Geopolitical Perspective Research Articles

China–Latin America relations in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative

AbstractMotivationAs a leading programme aimed at promoting “connectivity” and “exchanges of people,” BRI is providing a new avenue to expand China's presence and influence in Latin America and contribute to its rise at the systemic (global) level. Research shows that China's BRI in Latin America is not merely an economic initiative, but offers a combination of economic, political, and strategic objectives and consequences.PurposeThe purpose of the research is to examine China's BRI in Latin America from geopolitical perspectives, as well as its motivations, focuses, and consequences. It contributes to the scholarly discussion by analysing China's BRI in the greater picture of China's rise at the systemic (global) level and examining it through a political economy lens.Approach and methodsThe research examines China's BRI in Latin America with a special focus on large‐scale infrastructure projects that may have geopolitical implications and transform the built landscape in the region. The research is based on a critical review of the literature, and especially the Chinese academic literature, government documents, and corporate documents provided by some Chinese companies involved in large‐scale BRI projects.FindingsThe research finds that BRI helps China increase its economic and political co‐operation with the states of Latin America. China is increasingly capable of reaping not only economic but also geopolitical benefits from BRI by intensifying economic and, by extension, political relations with Latin America.Policy implicationsChina's BRI in Latin America looks to obtain not merely economic, but also political and strategic benefits from China's “soft” power. Chinese policy‐makers should be aware that China's “soft power” and interest could be strengthened if BRI could be implemented in accordance with the principles of advancing democratization, “good governance,” and environmental protection.

Social Justice from The Perspective of Geopolitics

Political geography is concerned with studying the state in terms of definition and the people, it was the first pillar and justification, the reason for the existence of the state, whether they are citizens or non-citizens, as well as the second pillar, the territory, which is also important and has a relationship with social justice, the population is distributed over this territory and is supposed to be covered by justice, as well as the third pillar, the authority, because it is concerned with the distribution of development and its abundance, as it gains the legitimacy of its existence through what it achieves in terms of justice in distribution, as well as it is concerned with the idea of the state and the analysis of its internal functions. Social justice is one of the functions that the state must achieve according to an organization and policies that preserve its survival and continuity.

Quantile and time-frequency spillover between rare earth and its interlinked markets: A geopolitical perspective

Underlying vulnerability of geopolitical risk for rare earth markets and its interlinked markets motivated this research is to explore their nexus by using different connectedness models. In doing so, the current study employed three diversified set of methodologies namely, quantile vector autoregression, BK framework, and cross-quantilogram to investigate connectedness structure across different market conditions. The dataset of this study spanning from March 29, 2018 to April 28, 2023, covering several turmoil periods. Surprisingly, the empirical findings reveal significant evidence of connectedness between all markets. Notably, in lower quantile, geopolitical uncertainty, rare earth, and green energy stocks are the major transmitters, while oil is the major receiver. At the same time, rare earth, clean energy, technology, natural resource markets, and all green energy tokens except carbon are the significant transmitters in the upper quantile. In contrast, BK measures demonstrate that total frequency connectedness is more significant in the short and long run. While, cross-quantilogram results reveal that connectedness is more pronounced in the long run for rare earth, clean energy, technology, and mining stocks. Specifically, it is important to note that spillover effect are more substantial and differ across different crisis episodes. In addition, large swings in the connectedness index between geopolitical risk and chosen markets is observed after the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine War. The empirical results offer several important implications for investors and policymakers to apply effective risk management techniques and safeguard investments especially during economic turbulence.

REFLECTIONS ON TERRITORIAL CLEANSING: LESSONS FROM BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA AND COLOMBIA

This small-N cross-regional analysis examines the link between extreme but far from isolated massacres perpetrated during the Bosnian war 1992-1995 and the 1997-2003 interval in the Colombian armed conflict. The afflicted territories by this form of violence underwent a reconfiguration in their demographics in the aftermath of mass killings, forced evictions, disappearances, and displacement. Despite condemning these acts in ad hoc international criminal courts and national tribunals, the question of the dispossessed and their right to return has always been a challenge. This article is based on documentary research to present a comparative overview of the two selected cases employing Egbert et al. (2016) and Lichtenheld’s (2020) territorial cleansing framework to unveil the interconnectedness between the practices and strategies undertaken in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Colombia to contribute to the scholarly work bridging a converging geopolitical perspective within outwardly unrelated episodes of mass political violence.

Framing Analysis of Iran-Israel’s 2024 Conflict in Kompas.id, Aljazeera.com, and NYTimes.com

This research seeks to explore how the Israel-Iran conflict in April 2024 is framed by the online media Kompas.id, Aljazeera.com, and NYTimes.com. This research aims to investigate how different narratives about the long-standing conflict pertaining to Iran-Israel complex tensions are carried by these media that present distinct geopolitical perspectives. This study uses a qualitative approach employing Robert M. Entman's framing model analysis consisting of four elements: defining the problem, diagnosing causes, making moral judgments, and suggesting solutions. Data was captured from articles written during a specific period in April 2024. Examination may include determining bias, thematic emphases and narrative strategies for each story. It was found that each media outlet had different frames for conflict. Kompas.id tends to take a more neutral approach. Aljazeera.com emphasizes the implications of Middle Eastern geopolitics of the conflict, while NYTmes.com concentrates on the broader international impact as well as the foreign policy interests of America. Such variations are politically and culturally biased according to the diverse media outlets used. This research highlights the biases and priorities reflected in the media report of the geopolitics conflict presented by various media outlets and provides insight into how the conflict is portrayed by the large media.

Study of Supply Chain Selection Strategies of Firms under Geopolitics

Based on the geopolitical perspective, the study analyzes the interaction between global trade policies and supply chain strategies, and constructs a theoretical model to explore how the tariff structure of final products is shaped by value-added content and the role of the most-favored-nation (MFN) rule and the principle of reciprocal trade in it. The findings suggest that geopolitical factors have a significant impact on international trade strategies and supply chain configurations. This theoretical framework indicates the importance for policymakers to consider geopolitical complexity in maintaining the global trade order and supply chain resilience, and promotes the construction of solid and adaptable international trade and supply chain management strategies.

Geopolitical strategies and transnational environmental governance: A comparative study of international NGOs in Cambodia

Geopolitical strategies and transnational governance can synergistically interact to meet strategic ambitions and environmental targets. International NGOs and their transnational operations are the heart of these entangled dynamics. This study reveals how geopolitical strategies influence international NGOs and their transnational activities. Drawing on empirical insights from a comparative study of international NGOs (Japanese and Chinese) in Cambodia, we developed two models to elucidate the nature of this relationship. The “tight coupling” model is exemplified by Japanese NGOs that are closely aligned with the Japanese state’s geopolitical focus on soft power in Southeast Asia. This alignment results in strong state support in terms of resources and networking capabilities, enabling the NGOs to conduct long-term environmental work and build relationships with Cambodian communities through deep engagement. The “loose coupling” model is exemplified by Chinese NGOs whose alignment with China’s dominant geopolitical strategy (the Belt and Road Initiative) is relatively weak. Consequently, these NGOs receive limited state support, which restrict their ability to engage with local communities and achieve a sustainable impact. This study breaks new ground by weaving together the fields of geopolitics and transnational environmental governance, offering new insights regarding how to incorporate geopolitical perspectives in examining the roles of non-state actors in global environmental politics.

From irreversible openness to protectionism: geopolitics and international research cooperation in the European Union

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the EU’s approach to international research cooperation between 2012–2022 drawing on critical geopolitical perspectives and the spatial politics of (re)bordering. It identifies two periods which represent the EU’s shifting approaches to international research cooperation from the pursuit of a liberal agenda promoting openness towards selective closure and a focus on ideological differences, regional interests and protectionism. This shift, we argue, was prompted by the changing geopolitical environment, marked by escalating tensions and perceived threats to the EU’s economic stability, global position, security, and normative values. These factors spurred a re-evaluation of the EU’s approach to international research cooperation, and a (re)bordering of its research space. We suggest that the EU began with utopian visions about the possibilities of neoliberal globalisation, open societies and economic collaboration and ended up withdrawing to a more closed and protectionist position in response to increasing external and internal threats, such as the aggressive actions of Russia in Ukraine, cyber-attacks by China, and the undermining of academic freedom in member states such as Hungary. This analysis contributes to understanding the relationship between geopolitics, higher education, and international research cooperation, highlighting the impact of a changing geopolitical environment on scientific cooperation in Europe.

Geopolitical Perspectives On Diplomatic Dialogues: The Standardization Of The Albanian Language During The National Renaissance

Geopolitical Perspectives On Diplomatic Dialogues: The Standardization Of The Albanian Language During The National Renaissance

Finland in a Geopolitical Perspective - From Finlandization to Integration with NATO

ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to analyse the determinants of changes in the foreign and security policy of the Republic of Finland and to answer the question of how this country's accession to NATO influenced the balance of power and the security environment in Northern Europe. The results of these analyses will allow us to understand how small states can shape the security environment at both the micro, meso, and macro scale.MethodsDue to Finland's geographical location and its experience in relations with Russia (later the USSR and again with Russia), the article uses a historical and polemological approach. The methodology was supplemented with systemic, quantitative and comparative research.ResultsFinland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization finally ended its long-standing policy of military non-alignment. Not only the European, but the global security map has changed. There are no longer democratic countries on the map of Europe that border directly on Russia and do not belong to Western military structures. From the Alliance's point of view, Finland's accession is an added value, and this country's greatest advantage is its knowledge and experience in dealing with Russia.ConclusionsIn today's security environment, there is no longer room for either neutrality or military non-engagement. Future research on this issue should approach it in a holistic way, treating the security environment as the sum of military and digital security. Although these two aspects are intertwined, it should not be forgotten that activities in each of them can take place independently.

Albania and the European Integration

This study delves into the evolution of Albania's European integration process, focusing on various critical aspects. We examine the legislative and institutional reforms undertaken by Albania to meet the Copenhagen criteria and European Union standards. Specifically, we scrutinize the sectors of justice, public administration, and fundamental rights, assessing both progress made and lingering challenges. Furthermore, we explore the economic impact of European integration on Albania, evaluating how opening up to European markets and adopting common norms have influenced economic growth, employment, and the country's competitiveness. We also analyze social dynamics, examining how the integration process has shaped Albanian society, impacting culture, education, and social cohesion. From a geopolitical perspective, we consider Albania's strategic position in the Western Balkans and how this may affect regional dynamics and the country's role within the European Union. Finally, we discuss future prospects, exploring remaining challenges and outlining the opportunities that European integration could offer to Albania politically, economically, and socially. Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Interesting and Uninteresting Unknowns

This article explores the stark visual and epistemic contrasts between early modern representations of uncertain southern African spaces produced in the metropolitan Dutch Republic and the Cape Colony, respectively. It emphasizes the importance of metropolitan and colonial mapmakers’ different material interests in shaping their disparate visual cultures. Southern Africa was a heterotopia, viewed differently through metropolitan and settler eyes, and its visualization was interest-driven. Thus, the article argues, early modern representations of uncertain southern African topographies should be analyzed neither just as verisimilar descriptions nor as emptied or exoticized fantasies. Rather, the article proposes studying the epistemic and visual cultures of mapping with the perspective-dependent categories of interesting and uninteresting unknowns. Interesting unknowns tended to be illustrated in a straightforward, ostensibly representationalist manner, whereas uninteresting unknowns became sites for mapmakers to project delocalizing fantasies. Based on their dissimilar geopolitical perspectives and material interests, metropolitan Dutch and colonial creolized Cape mapmakers viewed different geographical unknowns as interesting or uninteresting. Thus, this article contends, scholars ought to pay more attention to the unique contexts that shaped their disparate depictions of the unknown.

Contribution of Science and Technology to the Country’s National Security

In the face of Nepal's constant vulnerability to major geopolitical forces, the country has yet to fully harness technology to safeguard its national interests. This paper highlights how states, in demanding times, have wielded scientific technology to safeguard their security and address their interests. This paper draws attention to the importance of investment in innovation and research for the survival of a nation. Drawing upon historical, technological, and geopolitical perspectives, this paper explores the pivotal role of scientific and technological breakthroughs in shaping military strategies, and war efforts. The paper examines key moments when innovations such as the development of bow and arrow, gunpowder, RADAR, proximity fuse, cryptography, and computer malware have provided nations, civilizations, and communities with a vital advantage in safeguarding their security. Furthermore, the paper explores the mutual relationship between scientific research, innovation, and economic growth. It highlights how investments in science bolster a country's defence capabilities and foster innovative ecosystems that drive economic prosperity. Ultimately, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the contributions of science to national security and well-being. Analyzing the relationship between innovation, strategy, and global dynamics; the paper highlights the imperativeness of nations to adapt, collaborate, and harness scientific advancements, to safeguard their interests in an increasingly complex world. Through an enriched understanding of the past and present contributions of science in national defence, Nepalese policymakers, military leadership, and the country’s scientific community can navigate the intricate landscape of national safe guardianship to ensure a secure and prosperous future for Nepal.

How ‘European sovereignty’ became mainstream: the geopoliticisation of the EU’s ’sovereign turn’ by pro-EU executive actors

ABSTRACT There is a growing body of research on the leading role of radical and populist parties to situate ‘sovereignty’ as an increasingly central element of political discourse. However, there is much less said about the response of pro-EU actors, and how they can accommodate, modify, or reject the notion of ‘sovereignty’. The article begins with the following research question: what role does ‘European sovereignty’ play in the legitimation strategies among pro-EU executive actors? Through a framing analysis of Spanish, French, German, and EU executive actors, we uncover the way in which they articulate (European) sovereignty in their speeches. We argue that the resignification of the concept of sovereignty as ‘European’ plays a relevant role in the rearticulation of European politics, mostly led by French President Emmanuel Macron. The mainstreaming of ‘European sovereignty’ has implications for power relations, as it orients European political debates towards a geopolitical perspective.

An Analytical Investigation of Politico-Economic Effects of Gwadar and Chabahar Ports on Pak-Iran Relations

This paper aims to explore the geostrategic importance and implications of Gwadar and Chabahar ports for the entire region. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, this study integrates political, economic, and geopolitical perspectives to assess the complex dynamics at play. It delves into the historical context of Pak-Iran relations, examining the factors that have shaped their interactions over time. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the geopolitical implications of Gwadar and Chabahar ports in the context of regional power dynamics, considering the interests and interventions of key stakeholders such as China, India, and the United States. Economically, the paper evaluates the potential synergies and competition between Gwadar and Chabahar ports, exploring how their development may impact trade patterns, investment flows, and economic development in both Pakistan and Iran. Additionally, it examines the role of infrastructure connectivity in enhancing regional integration and fostering economic cooperation among neighboring states. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, empirical data, and expert insights, this paper aims to offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Pak-Iran relations in the context of the Gwadar and Chabahar ports. The theory of the struggle for power among regional powers is applied in the paper to identify the political rivalry between China and India and their possible implications for Gwadar and Chabahar ports on Pak-Iran relations. Most importantly, the paper aims to address the questions: what are the policy options for Pakistan and Iran to skip the exploitation of regional and international powers with respect to both ports and avoid disturbance in their bilateral relations?

Impact of Israel’s War on its Economy

The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn global attention, with diverse economic repercussions beyond the immediate conflict zone. The economic consequences of armed conflicts are profound, and news outlets contribute significantly to shaping public perception of these impacts. Understanding how different nations perceive and report on Israel’s economic state post-war is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. This analysis focuses on articles from Russia and the United States to understand how distinct geopolitical perspectives influence the portrayal of Israel’s economic aftermath. The articles chosen for this analysis provide insights into the nuanced ways in which the financial aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict is covered in Russia and the United States.

The Geopolitics of Deplatforming: A Study of Suspensions of Politically-Interested Iranian Accounts on Twitter

ABSTRACT Social media companies increasingly play a role in regulating freedom of speech. Debates over ideological motivations behind suspension policies of major platforms are on the rise. This study contributes to this ongoing debate by looking at content moderation from a geopolitical perspective. The starting premise is that US-based social media companies may be inclined to moderate content on their platforms in compliance with US sanctions laws, especially those concerned with the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Despite the release of transparency reports by social media companies, we know little about the scope of the problem and the impact of suspensions on political conversations. I tracked 600,000 users who follow Iranian elites on Twitter. After accounting for alternative explanations, the results show that Principlist (conservative) users and those supportive of the Iranian government are significantly more likely to be suspended. Further analyses uncover the types of discussions that are being suppressed as a result of these suspensions. Although the exact mechanism at hand cannot be decisively isolated, this paper contributes to building a better understanding of how governments can influence conversations of geopolitical relevance, and how social media suspensions shape political conversations online.

Medicaid Expansion Increases Access for Rural and Impoverished Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Southern States.

Medicaid expansion (ME) impacted patients when assessed at a national level. However, of the 32 states in which Medicaid expansion occurred, only 3 were Southern states. Whether results apply to Southern states that share similar geopolitical perspectives remains elusive. We aimed to assess the impact of ME on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment in eight Southern states in the USA. We identified uninsured or Medicaid patients (age 40-64 years) diagnosed with PDAC between 2011 and 2018 in Southern states from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries-Cancer in North America (NAACCR-CiNA) research dataset. Medicaid-expanded states (MES; Louisiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas) were compared with non-MES (NMES; Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Oklahoma) using multivariate logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 3036 patients, MES significantly increased odds of Medicaid insurance by 36%, and increased proportions of insured Black patients by 3.7%, rural patients by 3.8%, and impoverished patients by 18.4%. After adjusting for age, race, rural-urban status, poverty status, and summary stage, the odds of receiving radiation therapy decreased by 26% for each year of expansion in expanded states (P = 0.01). Last, ME did not result in a significant difference between MES and NMES in diagnosing early stage disease (P = 0.98) nor in receipt of chemotherapy or surgery (P = 0.23 and P = 0.63, respectively). ME in Southern states increased insurance access to traditionally underserved groups. Interestingly, ME decreased the odds of receiving radiation therapy yearly and had no significant impact on receipt of chemotherapy or surgery.

Sino-Russian cooperation under US and European sanctions: Chinese car brands flood into the Russian market

This article uses a realist theoretical framework to thoroughly investigate the motives, processes, and multifaceted impacts of Chinese automobile brands entering the Russian market. The research findings reveal that the transnational market strategy of Chinese brands is based not only on the pursuit of national interests and economic independence but also on a flexible response to changes in the international political and economic structure. Amid the economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia, a power vacuum has emerged in the Russian automotive market. Chinese automobile brands accurately identified and swiftly seized this opportunity, successfully entering and expanding their market share in Russia. This move has not only increased China’s influence in the global automotive industry but also further strengthened the strategic partnership between China and Russia. From a geopolitical perspective, this economic activity has also bolstered political and economic cooperation between China and Russia to resist the pressure from Western governments. This study enriches the application of realism theory in the field of international political economy and provides new perspectives and insights into understanding the motives and strategic choices of national behavior in a complex and changing international environment. By examining the case of Chinese automobile brands in Russia, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the strategic interactions between major global powers and their implications for the international political and economic order. The analysis highlights the importance of adaptive market strategies in achieving national objectives and underscores the interplay between economic strategies and geopolitical dynamics. The insights from this study are valuable for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners interested in international trade, political economy, and strategic studies, offering lessons for navigating the complexities of global market dynamics and international relations.

The “Gray Zone” Conflicts in China- U.S. Relations: From a Geopolitical Perspective

The “gray zone”, referring to actions below the threshold of war, is also known to as hybrid threats, sharp power, political warfare, malign influence, irregular warfare, and modern deterrence. Recently, there has been a good deal of discussion about China- U.S. “gray zone” conflicts. These conflicts can be best characterized as activity that is coercive and aggressive in nature, but that is deliberately designed to beyond conventional military conflict and open interstate war. Although the United States and China are highly interconnected in many ways, the U.S. government has deployed extensive and diverse gray zone tactics against China, seriously infringing upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States’ position on the South China Sea, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Japan and South Korea are best understood as a gray zone conflicts. These conflicts heavily undermine strategic stability, disrupt policy-making, and cause unintended escalation, causing “gray zone challenges” to both China and the United States. However, these challenges are difficult for the two government to address in today’s complex and competitive international environment. Through a geopolitical perspective, this paper aims to offer a deep understanding of the complex gray zone conflicts within China-U.S. relations and provide feasible recommendations for Chinese government to counter U.S. gray zone aggression.