International Arena Research Articles

Oversight Hearings, Stakeholder Engagement, and Compliance in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Abstract This paper introduces the concept of dialogic oversight, a process by which judicial bodies monitor compliance through a combination of mandated state reporting, third-party engagement, and supervision hearings. To assess the effectiveness of this strategy in the international arena, we evaluate the supervision hearings conducted by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. We employ propensity-score matching, difference-in-difference estimators, and event-history models to analyze compliance with 1,878 reparation measures ordered by the Court between 1989 and 2019. We find that dialogic oversight has moderate but positive effects, increasing the probability of state compliance by about 3 percent per year (a substantial effect compared to the baseline rate of implementation). However, it requires the engagement of civil society to yield positive outcomes. Our framework connects related findings in distant literatures on constitutional law and international organizations.

The Impact of Realism on U.S. Foreign Policy during the Trump Presidency

Purpose: This article explored the impact of realism on American foreign policy during the Trump administration, striving to answer whether Trump adopted a realist stance or employed a unique blend of realism to enhance American interests on the global stage. Methodology: Centering on theoretical analysis and historical context, this study investigated the alignment of Trump's controversial personality and his "America First" slogan with the quest for national interests and power dynamics. This paper spotlighted Trump's unorthodox implementation of realism by exploring specific global issues, such as security strategies, trade policies, and diplomatic methods. Findings: This paper underscored Trump's deviation from traditional realism and adopting an unconventional realist approach. Particular emphasis was placed on this approach's implications for global power dynamics and the ethical dimensions of U.S. foreign policy. This study pinpointed noteworthy results from Trump's unique fusion of realism, providing insights into its effects on international relations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research contributed to theoretical comprehension and practical implications for future American foreign policy. It illuminated the Trump administration's unorthodox implementation of realism and its ramifications for international cooperation. Moreover, this paper advocated for a balanced approach incorporating strategic pragmatism with ethical leadership to efficiently tackle intricate global challenges and uphold the United States' role in the international arena.

Educational Innovations in the Fundamentals of Marxism in the Context of the New Era

In the historical context of the new era, socialist education with Chinese characteristics faces many opportunities and challenges. With the further deepening of globalisation and informatisation, traditional economic, cultural and technological boundaries are becoming blurred, while bringing about social challenges such as intensified global competition and the polarisation of the rich and the poor. As the world's second largest economy, China is striving to find a development path suitable for itself in the wave of globalisation. In the age of information technology, cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data are reshaping the economy and society, while the Internet and mobile communication technologies have made the flow of information more rapid, which not only facilitates the dissemination of knowledge, but also has a significant impact on the mode of education and the way of work. By promoting the "Internet Plus" action plan and the development of the digital economy, the Chinese government aims to improve governance capacity and efficiency, and draw up a blueprint for a digital China and a smart society. In the new era of ideological pluralism, China faces the challenges and opportunities of both socialist core values and traditional cultural heritage. China is trying to find a balance between inheritance and innovation, and to strengthen citizens' moral construction and cultural confidence. Such an endeavour not only enhances the country's cultural soft power, but is also a positive response to the changes of the times. At the same time, socialist education with Chinese characteristics is also placing greater emphasis on people's livelihoods and fairness and justice in the new era, and the public's pursuit of a high quality of life has become more intense. The rising demand for education, health, housing and the environment requires the government to pay more attention to livelihood improvement and social equity while promoting economic development. The concept of environmental protection and green development has become a social consensus, pointing to the goal of sustainable development. China's economic system is transforming into a more globally competitive modernisation and is seeking a broader space for development under the new pattern of globalisation. The changes brought about by this new era to Chinese education are not only challenges, but also opportunities. China not only needs to play an important role in the international arena, but also needs to deepen its internal reforms in order to raise the level of national education and contribute to the grand blueprint of high-quality economic development and national rejuvenation. Marxist education, as a guiding ideology, will continue to play an important role in this process, aiming to cultivate the talents needed by the times, promote the internalisation and practice of socialist core values, and ultimately realise socialist modernisation and the overall revitalization of the country.

Charting the Sustainable Course: Navigating the Saudi Arabia Medical and Wellness Tourism Roadmap with Business Model Canvas (BMC)

Medical and wellness tourism has emerged as a pivotal sector with significant economic implications globally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study delves into the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s medical and wellness tourism, recognizing its importance as a key player in the tourism industry. The study aims to elevate this sector to new heights on the global stage by employing the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a strategic tool. BMC allows for a comprehensive analysis of the medical tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, breaking down key elements across its nine blocks: key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer segments, channels, customer relationships, cost structure, and revenue streams. The results of this study shed light on the unique selling proposition (USP) as a crucial strategic step for Saudi Arabia to distinguish itself and enhance its position in the international medical tourism arena. By identifying and maximizing the unique aspects within each BMC block, the study presents a roadmap for Saudi Arabia, navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the potential of the medical and wellness tourism sector. This research serves as a guide, emphasizing the strategic importance of a well-defined business model to shape the future of medical and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia and establish a prominent global presence.

Librarianship and bibliography in the international arena: The Subcommittee for Bibliography of the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation, 1922–1930

In 1922, the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation was established to serve as an advisory organ of the League of Nations in respect of science, arts and education. It took an interest in promoting international bibliographic projects and library cooperation. This article focuses on the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation’s Subcommittee for Science and Bibliography, established in 1923, and situates it in the context of the League’s evolving and complex administrative and communication infrastructure for intellectual cooperation, to which the International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation was added in 1926. A general overview is given of the Subcommittee’s membership, its relationship with the International Institute of Bibliography of Paul Otlet and Henri Lafontaine, and its activities as reflected in its agendas, minutes and reports. Its membership comprised eminent scientists and scholars, with directors of some major libraries serving as associate members, some of whom later played leading roles in IFLA.

The Eurasian Tiger: How Deep Are its Claws?

The Shanghai Corporation Organisation arose from a set of desired ideals in the Eurasian region bolstered primarily by countries such as Russia and China. With diverging cultural, political, religious, and economic values, the security and economic values were primate on the Organisation’s Agenda giving way to the formation of a strong regional alliance that grew from a five Member State Organisation. Within the Organisation, the ideals of human security, regional security, information sharing and economic development with cooperation find common ground. Though challenged differing values, the work traverses the historical, legal, and other journeys to one that has successfully found its way into the international arena with the likes of the United Nations. This paper reviews the work.

Cybersecurity Governance and Digital Finance: Evidence from Sovereign States

Digital finance provides unprecedented development opportunities for countries, especially in times of epidemic, and digital transformation has become an important means of accelerating economic development and maintaining social stability. However, digital finance relies on Internet infrastructure, and cybersecurity challenges have increased, bringing severe security risks to digital finance. Therefore, safeguarding network security has become a key cornerstone for the development of digital finance. This paper analyzes and explores the main cybersecurity problems faced in the era of big data from the perspective of the current development status of digital finance, and at the same time shows some new initiatives currently underway in the international arena in order to meet the challenges posed by cybersecurity and to help navigate the sustainable development of global digital finance.

Digital literacy, online security behaviors and E-payment intention

E-payment is a key component of e-commerce, facilitating improved user efficiency and fostering the intent to use e-commerce in the digital realm and the international integration arena. This study investigates the joint impact of digital literacy on two similar but fundamentally different activities which are security control behavior and e-payment continuance intention. This research contributes to the growing field of literature in two ways. First, the study examines Digital Literacy, which distinguishes three broad dimensions - Tech Familiarity, Policy understanding, Awareness of institutional surveillance, and its association with Security control Behaviors and E-payment continuance intention. Second, the study tests the mediator effect of Security control Behaviors on the relationship between Digital Literacy and E-payment Intention. The data were collected by using both offline and online survey methods across the national scope, employing a quota sampling approach to encompass a wide range of consumer demographics. Structural equation modeling with the sample of Vietnamese respondents was applied to test the influence of digital literacy on customers’ security control behavior and intention to use e-payments. The results endorse that 1) digital literacy has an important impact on online security behavior; 2) digital literacy bridges a strong direct association with e-payment continuance Intention and indirect through online security behavior. This study suggests several theoretical and practical implications from the findings, as well as limitations and future directions.

Optimization of Modern Technology in the Cultural Tradition of Butabuh Muli Mekhanai Luwah Lawang in Maghga Putih

The personality that has been attached to a region cannot be separated from the habits formed from the environment and culture that will gradually form a cultural identity. A region must have an identity and personality to maintain its existing characteristics, which can maintain its identity from the influence of other cultures. The presence of information and communication technology, especially smartphones, has an impact on muli meghanai to actively participate in the development of butabuh cultural traditions, this study aims to provide socialization from the globalization of the use of technological media as a means of butabuh cultural traditions to be preserved among adolescents. This scientific article was prepared using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. The results showed that the use of technological media contributed to the butabuh cultural tradition. The use of technological media is claimed to be used as a tool to optimize butabuh culture in the national and international arena.

Injury Incidence in Traineras: Analysis of Traditional Rowing by Competitive Level and Gender

The growing interest in “Traineras”, a traditional competitive rowing modality prevalent in Northern Spain, underscores the need for a comprehensive analysis of the injury incidence associated with this sporting practice. Despite rowing’s significance in the international sports arena and its inclusion since the beginnings of the modern Olympic Games, research into injuries in this sport, especially in traditional modalities such as Traineras, has been limited. This study aimed to identify and describe the predominant injuries among Traineras rowers, analyzing their epidemiology, characteristics, affected body regions, and diagnoses, further differentiated by competitive level and gender. A retrospective survey completed by 773 rowers (24% women, 76% men) participating in various leagues (ACT, ARC1, ARC2, LGT1, LGT2, ETE, and LGT-F) during the season revealed that 68.2% suffered from at least one injury, predominantly due to overuse (91.1% in men, 83.1% in women). The most affected regions were the lower back and shoulders, with the main diagnoses being muscle cramps and tendinitis, showing statistically significant differences between sexes. The findings of this study not only provide a deeper understanding of the etiology and origin of injuries in this sport but also lay the groundwork for developing specific injury prevention plans, thereby contributing to the safety and optimal performance of athletes.

‘We’ve got this policy, now what?’ The security politics of implementing the Family Protection Law in Jordan

In this article, I bring together scholarship from feminist international relations and comparative gender politics to investigate how and why Jordan has implemented its policy addressing domestic violence, the 2008 Family Protection Law. Through a qualitative case study, I find that implementation is partial. Aspects of the policy that elevate Jordan’s status in the international arena and sustain domestic male privilege are implemented. Attempts at implementing aspects of the policy that grant greater autonomy to women are met with intense opposition, which is justified on the basis of preserving state stability. Taken together, this article demonstrates how international pressure and national security (i.e., state-centric) practices combine with domestic conservatism to produce unintended consequences: ineffective violence against women policies that are minimally implemented. The analysis adds nuance to both the feminist international relations and comparative gender politics literatures by demonstrating how domestic gender policymaking processes are influenced by national and international security politics.

A study of the institutional structure of China's overseas establishment of private military companies

Private military companies provide specialized military knowledge, skills and military services of all kinds to the State sector and its governmental agencies (including the military forces to which they belong), international organizations, commercial enterprises and so on. With the development of economic globalization and changes in the international situation, their role in the international arena is becoming increasingly important. For this reason, the gradual development of China's system for the establishment of overseas private military companies on the basis of the experience gained from the establishment of private military companies in other extra-territorial countries deserves greater attention and recognition.

The struggle for the construction of places of worship of minority religions in Indonesia

The literature on the construction of places of worship has predominantly shown difficulties, rejection and disharmony among religious communities. This study aims to describe and analyzed the success story of the construction of the Santa Monica church in Tangerang. This is a qualitative study conducted over a month-long period using primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through observation and interviews, while secondary data were obtained through formal and informal policy reviews available online. The informants involved in this study amounted to eight people consisting of church leaders and administrators, local leaders, religious leaders, religious organizations and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Data were analyzed using content analysis methods. The results of the study show that the ability of church leaders and administrators to build good social and cultural relations with the community was a key element in their success in obtaining permission to build the church. This was achieved through effective communication, dialogue and cooperation between the Catholic community, leaders and the predominantly Islamic local community. Active involvement in daily activities had a positive impact, fostering mutual trust and peaceful coexistence, ultimately resulting in the local community’s support and approval for the establishment of the place of worship. Thus, the church construction committee was able to meet all administrative requirements as stipulated by government regulations. This study recommends the importance of good social and cultural relations as the fundamental basis and determinant of success for religious communities seeking to construct places of worship.Contribution: This article contributes to the goal of HTS Theological Studies in promoting the transdisciplinary aspect of religious studies in the international theological arena, particularly in the study of religious harmony among communities in Indonesia.

Internationalism of the Post-Cold War World: Clinton’s Foreign Policy for the Global Age

The end of the Cold War prompted a critical reassessment of America’s global role, particularly during the post-Cold War era led by the Clinton administration. Faced with a shifting geopolitical landscape, President Bill Clinton addressed challenges and opportunities, seeking to define America’s role in this transformed international arena. As the bipolar structure of the Cold War dissolved, geo-economics took precedence over geopolitics. The ‘end of history’ narrative signaled a departure from traditional boundaries, and Clinton grappled with the choice of maintaining leadership through global engagement and internationalism. This study analyzes Clinton’s foreign policy throughout his presidency, emphasizing key issues like terrorism and the Balkans. It explores how perceptions of American decline, both economically and militarily, influenced internationalist policies. Additionally, it delves into the impact of conceptual frameworks such as ‘democratic peace,’ ‘unipolar moment,’ and ‘soft power’ on Clinton’s decisions. Drawing on primary sources and influential literature, the research suggests that Clinton’s foreign policy represented a strategic blend of internationalism and pragmatism, addressing the complexities of the post-Cold War world. To conclude, this research contributes to understanding how the end of the Cold War reshaped the global geopolitical landscape and explores the ideological underpinnings guiding the United States in the post-Cold War international arena.   Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Security for Online Banking and Transaction

Technological developments have been growing at an alarming speed in the international arena. Internet is proudly one of the best in those. So, the banking sector is also making the best utilization of it. In this study based on ONLINE BANKING, it has been observed that the development of online banking has increased by leaps and bounds during the past few years. Concentrating on the Indian economy, the use of online banking is still in the developing stage. Today in India the scope of online banking is growing by a good decent rise in its usage. The rise in the usage of the Internet is the main criteria for development of online banking. This project helps us understand the how the online banking came into existence and its need in the modern world. It shows us the insights of the online banking in India. It helps us understand the opportunities and the challenges associated with the online banking in India.

Quality, Formality and the Evolution of International Labour Law: The New ILO Quality Apprenticeships Standard

Abstract In an era of sequential crises and spiralling youth unemployment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted a historic instrument: the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No 208). This article explores the recommendation as both a landmark in the regulation of training and a site of regulatory innovation and contestation at the heart of contemporary labour law. It first traces the history of apprenticeship standards and the discursive processes that generated the new Recommendation. The article then adopts a dual analytical framework to explore key aspects of the Recommendation as driving and illuminating both the regulation of apprenticeships and the broader evolution of labour law. We highlight the Recommendation’s articulation and ascription of ‘quality’, including as crucial to the debates on the personal scope of labour law; the evolving presence of precarious work in the international normative arena; equality, diversity and inclusion as a heightening aspiration of both apprenticeship regimes and international labour norms; the Recommendation’s exclusion of non-apprenticeship training, and traineeships as an urgent site of future international standard-setting; and the significance of the instrument’s notion of informality for the regulation of informal apprenticeships, not least in the Global South, and for the global debates on the concept, transition, and regulation of informal work.

China’s Assertive Foreign Policy and Global Visions Under Xi Jinping

China, which has made a major economic breakthrough, has become one of the most important actors in international politics by increasing its military power in recent years. China's increasing power and influence in the international arena arouses increasing curiosity about the country's foreign policy. With Xi Jinping becoming president, China began to display a more assertive attitude or behavior on many issues. This study basically seeks an answer to the question of what differences Xi Jinping brought to Chinese foreign policy. What kind of changes do these differences lead to in Chinese foreign policy? In this study, the general tendencies and directions of Chinese foreign policy during the Xi Jinping period are discussed. The assertive foreign policy approach that Xi Jinping is trying to implement is analyzed. In this context, the visions of "Chinese dream", "new type of great power relations", "new type of international relations", “Belt and Road Initiative" and "a community with a common future for humanity", which reflect Xi's assertive foreign policy approach, are examined. At the same time, challenges to the assertive foreign policy implemented under Xi Jinping are discussed. The study mainly questions the extent to which Xi Jinping's assertive foreign policy approach is successful. The study concludes that Xi Jinping's active foreign policy approach has not increased China's sphere of influence in the international arena to the extent expected. As China becomes more visible in the international arena, the country's foreign policy challenges seem to be increasing.

State Control over the Threats of the Outbound Tourism Sector in Russia

The relevance of the study lies in the fact that currently the field of outbound tourism in Russia is facing a number of threats and problems that can negatively affect the activities of manufacturers of a tourist product. These threats may be related to changes in the political situation, escalation of conflicts in the international economic arena, economic crises, changes in sectoral national and foreign legislation, and other environmental factors. The research conducted by the author makes it possible to identify destructive elements of the external environment that can cause signifi cant threats to manufacturers of a tourist product, that is, for tour operators in the field of outbound tourism. In the article, the author considers the factors and conditions contributing to the emergence of threats to the activities of manufacturers of tourist products in the field of outbound tourism in Russia. Based on the application of the structural analysis method, destructive elements of the external environment of the outbound tourism sector have been identified, which can be regulated using state regulation tools. The author, based on the application of activity analysis, also identified contradictions in the functioning of the mechanism of state regulation in terms of ensuring comprehensive security and countering identified threats in the fi eld of outbound tourism in Russia. This allows us to identify the shortcomings of the existing system of state regulation in this area, suggest ways to improve it, as well as develop specific measures to prevent the threats to the complex security of all subjects of relations in the economic sphere of outbound tourism of the Russian Federation considered in the article. Thus, the study is relevant and necessary in order to help manufacturers of a tourist product and the mechanism of state administration of the Russian Federation in the field of outbound tourism in Russia to minimize risks and ensure the comprehensive safety of the tourism industry of the Russian Federation.

Can carbon emission trading markets reduce the risks in traditional energy markets?

As the largest energy consumer in the world, China maintains a tightly interconnected energy market in the international arena. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the interdependence and spillover effects between the carbon emissions trading markets, traditional energy markets in China, and International markets. We explore changes in risk in the Chinese energy market with the introduction of the Chinese carbon market by employing the Vine Copula function to construct a vine structure and analyse the complex interdependence among markets. Moreover, we utilise the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Auto Regression and Diebold-Yilmaz Spillover Index (TVP-VAR-DY) method to examine the dynamic spillover effects of risk across various markets. Empirical analyses reveal a strong interdependence between the carbon emissions trading market and the traditional energy market. The Brent crude oil market occupies a central position within the system and significantly influences other markets. The carbon emissions trading market on the periphery has little impact on the system. Additionally, significant volatility spillover effects—observed between the carbon emissions trading market and traditional energy market systems—are closely correlated with economic conditions and extreme events, demonstrating time-varying characteristics. Furthermore, the Chinese carbon emissions trading market effectively reduces risk spillover in traditional Chinese energy markets from international markets during periods of risk contagion, particularly during times of high volatility, which can offer policymakers a novel path for risk management and provide investors with new avenues for investment hedging strategies.

Specifics of the Chinese National Brand as a Tool of Cultural Diplomacy: structure and functions

The article analyzes the specifics of the Chinese national brand as a tool of cultural diplomacy. The concept of “soft power” is considered, which is part of the narrative about the cumulative power of states and the revival of the Chinese nation and occupies one of the significant places in modern Chinese politics. One of the tools of “soft power” is cultural diplomacy – a branch of public diplomacy based on the exchange of ideas, information, systems, values, beliefs, traditions and other aspects of culture to promote mutual understanding between people. The activities that are used to implement cultural diplomacy are given. The main goal of China’s “soft power” concept is to achieve the correct perception of national ideals by the world community. It is noted that Chinese “soft power” differs from the classical Western concept and is purely culture-centric, interpreted as a combination of Confucian political and social values, Chinese art and language, folk customs and traditions. China is working to globally scale its nation brand, which is based on the concept of nationalism, drawing on the country’s cultural capital. The specifics of the national brand from the perspective of macroeconomics and its structural elements are considered: exports, domestic and foreign government policies, population, culture and heritage, tourism and investment. It is noted that when developing a brand and international communications, the Chinese government actively uses the historical context as a tool of cultural propaganda. The features of the national image are identified, designed to form a positive attitude of society towards the country, contributing to increased trust in it. The objectives and instruments of China’s policy to form and maintain its own image in the international arena are given.