Evolution Of Policy Research Articles

Multi-level governance of low-carbon tourism in rural China: policy evolution, implementation pathways, and socio-ecological impacts

Low-carbon rural tourism development presents a critical challenge for environmental governance in emerging economies, yet the multi-level dynamics of policy implementation remain underexplored. This study examines China’s approach to this challenge, employing a mixed-methods approach including analysis of 16 central and 559 provincial policy documents, case studies in 15 rural villages across five provinces (Hunan, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shanxi, and Hainan), and a survey of 637 stakeholders. Our findings reveal a complex policy landscape characterized by evolving national frameworks, varied provincial adoption patterns influenced by economic, environmental, and institutional factors, and three distinct local implementation pathways: technology-driven, community-based, and policy-led. We uncover significant variations in stakeholder perceptions and socio-economic impacts across different contexts, highlighting the critical role of adaptive governance mechanisms and local contextual factors in determining policy effectiveness. This study contributes to policy diffusion and multi-level governance theories by demonstrating the intricate interplay between top-down directives and bottom-up innovations in shaping sustainable tourism outcomes. Based on these insights, we propose evidence-based policy recommendations emphasizing flexible, context-sensitive approaches and improved stakeholder engagement to enhance low-carbon rural tourism governance. This research provides valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners working towards sustainable rural development and environmental conservation in China and other developing countries.

Study on Poverty Alleviation and Resettlement Areas from Poverty Alleviation to Rural Revitalization

The rural revitalization strategy proposed by the state is consistent with the goal of poverty alleviation and relocation work in easy areas, and its related industrial development, employment support and other directions are similar, which can achieve effective convergence. The development of poverty alleviation and relocation in rural areas helps to achieve poverty alleviation and inject vitality into rural revitalization construction. This paper discusses the policy evolution from poverty alleviation to rural revitalization from the perspective of resettlement areas for poverty alleviation in rural areas, analyzes the existing problems in rural revitalization construction, and puts forward the relocation strategy for poverty alleviation in rural areas, aiming to implement the national development goals and help consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation.

The Evolution of Policies for the Resource Utilization of Livestock Manure in China

With the continuous development of animal husbandry, the harmless handling and resource utilization of livestock manure has gradually become a bottleneck problem in sustainable agriculture and livestock production in China. This study evaluates the policies related to manure handling and utilization in different economic development periods in China. The decreased pollutant discharge from livestock manure indicates the effectiveness of the strategy aiming to encourage the construction of manure treatment facilities and resource utilization in cropland and to establish a sound legal system for pollutant discharge. New policies and measures should be introduced to promote the coupling of intensive livestock breeding and crop planting, with the direction of nutrient management planning and the incorporation of a service platform for the resource utilization of manure. Technological innovation in green livestock breeding should be supported by policies to achieve source reduction in pollutants in breeding waste.

Energy governance systems and climate change in the world's major economies under the low carbon background

In response to the escalating global climate change crisis, countries worldwide have adjusted their energy structures to promote energy diversification and decarbonization. This study systematically compares the performance and measures of the world's major economies—specifically the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and France—in terms of energy structure, carbon emissions, and climate change policies. By examining the historical evolution of climate change policies in these nations, this research aims to provide valuable insights and references for other countries formulating relevant development strategies and policy measures. Additionally, it seeks to offer a timely framework for establishing an innovative energy system that ensures economic and social development while promoting the rapid growth and widespread adoption of low-carbon energy, thereby addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Evaluating Indonesia's National Defense Policy in Shaping an Effective Area Denial Strategy

This research delves into the analysis of Indonesia's national defense policy and its influence on the development of area denial strategies, with a focus on maritime security. The background highlights the importance of understanding the evolution of Indonesia's defense policy and its implications for regional security dynamics. The aim is to examine the alignment between Indonesia's defense policy objectives and the formulation of area denial strategies, utilizing qualitative research methods with secondary data. Using Creswell's guidelines for qualitative research design, this study carefully looks at existing literature, policy documents, and historical records to look into three main areas: how Indonesia's national defense policy has changed over time, what its main area denial strategies are, and how defense policy has affected the creation of these strategies. Findings reveal a shift in Indonesia's defense posture towards a more maritime-centric approach, with investments in maritime defense systems, A2/AD measures, and asymmetric tactics. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates a significant alignment between Indonesia's defense policy objectives and the development of area denial strategies, highlighting the country's commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. The conclusion underscores the importance of a holistic understanding of Indonesia's defense policy for enhancing regional security and stability.

PUBLIC CONTROL AS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN COMBATING CORRUPTION

This article examines the formation of the institution of public control within the framework of the development of civil society in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and presents the features of its improvement based on the most significant events in the evolution of anti-corruption policy. The legal basis of interaction between the state and the non-governmental sector, the legal status of the subjects of these legal relations is considered. In modern Kazakhstan, the issue of developing a mechanism of public control over the activities of state bodies is very relevant. Currently, the process of establishing a system of public control is underway, attempts are being made to form a regulatory legal framework that strengthens the mechanisms of public control. It is necessary to develop mechanisms for equal partnership between Kazakh society and the state at the national, regional and local levels. The concept of the institution of public control is revealed, including its stages of formation, principles, content, forms of implementation, and structural characteristics. The main forms of interaction between government agencies and civil society institutions in the field of anti-corruption are characterized. The article analyzes the system of public control and the conditions of its functioning based on freedom of public association, access to information, independent media, democracy and openness of state bodies. The purpose of the study is to study the measures of public control of anti-corruption at the current stage of development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Keywords: anti-corruption, public control, civil society, anti-corruption culture, non-governmental sector, anti-corruption monitoring, public control.

The Evolution, Logic, and Prospects of Community-Based Home Elderly Care Policies in China: An Analysis based on Historical Institutionalism

In response to the pressing issue of population aging and the increasing demand for elderly care services in China, a series of community-based home elderly care policies have been implemented. Utilizing a historical institutionalism analytical framework, this study categorizes the evolution of these policies into four distinct historical stages: emergence due to circumstances, exploratory initiation, clear acceleration, and quality enhancement. Based on structural and historical perspectives, this analysis summarizes the institutional context and policy establishment, the political variables and structural interaction, the key nodes and institutional breaks, as well as path dependence coupled with gradual transformation. Looking ahead, there is a need for community-based home elderly care policies to advance in four key areas: expanding coverage and diversifying services, enhancing informatization and intelligence, fostering marketization and socialization, and promoting integration and specialization, thereby improving institutional synergy to address the increasingly complex needs of the elderly population.

The Evolution of Government's Public Service Purchase Policy: A Historical Institutionalism Framework of Analysis

Public service innovation is the eternal theme of government management. Scientifically recognizing the change process, evolution logic and dynamic mechanism of the government's public service purchase policy is not only an important support for grasping the policy direction and optimizing the policy design, but also a realistic demand for promoting the quality and efficiency of public services and accelerating the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity. Based on the analytical perspective of historical institutionalism, the government's purchase of public services in China has experienced three important stages: local exploration, standardized development, and deepening reform. Its historical evolution has been profoundly influenced by situational factors, institutional factors, path dependence, and key nodes. The demand for government function transformation and social governance mechanism innovation, as well as the need for service object needs change and public service supply model innovation, are the driving forces behind policy change. Looking ahead, the government's purchase of public services should focus on standardizing and adjusting the setting of guiding catalogs, improving the needs assessment of service purchase, perfecting the implementation process of service purchase, and strengthening the process supervision and evaluation of results, so as to promote the high-quality development of the government's purchase of public services.

Exploring the Contribution of Secularism Ideology to the Education System in Turkey

Purpose of the study: This research analyzes the contribution of the ideology of secularism to the education system in Türkiye, highlighting significant changes since the Kemal Atatürk era until the present. Methodology: This study employs a literature review method to investigate the impact of secularism on Turkey’s education system. This approach involves gathering and analyzing a range of sources, including books, academic articles, and both national and international journals related to secularism. Main Findings: The findings of this research provide an understanding of the impact of secularism on the paradigm shift that was previously oriented towards religious values towards a modern secular education model that is more open to developments in science and technology. As well as increasing access to education for women and minority groups, the emergence of fierce debate regarding the role of religion in public life, in addition to the hopes for its development prospects in the contemporary era. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of secularism's impact on Türkiye’s education system, offering new insights into the evolution of secular policies and their effects on social and educational inclusivity. It contributes to the understanding of secularism's role in contemporary educational reform and debates on religion's place in public life.

Tracing policy change of the NEA in urban design through the advocacy coalition framework

ABSTRACT This article explores the evolution of federal arts policy in urban design by examining the Design Program of the National Endowment for the Arts through the Advocacy Coalition Framework. It traces major policy shifts and examines how policy coalitions influenced the U.S. arts-based urban design policy subsystem. The study utilizes a historical research approach and secondary data analysis to analyze the NEA's policy interventions from their early stages to the present Creative Placemaking movement. The analysis reveals how external events, policy beliefs, and coalition dynamics have shaped policy changes. Findings demonstrate the complex interplay between policy actors and their environments, highlighting the critical role of advocacy coalitions in developing and evolving arts policies in urban contexts. This research underscores the dynamic nature of policymaking and the significant impact of arts-led policy advocacy on shaping urban design.

Insights and influences: mapping the scientific contributors to global foresight policies

Purpose The primary aim of this research is to understand the integration of scientific knowledge in foresight policy. By analyzing both foresight policy documents and their bibliographical references, the study seeks to comprehend how foresight has been embedded into strategic planning worldwide, identifying key trends and shifts in the foresight policy landscape. Design/methodology/approach Using the Overton policy documents database, this study investigates the deployment of foresight methodologies within policy formulation by mapping the trajectory of foresight policy documents globally. Through a systematic analysis of these documents and their cited references, the research elucidates the evolution of foresight policies, pinpointing principal actors and examining the scholarly works influencing these policies. Findings Since 2015, there has been a significant uptick in foresight policy documents publication, indicating an escalating international interest in applying foresight within strategic planning realms. The European Union and the United States are identified as pivotal contributors to foresight policy development. Furthermore, examination of the citations within these policies underscores the predominance of the US and Europe in academic contributions to foresight, while noting increasing engagement from emerging economies, signaling a trend towards a more globally inclusive foresight discourse. Originality/value This investigation enriches the discourse on foresight in policy by offering a detailed analysis of the incorporation of foresight methodologies into policymaking. Highlighting the crucial roles of the European Union, the United States and emerging economies, the study underscores the necessity for a globally inclusive, multidisciplinary approach in future policy formulation. Moreover, it provides unique insights into the funding agencies and journals most influential in the realm of foresight policy, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of foresight’s impact on global policymaking.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN MODERN INDIA: HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND IMPACT

Environmental policies in modern India have undergone significant transformation, reflecting the country's evolving socio-economic conditions, global environmental concerns, and its commitment to sustainable development. The journey of India's environmental policy can be traced back to its post-independence era, where economic growth was prioritized, often at the expense of environmental considerations. Early policy frameworks lacked a coherent environmental focus, with limited institutional mechanisms for protecting natural resources. However, in the 1970s, influenced by the global environmental movement and events like the 1972 Stockholm Conference, India began to formalize its environmental approach, marking the beginning of policy reforms aimed at balancing development with ecological preservation. Important milestones in India's environmental policy include the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 1985, the promulgation of the Environment Protection Act (1986), and the National Forest Policy (1988), which aimed to curb deforestation and promote sustainable land use. The 1990s and 2000s saw India increasingly engaging with international environmental frameworks, including the Rio Earth Summit (1992) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997), and emphasizing the integration of environmental concerns into the developmental agenda. Despite these advancements, the impact of environmental policies in India remains mixed. While there has been notable success in areas such as wildlife conservation, pollution control, and biodiversity preservation, challenges like deforestation, water scarcity, and industrial pollution persist. The growing pressures of industrialization, urbanization, and climate change present ongoing challenges in policy implementation. Additionally, the tension between economic development and environmental sustainability continues to be a contentious issue. This paper examines the historical evolution of environmental policies in India, assesses their impact on ecological conservation, and explores the ongoing challenges and future directions for achieving a balance between growth and sustainability. KEYWORDS: Environmental Policies, India, Historical Context, Sustainable Development, Deforestation, Industrialization, Climate Change, Wildlife Conservation, Economic Growth, Environmental Governance.

Historical Evolution, Logical Deconstruction and Future Trends in Marine Ecological Compensation Policies in China

The marine ecological compensation policy has become an important tool for China to protect the ocean and promote the construction of ecological civilization. However, problems such as a fragmented policy system structure and inefficient implementation still plague the sustainable development of marine ecological compensation policy. In the context of the high-quality development of the marine economy in the future, it is necessary to evaluate the current status of the construction of China’s marine ecological compensation policy system and explore the plans to improve the marine ecological compensation policy in depth. This paper takes the marine ecological compensation policies issued from 1982 to 2023 as the analysis sample, uses semantic network analysis to analyze the evolution of China’s marine ecological compensation policy and divides the evolution into four stages based on the focuses of the policies in different periods. This paper uses a policy element model to analyze the scope, direction and dynamic mechanism of the change in the marine ecological compensation policy. The study found that the policy elements at the abstract level remained stable for a long time, and the policy elements at the procedural level and operational level are heterogeneous at different stages; China’s marine ecological compensation has gradually developed in the direction of improved quality, land and sea coordination, full-process supervision and integrated management, and is affected by the macro-environment, institutional demand and supply and cost–benefit coordination and balance. The marine ecological compensation policies should start with the top-level design of the supplementary system, improve the supporting tools and coordinate multiple synergies to promote the improvement of the marine ecological compensation policy system.

Evaluation of the Sports Industry Policy in China During the 2010-2024 Period

The sports industry policies in China are essential instruments for guiding the sector's development, promoting quality improvement, and bolstering China's position as a sports powerhouse. This study comprehensively examines provincial-level sports policy documents from 2010 to 2024, utilizing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model and social network analysis to investigate policy evolution and thematic shifts over time. Despite significant progress, the sports industry faces structural imbalances, limited innovation capacity, and the need for tailored policy responses. Methodologically, this research applies advanced text analysis techniques to identify core themes and developmental trajectories in policy content, analyzing data from 103 official documents across various policy stages. The results reveal that: (1) policy themes are decreasing in number but are increasingly specialized and focused; (2) policy emphasis has shifted from broad coordination to precise, field-specific improvements, aligning with evolving economic and social needs; (3) policy evolution follows multiple trajectories, incorporating aspects such as industry planning, financial incentives, market expansion, service optimization, and collaborative innovation. These insights contribute to the discourse on high-quality development in China’s sports industry and highlight strategic policy recommendations, such as refining planning directions, deepening policy content, and standardizing industry practices.

The Evolution of Washington's Strategy towards Central Asia

The article examines the evolution of Washington's policy towards the countries of Central Asia. The reasons for the growing US interest in the Central Asian countries, as well as its recently extremely proactive policy against the backdrop of a fierce confrontation with Russia, have been identified. A step-by-step analysis of Washington’s position regarding this region, together with the old and new formats of both bilateral and regional cooperation, is given in the context of the Global South agenda becoming extremely urgent against the backdrop of increasing competition for the region carried out by its key players – China, Russia, and the United States. At the same time, the role and significance of Central Asia could change depending on the place this region will occupy in the constantly changing scale of US priorities while implementing its policy towards the post-Soviet space.

The Evolution of the Chinese Policy for the Development of the High-tech Sector: from New Technologies to New Actors?

China is facing growing geopolitical and socio-economic challenges and rising technology intensity of the Chinese economy is seen as a rational response to it. The PRC is focusing on the priority areas: microelectronics, emerging digital technologies, electric vehicles, etc. These measures increasingly correlate with other policies: supporting GDP growth (rise of output, employment, exports and domestic demand for high-tech); reducing critical vulnerabilities of the national high-tech sector from imports and sanctions; laying basis for accelerated growth. However, this has only limited potential for the innovative transformation of the Chinese economy. New approaches to the technological development are needed, also including the relations between the state and the business sector. The Chinese technology policy traditionally relies on large companies – «national champions». But due to the limited efficiency of both stateowned enterprises and private companies, in recent years fast-growing tech-intensive small and medium enterprises appeared in the focus of government support. Initially, they were used for import substitution and development of critical industrial technologies. But now these «little giants» are seen by the PRC as a means to balance the national innovation system (including new sources of «creative destruction»). However, this – as well as other policies and instruments –also has an ad-hoc nature. The PRC needs to systematize its policy and stress connections between different measures and actors. The role of the state is also questionable since it becomes more interventionist. Further formation of the NIS institutions is required.

Zeitenwende à la française: Continuity and change in French foreign policy after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

This article analyses the evolution of French foreign and security policy in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine from early 2022 to NATO’s Vilnius summit (June 2023). It introduces the idea of a Zeitenwende à la française and argues that France’s policy has, albeit more gradually than it was the case in other European states, undergone significant shifts. Drawing on a neoclassical realist approach, this article shows that geopolitical factors – namely the balance of power, balance of threat, and considerations regarding influence in Europe – explain France’s policy shifts, particularly on European Union enlargement and NATO membership for Ukraine. Simultaneously, this adaptation allowed continuity regarding the fundamentals of French foreign and security policy, especially strengthening European Union defence and Europe’s role as a powerful global player ( Europe puissance). In this context, domestic factors, namely the views of President Macron and strategic culture, created a permissive strategic environment for following the systemic imperative.

Monetary Policy and the Stock Market: Analysis and Proposals

The evolution of monetary policy in recent years can probably be explained by the different characteristics of the behavior of monetary policy transmission mechanisms in relation to changes in the structure of financial systems. These changes are related to developments in the international financial and economic environment. In particular, the development and liberalization of financial markets, the deregulation of the financial system and the emergence of financial innovations. Our literature review aims to identify the main findings of rigorous studies on the link between the stock market and monetary policy. In this article, we extend this intuition by trying to understand the mechanisms through which monetary policy influences stock market prices.

China’s elderly mutual aid model: an active ageing perspective

Purpose China’s rural elderly care system faces significant challenges in addressing the needs of an ageing population, particularly in resource-limited areas. This study aims to critically examine the rural mutual aid elderly care model in China through the lens of active ageing principles. It explores how this model tackles elder care challenges in rural areas by emphasising health, participation and security, aiming to assess its effectiveness in reducing care costs while fostering self-reliance and mutual assistance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was used, focusing on document analysis to explore the rural mutual aid elderly care model within an active ageing framework. The study reviewed policy documents, academic literature and organisational records, using thematic analysis to understand the historical context, policy evolution and institutional support for this model. Findings The research identifies a significant shift from traditional passive care models to those grounded in active ageing principles. The rural mutual aid model, centring on health, participation and security, enables elderly individuals to engage in self-help and mutual assistance, thereby enhancing autonomy and reducing dependency. Key success factors include strong community networks and culturally resonant support systems. However, challenges such as resource limitations and regional disparities suggest areas for further improvement. Research limitations/implications The reliance on document analysis may not fully capture the experiences of elderly participants or account for regional variations in the model’s implementation. Future research could incorporate mixed methods, including interviews or case studies, for a more nuanced understanding of elderly care in rural China. The findings emphasise the need for scalable and adaptable policies to enhance the model’s effectiveness and support culturally appropriate care strategies. Practical implications The research presents significant implications for policymakers and practitioners regarding the rural mutual aid elderly care model. It emphasises the need for scalable policies that address resource limitations and enhance community engagement to improve care effectiveness. Key implications include promoting financial and social sustainability by fostering self-reliance among older adults, prioritising active ageing initiatives to enhance quality of life and community cohesion and adopting localised strategies that consider regional disparities. Moreover, these findings offer a blueprint for other countries facing similar ageing challenges, advocating for a culturally sensitive and community-driven approach to elderly care across East Asia. Social implications The study’s findings significantly impact how ageing is perceived and managed in rural Chinese communities. The shift from traditional, passive elderly care models to those grounded in active ageing principles reflects a societal transformation in valuing and supporting older adults. By promoting health, participation and security, the rural mutual aid elderly care model creates inclusive environments where the elderly actively contribute to their well-being and that of others. This approach challenges perceptions of ageing as a decline, fostering autonomy and meaningful engagement, ultimately reducing social isolation and enhancing cohesion through strengthened intergenerational relationships and shared responsibilities. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by focusing on the rural mutual aid elderly care model in China through active ageing principles, addressing a notable gap in the non-Western application of these concepts. The findings offer valuable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, emphasising community-driven approaches to ageing challenges in rural areas.

From Old Labour to the Third Way: The UK Labour Party’s Social and Welfare Policy Evolution between 1975 and 1997

In parallel to the emergence and subsequent dominance of Thatcherite ideology across the realm of British politics from the mid-1970s, the UK Labour Party’s social and welfare policy agenda reacted and evolved for over two decades, a simultaneous and often futile process that occurred largely during a sustained and frustrating spell in political opposition. This convoluted policy journey therefore correlated with the party’s struggling electoral fortunes in the context of four successive general election defeats, before eventual convincing victory in 1997. This article seeks to illustrate that even before losing office in 1979, the Labour Party struggled to adapt to the advent of the New Right, facing hard structural policy-making constraints, with subsequent electoral defeats occurring amidst a more volatile public mood, changing demographics and social values, and a shifting social and economic model. In explaining how and why this happened, the article suggests that this was a critical evolutionary process for Labour, with flexible pragmatism and political necessity often eclipsing fading ideological imperatives, as the party sought electoral credibility and a route back to government. Consequently, by 1997, due to various factors, Labour’s social and welfare policies had been transformed beyond all previous recognition.