Alliance Formation Research Articles

Public, Private and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to Implement a One Health Approach to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Colombia

Abstract The establishment of public-private partnerships (PPPs) within Colombia, Latin America, is a recent, innovative effort within the nation’s agricultural industry to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) under a One Health approach. PPPs are a formal alliance between representatives from the public and private sectors that aim to promote cross-sectoral collaboration, stewardship and accountability. Members agree on shared objectives and responsibilities, resources and risks to establish monitoring, prevention and mitigation activities against AMR within the farming industry. Key learnings of this initiative within the context of Colombia include: maximisation of results when monitoring is assigned to the private sector, and this may apply to other lower-middle-income countries (LMICs); objectives are better achieved when they are pre-defined according to time, budget and human resource constraints of member institutions; and confidentiality agreements must be consistent with the sensitive nature of surveillance information. Barriers to implementation were also identified, such as frequent changes of government personnel at decision making levels that make governance planning and adaptation challenging, while legal formalities and bureaucracy hinder formalisation of agreements. The success of this PPP is a useful example for other LMICs to aid in the control and prevention of animal diseases, promotion of food safety and reduction in poor animal health which limit commerce, while at the same time, minimising production loss and ensuring the provision of a fair income for producers. Information © The Authors 2024

Trading Crossroads: The Historical Journey of Vijayanagara, Portuguese and Nayakdoms

The Portuguese arrival led to the formation of alliances with the Vijayanagara Empire, initially characterised by cooperation but later marred by conflicts. The trade dynamics experienced a notable transformation following the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fall of the Vijayanagara Empire paved the way for the rise of the Nayaks of Madurai, Thanjavur, Gingee and the ruler of Ikkeri, who emerged as successor states, ushering in a new era in the history of trade. After 1565, there evolved a shift from Hampi-oriented trade of the Portuguese to a polycentric commerce, whereby Thanjavur with the seaport of Nagapattinam, Madurai, with the port of Tuticorin in Pearl Fishery Coast, Ikkeri, with the ports of Mangalore, Basrur and Honavar on the South Canara /Kanara coast became the hubs of Portuguese commercial activities in the new turn of events in the Nayakdoms. This article aims to delve into the interconnected and multifaceted historical journey of the Vijayanagara Empire, Portuguese and the Nayaks, which contributed to the enduring continuity in South India. It will examine how trade played a pivotal role in unifying the fragmented economy and fostering economic vibrancy in the region, while also exploring the evolving significance of trade over time.

Minilateralism and pathways to institutional progression: alliance formation or cooperative security governance?

ABSTRACT Even as essential definitional and conceptual issues related to ‘minilateralism’ remain unresolved, conjecture has arisen as to the future trajectories of established institutions, such as the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD), AUKUS, and the Quad. – Could they evolve into formal military alliances over time, or serve as the foundation of a new organisation aimed at providing regional security governance? To systematically evaluate such contingencies this article traverses a set of interrelated conceptual issues relating to minilateral institutionalisation. It seeks to differentiate minilaterals in terms of their ‘hybridity’ both in structural composition and functionality, and ascertain what this implies for their institutional progression. This process assists us in identifying on what grounds minilaterals might potentially evolve into a more formalised institutional paradigm – either (i) a military alliance or (ii) a cooperative security governance organisation. This foregoing conceptual apparatus is then brought to bear of on the case studies above to draw out clues as to their prospective institutional development pathways. The article concludes that, while such putative institutional transformations remain conceivable, in none of the cases is a particular pathway preordained. Instead, minilaterals may simply continue to adapt within the parameters of their present institutional boundaries.

Therapeutic alliance and suicidal ideation in brief cognitive behavioral therapy for outpatients

ObjectiveThe therapeutic alliance is central to psychotherapy. However, research on the relationship between alliance and suicidality is scarce. We examined whether pretreatment suicidality is associated with an impaired alliance formation in brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and whether the therapeutic alliance is associated with change in suicidal ideation (difference between pretreatment and posttreatment assessment).MethodsN = 643 outpatients (64% female; age: M[SD] = 37.09[13.15], range: 18–73 years), received 12 sessions of manual-based short-term CBT for primary diagnosis treatment. Using self-report questionnaires, suicidal ideation and behavior were assessed before and after therapy, patient-rated therapeutic alliance was assessed after the fourth session and posttreatment. We performed correlation analyses and two hierarchical linear regressions, unadjusted and adjusted for possible confounding variables (age, gender, lifetime suicide attempts and depression).ResultsPretreatment suicidal ideation was not predictive of the quality of the early alliance. In addition, the therapeutic alliance was not predictive of change in suicidal ideation.ConclusionsIn the outpatient setting, no association was found between therapeutic alliance and suicidality. Future studies should investigate therapeutic alliance as a predictor of prospective suicidal behavior in different clinical settings.

It's Time to Break Up: Dynamics Surrounding Young-Established Firm Alliance Duration

While young firms often benefit from their relationships with established firms, these relationships can be risky. Hence, during their relationship with established firms, young firms must constantly monitor signs of a failing partnership and terminate it before being in a disadvantageous position. However, discontinuing the alliance with an established firm can also be risky, especially if the young firm has limited alternative collaborative opportunities. Our study adopts the young firm's perspective and dynamically weighs the tradeoffs between the risks of continuing and discontinuing its relationship with established firms, thereby deciding on its termination. We first develop an analytical model to understand how the alliance duration (time from alliance formation to termination) between young and established firms is affected by alliance, firm, and industry characteristics. We then test the resulting hypotheses on a sample of 1,111 alliances with licensing deals formed between 159 established pharmaceutical firms and 448 young biotechnology firms during the 1986 to 2000 period, which straddles the technological discontinuity of combinatorial chemistry. Our empirical results provide partial support for the hypotheses derived from the analytical model, informing us of firms’ rational alliance duration decisions as well as their deviations from rationality. In presenting both optimal alliance duration decisions and suboptimal alliance duration practices, our mixed-method approach offers important implications for theory and practice.

NGOisation and food sovereignty: unearthing the intricacies of NGO-driven food sovereignty efforts. Insights from Uganda

AbstractIn many places, social movements and organised networks are the primary drivers of mobilisation for food sovereignty. Elsewhere, the concept has been institutionalized and incorporated into national food policy frameworks. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding places where food sovereignty efforts are spearheaded by NGOised civil society. This study addresses this gap by examining five Civil Society Organisations promoting food sovereignty in Uganda through qualitative research. Through in-depth interviews, the study explores the implementation, activism, and mobilisation strategies employed by these organisations. The findings reveal that civil society organisations play a significant role in advancing food sovereignty in Uganda. They do so through practical initiatives such as disseminating knowledge, building capacity among smallholder farmers, promoting agroecological practices, and politicizing agricultural development through farmer mobilisation, policy advocacy, and formation of strategic alliances. Nonetheless, the study highlights critical areas for improvement. First, the need for better coordination among CSOs to create synergies that can enhance the impact and sustainability of their efforts. Second, the need to complement non-contentious strategies with more politically assertive actions to address systemic barriers. Finally, the need to forge alliances for FS among rural producers, urban consumers, and other non-farming populations. The main takeaway from these findings is that Food Sovereignty is a dynamic and context-dependent concept, requiring equally flexible strategies to promote it. Therefore, the choice of mobilisation strategies should be carefully adapted to the unique political, cultural, and economic context, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Building solidarities and alliances between degrowth and food sovereignty movements

Degrowth and food sovereignty movements share commitments to social-ecological transformation, democracy and the flourishing of human and non-human life. Encounters between the two movements have been relatively limited, however. This contribution is based on a literature review and a workshop held at the 9th International Degrowth Conference in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2023, where activists, academics, and practitioners collectively explored alliance formation between degrowth and food sovereignty movements. It explores the barriers, gaps, and differences in their political and organizing traditions that may block opportunities for collaboration in different contexts. It also investigates cases of mutual support and collective organizing for transformation already in existence.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Implications on the Global Power Dynamics

This work explores the multifaceted impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China on global power dynamics, economic landscapes, and diplomatic alliances. Beginning with an overview of the BRI's historical context and objectives, the essay delves into its theoretical framework, employing Organski's power transition theory to analyze economic, geopolitical, strategic, and cultural dimensions. The literature review integrates insights from scholars such as Layne, Modelski, Thompson, Huntington, and Nye, providing a nuanced understanding of the BRI's placement within broader historical patterns. The essay then examines the economic impact of the BRI on participating countries, emphasizing infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and technology transfer. A shift in the global economic center of gravity towards Asia is explored, challenging traditional economic power structures. Geopolitical implications and evolving power dynamics are analyzed, highlighting the strategic positioning of China and the formation of new alliances. Global responses to the BRI, particularly from major powers like the United States, Russia, and the European Union, are discussed, reflecting varying perspectives on China's growing influence. The work also addresses challenges and criticisms related to debt sustainability, environmental concerns, transparency, and governance. In conclusion, the paper reflects on the transformative effects of the BRI, emphasizing its role in shaping a multipolar world and challenging existing norms of hegemony.

Dharma and Modern diplomacy: Lessons on peace-building from Buddhist philosophy

Peace is the most sought after asset in today’s world. Everyone wants to be in a Harmonious relationship and environment But we are losing it to treachery, power conflicts and ego issues. In Today‘s age international conflicts and geopolitical tensions are very prevalent in the world, Buddha’s teachings can offer a profound and timeless wisdom for modern diplomacy and peace-building efforts that can provide sustainable insights and solutions to the problems. His Teachings primarily focused on individual peace and enlightenment that has now been interpreted and adapted to address the broader context of peace-building among nations and to seek valuable insights for modern diplomacy and peace-building efforts.He stated that Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule . This research paper will explores the convergence of ancient wisdom of Buddha and present day cutting-edge international relations. This paper explores the principles of Dharma, particularly from Buddhist teachings, and their applicability to modern diplomatic practices. It will analyse how compassion, non-violence, and interconnectedness present in Buddhist philosophy can provide valuable insights for developing peace and resolving conflicts in today’s complex scenarios.In the linked world of today, these harmonious ties will be beneficial. It lowers the probability of war by facilitating amicable dispute settlement through discussion and negotiation. Additionally, it facilitates the formation and upkeep of multinational alliances, which promotes collaboration on world problems including trade, security, and climate change. Furthermore, modern diplomacy is more inclusive and efficient in tackling both established and new global concerns because of its flexibility in utilizing new platforms and technology to improve communication.. By analyzing the core principles of Dharma and applying as approaches by countries or organizations to manage international relations and achieve foreign policy goals. The purpose of this study is to offer a novel viewpoint on fostering peace and understanding in international relations.

Requester mobility for mobile crowdsensing system: A dynamic alliance-based incentive mechanism

In the Mobile Crowdsensing (MCS) system, due to the heterogeneity of requesters, they are in mobile which means requesters will join or leave the MCS system at different times and their data demands are time-varying. The uncertainty of requesters caused by requester mobility will generate the instability of the match between requesters and participants which means the established matching algorithm cannot be completed due to the dissatisfaction of requesters and participants caused by the changes in the intensity of competition. For requester mobility, we design a dynamic alliance-based incentive mechanism where requesters can leave, join the MCS system separately, and change their data needs. To the instability, we divide the dynamic mechanism into different stages and will update the matching rules in each stage. A unique algorithm based on the dynamic Stackelberg game and the corresponding updated algorithm is proposed to analyze the matching strategies of requesters and participants to make an optimal match. By proving the stability of the updated rules, we guarantee the stability of the match with requester mobility. Through numerical analysis, alliance formation can significantly reduce weak requesters’ costs by at most 90%. Besides, in our mechanism any requester participates in the game at most twice, the chosen rate can be up to 100%.

The Resurgence of New Malay Nationalism on social media post-GE14

The 14th General Election has significantly changed Malaysia when Barisan Nasional suffered its first ever defeat since Independence. However, among the Malay majority, there was a growing sense of political anxiety and uneasiness as a result of the perceived loss of power, and to some extent, the erosion of national identity. In response, the nationalists and the Islamists have regrouped and reunited. This is manifested with the formal alliance of the two largest Malay-based parties, UMNO and PAS. Amidst the backdrop of this new political realignment, social media played an important role in setting the narrative, and mobilising the masses. Therefore, working from within this background, this paper analysed the discourse of the new Malay nationalism on social media by employing a social media tool, SeoTools, to analyse the Twitter data. The findings revealed a new insight into the dynamics of the Malay mind and motivation from the context of politics, religion, and economy. There was a significant correlation between popular sentiment and social media discourse, in that there was a renewed resurgence to reassert traditional values and identity. The failure to rein in the emotion, and the expectation, eventually cause the fall of Pakatan Harapan in 2020.

Transnational maritime environmental crime and the BBNJ Agreement

Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction are a prime target for transnational maritime environmental crime due to a fragmented international legal framework and a lack of coordination and cooperation between governance and institutional structures. On 19 June 2023, member States of the United Nations adopted the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). As the third Implementing Agreement to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC), the BBNJ Agreement seeks to secure the long term protection and integrated management of marine biodiversity through the effective implementation of relevant provisions of the LOSC and by strengthening and promoting cooperation and coordination between and among relevant legal instruments, frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies. This article examines the relationship between the BBNJ Agreement and transnational maritime environmental crime and considers ways the instrument could assist in efforts to combat such crime. As part of this analysis, this article explores how the BBNJ Agreement could provide an important platform for the formation of key partnerships and alliances by means of regional and bilateral dialogues, outreach and coalition-building to address transnational maritime environmental crime and mobilize and sustain the momentum for global action on this issue.

The alliance–outcome relationship in individual psychotherapy for early psychosis: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background Studies of the alliance–outcome relationship in psychosocial treatments for early psychosis are limited both in number and design, with few utilizing subjective measures as outcomes, multiple alliance timepoints or existing benchmarks to distinguish high or low levels of the alliance. We addressed these gaps in the context of a pilot randomized controlled psychotherapy trial for early psychosis. Methods Twenty-eight clients with early psychosis completed alliance ratings at mid-treatment (4.5 months) and post-treatment (9 months). We tested the alliance–outcome relationship through change scores between mid- and post-treatment and the use of a pre-defined benchmark to distinguish high versus low mid-treatment alliance. We also examined baseline differences between levels of the alliance. Outcomes included objective and subjective targets. Results Change in the alliance did not predict any outcomes at post-treatment. Clients with high mid-treatment alliance had lower perceived stress and higher psychological well-being at post-treatment. At baseline, clients with high alliance had lower negative symptoms and loneliness as well as higher community functioning and well-being. Discussion Use of an empirical alliance benchmark may help identify early psychosis clients who need additional support in alliance formation as well as facilitate positive psychotherapy outcomes

Consensus on the Components of Therapeutic Alliance in Stuttering Intervention: An e-Delphi study with Speech and Language Therapists

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic alliance is the term used to describe the interactional and relational processes that occur during therapy. The strength of a therapeutic alliance is associated with treatment adherence, treatment outcomes and clients’ satisfaction with treatment. Therapeutic alliance has been identified by key stakeholders as an essential component of stuttering intervention, however, this construct and its components remain relatively underexplored in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to build consensus amongst speech and language therapists working with adults who stutter on the core components of therapeutic alliance, and the factors that influence its development. It also aims to develop a guiding framework for the establishment and maintenance of therapeutic alliance with this client group. METHODS: Speech and language therapists participated in a three-rounded e-Delphi survey focused on: (1) identifying the core components of the therapeutic alliance; and (2) gaining group consensus on the core components of therapeutic alliance. Statements representing the core components that obtained consensus were categorised using a framework of therapeutic alliance. RESULTS: A total of 24 speech and language therapists agreed to participate. 24/24 (100%) completed Round 1, 24/24 (100%) completed Round 2, and 23/24 (95.83%) participated in Round 3. Following inductive content analysis of Round 1, 62 statements were generated, and consensus was achieved on 60 statements which were agreed by participants to represent the core components of therapeutic alliance. These statements were then categorised, resulting in a guiding framework of therapeutic alliance to support speech and language therapists working with clients who stutter. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus on the core components of the therapeutic alliance for stuttering intervention was reached through engagement with speech and language therapists. The framework presented demonstrates the vital role speech and language therapists play in the formation and maintenance of therapeutic alliance during the delivery of stuttering interventions with adults.

Contract, network or hierarchy? Selecting governance mechanisms in megaprojects from the perspective of contractor alliances

Understanding the evolving governance mechanisms in megaprojects is crucial for reducing transaction costs and ensuring project success. However, previous literature primarily discusses the results of selecting governance mechanisms at different phases, with little research exploring the reasons behind these choices. To fill this gap, this article addresses the question of how to select effective governance mechanisms at different phases from the perspective of contractor alliances, based on transaction cost economics (TCE). We employ a longitudinal exploratory case study method to analyse the governance mechanism selection process across three phases (i.e. contractor alliance formation phase, shield construction phase and crisis response phase) of a large infrastructure project in China. The results indicate that the likelihood of opportunistic behaviour, uncertainty and the duration of the phase jointly explain the reasons for selecting specific governance mechanisms. Additionally, we also find that contractual governance, network governance and hierarchical governance are typically complementary in multiple phases of megaprojects. This article provides valuable managerial insights for future governance practices in megaprojects.

Oral Traditions and Local Authority: Viewing the Indonesian Revolution through a Cultural Lens

ABSTRACT Most accounts of the Indonesian revolution in South Sulawesi have focused on the two groups fighting for power: the Republic of Indonesia as a new nation-state and the Dutch, who wanted to regain control. What is absent from this way of viewing history are the views of local elites, who wanted to retain their traditional authority and whose ideas about the nation-state were based on their oral traditions, which have the potential to affect the reconstruction and politicisation of collective memory in the struggle for cultural rights and political authority. This article examines how the Polombangkeng community used oral traditions to justify local input into the cause of the revolution in South Sulawesi. During the Indonesian revolution, the Polombangkeng people drew on their oral tradition to define leadership positions, claims of political authority, and alliance formation. Their narratives about their identity were supported by ritual ceremonies. The article argues that the Indonesian revolution in Polombangkeng was more than just a power struggle between ‘Indonesian’ and ‘Dutch’ groups: it was also a process of negotiating and/or renegotiating identities, driven by the desire to stake traditional authority claims through the justification of oral traditions.

Analysis of the Security Impact of AUKUS on the South China Sea: Based on Defensive Realism Analysis

The formation of the AUKUS alliance (comprising Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States) represents a pivotal development in the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. Formed with the objective of countering Chinas growing influence through the sharing of advanced technology, including nuclear-powered submarines, the alliance signals a significant shift in the regional geopolitical landscape. This paper employs a defensive realist lens to analyse AUKUS, examining its strategic motivations and regional security implications, particularly in the South China Sea. The research investigates how, despite its ostensible defensive intent, AUKUS is perceived by China as a provocation, thereby intensifying the security dilemma. Furthermore, the study assesses the United Kingdoms perspective on AUKUS as a vital instrument for sustaining its global influence in the post-Brexit era. This paper identifies a plethora of technical, logistical, financial, and diplomatic challenges confronting the alliance.

Partnering with green start-ups: a vehicle for eco-innovation?

ABSTRACT Established firms are increasingly forming alliances with green start-ups, i.e. newly-started ventures dedicated to eco-innovation. This study explores the rationales for the initiation and continuation of such alliances. We investigate how established firms leverage these alliances to facilitate eco-innovation adoption alongside their pursuit of legitimacy. Findings from a case study on seven alliances focused on food waste reduction initiatives in Italy and Sweden indicate that legitimacy-seeking rationales are predominant during alliance formation. As alliances evolve, they transition into a phase where firms identify opportunities for eco-innovation, while ambitions of capability-building and new revenue creation shape the development of the alliances. This study contributes to eco-innovation and environmental alliance literature by showcasing how the pursuit of legitimacy facilitates established firms’ adoption and implementation of eco-innovation through alliances with green start-ups.

The Role of the United States in the Formation of BRICS

This article critically examines the formation of the BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with a specific focus on the pivotal role played by the United States in shaping this strategic partnership. It explores the extent of US influence and the accompanying responsibilities it assumes within the alliance. The article highlights the proactive efforts of Brazil, Russia, and China to expand their global influence while concurrently aiming to reduce US interference. Brazil, in particular, seeks partnerships with Russia and China as a means to attain autonomy and foster development. Simultaneously, Russia and China strive to challenge US global dominance and solidify their own spheres of influence. The article concludes by emphasising the importance of critically evaluating Europe's military support to Ukraine, suggesting that such support may primarily serve US interests. Additionally, it underscores Europe's potential to promote peace and stability by pursuing independent and principled foreign policies.

Navigating the city: Role of property-market intelligence channels in urban governance networks

This study presents a novel perspective on the impact of market-intelligence channels on property markets and the subsequent effects on the formation of alliances among public- and private-sector actors in urban governance. I argue and demonstrate that property actors, especially investors, collaborate through knowledge coalitions by utilizing the market-intelligence channels they created, not only to navigate property markets but also to establish the mode of regulation in urban development. By using a strategic-relational perspective, it is possible to analyze the underlying institutional infrastructure of the property market as a dynamic system shaped by the relationships and interactions among various social and economic actors. In addition to forming various marketing or lobbying coalitions, property actors forge alliances by converting pertinent information—such as locational analysis, socioeconomic data, policy and land-use forecasts, permit conditions, and planning strategies—into advanced market intelligence. This process allows them to define the norms, rules, and principles to be negotiated with public policymakers and enhance their positions in knowledge-based governance networks. To obtain empirical evidence about Amsterdam’s property market, a comprehensive data set was created to identify the influential actors. Extensive deskwork was conducted to map the diverse channels and connections of market intelligence. Key players in the property market were also interviewed to provide a comprehensive view of the active market-intelligence channels in governance networks.