International Environment Research Articles

Research on China-Sri Lanka Economic and Trade Cooperation Based on SWOT Analysis

This paper systematically explores the economic and trade cooperation between China and Sri Lanka based on the SWOT analysis framework. Against the backdrop of globalization and the “Belt and Road” initiative, China-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation shows great potential and broad prospects. By using the SWOT analysis method, the paper comprehensively analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of China-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation. The strengths include complementary geographical locations, complementary trade structures, and a solid foundation of political mutual trust; the weaknesses mainly lie in trade imbalances, unstable investment environments, and cultural and communication barriers; opportunities mainly arise from the promotion of the “Belt and Road” initiative, the deepening of regional cooperation, and changes in the global trade pattern; threats mainly come from changes in the international political and economic environment, external shocks such as pandemics, and the rise of trade protectionism. Finally, the paper proposes targeted strategic suggestions based on the actual situation, aiming to promote the sustainable and healthy development of China-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation and enhance the economic prosperity and well-being of the two countries.

Environmental ratification moves

For over 60 years, International Environmental Law has produced hundreds of texts aimed at protecting the environment at global to regional scales. Most of these texts do not gather the support of all the states concerned. The reasons for this are analysed here. This retrospective look provides a striking panorama of the current situation. The international and domestic motivations that lead a state to the sovereign decision to ratify or not a treaty, are first recalled and put into perspective in their interdependencies. The analysis of thousands of ratifications of 51 major treaties draws lines of divergence between leading states, follower states, and states reluctant to enter into environmental commitments. On a global scale the latter form a large majority, including most African and Asian states. The states of Northern and Western Europe are among the first to ratify these treaties, followed by other European states. G7 member states occupy vey contrasting normative positions. Overall, three major moves emerge from this global panorama. First, historical and persistent inequalities in the development of countries have cast an indelible shadow on environmental international multilateral treaties which do not bring the expected fruits of development. Second, in environmental matters, over the past 15 years the trend consists in establishing agreements of more restricted range (regional, bilateral), with commitments from states on fairly flexible objectives, adaptable to their social and economic context. Third, these agreements are set within the broadly negotiated and thematically inclusive principles of sustainable development.

USING THE "FOUR FILTERS" MODEL FOR CHOOSING THE OPTIMAL MARKETING STRATEGY IN INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES

The purpose. The purpose of the work is to develop practical recommendations for improving methodological approaches for determining effective marketing strategies of international companies in a competitive environment by means of mathematical modeling. Methodology. During the research, methods of system analysis and logical generalizations, statistical and comparative analysis, Porter's model, "four filters" model were used. The results. A scientific approach to choosing the optimal marketing strategy using the "four filters" model is proposed, which involves the consistent use of Wald, Savage, Hurwitz, and Laplace criteria. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the improvement of methodical approaches to evaluation and selection of the optimal international marketing strategy, taking into account the criterion approach. The practical significance lies in the expansion of the theoretical plane and practical significance of modern and classical theoretical approaches to the content of marketing strategy in international business, the use of mathematical modeling to solve the problems of choosing competitive marketing strategies in the international business environment.

A collaborative cybersecurity framework for higher education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the educational computer emergency response team (EduCERT) framework, an integrated response mechanism to bolster national cybersecurity through collaborative efforts in the higher education sector. The EduCERT framework addresses this gap by enhancing cyber security and mitigating cybercrime through collaborative incident management, knowledge sharing and university awareness campaigns. Design/methodology/approach The authors propose an EduCERT framework following the design science methodology. The framework is developed based on literature and input from focus group experts. Moreover, it is grounded in the principles of the technology-organization-environment framework, organizational learning and diffusion of innovations theory. Findings The EduCERT has eight components: infrastructure, governance, knowledge development, awareness, incident management, evaluation and continuous improvement. The framework reinforces national cybersecurity through cooperation between universities and the National Computer Emergency Response Team. The framework has been implemented in Jordan to generate a cybersecurity foundation for higher education. Evaluating the EduCERT framework’s influence on national cybersecurity highlights the importance of adopting comprehensive cyber-security policies and controls. The framework application shows its relevance, effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices. Research limitations/implications Despite the impact of applying the framework in the Jordanian context, it is essential to acknowledge that the proposed EduCERT framework’s practical implementation may encounter challenges specific to diverse international educational environment sectors. However, framework customization for global applicability could address varied educational institutions in other countries. Practical implications Furthermore, the proposed EduCERT framework is designed with universal applicability that extends beyond the specific country’s context. The principles and components presented in the framework can serve as valuable design advice for establishing collaborative and resilient cybersecurity frameworks in educational settings worldwide. Therefore, the research enhances the proposed framework’s practical utility and positions it as an invaluable contribution to the broader discourse on global cybersecurity in academia. Originality/value This paper enhances national cybersecurity in the higher education sector, addressing the need for a more integrated response mechanism. The EduCERT framework demonstrates its effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices, offering valuable guidance for global educational institutions.

A Time Series Study of Financial Sector Development and Original Sin in Nigeria

This study examined financial sector development and original sin in Nigeria financial market. Time series data was sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin from 1990-2023. Original sin measured by Nigeria external debt per exchange rate, Capital market development as market capitalization to gross domestic product, Foreign exchange market as variation in naira exchange rate per US Dollar, banking sector development as percentage total bank assets to gross domestic product, money market development as insurance total assets to gross domestic product, Money market development as value of money market instrument to gross domestic product. The study employed descriptive statistics and multiple regression models to estimate the relationship that exists between the dependent and independent variables. The null Hypotheses (H0) were tested at 0.05 level of significance, Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Augmented Dickey Fuller Test, Johansen Co-integration test, normalized co-integrating equations and parsimonious vector error correction model were used to conduct the investigations and analysis. The study found that 57.0% variation on original sin can be traced and explained by variation on the independent variables as formulated in the regression model. However, the F-Statistics and the F-probability justifies that the model is significant and adequate in explaining variation on the dependent variable. The β coefficient shows that capital market development have negative effect on original sin, foreign exchange market have positive effect on original sin, banking sector development have negative effect on original sin, insurance sector development and money market development have positive effect on original sin. From the findings, the study concludes that the independent variables determine positively and negatively original sin in Nigeria. We recommend that the need for policies to deepen the capital market as this can cushion the effect of the negative effect of external borrowing and domiciled in Nigeria currency rather than international currency. There should be institutionalized policies to enhance the value of the naira against other international currencies as this can reduce the pressure of exchange rate variation in international debt and international monetary environment. Public expenditure should be directed to the productive sector of the economy as this can enhance the productive capacity of the economy and reduce the negative effect on balance of payment and other macroeconomic variables. Policies should be advanced to reduce external borrowings; this can reduce the debt burden and reduce the incidence of original sin in the financial market.

The Evolution of Mediation in International Conflicts from 1940s to 2020s

The article analyzes the evolution of international mediation from the middle of the 20th century to the present day. How do changes in international environment influence mediation and research on it? The paper’s hypothesis is that the transformation of international order and political organization of the world, the dynamics of (de)globalization and changes in the nature of international conflict determine the specifics of international mediation and shape the relevant research. Over the last 80 years international mediation evolved through three stages. During the first stage, shaped by the cold war, conflicts were mostly of interstate nature and were settled by states and international organizations. Meanwhile, the growing activity of non-state actors led to the emergence of mediation via “track II diplomacy”. At this stage, the study of international mediation becomes an established research area. The second stage, since the end of 1980s to the beginning of the 21st century, witnessed a rapid progress in the settlement of many protracted regional conflicts, aided by the mediation efforts of the USSR and the United States. In Russia, research on international mediation, previously fragmentary and legalistic, developed into a separate subfield of international studies. During the third stage, in the 21st century, the political organization of the world has been undergoing a turbulent transformation at all the three levels: Westphalian system, the system of interstate relations, and political systems of individual states. The all-encompassing nature of this change increases conflict potential and changes the nature of international conflicts, which become multidimensional and involve a variety of actors. Responding to the demand for managing complex conflicts, new trends in mediation emerge, such as the growth in mediation attempts by developing nations, engagement of peacekeeping missions in mediation, the use of digital technologies for mediation purposes. At the same time, the erosion of the old political organization of the world triggers the rise in identity-based conflicts that involve disagreement over values. As parties to such conflicts are less likely to seek interestbased compromises, the likelihood of successful mediation decreases.

The determinants of MNE foreign subsidiaries’ performance: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

PurposeForeign subsidiaries of multinational enterprises (MNEs) operate in complex and competitive international environments, implement market and non-market strategies, manage resources and value-added activities and contribute to the overall performance of their parent firms. Thus, the research question on the determinants of MNE foreign subsidiaries’ performance is of interest to managers and academic researchers. The empirical literature has flourished over the recent decades; however, the domains are fragmented, and the findings are inclusive. The purpose of this study is to systematically review, analyse and synthesize the empirical articles in this area, identify research gaps and suggest a future research agenda.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the qualitative content analysis method in reviewing and analysing 150 articles published in 24 scholarly journals during the period 2000–2023.FindingsThe literature uses a variety of theoretical perspectives to examine the key determinants of subsidiary performance which can be grouped into six major domains, namely, home- and host country-level factors; distance between home and host countries; the characteristics of parent firms and of subsidiaries; and governance mechanisms (the establishment modes and ownership strategy, subsidiary autonomy and the use of home country expatriates for transferring knowledge from the headquarters and controlling foreign subsidiaries). A range of objective and subjective indicators are used to measure subsidiary performance. Yet, the research shows a lack of broader integration of theories and presents inconsistent theoretical predictions, inconclusive empirical findings and estimation bias, which hinder our understanding of how the determinants independently and jointly shape the performance of foreign subsidiaries.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive, nuanced and systematic review that synthesizes and clarifies the determinants of subsidiary performance, offers deeper insights from both theoretical, methodological and empirical aspects and proposes some promising avenues for future research directions.

Navigating Climate Change and Sustainability Solutions: Nigeria's Role in International Environmental Law

Over the past three decades, the world has witnessed multidimensional impacts of climate change, thus emphasizing the critical urgency for climate action, and promoting sustainability. Africa is reported to disproportionately suffer the consequences of climate change. These consequences such as flooding; droughts and rising temperatures require the adoption of an environmental foreign policy to foster environmental sustainability and cross-sectoral climate resilience. As Africa’s most populous nation and second-largest oil producer significant to global oil supply, Nigeria occupies a unique and distinct position in the global climate discourse. However, despite credibly being a signatory to international bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria needs an effective environmental foreign policy to attain the globally desired sustainability and climate resilience. Therefore, this paper delves into Nigeria’s commitment to international environmental law of key international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, in response to the threatening climate change crisis. The paper recognizes Nigeria as a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Africa, driving it to develop some national environmental policies that support renewable energy production and sustainability. However, most of the policies seem ineffective. This is because the country needs help with challenges ranging from political interference, corruption, unrealistic emission targets, overreliance on fossil fuels, and other socioeconomic factors. The study highlights the potential of Nigeria, the giant of Africa, in leading regional climate negotiations by localizing international environmental foreign policy and developing a strengthened legal framework to guide the African continent to sustainable development. The perspective of this paper is to encourage Nigeria to meet its sustainability objectives while fulfilling its international environmental obligations by exploring its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower

(Mis)Adapting Domestic Law to Meet New International Environmental and Trade Rules: How Peru Changed Its Environmental and Land Use Rights Laws in Response to the European Union Deforestation Regulation

Abstract International and domestic laws are being enacted or adjusted to implement climate goals, such as to fight deforestation—a key source of carbon emissions in tropical countries like Peru. These laws are increasingly connecting trade and the environment and becoming more intertwined at the national and international levels. This analysis reviews Peru’s recent change of its domestic environmental and land tenure laws partially in response to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as one recent example of the complexities involved in this interaction. Promoters of this legislative change in Peru frame it as a necessary alignment with the EUDR, but environmentalists argue that it is an excuse to weaken domestic forest protection rules, contrary to the intentions of the EUDR. This case study shows the importance of understanding the specific context of each of the countries targeted by new international zero-deforestation rules and highlights the tensions these new policies can encourage.

ISSUES OF PROVIDING GUARANTEES AND SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR EAEU LABOUR MIGRANTS

Background: Today, the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter the EAEU) has formed its own labour market; however, in the current international environment, issues related to ensuring the health protection of migrants and their access to employment persist. Despite ongoing efforts within the EAEU to develop and deepen Eurasian integration and improve the regulatory framework, there is a need in the age of digitalisation to develop better access for workers to social protection and medical support systems. The relevance of this scientific article lies in the presence of problematic issues related to the fact that many migrants are not registered and lack the documentation to protect them legally and financially; this situation contributes to the development of informal employment and low labour productivity. Although the EAEU countries have established working and socio- economic conditions, the issue of ensuring health protection, access to work, and social protection for labour migrants remains unsolved. Methods: This article employs various methods of scientific cognition, including historical and legal analysis, comparative legal study, induction and deduction, as well as analysis and synthesis. It also applies the acts and regulations of the ILO. What is the role of protecting the socio-economic and labour rights of migrant workers as the main task of receiving states? In law enforcement practice, to what extent do the provisions of international agreements on the organised hiring of workers between receiving countries and countries of origin of migrants ensure the adaptation of migrants to the legal regime of the host country, the participation of migrants in the functioning of civil society institutions, and the monitoring of migration processes? How does national regulation of labour migration in integration associations of states rationally organise their actions on the principles of national treatment for migrant workers? Labour migration strengthens integration unions, creating strong social ties and developing civil society institutions within the boundaries of integration associations. Since state sovereignty is inextricably linked to the protection of the interests of fellow citizens in regulating labour migration, all states participating in regional integration are called upon not only to protect the rights of migrant workers but also to provide all conditions for migrants to fulfil their obligations to civil society. The study examined the free movement and provision of labour and social guarantees for labour migrants in the EAEU and compared their situation in the EU. It also surveyed labour migrants in the EAEU by questioning workers in education, medical care, and various private sectors. This article is based on the results of this study. This article examined the challenges in providing guarantees and social protection for EAEU labour migrants. It proposed improvements to legal regulatory mechanisms and outlined recommendations for improving and expanding opportunities for free movement while better safeguarding the social and labour rights of migrants in the EAEU. The study’s primary objectives were as follows: - Examining the provisions of the ILO Convention on migrant workers. - Collecting and analysing data on labour movement across the EAEU - Analysing international EU treaties regarding the legal status of migrant workers - Interviewing migrant workers in the EAEU on issues related to their provision of rights and guarantees under the EAEU Treaty. Results and conclusions: This study highlights the need to organise safe labour migration, provide labour migrants with full access to digital services, improve the system of vocational and technical education in line with labour market demands, as well as develop and implement a unified system for ensuring the safety of workers and their families. Successful adaptation in the host country is identified as a critical factor for both labour migrants and their families. The authors recommend adding a dedicated chapter to the EAEU treaty that would comprehensively address labour and social rights, along with their guarantees.

International political aspects of OPEC+ activities in the context of energy diplomacy of Russia and Saudi Arabia before and after the start of the special military operation

The growing interstate rivalry sweeps more and more areas of international relations, including energy issues. While the ‘traditional’ oil and gas exporters are trying to maintain or even strengthen their current positions, new players in the oil and gas market are trying to challenge the status quo. The changing situation on the oil market due to the ‘price war’ between the United States and OPEC countries serves as a clear manifestation of this trend and encourages the OPEC members to coordinate their policies more closely with external partners. This paper aims to identify the prerequisites and assess the dynamics of cooperation between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) within the OPEC+ framework. The first section of the paper examines the logic behind the OPEC+ agreement in the context of the development of energy cooperation between the Russian Federation and the KSA before the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis. The authors note that the new format demonstrated stability within the first years of its existence and generated closer cooperation between the hydrocarbon exporting countries. The second section examines the development of OPEC+ in the face of increased geopolitical pressure from the United States and its allies. The authors conclude that the efforts of Washington and oil importing countries to undermine energy cooperation within the OPEC+ format have not succeeded, on the contrary the international stance of the group members has only strengthened. In conclusion, the authors emphasize that OPEC+ not only contributes to the stability of energy prices, but also brings tangible political benefits to its members. At the same time, according to the authors, the future of this format largely depends on the dynamics of international environment and, particularly, on the scale of the US-Russian confrontation.

Market orientation, integrated marketing communications, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance: A comparison between developed and developing economies

Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory, the study aims to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the mediating role of integrated marketing communication (IMC) in the relationship between market orientation (MO) and customer-related and market performance. Specifically, it focuses on understanding how IMC operates as a strategic tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the international environment. The research uses data from 422 SMEs and large firms in both developed and developing economies. Hypothesis testing was conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results show that IMC, as a dynamic capability, enhances the positive impact of MO on customer-related and market performance in both developed and developing economies. The firm's size moderates this mediation effect; however, the moderation varies depending on the economy type. In the developing economy, IMC mediation is stronger for SMEs than large firms, whereas in the developed economy company size doesn't impact IMC mediation. This research contributes to the marketing communications and business management theory, particularly by expanding the knowledge of the unique context of SMEs in developing economies. The practical implications of the study are particularly relevant for SMEs managers operating in diverse economic contexts, providing actionable insights that can inform decision-making and marketing strategies for SMEs.

Research on the development of BYD based on SWOT and Financial analysis

With the continuous maturity of new energy utilization technology in the future, BYD, as a leader in the new energy industry, will usher in a greater development opportunity. Through SWOT analysis of BYD's financial indicators in recent years, we can draw the following conclusions: BYD has a stable financial situation, outstanding technological innovation ability, strong cost control ability, and obvious advantages; However, the market competition is fierce, and brand influence needs to be improved. At the same time, it faces threats such as rapid technological updates and uncertainties in the international trade environment. Therefore, BYD should fully utilize opportunities such as policy support and market demand growth, strengthen brand building and technological research and development, improve market competitiveness, and respond to potential risks and challenges. In summary, by using the SWOT analysis method to conduct in-depth analysis of BYD's financial indicators in recent years, we can not only understand the company's operating status and competitive advantages, but also discover the challenges and potential risks it faces. This will help investors and decision-makers make more scientific and reasonable strategic decisions, providing strong support for the future development of the company.

Causes and Consequences of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety among Chinese College Students

Speaking anxiety is the most prominent and common phenomenon in the process of foreign language learning. As one of the important affective factors, anxiety has a pivotal influence on students' motivation promotion, effect absorption, and the establishment of the thinking-acting pool in foreign language learning. In this article, we will try to analyse the causes of foreign language speaking anxiety among Chinese university students from the comprehensive perspectives of individual students, family expectations, educational resources, and domestic and international environments, and shed light on the related problems it leads to.

Aspiring Geopark Gorontalo: Geological Site Preparation Solution for Post-COVID-19 Tourism

The Geosite Area of Gorontalo Evaluated Using Quantitative Descriptive Research Method for Tourism Preparedness Post-COVID-19" The Gorontalo geosite area was evaluated using a quantitative descriptive research method in this study to determine its readiness to host tourism after COVID-19. Changes in the attitudes and behaviours of tourists have occurred as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, significantly impacting the domestic and international tourism environment. The objective of this research is to gain an understanding of the factors motivating tourists, classify various forms of tourism, and observe specific geosites in Gorontalo based on official designations. Different local attitudes towards the "new normal tourism" are crucial factors in the highlighted destination preparation differences presented in the conclusions. Despite the economic considerations influencing the continuous implementation of health protocols, the government, local communities, and businesses must collaborate towards achieving optimal and sustainable tourism recovery

Research on International Marine Pollution Control Issues: Based on the Fukushima Pollution Incident in Japan

The international marine environment has increasingly become a critical focus of global environmental concerns, with marine pollution worsening significantly. The Fukushima sewage incident in Japan has notably heightened awareness of marine environmental pollution, impacting the marine environment, economic development, food safety, and human health in surrounding countries, making marine pollution control an urgent priority. This paper analyzes the Fukushima pollution incident in Japan, reviewing the current status of international marine pollution control legal treaties and international cooperation efforts. It proposes new governance ideas grounded in climate change advisory opinions, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to tackle emerging pollution challenges. Furthermore, the paper examines both theoretical and practical problems within the existing framework of international marine pollution control, identifying gaps and inconsistencies that hinder effective management. Based on this analysis, the paper offers comprehensive countermeasures and suggestions aimed at enhancing the efficacy of international treaties, improving coordination among nations, and strengthening the overall governance structure to better address marine pollution. This holistic approach is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of marine ecosystems and the long-term health and prosperity of human societies.

China's Foreign Investment Law and TRIMs Agreement: Conflicts, Amendments, and Applications

This article explores the developmental trajectory of China's Foreign Investment Law and its consistency issues with the WTO TRIMs Agreement. Covering four developmental stages from 1979 to 2020, it provides a detailed account of the evolution and amendments of China's legal framework on foreign investment. The article identifies inconsistencies in national treatment, elimination of quantitative restrictions, and transparency principles, analyzing adjustments and revisions made across these stages to align with international trade environments and WTO requirements. Despite significant progress, the article highlights areas for further improvement, such as the implementation of national treatment principles and resolution of transparency issues.

Динамика внешнеполитических ориентаций современной студенческой молодежи

Studies of foreign policy orientations of Russians are extremely significant for modern Russian society and require comprehensive analysis in the context of ongoing transformations of the world order. To carry out separate and independent foreign policy, it is necessary to support it from the population, to form of stable foreign policy orientations, and current ideas about the ongoing foreign policy of the Russian Federation on the part of the representatives of various social groups. The focus of research interest is the sociological analysis of foreign policy orientations of contemporary youth. Young people in the near future will come to key positions in the country’s leadership and will determine the main priorities and directions of our country’s foreign policy. The research of the dynamics of foreign policy orientations of contemporary youth can provide objective and reliable information that can serve as the basis for formation of positive image of Russia in the mass consciousness, understanding and acceptance of the country’s foreign policy course by contemporary young people. The study of attitude of various population groups to Russian foreign policy is carried out for the most part by all-Russian sociological centers, but there are practically no regional studies, including the studies among young people of different Russian regions on the presented issues in modern conditions of the unstable international environment. The analysis of structure and dynamics of foreign policy orientations of Russians and youth, based on the materials from the authors' own and all-Russian sociological research is carried out; their attitude to different directions of the country's foreign policy and individual international events is studied.

Assessing the Effectiveness of the 10 United Nations Global and Multilateral Climate Treaties

International Environmental Agreements (IEAs) have been implemented to address sustainability challenges and encourage international cooperation. The effectiveness of IEAs remains a topic of discussion, particularly in the context of addressing climate change. As CO2 emissions are influenced by a country’s economic activity and population size, the question of fairness arises when holding nations accountable for their contributions to climate change. The United Nations (UN) has played a significant role in shaping global treaties on climate change and facilitating multilateral negotiations across member nations. While UN-brokered IEAs offer a framework for cooperation and environmental regulation, debates persist regarding the allocation of responsibility and the effectiveness of implementation. This paper examines specific IEAs relating to global climate change and their achievements, limitations, and potential for improvement.

Canada's instruments of national power suffer from crippling human resources vulnerabilities

Canada faces an increasingly difficult international environment. The to-do list is extensive: decades of neglect and underinvestment mean that every instrument of national power - diplomacy, defence, development, intelligence, national security, law enforcement - all suffer from chronic under-investment. Perhaps most strikingly, Canada has also not produced a comprehensive national security policy since 2004. These vulnerabilities are being increasingly discussed publicly. There is, however, one persistent problem that underlies these vulnerabilities and systematically fails to receive the attention it deserves, both in public debates and inside government: human resources.