Global Governance Framework Research Articles

Ecological Turn of Humanities, Science, and Technology with examples from Mexico's Conahcyt and China's Global Influence

This article emphasizes the importance of integrating humanistic knowledge into the ecological transformation within the fields of humanities, science, and technology, with a particular focus on how these ideas align with China's green development initiatives. The article critically explores the role of humanistic knowledge in fostering a sustainable relationship between humanity and nature, challenging the capitalist economic model that has historically alienated nature through the relentless exploitation of natural resources. This exploitation has prompted the development of new paradigms centered on sustainable growth, which prioritize environmental protection, the development of ecological industries, and the preservation of biodiversity. By using a comparative case study approach, the article analyzes the practices of Mexico's Conahcyt and China in global ecological governance, demonstrating how the adoption of these sustainable paradigms promotes a more inclusive approach to development. The ecological Marxism movement finds particular resonance in China's concept of Ecological Civilization, i.e., Eco-Marxism being Chinese in orientation. Additionally, the article examines how Mexico has integrated the humanities with science and technology through its Research and Development (R&D) initiatives, led by Conahcyt, to restore the balance between nature and society. The article further reviews the implications of these paradigms for global cooperation, highlighting China's Ecological Civilization Thinking as a guiding framework for global environmental governance, particularly during the 2021 Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). This work underscores the need for innovative strategies that combine human knowledge with scientific and technological advancements to achieve sustainable development goals.

One health governance of antimicrobial resistance seen through an Urban Political Ecology lens: a critical interpretive synthesis

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to animal and ecosystem health, agriculture, water, and sanitation systems, posing risks not only to human health, but also to society and the systems upon which it depends. Global health governance draws on the One Health (OH) approach to combat AMR. However, the effective implementation of these approaches faces several constraints, including governance and implementation challenges arising from the interconnected nature of AMR with other global health threats, as well as local and structural socioecological factors that affect policy outcomes, that are often overlooked in governance approaches. This article aims to clarify how scientific literature has situated OH-AMR governance responses in relation to six socioecological dimensions: global health threats, broader concerns, governance frameworks, socioeconomic factors, health equity, and environmental justice. Informed by an Urban Political Ecology (UPE) lens and guided by the Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS) methodology of Dixon-Woods et al., our critical interpretive synthesis identified 18 articles situating OH-AMR arrangements within these socioecological dimensions. The role of global governance frameworks in shaping state governance arrangements has rarely been the object of analysis in the selected studies. The synthesis highlights the connections between urbanization, AMR risks, global health threats, and broader ecological challenges, calling for a reassessment of current global and state governance approaches. The study also offers a case for the adoption of a UPE lens to address AMR and related global health challenges.

Contextualising Australia’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1947 to Present

Purpose: This scholarly article rigorously analyses Australia’s engagement in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations from 1947 to the present, focusing on the nation's substantial contributions, significant policy transitions, and the broader implications for international relations and global governance frameworks. Materials and Methods: Utilizing a qualitative methodological approach, this study systematically reviews over sixty peacekeeping missions involving Australia, drawing upon a diverse array of primary and secondary sources, including governmental reports, academic journals, and UN documentation. The timeframe spans critical historical moments, beginning with Australia’s initial involvement in international peacekeeping initiatives in the late 1940s and evolving through distinct geopolitical eras, including the Cold War, post-Cold War period, and contemporary conflicts (Baldwin et al., 2022; McDonald, 2023). The analysis is grounded in a constructivist framework intertwined with realism, allowing for a nuanced understanding of how Australia’s peacekeeping roles reflect and reinforce the interplay of national interests and international obligations. This theoretical lens facilitates an exploration of the changing nature of global conflicts, operational mandates, and evolving international norms (Kirton, 2023). Findings: The research reveals that Australia’s peacekeeping contributions have evolved significantly, marked by key policy shifts from unilateralism to multilateralism within the UN paradigm. The country’s notable involvements in critical missions, such as those in East Timor and the Solomon Islands, exemplify its commitment to regional stability while also reflecting strategic partnerships with key allies (Cousens & Kumar, 2022). Furthermore, these contributions highlight Australia’s capacity to respond to complex emergencies and humanitarian crises effectively, reinforcing its role as a key player in regional peace and security. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This examination elucidates the implications of Australia’s peacekeeping operations for its foreign policy trajectory and international standing. As the nation grapples with contemporary security challenges - including humanitarian crises, intrastate conflict, and post-colonial nation-building - the analysis reveals that Australia’s peacekeeping engagements align with broader international relations trends. Notably, there is an increasing emphasis on multilateralism, the principle of state sovereignty, and collaborative security efforts among nations (Hawkins, 2023).

Can institutional opening-up promote green development in cities? Evidence from China's Pilot Free Trade Zones

As a testing ground for China's institutional opening-up, Pilot Free Trade Zones (PFTZs) are of great significance in shaping a new global economic governance framework, addressing pollution and carbon reduction challenges, and fostering green economic development and transition. This study empirically assesses the influence of PFTZs establishment on urban green development (GD) using panel data from 284 Chinese cities between 2007 and 2020, using the asymptotic Difference in Differences (DID) method. The results indicate that the creation of PFTZs greatly encourages cities to develop green sustainably. In comparison to cities without PFTZs, the presence of PFTZs results in a notable average increase of 9.5% in urban green total factor productivity (GTFP). The impact of PFTZs on urban GD varies significantly across different geographical areas and city resource endowment conditions. Institutional innovation has a positive moderating effect on the PFTZs' promotion of urban GD. The influence mechanisms that PFTZs support urban GD mainly include the effects of green innovation, economic agglomeration, and environmental regulation. This paper provides crucial policy insights for advancing PFTZ construction, promoting urban green growth, and ultimately achieving the coexistence of human beings and nature in harmony.

Challenges and Controversies to the European CBAM from a Legal Perspective

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), proposed by the European Union to combat carbon leakage, presents a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges in the realm of global climate governance. This paper explores the problems and controversies surrounding CBAM, including potential WTO incompatibility, violations of UNFCCC principles, and complexities in carbon accounting. It also examines the potential impact of CBAM on developing countries and offers a range of suggested solutions. These solutions encompass designing domestic carbon markets in alignment with the European model, implementing policy and regulatory reforms, fostering China-European bilateral relations, and emphasizing international cooperation and adherence to established legal frameworks. Additionally, at the enterprise level, strategies to invest in green technologies, establish comprehensive carbon accounting systems, and adapt to the evolving low-carbon economy are proposed. By addressing these challenges and embracing these strategies, nations and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global climate governance framework.

The Effects of Ocean Governance on Marine Economic Development from an Environmental Optimization Perspective

The oceans and seas are vital resources for human life and fundamental to global economic growth. With the expansion of globalization and increasing demand for resource exploitation, the ocean economy has emerged as a critical support for economic growth and a significant concern for many. However, the exploitation of marine resources often leads to ecological damage and environmental pollution, seriously threatening the long-term viability of the marine economy. Measures must be implemented to balance ecological protection and economic development for sustainable growth in the marine sector. This investigation synthesizes over a decade’s worth of data from various coastal cities, incorporating insights from national databases, international reports, and scholarly articles, resulting in an analysis of more than 500 data points. Through the application of a rigorous quantitative approach and a dual fixed-effect model, the study delves into the dynamics between ocean governance and economic development. By analyzing a broad and representative dataset, the research provides an exhaustive overview of global ocean governance frameworks and the current state of the marine economy. The statistical analyses unveil the complexity and diversity of factors influencing the development and governance of marine economies. This paper explores the interplay between marine economic development and ocean governance, evaluating the impact of governance on marine economic progression within the context of environmental optimization. Furthermore, it proposes policy interventions aimed at fostering the sustainable growth of marine economies, ensuring the conservation of marine ecosystems, and pursuing overarching long-term global growth ambitions.

The interaction and mutual development of “a maritime community with a shared future” and global ocean governance

As multilateralism evolves and China’s ocean awareness grows, China remains actively engaged in global ocean governance. The country has introduced the initiative of Building a Maritime Community with a Shared Future (MCSF), offering fresh perspectives for global ocean governance. The MCSF demonstrates both compatibility and adaptability with the evolving landscape of global ocean governance. This study is grounded in the historical context of the formation and evolution of China’s ocean consciousness within the broader framework of global ocean governance. Taking China’s contemporary ocean consciousness, the MCSF as the focal point, it analyzes the practical feasibility of integrating the MCSF with the evolving frameworks of global ocean governance. It is concluded that this integration process should involve ongoing review and refinement as the MCSF continues to develop.

Perceptions on the Ethical and Legal Principles that Influence Global Brain Data Governance

Advances in neuroscience and other disciplines are producing large-scale brain data consisting of datasets from multiple organisms, disciplines, and jurisdictions in different formats. However, due to the lack of an international data governance framework brain data is currently being produced under various contextual ethical and legal principles which may influence key stakeholders involved in the generation, collection, processing and sharing of brain data thereby raising ethical and legal challenges. In addition, despite the demand for a brain data governance framework that accounts for culture, there is a gap in empirical research and actions to understand how key stakeholders around the world view these issues using neuroscientists who are affected by these ethical and legal principles. Therefore, using the research question how do ethical and legal principles influence data governance in neuroscience? we attempt to understand the perceptions of key actors on the principles, issues and concerns that can arise from brain data research. We carried out interviews with 21 leading international neuroscientists. The analytical insights revealed key ethical and legal principles, areas of convergence, visibility, and the contextual issues and concerns that arise in brain data research around these principles. These issues and concerns circulate around intimately connected areas which include ethics, human rights, regulations, policies and guidelines, and participatory governance. Also, key contextual insights around animal research and ethics were identified. The research identifies key principles, issues, and concerns that need to be addressed in advancing the development of a framework for global brain data governance. By presenting contextual insights from neuroscientists across regions, the study contributes to informing discussions and shaping policies aimed at promoting responsible and ethical practices in brain data research. The research answers the call for a cross cultural study of global brain data governance and the results of the study will assist in understanding the issues and concerns that arise in brain data governance.

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"The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant threat to the cybersecurity of our increasingly digitized world. As quantum computers become more powerful and accessible, they have the potential to break many of the cryptographic algorithms that currently secure our sensitive data, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure. This looming “quantum threat” has far-reaching implications for individuals, organizations, and nation-states, as it could lead to widespread data breaches, economic disruption, and compromised national security. Despite the growing recognition of this risk, existing legal and regulatory frameworks are largely unprepared to address the unique challenges of quantum-enabled cyber threats. Moreover, the geopolitical implications of the quantum revolution are complex and multifaceted, with the potential to reshape the global balance of power and exacerbate technological inequalities. To mitigate these risks and promote quantum readiness, there is an urgent need for the international community to develop new legal frameworks and cooperative mechanisms that span technical, economic, legal, and political domains. This article provides an interdisciplinary analysis of the quantum threat to cybersecurity, examines its potential impacts across various sectors and international relations, and offers policy recommendations for developing a comprehensive global governance framework. By proactively addressing this challenge through multi-stakeholder collaboration and quantum-resistant solutions, we can work towards a more secure and resilient digital future in the face of this transformative technology. "

Challenges and Suggestions of Ethical Review on Clinical Research Involving Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is rapidly advancing in medical research and application. As an emerging biomedical engineering technology, it has garnered significant attention in the clinical research of brain disease diagnosis and treatment, neurological rehabilitation, and mental health. However, BCI also raises several challenges and ethical concerns in clinical research. In this article, the authors investigate and discuss three aspects of BCI in medicine and healthcare: the state of international ethical governance, multidimensional ethical challenges pertaining to BCI in clinical research, and suggestive concerns for ethical review. Despite the great potential of frontier BCI research and development in the field of medical care, the ethical challenges induced by itself and the complexities of clinical research and brain function have put forward new special fields for ethics in BCI. To ensure “responsible innovation” in BCI research in healthcare and medicine, the creation of an ethical global governance framework and system, along with special guidelines for cutting-edge BCI research in medicine, is suggested.

The Coupling and Coordination Degree of Digital Business and Digital Governance in the Context of Sustainable Development

The inexorable march of technological advancement, particularly within the digital domain, continues to exert a profound influence on global economies, societies, and governance frameworks. This paper delves into the intricate coordination between digital business and digital governance against the backdrop of sustainable development. By introducing an index system to gauge the levels of digital business and governance, this study assesses their coupling coordination using a coupling coordination model. Through this level of coordination, this paper assesses their respective contributions to the sustainable development objectives of EU countries through panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) estimates. The paper’s findings underscore several key conclusions: (1) Notable upswings are evident in the composite indices for digital business and digital governance growth. Among these, the index of digital business has demonstrated the most pronounced surge. Furthermore, digital business has experienced a distinct upward trajectory in recent years. (2) Although observable, the rise of the coupling degree is restrained, with an overall coupling degree that remains relatively low. The coupling progression has transitioned from a stage of low-degree coupling to that of primary coupling, with EU countries demonstrating fluctuating rising trends in their coupling degrees, marked by conspicuous regional disparities. (3) Over the examined period, the extent of coordination between digital business and digital governance substantially impacts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) index. Focusing on the interplay and harmonization between digital business and governance offers a novel pathway toward attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Factions and agenda-setting in the G20 (2008-2019): Assessing Pre-Pandemic Dynamics

Based on previous studies that have identified an over-representation of the interests of G7 countries in the functioning of the G20 (Benson & Zürn, 2019; Lei & Rui, 2016; Prodi, 2016), this article aims to identify the factors that contribute to the imbalance of the agendas or proposals that have characterised the forum’s work. Four factors that could influence the phenomenon under study are analysed theoretically: the degree of globalisation of the countries participating in the G20, their political regimes, the stability of their institutional systems, and the levels of development of their respective economies. With the use of a mixed methodology based on a multinomial logistic regression model and in-depth interviews, attention focusses on how the factors identified contribute to the imbalance observed in the forum. The results show that there are factions within the G20 that effectively congregate around the forum's agenda; those states dominating this exercise of political power have similar political regimes and economic development models, as well as internal structures more open to globalisation. This study provides a possible explanation of how imbalance in agenda-setting occurs in an international forum. In turn, it shows how the homogeneity of the members favours their role in establishing the framework for global economic and financial governance.

Keynote Address African Governments Must Shape Global Governance Frameworks

Keynote Address African Governments Must Shape Global Governance Frameworks

Towards an understanding of global brain data governance: ethical positions that underpin global brain data governance discourse.

The study of the brain continues to generate substantial volumes of data, commonly referred to as "big brain data," which serves various purposes such as the treatment of brain-related diseases, the development of neurotechnological devices, and the training of algorithms. This big brain data, generated in different jurisdictions, is subject to distinct ethical and legal principles, giving rise to various ethical and legal concerns during collaborative efforts. Understanding these ethical and legal principles and concerns is crucial, as it catalyzes the development of a global governance framework, currently lacking in this field. While prior research has advocated for a contextual examination of brain data governance, such studies have been limited. Additionally, numerous challenges, issues, and concerns surround the development of a contextually informed brain data governance framework. Therefore, this study aims to bridge these gaps by exploring the ethical foundations that underlie contextual stakeholder discussions on brain data governance. In this study we conducted a secondary analysis of interviews with 21 neuroscientists drafted from the International Brain Initiative (IBI), LATBrain Initiative and the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) who are involved in various brain projects globally and employing ethical theories. Ethical theories provide the philosophical frameworks and principles that inform the development and implementation of data governance policies and practices. The results of the study revealed various contextual ethical positions that underscore the ethical perspectives of neuroscientists engaged in brain data research globally. This research highlights the multitude of challenges and deliberations inherent in the pursuit of a globally informed framework for governing brain data. Furthermore, it sheds light on several critical considerations that require thorough examination in advancing global brain data governance.

Envisioning Global Governance in Chinese Sci-fi Blockbusters: Crazy Alien (2019) and The Wandering Earth (2019)

Abstract This article examines two Chinese sci-fi blockbusters, Crazy Alien and The Wandering Earth, under a theoretical framework of global governance and its variation in Chinese state rhetoric. The article explores how the notion of global governance in China is echoed, reconfigured, and mediated in these two films via their depiction of China’s leadership in solving fictionalized futuristic global challenges. It argues that while Crazy Alien criticizes the present, neoliberal global governance, The Wandering Earth envisages a new global governance system led by China. These two films provide case studies of sci-fi blockbusters produced in a non-Western context and illustrate the convergence of Chinese politics with its sci-fi film production.

Personal Data Protection as a Tool to Fight Cyber Corruption

As digital technologies proliferate, personal data vulnerabilities enable new forms of systemic corruption. Robust data protection frameworks are essential safeguards, yet remain underutilized in anti-corruption efforts. This paper analyzes the complex intersection between privacy, cyber-security and corruption. Rapid technological change has led to exponential growth in personal data generation. However, legal and ethical oversight lags behind. Vast troves of user data are harvested, often without full consent or transparency, creating information asymmetries ripe for abuse. Data may be exploited, manipulated, or weaponized to enable digital authoritarianism, cybercrime, discrimination, elite capture, and other corrupt ends. Users lack control over or visibility into data misuse once obtained. Case examples showcase vulnerabilities across sectors. Tighter constraints on data collection, use and sharing, coupled with oversight and accountability measures, can help rein in these risks. While data protection principles increasingly shape global governance frameworks, considerable implementation and enforcement gaps persist. Integrating privacy into anti-corruption programs as a core pillar, alongside transparency and ethics initiatives, is vital to secure the data flows underpinning digital societies against corrupt interests.

Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors on Carbon Emissions from Land Use in Suzhou, the World’s Largest Industrial City in China

Exploring carbon emissions in Suzhou, a city with a significant heavy industry presence, and understanding the factors that influence these emissions are crucial in achieving China’s dual-carbon goals within the framework of global climate governance. This study utilized land use data and statistical data from 2008 to 2020 in Suzhou. The carbon emission coefficient method was employed to calculate carbon emissions, while GIS technology was used to analyze their temporal and spatial distribution, as well as carbon emission risk. Additionally, the LMDI model was applied to investigate the contribution of influencing factors and TAPIO was used to analyze the decoupling relationship between the main influencing factors and carbon emissions. The study yielded the following findings: (1) From 2008 to 2020, land use changes in all regions of Suzhou are obvious, and there are mutual transformations among different land types. (2) The overall carbon emission in Suzhou showed an upward trend, with a spatial distribution characterized by higher emissions in the northern regions and lower emissions in the southern regions. (3) The risk and pressure index of carbon emission in all regions of Suzhou are too large, and the amount of carbon emission and carbon absorption is seriously out of balance, resulting in an overall carbon imbalance. (4) Among the influencing factors on land use carbon emissions in Suzhou, energy intensity exerted the strongest negative effect, and economic growth showed the strongest positive effect. (5) Decoupling analysis showed that economic growth and carbon emissions are generally shifting towards a strong decoupling and, except for Zhangjiagang, other regions have a good development model. Based on the research findings, this paper proposes specific suggestions for reducing carbon emissions, aiming to provide actionable recommendations for Suzhou and other urban areas in achieving low-carbon and environmentally sustainable cities.

The Political Work of Migration Governance Binaries: Responses to Zimbabwean “Survival Migration” at the Zimbabwe–South Africa Border

Abstract This article’s purpose is to analyse the political work of binaries used in both domestic and global migration governance responses with a particular focus on Zimbabwean “survival migration” at the Zimbabwe–South Africa border. This article finds that there is peculiar complementarity between South Africa’s domestic migration governance framework and global migration governance frameworks aimed at a migration management approach. This article argues that this nice fit normalises the ostensibly clear distinction between migrants and refugees to deny protection to deserving asylum-seekers, which is productive in serving the political interests of the South African government. Without access to the appropriate papers and encountering a border refugee reception office that has developed de facto gatekeeping measures to prevent them from seeking asylum, as well as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees field office that perceives them as economic migrants, many Zimbabweans living in South Africa occupy a liminal area of categorisation and protection. Hence, the possibilities of the global migration governance providing legitimacy to exclusionary practices at the national level in South Africa are immense. This points to the need for serious engagement with “survival migration” as a category of mobility in analysis, policy, law as well as practice.

Gender mainstreaming 2.0: emergent gender equality agendas under Sustainable Development Goals

Global governance frameworks have been largely ineffective at advancing gender equality through development cooperation. Gender mainstreaming, understood as a dual strategy comprising initiatives directly targeting gender equality objectives and integrating gender equality agendas across all other areas of policy and practice, remains limited. Based on insight from over 180 development specialists across the multilateral and national contexts of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, this article situates the unachieved agenda of gender mainstreaming in the broader legitimacy crisis of global development. Traditional gender mainstreaming approaches are critiqued as insufficiently oriented towards the broader paradigm shift of global development that gender equality agendas require. Gender equality advocates are, therefore, increasingly leveraging the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) as a tool for their broader sector contestation. Through new policy arenas for nationally led development planning and coordination, Agenda 2030 enables cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder exchange in which gender equality advocates engage as more legitimised actors navigating and strategically challenging traditional paradigms of global development. Dubbed gender mainstreaming 2.0, this emergent strategy is embedded in and contributes to new paradigms of global cooperation that valorise local gender expertise and national ownership.

Trumpism and the rejection of global climate governance

This paper explains the ideational foundations of Donald Trump’s rejection of global climate cooperation and its implications for the future of global climate governance. We argue that Trumpism’s antipathy is a fundamental normative challenge to the key ideas that underpin global climate cooperation. Here we explore two specific norm contestations: (1) Collective action versus extralegal sovereignty, and (2) Common but Differentiated Responsibility versus fairness-as-reciprocity. Trump’s aggressive norm rejections are quite novel. His rejection of climate politics in particular and his desire to return to a status quo ante in world politics, positions him as a distinct type of actor in the spectrum of norm contestation – a reactionary norm entrepreneur. We contribute an ideational explanation of Trumpism’s rejection of global climate cooperation by identifying the fundamental clash of ideas and his role as a reactionary norm entrepreneur within the broader framework of global climate governance. It offers a case study in a high-profile instance of norm contestation and its implications for the survival of the global climate change regime.