states in its limited outward migration and absence of a politically or economically mobilised diaspora. This article conceptualises Japan as a non-diasporic nation, arguing that its demographic inwardness reflects deeper civilisational logics shaped by post-imperial retrenchment, ethnonationalist identity, and institutional frameworks privileging repatriation over dispersion. Drawing on theories of nationalism, transnationalism, and civilisational analysis, the study examines the historical, legal, cultural, and ideological conditions that have produced Japan’s demographic exceptionalism. Within state policy frameworks and dominant public discourse, as documented in contemporary scholarship on Japanese transnational mobility, overseas Japanese nationals are frequently framed institutionally and normatively as temporary sojourners whose mobility is oriented toward eventual return rather than permanent settlement or diasporic incorporation. In contrast to countries such as India, China, and the Philippines, which actively mobilise overseas populations as instruments of soft power, development, and diplomacy, the Japanese state sustains its global presence primarily through cultural exports and economic networks rather than demographic dispersion. This article advances non-diasporic nationalism as a framework explaining Japan’s distinctive model of symbolic projection without migratory embeddedness abroad.

The burden of hand, foot, and mouth disease attributable to climate variability: A nationwide time-series modeling study in Japan.

ABSTRACT Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles have increasingly become objects of lawmaking. This paper evaluates this trend from a classical ordoliberal perspective. We find that classical ordoliberals’ concern for the common good and the principle of liability provide some support for corporate responsibility beyond the profit motive. However, ordoliberalism’s concept of ‘interdependence of orders’ hints at a more fundamental problem: CSR/ESG laws may turn companies into the main entity responsible for social and environmental concerns and thus confer even more power to them beyond the realm of the market economy. Such further concentration of private economic power is detrimental to the functioning of markets and risks undermining democracy. Therefore, in our reading, classical ordoliberals suggest that CSR/ESG laws should only require companies to take on such roles where the state is unable to do so and with appropriate safeguards against further increases in corporate power.

Power Management Strategy for Hybrid Energy Storage in Electric Vehicles Using Deep Neural Network Considering DC Bus Stabilization and Fuel Cell Power Economy

This is a conceptual paper on next-generation digital trade that proposes a multi-layered taxonomic integration of Web 3.0, decentralized e-commerce, and the emerging paradigm of Agentic Commerce. While current literature often conflates technological infrastructure with institutional governance, this paper utilizes a bibliometric diagnostics and Natural Language Processing (NLP) BERT clustering of 25 core empirical studies to delineate these boundaries. We introduce the “Semantic Web of Retail” as a foundational data layer, arguing that it is a structural necessity for the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) economy, where autonomous AI agents, or “synthetic shoppers,” execute transactions on behalf of human principals. Our results indicate that while Web 3.0 provides the technological toolkit for programmable ownership, decentralized e-commerce dictates the institutional logic required for trustless verification. Furthermore, we identify a “Shopper Schism” in consumer behavior, where the delegation of economic power to algorithms introduces novel financial risks, including oracle vulnerabilities and principal–agent moral hazards. The study concludes that integrating semantic interoperability with decentralized transaction rails is essential for mitigating systemic risks and enabling secure, autonomous digital markets, and it formalizes the ‘Shopper Schism’ as a novel principal–agent configuration unique to agentic markets.

ABSTRACT On 20 February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise the President to impose tariffs. On the same day, the White House terminated IEEPA duties, maintained the suspension of de minimis treatment, and invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 10% import surcharge for 150 days. It is tempting to read the ruling as the end of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ regime. This essay argues the opposite. Court Day was less a reset than a shock that exposed Trump’s second-term governing logic. Tariffs, market access, and alliance reassurance operate as policy options: instruments whose value lies not only in the pressure imposed, but in the right to reprice, suspend, and reissue that pressure under changing legal and diplomatic forms. I call this option-value statecraft. Operationally, it is visible in rapid statutory substitution, built-in reversibility, and the monetisation of predictability. The result is a volatility premium that allies and rivals pay through litigation risk, deferred investment, supply-chain duplication, and insurance politics among middle powers. For Australia, the task is transaction-proofing: hardening commitments where possible, pricing U.S. policy volatility into planning, and building alternatives without rupture.

Famously known as ‘one nation, two states’, the Turkish-Azerbaijani relationship has traditionally been viewed as asymmetric, with Turkey being the dominant actor. Although grounded in the history of bilateral relations and disproportionate military, economic, and diplomatic power and concomitant regional influence, the asymmetry has not always guaranteed Turkey an upper hand over Azerbaijan. To account for a more accurate explanation of the outcome of interactions between the two countries, this article revisits Azerbaijan’s actorness in its relations with Turkey. It views national power as contingent not simply on material indicators, but also on the context, as states’ ability to affect the behaviour of others can fluctuate from issue to issue, sometimes rendering asymmetry irrelevant. The article shows how it played out in Baku-Ankara relations in times of crisis, by examining the cases of the Armenian-Turkish ‘football diplomacy’ and Turkish-Azerbaijani gas disputes. It explains how and why Azerbaijan was able to win the disputes and influence Turkey’s foreign policy behaviour.

Importance. “Chinese modernization” is a new concept put forward at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2022. The report of the 20th CPC Congress provided answers to key theoretical and practical questions – what is Chinese modernization, what are its goals, what ways it is implemented and why it is considered as an integral theoretical system. In March 2026 the 4th session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the 14th convocation politically updated the topic by reviewing the draft main provisions of the 15th five-year program for National Economic and Social development (2026–2030). China is entering a new five-year period: in a short period of the country’s history, a program for its modernization will be implemented until 2035 unprecedented in the history of mankind. By 2035 China’s economic power, scientific and technical potential, defense capability, combined national power and international influence will change dramatically, and living standards will increase, which will, in fact, be the final point of the socialist modernization process. Materials and Methods. The source is based on official documents of the CPC and a broad scientific discourse on the ways of Chinese modernization in the world historical and political sciences. The research has incorporated a significant set of general scientific and specialized methods, mainly from historical and political science. Results and Discussion. The research substantiates that the real content of the concept of “Chinese modernization” is not identical to the concept of “modernization of China”. “Chinese Modernization” is a concept and theory with new content. It serves as a theoretical and conceptual generalization of a new stage in the development of China’s modernization practice, as well as a programmatic setting and strategic goal that defines the CPC's activities to lead the Chinese people at a new historical stage. Conclusion. Chinese modernization as a practical policy does not offer a fixed template for the modernization path; its Chinese specificity lies primarily in the articulation of the values and prin ciples underlying China’s modernization. These include: the leadership role of the CPC as a fundamental guarantee; orientation towards the people as a central principle; achieving the universal prosperity of the people; the coordinated development of material and spiritual civilization; the harmonious coexistence of man and nature; following the path of peaceful development.

Enterprises increasingly seek to adapt to climate change in order to reduce its adverse economic and environmental impacts. Yet, the determinants of such adaptive behaviour remain insufficiently explored, particularly from the perspective of economic theory. This study addresses the question of what factors drive or constrain adaptation decisions among enterprises, comparing the explanatory power of neoclassical and institutional economics. It further examines whether government intervention is essential for effective adaptation or whether market mechanisms can function autonomously, and to what extent adaptation requires the establishment of specific institutional frameworks. The article fills a research gap by integrating theoretical analysis with empirical evidence from Polish agricultural enterprises—one of the sectors most exposed to climate risks. The study applies a mixed-method approach, combining literature review, comparative analysis, and a diagnostic survey. The findings confirm that the imperfections of market mechanisms necessitate the creation of institutions to support adaptation processes.

Relevance. This article examines the impact of artificial intelligence on socio-economic processes through the lens of emergent phenomena. Emergence refers to the appearance of new, previously unforeseen properties within complex systems, leading to significant transformations in the economy and society. In the era of rapid digitalization and automation, AI is beginning to play a key role in reshaping the labor market, redistributing economic centers, and developing new models of employment. The Purpose is the study aims to identify the key emergent phenomena arising from the implementation of AI, to analyze their impact on the labor market, resource redistribution, and social structures, and to propose possible adaptation strategies. Objectives. The research tasks focus on identifying and analyzing emergent phenomena emerging from AI integration into the economy, determining their influence on labor markets, industrial structures, and social processes, as well as developing models that describe these transformations. Methodology. The study employs econometric modeling, corporate data analysis, futurist forecasting, and computer simulations to identify patterns of change in the economy. Results. Mathematical models have been developed to assess the degree of AI’s impact on the labor market, the dynamics of economic processes, and the potential social consequences of digital transformation. The findings indicate that AI implementation leads to a reduction in the demand for routine labor, the automation of intellectual professions, and the emergence of new fields of employment related to technology management and development. However, these processes are accompanied by risks such as increased social inequality, the concentration of economic power within large technological corporations, and the displacement of traditional employment centers. Conclusions. The article proposes recommendations for reforming the education system, modernizing tax policy, and regulating the digital economy to minimize the negative effects of technological transformation. The results obtained can be used to forecast the long-term consequences of AI development, to formulate strategies for its integration into the economy, and to ensure sustainable social development.

The establishment of colonial elites Professor Erik Green discusses research on the formation and persistence of colonial elites, highlighting unique historical data from the Cape Colony to analyze how economic and political elites emerged and evolved. It is widely recognized that high concentrations of economic and political power hinder long-term economic development in the Global South. This is a central message in the work of the 2024 winners of the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel – Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson (2001, 2002) – as well as in the contributions of many others (Amsden & DiCaprio, 2012; Robinson, 2012; Alfani, 2023). This literature often identifies European colonialism as a root cause of the concentration of economic and political power in the hands of a few. Despite this recognition, systematic quantitative analyses of the formation, persistence, and transformation of economic and political elites in European colonies remain limited. This gap largely reflects the scarcity of detailed, long-term data on these processes.

During the Southern Song period (1127–1279), the relocation of the capital to the south and the concurrent shift of economic power led to the flourishing of tea culture. Tea emerged as both a vital symbol of cultural refinement and an integral component of economic and social life across various strata of society. The tea-themed paintings of Liu Songnian serve as visual representations of this cultural phenomenon, embodying not only exceptional artistic techniques but also distinct social narrative functions. This study undertakes a systematic analysis of Liu Songnian’s tea paintings from both artistic and socio-cultural perspectives. On the artistic level, it focuses on the stylistic characteristics reflected in compositional arrangement, the depiction of figures in motion, and attention to detail. On the social level, it explores how the paintings portray interactions among individuals of varied social roles—such as literati, monks, and attendants—revealing the complexities of Southern Song social structures and the richness of its cultural life. By comprehensively examining Liu Songnian’s tea paintings, this article aims to uncover their embedded cultural meanings and to deepen our understanding of tea culture’s multifaceted role in Southern Song society—ranging from interpersonal communication and economic activity to broader processes of cultural transmission.

Unequal policies shaped American television entertainment in the second half of the 20th century. These policies were rooted in the power of elite culture. After World War II, benefiting from economic prosperity and the rapid development of broadcasting technology, television entertainment programs became the core of the daily leisure life of the general public. But broadcast resources were not shared equally between cities and rural areas. Different ethnic groups also had very different levels of economic power. The cultural tastes of elite groups held a dominant position in the media. So American television during this period did not meet the cultural needs of all groups equally. Instead, it became a tool that kept elite cultural biases in place. In the early 1980s, neoliberalism began to rise. This brought some improvements to the unequal situation in television entertainment. But the deep cultural biases did not go away. They continued to exist through market competition. Studying these policies helps understand US TV entertainment history and reflect on today's societal identity crises.

This research paper re-evaluates the foundational origins of management science, positioning Kautilya (Chanakya) as the original pioneer of economic and administrative thought long before the emergence of Western industrial theories. Through a detailed analysis of the Arthashastra, the study illustrates how ancient Indian governance practiced sophisticated concepts like strategic planning, fiscal accountability, and hierarchical leadership as early as the 3rd Century B.C. Central to Kautilya’s philosophy is the principle of ‘Yogakshema,’ which transcends mere profit to encompass the collective well-being and productive acquisition of resources. The paper argues that the Mauryan ‘State-as-an-Enterprise’ model remains a timeless blueprint for 21st-century organizational challenges, particularly through its emphasis on a ‘Surplus Budget’ and ethical revenue generation, famously known as the ‘Honeybee’ taxation principle. Furthermore, the study explores Kautilya’s advanced forensic approach to identifying financial fraud (Kantaka-shodhana), proving his methods were centuries ahead of their time. By bridging the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern corporate landscapes, this paper advocates for a shift from a profit-centric mindset to ‘Ethical Pragmatism,’ where economic power is balanced with social responsibility and rigorous internal discipline.

Competition law is ordinarily complex and multi-dimensional requiring detailed analysis and balancing of economic efficiencies, innovation, productivity, and consumer costs. However, competition law has an additional dimension of complexity in eras of strategic conflict as national security becomes a factor for regulators. The complexity in the era of China-US strategic rivalry is particularly acute for three reasons. One, the expanding conceptualization of national security means that security is no longer relegated solely to defence from armed attack but encompasses economic, technological, and ideological power. Two, large and strategic corporations are the leading economic actors globally, inextricably connected to economic, technological and ideological power, and therefore constitute paramount national security assets. Three, the two great powers have contrasting economic governance models. China’s distinct political-economic governance raises speculation that Chinese corporations are under the influence of a corporate parent, the Party-state, and utilized to advance Party-state objectives. This paper endeavours to outline and discuss competition law in the era of strategic conflict from a US and EU regulatory perspective and offers some pathways on analysing the issues.

This article investigates how, and to what extent, India’s rise to on and off-field power in cricket in recent decades has changed representations of ‘Indianness’ in the Australian media. It asks how the lusory power of sporting performances and the impact of economics on the cultural sphere can influence narratives of ‘the other’. In doing so, it adds a contemporary perspective to existing scholarship on race and the ongoing resonance of colonialism in Australian sport, as well as the Australia-India cultural relationship. It argues that the combination of India’s on-field success and economic power in cricket has resulted in measurable changes in the narratives of India in the Australian press.

This study analyzed the governability of the Unified Health System (SUS) on Brazil's interstate border. This is a political analysis of health in a territory made up of 53 municipalities, two states, an intermanagement commission and a central interstate regulation committee. Data production included 499 documents and interviews with 35 actors linked to municipal management and influential organizations on the border. Governing the SUS at interstate borders has the following obstacles: the lack of institutionality for tripartite interfederative coordination; the lack of a regulatory framework with mechanisms for planning, financing and interstate management of the system; the low institutionality of agreements in the interstate collegiate; fiscal inequalities and financial dependence of municipalities with less economic power; the political-administrative alternation of management spheres and the low governability of the interstate regulation service in medium and high complexity hospitals in the studied territory. This research contributed to revealing the opposing political forces of the political-social system to SUS regionalization and interstate management projects.

This study examines the process of economic modernization in England from a historical perspective by comparatively analyzing the reigns of King Alfred of Wessex (871–899) and Henry VIII (1509–1547). Although operating in different historical contexts, the reforms implemented by both rulers played a decisive role in the construction of England’s fiscal capacity, institutional continuity, and economic sovereignty. Alfred responded to the political and economic instability caused by Viking invasions by establishing the burh system, which secured the balance between security and production and revitalized local trade networks, thereby laying the early foundations of a centralized fiscal structure. In contrast, Henry VIII dismantled the economic power of the Church within the framework of the Reformation and centralized state revenues through the secularization of monastic properties. Despite employing different instruments, both periods were oriented toward the same objective: the establishment of a state order based on autonomous fiscal resources and independent from external authorities. By combining institutional economics with historical analysis, this study reveals the structural continuity between Alfred’s defense-based economic model and Henry’s strategy of fiscal-bureaucratic centralization. The findings demonstrate that the modern fiscal state in England did not emerge in a single historical moment but rather through a two-stage process, beginning with Alfred’s institutional legacy and reaching maturity with Henry’s Reformation policies. In this respect, the study contributes to the historical institutionalist literature on the origins of the modern state by arguing that economic modernization was already being constructed through fiscal-administrative institutionalization in the pre-industrial period.

This study examines the key drivers behind the global economic influence of Israel, widely recognized as the “Startup Nation.” It explores how Israel’s strategic integration of defense industries, advanced research and development (R&D), robust financial institutions, and diversified industrial sectors contribute to its economic prominence on the world stage. Drawing on secondary data from international organizations and employing a mixed-method approach, including quantitative analysis, case studies, and comparative evaluation, the study highlights the role of innovation-led growth, particularly in technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and water management. The findings indicate that Israel’s sustained investment in R&D, strong university-industry linkages, and globally connected banking system significantly enhance its competitiveness and economic resilience. Furthermore, the study critically evaluates ethical and economic challenges, including reliance on defense exports, concentration of economic power, and the implications of interest-based financial systems, particularly from an Islamic economic perspective. The paper also discusses policy implications for developing economies, emphasizing the importance of innovation ecosystems, institutional support, and inclusive financial models. It suggests that integrating alternative frameworks such as Shariah-compliant finance could enhance global inclusivity and sustainability. Overall, the study provides comprehensive insights into Israel’s economic model and offers practical lessons for policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable and globally competitive economic growth.