Geopolitical Implications Research Articles

Bronze Age to Roman period salt production in the coastal areas of peninsular Italy: Palaeoenvironments, production methods and archaeological evidence

The landscape characteristics and salt production methods along the coasts of peninsular Italy from the Bronze Age to the Roman period are examined, with a focus on the significance of marine salt for Italy's ancient food economy, given the limited availability of rock salt. Two main methods of marine salt production are highlighted. Briquetage involves using clay or pottery containers to evaporate seawater, which requires specific environmental conditions such as clay availability and significant human labour and technological skill. Conversely, salterns consist of creating shallow ponds or pools for seawater evaporation, demanding flat coastal areas, a stable climate, and controlled seawater flow. While this method is less labour-intensive, it requires substantial initial infrastructure.The potential for salt production in Italy's coastal palaeoenvironments using either method has been evaluated. Key factors include coastal geomorphology, climate stability, and access to raw materials. This environmental data supports an analysis of archaeological remains from salt production sites active from the Bronze Age to the Roman period. The assessment focuses on the material evidence such as clay containers from briquetage and structural remains of salterns, aiming to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of these sites.The discussion also explores the geopolitical implications of salt production, examining how the distribution and development of these sites were affected by broader geopolitical shifts in Italy, including the impact of (proto)urbanization on the expansion and adaptation of salt production practices.

The European Union’s Eastern Neighbourhood During the Russia-Ukraine War

This paper examines the geopolitical implications of a weakened European Union (EU) in relation to Russian interests. A unified EU poses challenges to Russian policy, while internal discord offers Russia opportunities to advance its agenda. The EU's composition of 27 sovereign states often impedes cohesive action, especially in foreign, security, and defense policies, as noted by Judy Dempsey. This fragmentation benefits Russia, which exploits these divisions. The paper analyzes Russia’s foreign policy leading up to the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict and explores the EU’s role in security during the war, highlighting the impact of EU unity and discord on the crisis.

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.

Finland's Strategic Shift: A New Chapter with NATO Membership

This paper delves into Finland's potential accession to NATO, marking a significant departure from its longstanding policy of military non-alignment. As geopolitical dynamics in the Baltic region undergo profound changes, Finland's consideration of NATO membership carries far-reaching implications for regional security and global geopolitics. Finland responded to Russian aggressiveness by joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to counteract Russia�s security threats in the region. The abstract explores the historical context of Finland's neutrality, the evolving security landscape, and the factors driving the nation towards reevaluating its defense posture. Using the research method of critical content analysis and in-depth interview with military and defense and security analyst Rahakundini, the potential impact on NATO, Russia's response, and the broader implications for the delicate balance of power in Northern Europe. The proposed NATO membership signals a strategic recalibration for Finland, with ramifications extending beyond national borders, shaping the geopolitical narrative in an ever-evolving international arena.

Exploring the Dynamics of the Finance-Growth Nexus: Trade Globalization, Business Potential, and Geopolitical Implications in Russian Regions

ABSTRACT We assess the impact of financial development on Russian regional economic growth (2009–2019). Utilizing Method of Moments Quantile Regression, we find bank credit crucial for growth, especially in high-potential regions. Surprisingly, credit is more effective pre-WTO accession than post-accession. The 2014 sanctions negatively, but insignificantly impact the least developed regions, significantly affecting developing and developed ones. Gross fixed capital formation, export, and innovation significantly contribute to growth. Our findings imply nuanced regional dynamics in Russia and suggest tailored policy responses.

The South China Sea Dispute and Regional Response

Background: Beginning in December 2013, the South China Sea dispute has emerged as a complex and highly contested issue with significant implications for regional stability in East and Southeast Asia. The Chinese military began constructing artificial islands anchored by seven coral atolls in the Spratly Islands until it had created land that it then claimed in October 2015. The construction is over 3000 acres and houses military equipment (anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems) and personnel for the People's Republic of China. Objective: From a realist perspective, the dispute reflects a struggle for power and influence among claimant states, driven by their desire to secure regional strategic interests. Neighbouring countries, recognising the implications of China's rise as a significant power, have responded mainly by using soft realist methods to accommodate or counter China's growing influence in a collective setting. This paper explores the geopolitical implications of the dispute and how other powers have chosen to engage with China and other regional actors. Methods: This article is a case study. The article analyses the case of the South China Sea dispute since 2000 through a realist lens. It first explains the lens and its focal points. Then, it examines the different facets of the dispute through this lens: economic interests, national security concerns, domestic and regional politics, and historical issues. The focus is on analysing China and ASEAN member-states as the primary parties to the conflict. Results: This lens provides valuable insights into the power struggles, self-interest, and security concerns that underlie the conflict. This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted nature by critically examining the dispute's territorial claims, legal frameworks, and historical context. It also explores the geopolitical implications and the involvement of major regional powers. Liberal solutions have largely failed, while more minor actors have cooperated on limited terms when their interests intersect using soft realist diplomacy and collective action within international arenas. Conclusion: The dispute has unveiled the limits of international diplomatic efforts brokered by organisations such as ASEAN to address aggressive behaviour consistently. Small and medium states are largely constrained from directly confronting China, have accommodated China, used international forums to advance power positions and prestige, and cooperated on other issues to indirectly address the dispute.

The Acquisition of Modern Technologies by the Indian Military: Strategic Security and Geopolitical Implications for Pakistan

The Acquisition of Modern Technologies by the Indian Military: Strategic Security and Geopolitical Implications for Pakistan

COVID-19 and its implications for the future global influence of the European Union

On January 30, 2020, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as constituting a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). With little information on how to diagnose, treat and safeguard people against the disease, countries around the world responded to the outbreak differently depending on the national context. As vaccines were rolled-out and economic measures were put in place, varied speculations started to emerge on the geopolitical implications of these measures for the European Union (EU). This paper examines some of the views from the growing body of literature on the future implications of COVID-19 on the EU’s integration, and more specifically, on whether the EU is likely to emerge as the most influential powerhouse in the post-COVID-19 world. The paper argues that, based on the current conjecture, one cannot confirm the possibility of the envisioned future given the many hurdles that the EU must first deal with before being able to don such a crown.

Diasporic Somali migration to Turkey: Exploring the intersection of mobility, place, and geopolitics

Abstract This article explores the recent migration of diasporic Somalis to Turkey. Drawing on ethnographic studies, we examine the interplay between mobility and place within this context. Through an analysis of historical ties, geographical location, and geopolitical implications, we investigate how diasporic Somalis’ sense of Turkey as a place emerges as a preferred destination. We argue that Turkey's engagement with Somalia and its growing presence in the region have not only been valued but also highly regarded, thus motivating diasporic Somalis to choose Turkey as their new migration destination. However, the issue of diasporic Somalis' migration to Turkey extends beyond its perceived moral and strategic appeal, encompassing aspects of neo-colonialism and a place of exclusion. In conclusion, this article highlights the complex interplay of political and geopolitical factors that contribute to the uncertain future of diasporic Somalis in Turkey.

Unlocking New Opportunities: BRICS Partnership and Its Implications for Economic Development in African Countries

The BRICS partnership comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa presents significant opportunities for economic development in African countries. This article investigates the evolving dynamics of BRICS and its pivotal role in shaping economic opportunities for African nations. Through thematic analysis of existing literature, it examines strategies for leveraging economic cooperation within BRICS to foster sustainable economic growth, address infrastructure development challenges, and navigate geopolitical implications. The study underscores the transformative potential of the BRICS partnership, particularly through initiatives like the New Development Bank and technology transfer collaborations. Challenges such as economic disparities and geopolitical tensions are addressed, offering insights into opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Case studies of specific joint ventures highlight lessons learned and best practices for future collaborations. The article concludes with policy recommendations aimed at maximizing the benefits of the BRICS-Africa partnership, emphasizing inclusive development, technology transfer, diplomatic engagement, and sustainable economic policies. Overall, the research contributes to understanding the multifaceted impacts of BRICS-Africa cooperation on economic development and geopolitical influence, while providing practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.

Wong Kar-wai’s Argentine Affair: Happy Together as a Translingual and Multimodal Adaptation

Abstract In 2021, a 4K-restored rendition of Wong Kar-wai’s iconic film Happy Together (1997) returned to theatres across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Argentina, marking the film’s enduring transnational appeal two decades after its Cannes premiere. This article investigates the film’s intricate cultural ties to Argentina. I argue that Happy Together not only enhances the cultural connections between Hong Kong and Argentina but also showcases Wong’s translingual and multimodal approaches to film adaptation. ‘Translingual’ refers to the film’s literary source: I demonstrate how Wong skilfully wove elements from Manuel Puig's 1973 novel The Buenos Aires Affair into his film through a threefold Spanish-English-Chinese process of rewriting. Subsequently, I contend that various cultural facets of Argentina—the literature of Puig, the soundscape of Piazzolla’s tango, and the landscapes of the Iguazú Falls and Tierra del Fuego—contributed significantly to the Hong Kong auteur’s multimodal adaptation. In short, this article proposes a dialogic perspective on Hong Kong cinema by considering Argentina as a reflective mirror brimming with aesthetic and geopolitical implications. Through the lens of Happy Together, this study moves beyond Western-centric reception paradigms by spotlighting the cultural and socio-political affinities between Latin America and Asia, thus bringing to the forefront the often-overlooked transpacific connections within the Global South.

Perspectives on the Geopolitical Implications of Post-1991 Ethiopia's Hydropower Development

Perspectives on the Geopolitical Implications of Post-1991 Ethiopia's Hydropower Development

Space and cybersecurity: Challenges and opportunities emerging from national strategy narratives

Modern societies are increasingly dependent on space technology. The number of activities that rely on space infrastructure includes global positioning and communications systems, financial transactions and global trade, public and private scientific research, environmental monitoring and fore-casting, and audio-visual entertainment. Within the security and defence domain, this reliance becomes even more pronounced as satellites enhance command, control, communications and intelligence, surveillance, and recon-naissance (C4ISR), missile defence, or advanced autonomous systems. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in science and technology are opening new frontiers in outer space, promising significant economic potential through ventures like space travel and space mining. Considering the geopolitical implications of the dependence on space technology, the objective of this study is to examine how Western countries and organizations understand space within their strategic thinking. By conducting a comparative analysis of the most recent national security strategies and security and defence space strategies released by a sample of Western countries and organizations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union and NATO, this study aims to discern the narratives employed to depict the space domain and to identify the key trends within it, with a specific focus on the interplay between space and cybersecurity.This exercise will facilitate the identification of areas where enhanced collaboration among the selected actors is feasible or where competition may define their relationships. Consequently, it will help determine the potential for a coordinated response to collective challenges.

China’s privacy protection strategy and its geopolitical implications

How has China’s privacy protection strategy been developed, with its broad scope and stringent requirements for data localization and cross-border data flows? What are the broader geopolitical implications of its divergence from Western models of data privacy? This paper argues that China's privacy protection strategy, characterized by its comprehensive regulatory framework and government access to data, is redefining the contours of global data governance and creating new geopolitical fault lines. Drawing on official documents, laws, regulations, and a case study, this paper highlights the evolution of the regulatory framework in response to emerging challenges posed by technological innovations and the wider geopolitical environment. This paper contributes to the broader discussion regarding the implications of China's privacy protection approach, highlighting potential normative clashes with countries that favor a more open digital economy. China's efforts in developing its own privacy protection strategy have also resulted in the formulation of global standards for data privacy.

The ‘darkest history’ must live: narrating Sino-Japanese relations through museum geopolitics

While scholars have increasingly focused on the intersectional analysis of tourism and geopolitics, the material and affective dimensions underlying the geopolitical implications of tourism remain underexplored. This paper analyses the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (MH-VNM-JI) in Nanjing, China, focusing on how it sustains and intensifies geopolitical narrations of militarism, fascism, and massacres inflicted by Japanese invaders during WWII through the creation of an affective environment while enacting dark tourism experiences. Drawing on the recent debates on the geopolitics of tourism, affective geopolitics, and the materiality of geopolitics, this paper delineates how the MH-VNM-JI significantly shapes popular geopolitical relations between China and Japan by engineering visitors’ affective experiences and, by extension, geopolitical subjectivities. The MH-VNM-JI serves not only as a static tourism infrastructure that transmits fixed and dogmatic geopolitical knowledge through its exhibits but also as a dynamic space that actively preserves and transforms Sino-Japanese geopolitical knowledge through the structuring of tourists’ embodied and affective experiences. In this vein, this study also contributes to the broader research agenda of exploring the connections between museums, tourism, and geopolitics.

Legacy of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty 1824

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 is a pivotal historical milestone, delineating territorial boundaries and shaping the trajectories of British and Dutch colonial empires in Southeast Asia. Beyond its geopolitical implications, this treaty exerted profound and enduring social effects on the indigenous populations of Indonesia and Malaysia. This article endeavors to elucidate the nuanced social consequences of the treaty, emphasizing its role in molding the fabric of societal life and legal frameworks in these two nations. Through a comprehensive analysis of the treaty's stipulations, subsequent legal evolutions, and their ramifications on local communities, this study aims to unravel the intricate tapestry of influence that emanated from colonial decisions. Specifically, we delve into how the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was pivotal in shaping the formation and development of social structures and legal systems in Indonesia and Malaysia. By scrutinizing the long-term effects on indigenous societies, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of colonial legacies on the contemporary legal landscape of these nations. This article offers valuable insights into the lasting repercussions of a historical agreement that extended beyond mere territorial delineation. By exploring the intricate interplay between the treaty's provisions and the subsequent socio-legal developments, we gain a nuanced understanding of the enduring ramifications of colonial decisions on the present-day legal frameworks in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Raising Malcolm’s Ghost: Black Radicalism, Third World Internationalism, and Counterintelligence in Lauren Wilkinson’s American Spy

ABSTRACT This article considers the “warring ideals” (Du Bois, Souls of Black Folks) of Black American solidarity with Third World Internationalism and complicity in U.S. imperialism through a reading of Lauren Wilkinson’s American Spy (2019). The novel, a spy thriller, centers on the life and experience of Marie Mitchell, a Black woman FBI agent recruited by the CIA to further an assassination plot against Thomas Sankara, the charismatic socialist leader of Burkina Faso. The story puts individual career advancement in the service of American imperialism in direct tension with the larger collectivist goals of Black and Third World liberation. Thus, the novel invites an exploration of the geopolitical implications of Du Bois’s famous formulation about Black American double consciousness, a formulation most often considered solely as a matter of individual psychology.

Anti-terrorist cooperation as part of Poland’s geopolitical shift. “Operation Bridge” and the rise of a strategic partnership with the United States

This paper discusses Poland’s involvement in “Operation Bridge,” which aimed to transport Jewish citizens from the Soviet Union to Israel between 1989 and 1992. The study is based on recently declassified documents from the former intelligence and counterintelligence services, the Foreign Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Office, supplemented by accounts of policymakers, secret service officers, and militia involved in protecting Soviet Jews during transit operations. The author argues that this operation was not just a humanitarian effort but also had significant geopolitical implications. The newly elected non-communist government under Tadeusz Mazowiecki saw this as a critical move to establish stronger ties with the United States and Israel. The author also highlights how the cooperation between Poland and the United States in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, and security operations paved the way for Poland’s strategic partnership with the United States and its eventual entry into NATO. The paper contributes significantly to our understanding of the role played by Poland in the post-Cold War era and sheds new light on the development of US–Polish relations.

Electric Propulsion in Space: Technology and Geopolitics

ABSTRACT During the 20th Century and within the first decade of the 21st, electric propulsion (EP) has played an important role in space activities, and its importance has not ceased to increase significantly in the last 15 years. The potential benefits of using EP on a bigger scale could be immense, reducing the cost of future space missions. The main hypothesis of this paper is that EP will play an increasingly important role in the system of international space relations in the coming decades with deep scientific, commercial, and geopolitical implications. To prove this, we examine the historical evolution, relevance, and future applications of such a propulsion system. Although there is extensive technical literature on EP, only a few works analyze electric space propulsion from an interdisciplinary perspective. On the contrary, much of the available information only provides an atomized, unipolar, and fragmented approach to the phenomenon. To fill this gap, this study presents an integrated analysis of the evolution, relevance, and trends of EP technologies, as well as their geopolitical implications in the space domain. The results obtained constitute a crucial contribution to the analysis of space propulsion from an interdisciplinary – socio-technological – perspective.

"KVANT TAHDIDI: KVANT HISOBLASHNING XALQARO KIBERXAVFSIZLIKKA TAʼSIRINI VA YANGI HUQUQIY BAZALARGA SHOSHILINCH EHTIYOJNI OʻRGANISH""KVANT TAHDIDI: KVANT HISOBLASHNING XALQARO KIBERXAVFSIZLIKKA TAʼSIRINI VA YANGI HUQUQIY BAZALARGA SHOSHILINCH EHTIYOJNI OʻRGANISH"

"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. "