Geopolitical Framework Research Articles

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF GEOPOLITICS: NEW TOOLS, ACTORS, AND POWER DYNAMICS

This article explores the evolution of geopolitics in the digital era, emphasizing how technology has transformed traditional geopolitical frameworks. Initially grounded in the physical characteristics of territories, modern geopolitics, influenced by digital tools, has shifted to a more intangible domain. The interconnectedness brought about by digital technologies has blurred the boundaries between internal and external state affairs, reshaping how geopolitical power is understood and exercised. As new technologies such as artificial intelligence, large datasets, and digital infrastructure gain prominence, they become new tools in global competition. While digital geopolitics democratizes participation, enabling individuals to influence international discourse, it also presents challenges, such as the potential misuse of these tools. Furthermore, the rise of digital geopolitics reflects a critical approach, where ideological and political phenomena are redefined through digital means. This transformation leads to the merging of traditional and modern power dynamics, making geopolitics more accessible but also more complex in terms of influence, representation, and global rivalry.

The impact of religious diversity on the Kurdish identity within a geopolitical framework

Importance. The Kurds are currently dispersed across four countries (Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq), which are quite negative towards them, trying to suppress expression of their identity. Historiographically, the Kurdish issue is usually perceived as another obstacle to regional stability in the Middle East, but the uniqueness of their position forces us to look at the situation from a different perspective. The aim of the study is to prove that the experience of asymmetric interaction of Kurds with various social actors can be extrapolated to address the problem of long-term stability in the Middle East and the resolution of other conflicts.Materials and Methods. The research is based on the principles of historicism and objectivity; chronological and structural methods and comparative analysis are used.Results and Discussion. The novelty of the study is that it allows us to consider the religious heterogeneity of the Kurds as a possible positive factor that can be used to build a new Kurdish identity. The peculiarities of the situation of the Kurds in different territories, including in a religious context, are also analyzed. The trends in ethnic relations in the territories of four nearby countries (Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey) are determined.Conclusion. The eclectic nature of Kurdistan’s religious composition has greatly influenced Kurdish political identity, and despite external divisive factors, the diverse Kurdish population is united due to its culture of tolerance, which stems from its long history of diverse religious traditions. At the same time, it complicates their interactions with the neighbouring states that are intolerant of dissent and other faiths.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Unresolved Issues During the Era of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid

This research offers a thorough study of Pak-Bangladesh relations under the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid from her return to power in 2009 to the present. Understood within the larger framework of South Asian geopolitics, the study aims to clarify the evolution, dynamics, and subtleties of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. It looks at how interactions between the two countries have been shaped by historical legacies, home political environments, and regional as well as worldwide factors. The study is organized around themes of the historical background of Pak-Bangladesh relations, the effect of Sheikh Hasina's leadership on bilateral ties, the function of economic and trade alliances, and the influence of third-party countries and international organizations. Examined are important events, diplomatic interactions, and policy choices to find their underlying reasons and effects. Particularly under consideration are divisive topics including historical grievances, economic cooperation, security difficulties, and cultural diplomacy.

Far-right European foreign fighters in the Yugoslav and Ukraine wars. Ideological and geopolitical implications between Westernist and Eurasianist radicalisms

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the positions taken by the European extreme right, in the French and Italian cases, with respect to the Yugoslav wars both in the political dimension and in that of foreign fighting. A clear rift between pro-Croatian and pro-Serbian right-wing extremists is emerging, anticipating the one that occurred recently after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The study reconstructs the ideological and geopolitical motivations of both pro-Serbs and pro-Croats, placing them within the different souls of the European extreme right. It also analyzes the geopolitical context and how the different choices of radical right-wing groups are placed in relation to the action of macro-subjects such as states and their intelligence. What emerges is how since the Yugoslav wars a clear fracture has arisen between right-wing Westernist radicalism and right-wing anti-Western radicalism of Eurasian matrix that becomes the glue for the phenomenon of Red-Brownism, the convergence of the extreme right and the extreme left in a common geopolitical framework and against a common enemy, observable in the Ukrainian conflict with radicals of the right and left acting as comrades in pro-Russian militias.

Kazahsko-kitajskoe sotrudnichestvo v sfere energetiki

Being a full member of the international community, Kazakhstan contributes to ensuring geopolitical stability and international security. In this regard, the purpose of this article is to study the strategic interests of Kazakhstan and China based on scientific analysis, as well as new systemic approaches to optimizing cooperation between them, which affect national, bilateral and regional/international issues within the framework of economic development and geopolitics. Based on the study, recommendations will be presented for government agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of energy policy and security of the country.

Allies in the Making: India’s Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific Strategy

This research explores and analyzes India’s evolving strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the context of increasing Chinese assertiveness and global geopolitical shifts. The current geopolitical landscape, marked by Chinese activities along the Indian border, in the Taiwan Strait, and throughout the Indo-Pacific, underscores the urgent need for cooperation among like-minded nations on regional and global issues. Central to this study is examining the significant transformations in India’s foreign policy since the 1990s. This includes an analysis of the Look East Policy as India’s strategic response to the post-Cold War era, its evolution into the Act East Policy, and India’s emerging role on the international stage through active participation in the Indo-Pacific Strategy. These components collectively underscore India’s strategic realignment and its broader implications on regional dynamics and global diplomacy. Subsequently, the research delves into the burgeoning strategic collaboration between India and Taiwan, focusing on initiating strategic dialogues and progressing from democratic partners to crucial collaborators in constructing the Indo-Pacific supply chain. Furthermore, the research will analyze India’s strategic responses amid increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, exploring how it navigates the complex diplomatic and security challenges presented by its One China stance. This includes examining India’s maneuvers within the broader geopolitical framework of the region, highlighting its efforts to balance national security interests with diplomatic engagements.

Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Economic and Political Development Under the Third Term of Xi Leadership: A Viewpoint of Thailand

This article aims to look into Thai-Chinese relations during Xi Jinping’s third term in office, focusing on political and economic dynamics within the framework of geopolitics and geo-economics amidst international tensions, especially between China and the United States. These tensions present both challenges and opportunities to Thailand in its relations with China. Thailand acknowledges security challenges posed by China, particularly in nontraditional security realms such as grey capital (shady business). Despite these challenges, both the Thai government and its populace, including merchants and businessmen, view cooperation with China in positive light. The collaboration between the two nations under various initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ASEAN + 1, GMS, and ACMECS underscores a strategic shift toward prioritizing shared interests and regional cooperation. The historical relationship between Thailand and China, at both governmental and regional levels, remained pivotal in fostering bilateral ties. Additionally, Thailand not sharing borders with China minimizes conflict compared to neighboring ASEAN countries with territorial disputes with China, particularly in the South China Sea. In the context of Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream and Thailand’s strategic choices, actions are taken by the Thai Government to maintain balance between global superpowers, capitalizing on economic opportunities while mitigating security risks. Thailand’s security posture, especially in nontraditional realms, and cooperation across various sectors are expected to deepen in the future, driven by mutual interests within the framework of regional geopolitics and geo-economics.

Climate politics in global Hobbesian Jungle.

Climate change, largely triggered by human-induced greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, seems unstoppable. There was a strong rebound of anthropogenic emissions of CO 2, the preponderant GHG in terms of contribution to global warming, around the world after the COVID-19 lockdown. Also, there is still no widely accepted international treaty on curbing the anthropogenic emissions of CH 4 and N 2O, the second and third predominant GHG, respectively, so far. Thereby, prima facie, in respect to mitigating climate change, currently, humans have no aces up their sleeves. It seems that current temperature rise is not high enough to take alarm until the occurrence of tipping point. Climate-related international treaties, such as 2016 Paris agreement, are compromises among conflicting geopolitical pressures. However, currently, the climate treaties show little mandatory binding force on the signatories who are able to violate and then get off scot-free, thus may end up like a nostrum. Throughout the European history, I find that the only way, if at all, to achieve the peace or obedience of a treaty is via balancing powers, embodied in Bismarck's Realpolitik of Germany and Richelieu's Raison d'état of France. Similarly, the Chinese history in East Asia proved the significance of unadulterated ideological neutrality and Darwinian adaptability in the kaleidoscope of evolving circumstances in maintaining order and enforcement of international treaties through balancing the power of rivalries to constrain ever-recurring challengers for equilibrium. A successful policy needs to make a thorough analysis of all relevant factors to form a long-term strategic notion. Then, statesmen need to distill an array of nebulous, always contradictory options into a tenacious, controllable direction. Thereby, I suggest that, for better curbing global warming, climate agreements or climate club be incorporated into an overall geopolitical framework among the international communities.

The AI Act: A compass for approaching legislation with innovative and disruptive effects

This paper aims to provide an overview of the EU regulation on artificial intelligence (hereafter the AI Act) by navigating through its main proposals and innovations. A geopolitical framework will be provided with reference to the balance to be struck between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights and the decisions that led to the final version of the AI Act, during the inter-institutional agreement. The overview will include each risk category, including how the regulation dealt with AI for general purposes, which was not considered in the European Commission's first draft published in April 2021. In addition to the risk categories, the governance model and innovation support measures will also be analysed. The paper is addressed to practitioners, academics, policy makers and postgraduate researchers who are approaching the AI Act for the first time.

Exploring Climate-Disease Connections in Geopolitical Versus Ecological Regions: The Case of West Nile Virus in the United States.

Many infectious disease forecasting models in the United States (US) are built with data partitioned into geopolitical regions centered on human activity as opposed to regions defined by natural ecosystems; although useful for data collection and intervention, this has the potential to mask biological relationships between the environment and disease. We explored this concept by analyzing the correlations between climate and West Nile virus (WNV) case data aggregated to geopolitical and ecological regions. We compared correlations between minimum, maximum, and mean annual temperature; precipitation; and annual WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) case data from 2005 to 2019 when partitioned into (a) climate regions defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and (b) Level I ecoregions defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We found that correlations between climate and WNND in NOAA climate regions and EPA ecoregions were often contradictory in both direction and magnitude, with EPA ecoregions more often supporting previously established biological hypotheses and environmental dynamics underlying vector-borne disease transmission. Using ecological regions to examine the relationships between climate and disease cases can enhance the predictive power of forecasts at various scales, motivating a conceptual shift in large-scale analyses from geopolitical frameworks to more ecologically meaningful regions.

Field Notes: Why We Need Eastern Europe?

These Field Notes map the impact that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has had on research in architectural history. We asked scholars already involved with Eastern Europe and Russia how the conflict has affected their approach to the region and to their work. In five responses to this question, these authors identify the need to dismantle conceptual and geopolitical frameworks that have been inherited from the late Soviet period, critically re-read the historiography of Russian avant- garde and constructivist architecture, and confront the question of postcolonial critique in Eastern Europe from a viewpoint in the Global South. Taken together, these notes from the field offer both immediate reactions from scholars to the terrible war in Ukraine and reflections on possible paths for architectural history writing in the aftermath of this shock.

Historical Evolution of Military Cooperation between China and Pakistan: From Strategic Partnerships to All-Weather Friendship

China and Pakistan have a long history of friendship, trust, cooperation and collaboration. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a great contemporary symbol of Pakistan China friendship. They both also have strong routs of military cooperation. The concept of “all-weather friendship” is inspected as a sign of their deep military relations, about not only strategic cooperation but also the diplomatic solidarity. This paper explores the historical background of military relations between China and Pakistan tracing its routes from strategic cooperation to the “all-weather friendship”. This research paper pays a clear understanding of the multifaceted dynamics, determining the military relations and cooperation of China and Pakistan within the framework of regional security and global geopolitics.

The Significance of Nepal’s Geopolitical Location; Reality Checking

This research paper investigates Nepal's geostrategic importance by analyzing its role as a significant nexus in South Asia. In ancient times, Nepal occupied a crucial geostrategic position as it served as a pivotal crossroads connecting South Asia, Tibet, and China, facilitating the exchange of commodities, ideas, and culture. The central argument posits that Nepal's geographic location endows it with substantial strategic significance, both politically and economically, enabling it to influence regional dynamics. Employing a mixed methodology, the research delves into various facets of Nepal's geostrategic relevance through historical assessments, geopolitical analyses, and case studies of hydro-politic potentiality. The approach commences by examining Nepal's historical role as a buffer state amid regional powers, leading to a longstanding history of diplomatic struggles to safeguard its sovereignty. Furthermore, the paper explores how Nepal's geographical position shapes its security dynamics, particularly in the context of the escalating China-India rivalry in contemporary times, employing geopolitical frameworks to illuminate this aspect. To shed light on Nepal's involvement in facilitating global trade and connectivity, the methodology also includes case studies of infrastructure initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and regional connectivity projects. In conclusion, the paper asserts that Nepal's geostrategic significance is a product of its historical development and proactive international relations, closely intertwined with its geographic positioning. It underscores Nepal's potential to serve as a conduit for regional cooperation and economic integration while emphasizing the need for astute navigation to preserve its independence in a challenging geopolitical landscape.

Emotions in Politics: A Review of Contemporary Perspectives and Trends

This article explores the dynamics of emotions in politics, and their relationship with political structures, discourses, and contestations. Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, this review article synthesizes diverse perspectives on the role of emotions in political interactions, emphasizing their impact on individual and collective emotions. It explores five themes, beginning with the top-down construction of emotions by states, and extending to the global politics of emotions within geopolitical frameworks to understand everyday emotional practices. By addressing the discursive dimensions of emotions in politics, this article contributes to the evolving field of research on the connection between emotions and the construction of political knowledge.

Autism Prevalence Information And Diagnosis Processes In Cyprus, Greece And Malta.

The current paper follows the thematic review 'Autism spectrum disorders without borders: prevalence and diagnosis across the globe' aiming to highlight and familiarize readers with the challenges and heterogeneity related to theprevalence, and diagnostic processes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from a cross-cultural and diverse geopolitical framework with a focus on Cyprus, Malta, and Greece. The study's goal was twofold: (a) to document the prevalence and diagnostic processes in the aforementioned geographical areas and (b) to highlight similarities and differences in theprevalence and diagnostic process in ASD. The findings revealed similarities across all countries regarding the diagnostic tools implemented in ASD assessment tools and clinical observations. Some differences were observed in documenting prevalence rates due to methodological heterogeneityin the documentation procedures. Although preliminary, the current findings underscore the importance of research-driven investigations that can lead to larger-scale programs necessary for establishing policy-making and stakeholders' involvement.

Renewable Energy Progress in The European Union Under the Challenges Brought by The Russian-Ukrainian War

The ongoing Russian – Ukrainian war followed by the energy crisis that emerged in mid-2022 have sparked concern about the European Union’s security energy security, highlighting that renewable energy must be at the core of European energy policy in the medium and long term. Our paper aims to investigate the main drivers and progresses of renewable energy (RE) development in the European Union (EU) using a quantitative analysis, based on the latest Eurostat data, to show what Member States perform best in the European hierarchy. Our research also aims to highlight the existing opportunities and threats for RE development in the Member States under the green transition goals. Our main finding is that while there are significant progresses toward boosting RE development and use in most Member States, additional national policies focused on incentives and special derogations for investors may be necessary to further develop RE across EU. Our second finding is that, under the current geopolitical framework, RE remains an essential pillar for reducing EU’s dependence on fossil fuels imported from Russian Federation.

Morals and Ethics in Counterterrorism

Political leaders, philosophers, sociologists, historians, political scientists, law scholars and economists approach terrorism in diverse ways, especially its definition. Politicians assign the meaning to the term terrorism that best suits them. Political scientists analyze the actions of those in the geopolitical framework. Moral philosophers look at terrorism from the viewpoint of fairness. Historians make a comparative assessment of the phenomenon through its evolution over time, and scholars of law simply dissect counterterrorism measures and assess their consistency with customs and current legislation. Sociologists stress the importance of culture, social relationships and social interactions. Eventually, politicians and lawmakers are not immune to the influence of the common ethics and morals of their own societies and the uses and habits of their own cultures, including religious aspects. Morals and ethics relate to “right” and “wrong” conduct; the first provides guiding principles, and the latter refers to rules provided by an external source, e.g., codes of conduct in workplaces or principles in religions. While morals are concerned with principles of right and wrong, ethics are related to right and wrong conduct of an individual in a particular situation. Ethics, morals and religion are intertwined in the antithetical principles “good and evil.” This work aims to scrutinize the crucial concept of just and unjust war, and just and unjust combatants, and to elaborate on some critical moral and ethical elements within the modern understanding of the interplay between terrorism, counterterrorism, fundamental human rights, and international humanitarian law. Through the examination of all pertinent theoretical positions the paper seeks to shed light on the limits of the use of force and the justification of the violation of fundamental rights in the War on Terror.

The Impact of the Abraham Accords on Geopolitical Dynamics of the Middle East

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, have emerged as a watershed moment in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics. This scientific article provides an in-depth analysis of the Accords’ impact on the Middle East, exploring the multifaceted consequences of this historic realignment. Focusing on the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, the study examines the broader geopolitical implications, with particular attention to the redefinition of regional alliances, economic and technological cooperation, and the nuanced effects on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The article delves into the strategic motivations behind the Accords and their influence on the traditional Arab-Israeli relations, underscoring a paradigm shift from longstanding animosity to a newfound cooperation based on shared interests, particularly in security and economic spheres. It evaluates the economic opportunities catalyzed by the Accords, such as increased trade and joint technological ventures, which promise to foster a new era of prosperity and interdependence in the region. Furthermore, the analysis addresses the complex implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, assessing the potential for the Accords to reshape the future trajectory of this long-standing conflict. While acknowledging the initial concerns of sidelining the Palestinian issue, the article explores the possibility of these agreements creating new platforms for dialogue and conflict resolution. The article also contextualizes the Accords within the broader regional and international geopolitical framework, analyzing how this development reflects the changing priorities and strategies of Middle Eastern states in response to regional threats, global economic trends, and the evolving role of external powers. The challenges and prospects for the future of the Abraham Accords are critically examined, considering the sustainability of these agreements amidst the dynamic and often volatile regional environment. In conclusion, this comprehensive study posits that the Abraham Accords signify a momentous shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with potential ramifications that extend beyond the immediate signatories. The Accords herald a new chapter in the region's history, where diplomatic engagement and economic collaboration may pave the way for a more stable and integrated Middle East, albeit with remaining challenges and uncertainties.

Does the Oil Price Slump Cause a Cleaner Energy Transition during Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Italy? Fresh Evidence from Quantile and Wavelet Coherency Analyses

The aim of the article is to analyze the evolution of oil prices and renewable energy production in Italy during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic crisis with daily data for the period January 2020–September 2020 through new time series techniques (wavelet coherency analysis and quantile coherency analysis). The applied results show that disaggregated renewable energy sources (solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal) drive oil prices positively, with the exemption of biomass, which drives oil prices negatively in the long term. Establishing a link between renewable energies and oil prices allows significant policy recommendations, given the geopolitical framework and the energy national budget.

Bordering in the archives: An investigation into a digital archive of the Irish asylum and refugee determination

Creating borders and borderlands is a key role of the contemporary state. Drawing on an investigation of the Irish state bordering complex determining asylum and refugee claims in Ireland, this article illustrates the importance of the actions of individual state agents and the cultures of practice in state agencies in bordering and statecraft. Building on scholarship studying the state, I conceive of statecraft as cultures of practices, understood within a feminist geopolitical framework. Studying these cultures of practice reveals the ways state agencies and state agents produce knowledge and how they work within complex power-geometries of social and political geographies. I investigate the Irish asylum determination process using an archival ethnography methodology to encounter an online archive of refugee appeals decisions in Ireland. This article shows one result of this encounter: a published database of asylum decision patterns and practices of the refugee appeals tribunals and of individual Tribunal members issuing decisions to people seeking asylum in Ireland. I argue this approach: (1) addresses real needs for systematic evidence of practice of Tribunal members, as requested by asylum seekers and legal representatives; (2) investigates cultures of practice in decision-making bodies in the asylum complex of the Irish state; (3) and shows the importance of archives of asylum decision-making in the state practice of bordering and statecraft. Analysis shows an asylum determination culture heavily dependent on who is doing the deciding, the decision-maker assigned is a major element in outcomes of asylum claims. I also propose a framework for identifying statecraft and bordering as the collective project of groups and individuals embedded within the state; this framework provides productive and systematic evidence of bordering and the ways individuals and groups go about doing statecraft in the asylum determination process.