Geopolitical Issues Research Articles

Clearer Academic Guidelines to Assist Authors and Editors Are Needed to Navigate Geopolitically Sensitive Conflicts

There are ample national, transnational, and international geopolitical conflicts around the world, the two most prominent likely being the current ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, and the conflict between Taiwan (the Republic of China) and China (the People’s Republic of China). To avoid criticism or the label of political bias, academics might refrain from using the term Taiwan or might not refer to it as a country. Similarly, they might not know whether they should refer to Crimea or the Donbas as being Ukrainian or Russian. Authors currently have little guidance and are somewhat left to their own devices when it comes to referring to these and other locations and territories, uncertain of the names that should be used to indicate them. They might also observe disclaimers on publishers’ websites, in the footer of editorial board pages, or even as a small notice in their own manuscripts placed there by the publisher that distance the publisher from geopolitical conflicts and/or territorial claims, claiming neutrality, independent of whether those papers mention those conflicts, or not. Such disclaimers might be perceived as self-serving, placing the onus of responsibility of the choice of territorial term on authors’ shoulders, so publishers should offer clearer advice to authors and editors on how to better handle this issue, that is, how to accurately name locations in geopolitically sensitive areas. There is a risk that papers that are insufficiently sensitive to such issues may be labelled as erroneous, and subjected to correction or retraction, or the authors may be subjected to public criticism or humiliation, so resolving this issue falls within the realm of academic publishing ethics. Currently, very little advice exists for geopolitical issues in the Committee on Publication Ethics and International Committee of Medical Journal Ethics ethics-related publishing guidelines.

Barreiers and opportunities of the Republic of Moldova as a future member of the European Union

Introduction. The article explores the challenges and prospects faced by the Republic of Moldova in its ambitions to become a member of the European Union. Moldova’s geopolitical location, situated between EU member states and Ukraine, makes it a significant participant in the Eastern Partnership program. The main barriers hindering Moldova’s path to EU membership, such as political instability, corruption, and economic disparities, have been analyzed. The impact of the Transnistria conflict on the country’s European integration ambitions has also been studied. Potential opportunities and advantages Moldova possesses, such as commitments to democratic reforms and association agreements with the EU, have been examined. The continuous support from the EU towards Moldova’s European integration through financial assistance and cooperation in political matters has been highlighted. A roadmap for realizing Moldova’s European ambitions has been proposed, and the consequences of its potential future membership in the European Union have been revealed.
 Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyze the economic, political, and geopolitical issues influencing the Eurointegration processes in the Republic of Moldova, particularly its status as a candidate for European Union membership.
 Methods. To achieve the stated goal of the article, several specialized research methods were employed, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction and concretization, systematization, and elements of comparative analysis. The methodological foundation for the research included national normative legal acts of the EU member states and the Republic of Moldova, as well as joint documents regulating integration processes. Additionally, scholarly works of domestic and foreign researchers, statistical reports, and other sources of information were utilized. This comprehensive approach facilitated a profound analysis and substantiation of conclusions regarding Moldova’s Eurointegration prospects and the necessity for implementing reforms to ensure successful membership in the European Union.
 Conclusions. The Republic of Moldova faces significant barriers, such as political instability, impeding the adoption of long-term reforms; widespread corruption affecting the business climate and investment potential; and economic disparities hindering regional development. Several promising opportunities for Moldova were identified during the research. These include commitments to democratic reforms and cooperation with the European Union. The conclusion was drawn that successful EU membership would grant Moldova substantial benefits, such as enhanced economic development, foreign investment attraction, access to the European market, and the promotion of contemporary standards across various sectors. The importance of implementing necessary reforms and changes to achieve Moldova’s Eurointegration goals and EU support in this process were emphasized.
 Discussion. The research findings indicate that the Republic of Moldova encounters internal and external barriers complicating its path to becoming a future member of the European Union. Political instability, corruption, and economic disparities remain significant obstacles to European integration. However, Moldova possesses the potential and opportunities for reforms and cooperation with the EU, increasing its chances of obtaining membership. EU support and commitment to democracy and European standards open doors to realizing potential advantages of EU membership. To succeed in Eurointegration processes, Moldova must continue implementing reforms and maintaining cooperation with the EU.

Rohingya Crisis from a Geopolitical Lens: Power Struggle over Regional Hegemony shadowing the Humanitarian needs

Abstract: Rakhine state in Myanmar is strategically located at the center of a power struggle between emerging Asian nations. Consequently, the strategic position has become the crucial factor that fans the fire behind the current Rohingya issue. As a minority group in Myanmar, the Rohingya have struggled for citizenship for decades. To escape the state-orchestrated persecution, a large number of Rohingya took shelter in neighboring Bangladesh. Under the cloak of geopolitical issues, the Rohingya Crisis has lingered for five years with no clear path to resolution. While India attempts to pursue its “Act East Policy,” China seeks to incorporate Myanmar into its “One Belt, One Road” initiative. A further aggravating factor is a threat posed by US military forces in Southeast Asia to China’s interests. However, as a neighboring nation of Myanmar, Bangladesh became entangled in the conflict between the Regional Competitors. The study argues that the geopolitical interest of bordering countries and the economic interest of the military regime have exacerbated the situation and are one of the primary reasons why the crisis has not been resolved. The purpose of this study is to analyze how and why the geopolitical consequences of the Rohingya crisis outrun the humanitarian demands of this crisis. Through content analysis of previous scholarly publications, the conclusions of the research have centered on how the fight for regional hegemony makes the Rohingya crisis more vulnerable.

A Novel Deterministic Probabilistic Forecasting Framework for Gold Price with a New Pandemic Index Based on Quantile Regression Deep Learning and Multi-Objective Optimization

The significance of precise gold price forecasting is accentuated by its financial attributes, mirroring global economic conditions, market uncertainties, and investor risk aversion. However, predicting the gold price is challenging due to its inherent volatility, influenced by multiple factors, such as COVID-19, financial crises, geopolitical issues, and fluctuations in other metals and energy prices. These complexities often lead to non-stationary time series, rendering traditional time series modeling methods inadequate. Our paper presents a multi-objective optimization algorithm that refines the interval prediction framework with quantile regression deep learning in response to this issue. This framework comprehensively responds to gold’s financial market dynamics and uncertainties with a screening process of various factors, including pandemic-related indices, geopolitical indices, the US dollar index, and prices of various commodities. The quantile regression deep-learning models optimized by multi-objective optimization algorithms deliver robust, interpretable, and highly accurate predictions for handling non-linear relationships and complex data structures and enhance the overall predictive performance. The results demonstrate that the QRBiLSTM model, optimized using the MOALO algorithm, delivers excellent forecasting performance. The composite indicator AIS reaches −15.6240 and −11.5581 at 90% and 95% confidence levels, respectively. This underscores the model’s high forecasting accuracy and its potential to provide valuable insights for assessing future trends in gold prices. The deterministic and probabilistic forecasting framework for gold prices captures the market dynamics with the new pandemic index and comprehensively sets a new benchmark for predictive modeling in volatile market commodities like gold.

Computational Investigation of Halide Solid Electrolytes for Na-Based Batteries

Significant scientific and economic challenges are presented by developing battery systems with increased energy storage capacity. Geopolitical issues might pose supply chain risks for lithium (Li)-ion batteries, which are frequently used in portable electronics. As an alternative, sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), have drawn attention from researchers all over the world due to the perspective of being lower cost systems[1]. In comparison to lithium-ion batteries, solid-state sodium-ion batteries (SSSBs) promise as a safe, scalable, and environmentally friendly alternative. For the production of robust and adaptable SSSBs, the development of highly conductive, electrochemically stable, and chemically stable solid electrolytes (SEs) is essential [2]. With greater durability, adaptability, and safety, solid-state batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes are being heavily investigated as safer and perhaps more energy-dense alternatives to liquid electrolyte cells.Sulfides solid electrolytes have been extensively investigated due to their mechanical softness and high ionic conductivity. However, the electrochemical oxidation stability of those materials are as low as 2 V (vs. Na+/Na)[3]. Alternatively, the excellent ion conductivities and stability at high potentials have made halide compounds, intriguing candidates for solid electrolytes in batteries. These compounds offer fast ion transport, good stability at highly oxidative potentials, and are easily processed. A wide range of chemistries, such as A3MX6 (A = Li, Na; M = Sc, In, Y, Yb, Er, Hf, Ho, Dy, Al, Zr; X = F, Cl, Br, I), have been synthesized with tunable properties and the characterizations of those materials shows relevant electrochemical proprieties [2].In our work, we investigate different Na-based chloride compounds by Density Functional Theory (DFT). We expand beyond the reported compositions to consider possible cation-substituted compounds. Here, we report on the structures, ionic conduction pathways and ionic conductivity (computed by molecular dynamics methods) expected for such compounds. In the next months, we will also evaluate the compounds´ chemical and electrochemical stability. Our work moves us one step closer towards the development of stable and highly conductive solid electrolytes for Na-based solid-state batteries.References :[1] J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 281-292[2]J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 21565-21578[3] ACS Energy Lett. 2022, 7, 10, 3293–3301

Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition of Lithium Nickel Oxide Thin Film Model Systems

The main bottleneck in the development of the next generation of Li-ion batteries with higher energy densities, as demanded for long-range electrical mobility, is the lack of understanding and control of the reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Reactions at the cathode side cause rapid capacity loss during cycling and represent a major issue for batteries with high-voltage cathodes, which are crucial in reaching the required energy densities. Promising candidates for use in next generation of batteries are Ni-rich Li(Ni1-x-yMnxCoy)O2 (NMC) cathodes, which show high capacity, high potential, and contribute to address the geopolitical issue of decreasing the Co content in the cathode. Ni-rich NMCs exhibit similar electrochemical properties as pure LiNiO2 and therefore LiNiO2 thin films can be used as model systems to gain fundamental understanding of the interfacial processes that hinder the large-scale implementation of Ni-rich NMCs. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a suitable technique to fabricate these model systems, as it gives precise control over film thickness, uniformity, chemical composition, and crystal orientation.Previous work on LiNiO2 by ALD is not extensively reported in literature. Moreover, films grown by a supercycle process, in which two ALD subcycles are alternated, suffered from a low Ni at.% and a large C content because of precursor ligand residues, and films fabricated using a complex multilayered approach showed severe Si contamination from the Li precursor [1]. In this contribution we report on ALD lithium nickel oxide (LNO) thin films with stoichiometries close to LiNiO2 and low levels of contaminants.The ALD process is based on lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) and nickel bis(N,N’-di-tert-butylacetamidinate) (Ni(tBu-MeAMD)2) as precursors and O2 plasma as co-reactant. 1 ALD cycle of Li2O is combined with x cycles of NiO using a supercycle approach. In this contribution we explore the relation between the Ni/Li cycle ratio x and material properties of the LNO films.The growth of the LNO films is monitored by means of in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. The ellipsometric data of films with a high Ni/Li cycle ratio are fitted with a general oscillator model used for NiO films, while a Cauchy model was adopted in case of a low Ni/Li cycle ratio and Li2O films. The growth per supercycle (GPSC) of LNO shows an intermixing effect, as it does not follow the linear trend calculated from the growth per cycle (GPC) values of the individual Li2O and NiO ALD processes, which are 1.0 Å/cycle and 0.34 Å/cycle respectively.XPS surface measurements show that the Ni/Li atomic ratio is tuned from 0 to 10 as function of the Ni/Li cycle ratio x. Low levels of Si and N contamination, below 4% and 2% respectively, are observed. A shift of the main peak in the Ni 2p3/2 spectrum to higher binding energies indicates a shift in oxidation state from Ni2+ to Ni3+ as decreases [2]. According to surface measurements, the LNO film with x=5 shows a stoichiometry close to LiNiO2, but depth profile measurements indicate that the Ni at.% is significantly higher in the bulk than on the surface of the films, most certainly attributed to the formation of a Li2CO3 surface layer upon air exposure. Li2CO3 is also present in the bulk of the LNO films, but the bulk C at.% stays below 4%.These results show that we can use ALD to fabricate a high-voltage cathode model system, which we plan to characterize in-situ and post-mortem in combination with both liquid and solid electrolytes to study the cathode-electrolyte interface.[1] Maximov et al., Energies, 13 (2020) 2345[2] Fu et al., Applied Surface Science 441 (2018) 1048 This work is part of the ‘BatteryNL – Next Generation Batteries based on Understanding Materials Interfaces’ project (with project number NWA.1389.20.089) of the NWA research programme ‘Research on Routes by Consortia (ORC)’ funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Figure:(a) The GPSC of LNO ALD process shows an intermixing effect when comparing the experimental results with the expected GPSC based on the two processes (b) Ni 2p3/2 XPS spectrum for different Ni/Li cycle ratios x. A shift to higher binding energies is observed with decreasing x, indicating a shift from Ni2+ to Ni3+. (c) XPS surface measurements of LNO films show low levels of contaminants and a Ni/Li atomic ratio varying with the Ni/Li cycle ratio. (d) Depth profile of LNO with x=5 shows an increased Ni at.% and a low C at.% in the bulk of the film. Figure 1

Data mining twitter for COVID-19 sentiments concerning college online education

In the last decade there has been a large increase in corporate and public reliance on social media for information, rather than on the traditional news and information sources such as print and broadcast media. People freely express their views, moods, activities, likes/dislikes on social media about diverse topics. Rather than surveys and other structured data gathering methods, text data mining is now commonly used by businesses to go through their unstructured text in the form of emails, blogs, tweets, likes, etc. to find out how their customers feel about their company and their products/services. This paper reports upon a study using Twitter (recently renamed to “X”) data to determine if meaningful and actionable information could be gained from such social media data in regard to pandemic issues and how that information compares to a traditional survey. In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced colleges to move classes to an online format. While there is considerable literature in regard to using social media to communicate geo-political issues and in particular pandemics, there is not a study using social media to explore public sentiment in regard to COVID’s forcing online education upon the public. In this study, text data mining was used to gain some insight into the feeling of Twitter users in regard to the effect of COVID-19 and the switch to online education in colleges. This study found that Twitter data mining did produce actionable information similar to the traditional survey, and the study is important since its results may influence organizations to explore the use of Twitter (and possibly other social media) to obtain people’s sentiments instead of (or in addition to) traditional surveys and other traditional means of gathering such information. This paper demonstrates both the process of text data mining social media and its application to current real-world issues.

Dialogue for Martin Buber and its importance in present geopolitical realities: A discourse analysis

Martin Buber was an eighteenth-century European thinker, philosopher and scholar. Buber’s thoughts are very relevant and contemporary, even in today’s advanced digital, informational and technological age. We live in a time of heightened tensions and conflict; the article discusses geopolitical realities and the importance of dialogue. It goes over Martin Burrell’s ideas on dialogue. Further, it discusses understanding geopolitics in the light of dialogue. This article concludes that advanced technology is affecting core issues of geopolitics. Only dialogue can provide answers to humanity’s challenges in this changing era. In such a time, the core principles of Martin Buber’s dialogue are more relevant than ever for a way forward that the entire world is looking for in relation to present geopolitical realities.

The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Economic Sector in Indonesia

This research discusses the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the Indonesian economy, focusing on the energy sector. Amidst the increasing complexity of global geopolitical issues, international events such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine have significant global consequences, even for countries not directly involved in the conflict. This study is grounded in the theory of the political economy of war, serving as the analytical framework to understand how these dynamics affect Indonesia's economic sector. As a direct consequence of the invasion, the global energy sector distribution has been disrupted. Nations that previously imported energy from Russia must now seek alternative sources to meet their energy needs. Indonesia, being one of the world's largest producers of non-oil and gas energy, emerges as a primary choice of alternative energy export source. The research findings indicate a substantial increase in the export of non-oil and gas energy from Indonesia, which, in turn, has a positive impact on the growth of the country's economic sector. The research employs a descriptive-qualitative approach, collecting data from literature reviews and online research to complement secondary data. The results of this study offer insights into how changes in global geopolitical dynamics can affect a country's economy, even when not directly involved in such events. Indonesia, for instance, has seized the opportunity to boost its non-oil and gas energy exports, thereby influencing the growth of a specific economic sector in the country. This research provides valuable contributions to understanding the interplay between geopolitical events and the global economy.

Shifting geopolitical sands: COP 28 and the new BRICS+

PurposeThe new additions to Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) expand into the broader Middle East and North Africa region, adding some of the largest populations and strongest economies of the region to BRICS+. Since the BRICS summit in August 2023, significant media attention has been given to the impacts of these shifting geopolitical sands, from the potential for de-dollarization processes, and the distribution of resource reserves for influencing markets. Conference of the Parties (COP) 28 presents an opportunity for these emerging economies (BRICS+) to assert their role in addressing the global climate crisis and push for more equitable and effective solutions. However, only little has been explored on how the new BRICS+ alignment will influence climate negotiations at COP 28 and the sustainability transition more broadly. This perspective article explores what the changes to BRICS+ mean for COP 28 and the relevance of COP 28 being hosted in a BRICS+ member country.Design/methodology/approachIn crafting this perspective paper on BRICS+, the authors' methodology primarily entails a comprehensive review of existing literature, policy documents and academic analyses related to the BRICS+, as well as the examination of official statements, declarations and policy shifts from BRICS+ member countries to gauge their intentions and priorities within this expanded framework. The authors also monitor developments leading up to COP 28 to provide real-time insights into how BRICS+ dynamics shape climate negotiations.FindingsThe authors' perspective article puts forth a number of insights. First, the BRICS+ member countries are prominent players in global geopolitics. Their involvement in COP 28 could lead to climate negotiations being intertwined with broader geopolitical issues, potentially impacting the pace and direction of climate agreements. Second, COP 28 offers a critical opportunity to bridge the divide between developed and developing nations in the realm of climate action and sustainable development. The BRICS+ countries may, in this COP event, explore options beyond the traditional intergovernmental institutions, which often reflect the influence, hegemony and power dynamics of the Global North. This includes South–South collaboration, bilateral financial support, innovative financing and direct trade. Finally, agendas related to capacity building in this coming event will be a critical component of the global climate change agenda in a way that develops South–South dialogs for climate change adaptation and mitigation.Originality/valueThe authors' research sheds light on the implications of this expansion for climate negotiations, a critical global concern. It delves into uncharted territory by examining how the BRICS+ alignment may influence climate initiatives, which has not been thoroughly explored in existing literature. This comprehensive perspective fills a critical gap in the current discourse, providing policymakers and scholars with a more holistic understanding of the implications of BRICS+ for the global agenda on sustainability. Moreover, the research offers real-time insights by monitoring developments leading up to and during COP 28, allowing for timely analysis and informed recommendations. This aspect of the research provides immediate value to stakeholders engaged in climate negotiations and international relations.

The Socio-Economic Life of Fisher Communities Living on the Migingo Island of Lake Victoria

Using a qualitative methodology and a descriptive research design, this study examined the socioeconomic conditions of Migingo Island in 1991. Theories of liberalism and power informed the study through the use of phenomenological techniques, such as focus groups, oral interviews, archived materials, and secondary data. The results show that the socioeconomic dynamics of Migingo Island are related to geopolitical issues, including the territorial conflicts between Kenya and Uganda. The fishing sector fosters economic cooperation, but it also raises challenges related to cleanliness and congestion. The study promotes inclusive approaches that involve local stakeholders in order to guarantee sustainable development in the area. Based on the findings, the study recommended that clear governance and jurisdiction agreements be established to alleviate tensions. Furthermore, investment in basic services like education and healthcare is essential for human development. Involving local stakeholders in community-driven solutions and promoting diplomatic conflict resolution could help foster stability and sustainable development. Addressing these issues is vital for the well-being of Migingo Island and its residents, while also reflecting larger geopolitical concerns.

A Contrastive Case Study on Contemporary Diplomatic Language regarding the War in Ukraine

This article examines the use of euphemisms in contemporary diplomatic language, specifically analysing their application in the context of the War in Ukraine. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the reflection of language functions in communications related to the War in Ukraine, focusing on the role of euphemisms in diplomatic contexts, with an emphasis on the contrastive aspects in Romanian, English, and French. Through a comprehensive examination of diplomatic language, the study uncovers the strategies of using euphemisms to mitigate or manipulate the semantic impact of sensitive issues. The analysis reveals that the referential function is the most frequently utilised, while the phatic one is largely disregarded. Euphemism also serves as a persuasive communication strategy, enabling the address of sensitive geopolitical issues with tact and with a specific goal in mind.

Introduction: Sustainability as an agroecological strategy toward resilience in agricultural systems

AbstractThe sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems are key concepts to ensure environmental standards in agriculture and food security. Recently, global food security has been seriously affected by the pandemics, geopolitical issues, and conflicts, and climate change factors have become a significant concern for scientists along with farmers, consumers, and citizens. To face these challenges, a systemic resilience in sustainable agriculture is pivotal. The research papers published in the special section of Agronomy Journal, “Agricultural and biological sciences: Plant, soil, animal and environment”, consider the role of sustainability in building greater resilience to current pivotal and diverse problems encountered in agricultural systems. This special section is a collection of coherent research studies that used a multidisciplinary approach. A total of 52 papers were submitted, of which 12 were accepted for publication following a double‐blind reviewing process. The purposes of the present paper were to identify the role of sustainability in the resilience of agricultural systems and to discuss the main results of these published articles. Results suggested that specific issues relevant to forests, crops, horticulture systems, and animal production could be improved and made more resilient by applying modern agricultural tools, efficient use of natural resources, and smart device technology. A sustainable intensification in a changing environment will require resilience at many levels. Key strategies identified included (i) improvement of resource efficiency; (ii) adoption of techniques that generate landscape‐scale resilience; and (iii) use of a combination of different evaluation and planning strategies to advance the knowledge of crop and livestock interactions.

FRAMING ANALYSIS OF CHINA'S RELATIONSHIP ABOUT THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE ON CHANNEL NEWS ASIA

Channel News Asia has been an excellent news site in Asia and other foreign countries because of its exceptional phrase complexity and informative text which is at par to The Guardian or VICE, despite being CNN tier news site by the web and operational design. Currently, the South China Sea conflict is part of the CNA’s subtle information delivery regarding UC-China rivalry without sounding like Yellow Journalism. Using Robert N. Entman’s framing analysis, the author was able to discover how CNA delivers the geopolitical issues to provide information regarding US-China rivalry in trade market.

Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan

Managed bee species provide essential pollination services that contribute to food security worldwide. However, managed bees face a diverse array of threats and anticipating these, and potential opportunities to reduce risks, is essential for the sustainable management of pollination services. We conducted a horizon scanning exercise with 20 experts from across Europe to identify emerging threats and opportunities for managed bees in European agricultural systems. An initial 63 issues were identified, and this was shortlisted to 21 issues through the horizon scanning process. These ranged from local landscape-level management to geopolitical issues on a continental and global scale across seven broad themes—Pesticides & pollutants, Technology, Management practices, Predators & parasites, Environmental stressors, Crop modification, and Political & trade influences. While we conducted this horizon scan within a European context, the opportunities and threats identified will likely be relevant to other regions. A renewed research and policy focus, especially on the highest-ranking issues, is required to maximise the value of these opportunities and mitigate threats to maintain sustainable and healthy managed bee pollinators within agricultural systems.

GEOPOLITICS ISSUES IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES (ON THE BASES DATA OF OLD TURKIC WRITTEN MONUMENTS)

Monuments of ancient Turkic writing contain valuable data for studying the history and culture of Turkic peoples during the existence of the Kaghanates. Despite the sufficient knowledge of these sources by predecessors, the modern researcher identifies interesting data that contribute to the disclosure of certain aspects of traditional culture. These are spatial perception, worldview, and the idea of the geographical localization of Turkic peoples and neighboring peoples. The content of the stone steles shows that they were erected to serve as a reminder of the history of conquest campaigns, the policy of building the state. Brief characteristics of neighboring peoples do not lose their relevance for modern reality. Political relations, formed in the early Middle Ages, act as a guideline for establishing relations between peoples in the modern period. Within the framework of the article, ancient Turkic chronotopes, the prevalence of Turkic geographical names in the territory of present-day Central Asia as a consequence of military campaigns carried out by the rulers of the first and second Turkic Kaghanates were considered. Attracting data of studied sources to the research circle will reveal many aspects of not only history and culture, but also issues of geopolitics. The appeal to the Turkic people of Kaghan, carved on the stone is still relevant today. They are a reminder of the policies of neighboring countries. The author of the article concludes that the historical path traveled by the ancestors serves as a guideline for creating relationship with neighboring countries, to better understand their attitude towards other peoples. Of important importance is the call in the ancient Turkic written monuments to the unity of the Turkic peoples, which served as the key to the stable development of the country, the growth of power.

Influence of demographic processes on multifunctional use of natural resources

It is on a daily basis that modern humankind encounters a challenge to provide basic resources for living. Population growth leads to the emerging need to use natural resources (fresh water, oil, natural gas, coal, arable soil, etc.). The supplies and use of these resources are a persistent problem. As the process of urbanization intensifies, the awareness of the limitations of specific commercially overused resources rises. These processes are tightly connected with environment impairment and sustainable development. New technologies do increase productivity but the ratio of labor force and job positions decreases, raising an issue of future working population. Population and human resources have a multidimensional impact on economic growth of each country, which also includes continuous use of natural resources. A balanced population distribution is one of the crucial factors of functional sustainability of space, natural resource use, and social prosperity. It is in late 2020 that our planet marks the population of slightly less than eight billion and the figures will grow up to 10 billion in 2050. Changes in the structure and number of population affect many aspects of our lives. It is of an utmost pertinence to understand modern demographic processes in order to meet many challenges regarding natural resource use as these challenges are directly connected with fresh water shortage, hunger and underfeeding, climate change, diseases, economic growth, energetics shortage, clashes and wars. Even though natural resources play an important role, it is the human resources that matter the most. The specificity and exceptionality of human resources make them more relevant than other resources and they are extremely pertinent for the economic growth of any given area. Investing in human resources is more effective than investing in any other resource because of the ability of self-renewal and growth. In addition, human resources may employ all their mental, physical, and other available potentials. Hence, special attention should be paid to demographic processes and other changes taking place in regard to population. The fast scientific-technological revolution transformed the relation between demographic processes and natural resources, i.e. natural resource management. Centralization and the introduction of the so-called agribusiness market approach based on new economic models resulted in massive increase of productivity and efficiency in natural resource use, which successfully met the needs of the growing population but also led to wealth accumulation. Nevertheless, the same process caused the vast decrease and degradation of arable soil and forests, over-usage of natural resources, and irreversible destruction of habitats. Humankind gradually entered into a vicious circle of demographic growth, urbanization, increased food demands and requests for natural resources on one side and the increasing degradation of these resources on the other side. Unsustainability of natural resource management based solely on agribusiness market principles (supranational or global framework, accumulation of private property or corporate wealth) is becoming more evident. The Republic of Srpska is currently employed in the final phase of demographic transition, which is conditioned by poor economic growth and tertiarization, inadequate use of natural resources, and favorable transportation-geographical position, which has already initiated biological disturbances. Given the population density and distribution, the Republic of Srpska is an extremely homogeneous area with pronounced regional and interregional disparities. One such unbalanced spatial population distribution has negative effects on natural resource use and the total socio-economic growth. Most areas are affected by depopulation. The situation is most alarming in undersized and mountain settlements and areas along the entity borderline. The negative demographic conditions are further complicated by the negative migration balance so a large-scale depopulation becomes an emerging problem. Negative demographic features resulting from the current socio-economic situation, historical factors, and geopolitical issues from the 1990s are typical of the Republic of Srpska. All these determinants clearly indicate the unbalanced concentration and the decrease in the number of population. Early 21st century is demographically challenging for the Republic of Srpska as the number of population decreases and birth rates are negative. We may infer that demographic resources of the Republic of Srpska are humble and insufficient in regard to potential use of main natural resources (arable soil, forests, hydropotential, and mineral ore). The renewal of demographic resources depends on the constantly decreasing birth rates and, unfortunately, increasing mortality rates. If we add negative tendencies of intensive population aging and emigration, we may infer that the future use of natural resources shall be a great challenge to the economic growth of the Republic of Srpska. Hence, a question remains how to most optimally use natural and demographic resources in order to achieve a more balanced socio-economic growth in the Republic of Srpska.

New developments in the global world: challenges and opportunities for Georgia

The main purpose of this article is to analyze the features of the current reality of globalization, to identify the created opportunities and threats, and to reveal the ways to overcome it. The object of research is the current economic and political processes in the world, as well as, especially, geopolitical issues and the Ukrainian crisis. The work is based on the analysis of various fundamental literature, synthesis, specific statistical data, components of globalization index. The work draws conclusions using the cause-and-effect relationship of facts. Based on the trend of strengthening the multipolar world order, important conclusions and recommendations are presented about the possibilities and threats caused by the modern new reality of globalization, and taking advantage of it. The new, modern trend of strengthening the multipolar world order not only brings visible positive results, also creates acute problems of protecting national priorities within the framework of international cooperation. Ensuring the country's security is significantly influenced by the growth of interdependence between the subjects of international relations, new events in the global world, the increased openness of the economy of the world’s most countries, the development of joint programs to solve contemporary, important problems. Keywords: sources of globalization, modern tendency of strengthen the multipolar world order, globalists, anti-globalists.

Reforming Forest Policies and Management in Russia: Problems and Challenges

The future development of forest industries in Russia, besides the country’s geopolitical issues, could be seriously undermined by the depletion of forest resources available under the current model of forest management that mainly relies on clearcutting mature coniferous forests and leaving these areas for natural regeneration. The introduction of a new model that prioritizes efficient forest regeneration faces many problems on the ground. The efficiency of the use of funds allocated by both governmental and private logging companies for forest regeneration and subsequent tending of young stands should urgently be significantly increased. The government should also develop pragmatic economic incentives to encourage logging concession holders to switch to the new model and to address the problem of the spatial shift (demarginalization) of the country’s forest complex from northern and eastern “green fields” to secondary mixed and southern taiga forests. Instead of harvesting low-productivity northern taiga forests of European Russia and remote areas of Central and Eastern Siberia, wood sourcing should be mainly concentrated in the immediate vicinity of existing mills. Moreover, the development of “greenfield” projects in wilderness forest areas that currently lack any kind of infrastructure should not be encouraged. The focus on the regions with productive southern taiga, mixed and broadleaf forests, developed wood-processing infrastructure, and high forest roads density could ensure the economically beneficial transition towards resilient forestry.

Hubungan harga minyak dunia dan indeks pasar Indonesia selama isu geopolitik

The continuation of world geopolitical issues still tends to have an impact on fluctuations in world oil prices. Such circumstances motivated this study to find out how the world oil price relates to the market index in Indonesia. Observations are made from 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2023 with samples of market indexes in Indonesia and world oil prices. This study finds that market indexes in Indonesia tend to have similar returns even though some indexes are indicated to be negative. In addition, this study also finds that all indexes have less than optimal risk reward. The main finding of this study is that changes in world oil prices tend not to be followed by changes in market indexes in Indonesia.