International Environment Research Articles

Requirements for the Integration Period Regarding Training and Development of Officials in Vietnam

International integration has exerted profound and far-reaching impacts on various facets of Vietnamese societal life. Leveraging the capabilities of emerging technological ecosystems, the state has gained additional effective tools for enhancing societal governance. Given that globalization represents an inherent and objective progression, and the Communist Party of Vietnam advocates comprehensive international integration, active participation from the cadre corps is imperative. Cadres possessing the adeptness to operate within international contexts are poised to assume a pivotal role in cadre activities across governmental bodies, organizations, and the broader political framework. Furthermore, the intergenerational transition within the current cadre corps necessitates an elevation of competencies in navigating international environments to establish standards and benchmarks for cadre performance. In order to cultivate a robust, proficient, and contemporary cadre and civil service cohort capable of meeting the exigencies of the integration era, Vietnam must intensify its efforts in bolstering the training and development initiatives targeting this demographic.

The Rule of Law: A Core Premise for the Effectiveness of International Environmental Law

Abstract International environmental law rarely refers to the rule of law. However, in fostering inter-state cooperation, international environmental agreements oblige parties to prohibit, restrict or control various activities that are harmful to the environment. The application of these constraints at the national level requires the rule of law to be taken into account.

Harmonizing International Environmental Law and National Sovereignty

International environmental law is an important legal tool to deal with the global environmental crisis. In recent years with the increasingly serious and global environmental problems the speed and depth of environmental problems are also increasing. In this process the relationship between state sovereignty and international environmental law and its conflict become the object of study. "To do a systematic analysis this paper attempts to destroy the conflict between national sovereignty and environmental rights and on the basis of in-depth discussion of the background concept formation and development stage of international environmental law to explore whether the two can be coordinated. In particular the concept of "soft standards" is proposed to analyze its actual status and role in international environmental law and its dialectical relationship between legal significance and legal effect in non-binding international instruments. On the basis of respecting national sovereignty the document said that strengthening the supervision of international mechanisms and improving the national responsibility system can promote the effective coordination of international environmental law and safeguard national sovereignty and realize the mutual benefit and win-win situation of environmental protection and national interests. At the same time it puts forward a more cautious attitude towards the criticism and modification of the soft law of the international environment and emphasizes that the universal basis of the law should be paid attention to in the practical application so as to avoid the marginalization of legal research due to excessive dependence on social analysis methods.This paper aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the further development and practical application of international environmental law.

POLICY OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC COOPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA WITH ASEAN

The Republic of Korea has achieved economic growth and development thanks to the benefits of trade liberalization within the framework of a multilateral trading system. However, it faced a new international trading environment with the emergence of neoprotectionism. Initially, neoprotectionism was promoted by developed countries, but now it is becoming a common phenomenon in the international trading environment. In particular, the political and economic conflicts between the United States and China are forcing a radical change in the foreign trade policy of the Republic of Korea. The prolonged confrontation between the two largest markets for the South Korean economy has reinforced the need to review the foreign economic policy of the Government of the Republic of Korea. In response to changes in the international trading environment, the Government of the Republic of Korea was forced to develop and promote new directions of foreign economic policy for the development of the multilateral trading system.

Diplomacy in Expansion. Promoting Knowledge Through International Relations

Abstract To say that today’s international security environment has become highly complex is a truism. No one doubts this anymore, which is not to say that the efforts to argue such a reality have lost their relevance. On the contrary, the need and importance of scientific investigation are becoming critical as the international security environment becomes increasingly dynamic, generating cascading challenges. The speed of change, on the one hand, and the often claimed low level of unpredictability regarding the direction of developments taking place in society today, in any domain and at national and global levels alike, on the other hand, call for the identification and analysis, including the reassessment and reinterpretation, of opportunities and threats that are increasingly seen as existential, profound and global. Global issues that impact the security environment, which is referred to as ‘international, ‘ are being addressed by a wide range of actors, sometimes brought together in public-private dialogue networks, who can offer solutions based on their expertise and understanding of the field. This paper aims to question the role of international relations in promoting and supporting higher education as a distinct entity within an institutionalized effort to draw international academic knowledge into the mechanism of addressing pressing global issues impacting the international security environment. Thus, taking the internationalization of higher education as a starting point, some lines of action are proposed for the promotion of knowledge through a diplomatic approach aimed at enhancing its social aspect in direct relation with the transformations of the international system and the challenges to international security.

‘Gaming’ in the English primary school: ‘do whatever you need to do to make your data look good’

ABSTRACT In an international policy environment of intensified high-stakes accountability, pupil assessment data are an invaluable commodity and critical indicator of both school and teacher effectiveness. Teachers’ engagement with pupil data and the associated experiences of increased accountability are of great consequence, and highly contentious for perceptions and experiences of policy. In the context of the English primary school, this paper explores the progressively tactical nature of teachers’ enactment of assessment policy, and the impetus to ‘make the data look good’. It draws upon an empirical study of rich qualitative data from 42 interviews with 22 primary teachers employed in the South-East of England. The findings add to an evolving field about ‘gaming’, and particular consequences for teacher identity are discussed. The paper further advances insights about teachers’ experiences of ‘in-school assessment’ as pertinent for understanding gaming. It locates the pupil progress meeting as an iteration of teacher accountability and performativity, and particular site of contestation, and a specific contribution to knowledge in this regard.

Pivot to the South: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through China's Belt and Road Initiative

AbstractWhilst China's aid and development model has been traditionally understood as divergent from the dominant post‐1945 liberal development model, scholars are also increasingly exploring convergence between features of the two development models. Recently, scholars from a range of disciplines including development studies, development geography and international (business, environment and legal) studies have explored a process whereby China's Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals converge (‘BRI‐SDG integration’). This paper brings these multidisciplinary strands of scholarship together and places them in dialogue with social sciences convergence theory to understand how BRI‐SDG integration aligns with or challenges previous conceptualisations of Chinese‐dominant development convergence. The paper first demonstrates that BRI‐SDG integration proposes a novel and deliberate convergence process ‐ which the paper names ‘complementary convergence’. However, BRI‐SDG integration also underscores the need for more multidirectional frameworks that reject Eurocentricity for evaluating the contemporary Chinese‐dominant relationship, and an enhanced focus on how China is influencing dominant development institutions. Finally, BRI‐SDG integration reiterates the methodological difficulties of delineating between ‘development models’ in an increasingly interrelated global governance of development.

Artificial Intelligence – a Double-Edged Sword. Organized Crime`s AI vs Law Enforcement`s AI

Abstract Organized crime has acquired new values in the context of the geopolitical, social and economic transformations that the states are currently facing, expanding their ramifications at the international level. Conflicts often create opportunities that lead to the increasing of the organized crime, amplifying the threat that criminal groups can pose to domestic security. The heightened dynamics of the international security environment and, in particular, the instability with the potential for contagion manifested in the Eastern neighborhood and in the Middle East, potentiates the risks posed by organized crime. With the increase in technological development, especially based on Artificial Intelligence, organized crime has become one of the world’s most pressing issues, with a large number of countries having been affected. This research deals with the role of digital technologies implemented through cyberspace in prevention, detecting and combating organized crime. In addition, the research found that the rate of illegal activity has increased due to the global accessibility that the Internet has provided, especially AI, posing great risks to the public and increasing the rate of organised crimes. Combating organized crime has become an important political priority for many governments around the world, and any future success in eliminating criminal groups in its various forms will depend on the extent to which governments and relevant organizations are prepared to develop digital technologies based on artificial intelligence and use them to combat and prevent illegal activity.

Особливості використання документарних форм міжнародних розрахунків в Україні

The peculiarities of the use of documentary forms of international settlements by economic entities of Ukraine are analyzed, in particular, advantages and disadvantages, requirements for the use of documentary forms of international settlements, as well as the main directions of innovative approaches to improving their application. The prospects for the development of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine are outlined. The stages of decision-making regarding the use of a documentary letter of credit in the implementation of an export operation have been developed. This article analyzed the use of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine, which is an important and necessary factor in ensuring the effective and safe implementation of foreign economic activity, especially in conditions of increased volatility of the international environment. The advantage of documentary forms of international settlements is that they provide a high level of protection of the interests of the parties to the agreement. They allow you to avoid risks associated with non-payment of goods delivery, unreliable information about the condition and quality of goods, possible changes in prices or exchange rates and other potential problems. The use of documentary forms of international settlements also ensures trust between the parties by monitoring compliance with the terms of the agreement. However, using a documentary form of settlement can also be a complex and sometimes inconvenient process, as it requires some interaction with paper and compliance with certain procedures. In addition, this form of payment can be expensive due to commissions and other costs associated with banking transactions. Ukraine, as a state with a high level of involvement in international economic relations, actively uses documentary forms for international settlements. This is confirmed by the large number of banks offering this service and the growth of foreign trade volumes. Thus, the use of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine is beneficial and necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of foreign economic transactions. However, it requires some discipline and additional costs. In general, the issue of the use of documentary forms of international settlements in Ukraine requires attention and resolution by improving the legal framework, passing certification courses, improving the qualifications of specialists, and increasing the number of banks that provide services for the use of documentary forms of international settlements. This will help ensure the safety and efficiency of foreign economic activity of Ukrainian companies.

The Role of Precautionary Approach and Sustainable Development in International Environmental Law: A Comparative Analysis

The Role of Precautionary Approach and Sustainable Development in International Environmental Law: A Comparative Analysis

An Appraisal of the Legal Frameworks and Policy Shift in the Nigerian Energy Sector

This paper will explore policy shifts in Nigeria’s oil and gas, solar, nuclear, and mineral energy sectors. This policy shift by way of a transition, indigenization, and Nigerianization, has given way to deregulation, decentralization, and de-indigenization of many industries, most notably in the oil and gas sector, through the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 and the Local Content Act of 2010 (LCA). The paper recommends, amongst others, the establishment of a new legal regime that grants resource-based and property rights to resource-bearing communities and incorporates principles of international law, energy diplomacies, International Environmental Law, and international best practices.

Transformation of the Czech (or Czechoslovak) Economy

Analyzing the transformation of the Czech, or Czechoslovak, economy presents a multifaceted challenge. Initially, the analysis includes a concise introduction to the centrally planned economic system, exploring its operations, benefits, and the significant shortcomings that emerged prominently by the late 1980s. The Czechoslovak economy occupied a unique position among CoMECon countries, characterized by dual exports, minimal indebtedness, and a robust industrial foundation. The discussion of the transformation process begins within an international framework, noting that economic transformations have historically unfolded in diverse settings and have been marked by varying economic strategies. It is essential to recognize that the transformation of the Czechoslovak, or Czech, economy occurred against the backdrop of globalization and within the framework of the neoliberal doctrine, as articulated by the Washington Consensus. Key components of this transformation included the privatization and liberalization of the domestic economy and trade. These aspects receive significant attention and highlight that transformation marked a critical juncture in socio-economic development and established the trajectory for future growth. The decisions made in the early 1990s continue to exert influence over the Czech economy, affecting aspects such as the ownership structure and exchange rate settings. Overcoming these influences poses considerable challenges. The lessons from the transformation period extend beyond mere resignation to the outcomes of that era. They serve as vital insights, particularly in a context where it is evident that the model reliant on the influx of foreign capital has reached its limits and that the current international environment significantly differs from that of the 1990s.

Utility of Scenarios in Understanding Public Procurements Conducted in Theatres of Operations

Currently, operational logistics is a significant challenge: to resupply Romanian forces located in various theatres around the world. Involvement in an international mission is contingent not solely on the mission’s nature or the structures of the assumed forces but also on the requisites and logistical capabilities for supplying goods and services within the designated area. The international security environment is challenging. Political tension, military conflicts and economic problems have intensified security concerns. In this context, organizing the procurement processes efficiently is a major preoccupation for specialists. Moreover, the legal framework for public procurement opens up room for different issues. Given the multinational context and specific procurement regulations, the execution of procurements within operational theatres is exposed to distinct challenges compared to those encountered in the national territory. In this complex and ambiguous environment, understanding the legal means of addressing challenges in the procurement field is desirable. Moreover, considering the importance of procuring goods and services to achieve the mission goal, a proficient procurement specialist is a crucial asset. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to demonstrate that Scenario-Based Learning could be transformed into a useful tool for preparing future specialists in procurement.

Utilitatea metodei scenariului în înțelegerea achizițiilor publice derulate în teatrele de operații

Currently, operational logistics is a significant challenge: to resupply Romanian forces located in various theatres around the world. Involvement in an international mission is contingent not solely on the mission’s nature or the structures of the assumed forces but also on the requisites and logistical capabilities for supplying goods and services within the designated area. The international security environment is challenging. Political tension, military conflicts and economic problems have intensified security concerns. In this context, organizing the procurement processes efficiently is a major preoccupation for specialists. Moreover, the legal framework for public procurement opens up room for different issues. Given the multinational context and specific procurement regulations, the execution of procurements within operational theatres is exposed to distinct challenges compared to those encountered in the national territory. In this complex and ambiguous environment, understanding the legal means of addressing challenges in the procurement field is desirable. Moreover, considering the importance of procuring goods and services to achieve the mission goal, a proficient procurement specialist is a crucial asset. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to demonstrate that Scenario-Based Learning could be transformed into a useful tool for preparing future specialists in procurement.

Impact of Islamic Banking on Global Commerce and Business

This research paper aims to critically analyze the place of Islamic banking in the international business environment, drawing on its theoretical tenets, historic antecedents, empirical data, and societal-political repercussions. Based on Islamic Shariah law, Islamic banking provides an alternate form of the banking system that adheres to Islamic law concerning moral risk-sharing and asset-based financing. In undertaking the study, systematic case analysis of the IIOs, statistical analysis, and qualitative research are used to assess the impact of Islamic banking on economic growth, financial inclusion for its population, and overall financial stability. The opportunities and challenges demonstrated in the research case relate to the effect of Islamic banking on consumer behavior, entrepreneurial endeavors, culture, and identity. The innovation and development in Islamic Banking, the use of technology adoption in Islamic banks, renewable finance, and market access in Islamic Banking are also discussed. The study raises the question of how governments can move forward to collapsing obstacles, developing market awareness, and fostering ethical finance and innovations in ethical finance to develop proper ethical finance in the world economy. The study becomes relevant in providing the banking, trade/commerce and ethics literature with important insights to appreciate and appreciate the presumably positive role of Islamic banking, particularly in responding to the existing global challenges that are detrimental to human activities.

Reframing Teacher Education Through International Collaboration

This paper focuses on a multi-method study that investigates students’ attitudes and preferences toward project-based collaboration in diverse international contexts. The courses under scrutiny were developed and taught as part of an international blended learning collaboration in teacher education between Dr. Ambedkar University (AUD) in India and Ludwigsburg University of Education (LUE) in Germany. The primary focus of this paper is to analyze and discuss students’ experiences in international project-based environments, with a particular emphasis on the theme of diversity in teacher education. The discussed study employs a multi-method research design that incorporates qualitative interviews and various written feedback forms to gather data on different aspects of the collaborative processes. The findings of this study have the potential to develop future practices and enhance projectbased learning scenarios within higher education. The insights gained from this research can inform pedagogical approaches, and intercultural exchange, ultimately enriching the internationalization efforts within higher education institutions.

Facing the Policy Challenges of Climate Change: Assessing China's Strategy and Actions in International Environmental Crisis Communication

Climate change represents an unparalleled global challenge that necessitates urgent, unified responses to mitigate its far-reaching impacts. As a leading contributor to global emissions and a key stakeholder in international climate negotiations, China's policy maneuvers, and diplomatic engagements are crucial for spearheading global efforts towards sustainable development. However, the image China presents in global climate change governance does not fully meet its expectations, which is largely due to Chinas strategic deviation in public communication. This study aims to dissect the complexities of China's strategic approach, evaluating its effectiveness, contributions, and encountered challenges within the international climate change dialogue. By focusing on China's capacity to facilitate collaborative global actions and its endeavors in promoting sustainable policies, this research emphasizes the indispensability of adept communication and robust international cooperation in combating the environmental crises of this era.

The logic of China–US rivalry

Behind the struggle and game between China and the United States are four sets of overlapping and mutually causal logics, namely the growth and decline of the two countries’ strength, ideological differences, changes in the international environment, and domestic political influence. Sino–US relations will not be able to return to the depth of exchanges and level of cooperation at the beginning of the twenty-first century for a long time. However, the long-term interests and strategic considerations of the two countries determine that the two countries must avoid war with each other and maintain a certain degree of economic cooperation and social exchanges. The biggest uncertainty in Sino–US relations in 2024 is the chaos that may be caused by domestic political struggles in the United States. However, the official and non-governmental contacts between China and the United States since 2023 have made the upper limit of the development of bilateral relations and the bottom line of conflict clearer. Sino–US relations are difficult to improve, but they are expected to be basically stable.

Transfer of ESTs in international law: A climate justice approach

Early industrialization of the developed countries has enabled their leadership in technological innovation, including environmentally sound technologies. ESTs are technologies that help prevent, control, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Endorsed as an integral part of climate action, a binding obligation to ensure access for global south to these technologies remains missing from international environment law and international intellectual property rights law. Transfer of technology also faces certain economic barriers such as lack of infrastructure and human resources that enable adoption and absorption of ESTs. Moreover, there exists ideological differences between developed countries and developing and least developed countries regarding mechanism of technology transfer, creating an impasse in international negotiations to achieve EST transfer. In this paper the author has attempted to reframe the discussion on transfer of ESTs through a climate justice perspective. An incorporation of the practical aspects of the common but differentiated responsibilities of the developed countries into the TRIPS regime, in the form of binding obligations to technology transfer and financial assistance, or relaxations in patent protections, may provide adequate resolution. A balanced and rational approach to EST transfer, beyond the exigencies of global politics, is necessary for the continued prosperity of the Earth.

The Impact of Agricultural Socialized Service on Grain Production: Evidence from Rural China

Although China’s grain production has reached nineteen consecutive harvests, the uncertainty of the current domestic and international environment has put more pressure on further increasing grain production in the future. For the past few years, agricultural socialization services have been crucial in boosting grain production and farmers’ revenue by addressing the issue of land cultivation and farming methods. In this regard, the question of whether and how agricultural socialized services may resolve the present grain production conundrum is extremely practical. Therefore, the study employs the China Rural Revitalization Survey data of 3709 households. Based on the 2SLS model, stepwise regression method, and moderated effects model, it creatively takes into account a variety of agricultural production segments, investigates the mechanism of services on grain production from the standpoint of improved production efficiency and plot concentration, and further examines the effects of aging populations and regional variations in grain production areas. The study found the following: (1) The average proportion of grain production area of farmers in the sample is 49%, and 42% of farmers have purchased agricultural socialization services. (2) Agricultural socialization services can significantly promote farmers’ grain cultivation behavior by facilitating connected transfers in and inhibiting connected transfers out to take advantage of plot concentration, and boosting the use of agricultural machines to enhance output efficiency. (3) The aging of the agricultural population will, to a certain extent, strengthen the promoting effect of agricultural socialization services on grain cultivation. Agricultural socialization services affect grain cultivation more in main grain-producing areas. Therefore, emphasizing the role of agricultural socialization services in accelerating the shift to moderate-scale operations, decreasing the non-grain component of the planting structure, and promoting the implementation of policies tailored to actual production needs are important steps to safeguard the production capacity of grain in different regions.