International Activities Research Articles

World cities of the global south: the West African city as an international actor

ABSTRACT Cities form international connections through sister-city and twin-town exchanges, they brand themselves to attract businesses and talent, and they even join international cooperative avenues. International relations theorists have increasingly recognized the relevance of non-state actors like corporations and NGOs, and some have begun to add cities to this list. City diplomacy has a long history in precolonial West Africa due to religious, tributary and trade relationships between large urban centres. Today however, African cities are largely left out of research on city diplomacy, which focuses instead on ‘global cities’ in advanced economies. This paper defines and explains the phenomenon of city diplomacy and brings West African cities into this definition using the cases of Lagos, Nigeria and Freetown, Sierra Leone. It concludes that while their postcolonial identities shape the ways African cities function, limiting their capacity to function as independent actors, these cities nonetheless engaged in, and benefit from, paradiplomatic outreach.

International online visits on developing the global mindset of accounting and finance students in Mexico

ABSTRACT With travel restrictions easing post-COVID-19, it is pertinent to assess whether International Online Visits (IOVs) significantly influence the global mindset development of accounting and finance students amidst cancelled international academic activities in business schools. This study uses a mixed method approach, including survey data and interviews with students who chose whether to complete an IOV or not in an accounting and finance course at a university in Mexico. The quantitative results of this study show that IOVs positively affect the development of a global mindset in students and that the development of their professional aspirations mediates the effect. Moreover, the qualitative findings demonstrate that IOVs allowed students to develop their network and impacted their personal lives. Furthermore, the low cost of IOVs proved to be relevant for students. This article contributes to the literature by investigating the link between International Online Visits (IOVs), professional aspirations, and global mindset development.

Peace and Conflict Resolution in East Africa and the Horn of Africa: How Efficient Does the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Achieve these Aims?

Wars and armed conflict continue to be a consistent impediment to the growth and development of warring states and bring with them untold human suffering and much destruction in their wake. This is also true for wars in Africa including the five major Civil wars in Africa being, the Nigerian Civil War (Biafra War) (1967), the Somali Civil War (1991), the Rwandan Genocide (1994), the Second Congo War (considered “Africa’s World War”) (1998-2003), the Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972), (1983-2005) (2023-present), and the Eritrean-Ethiopian War (1998). Given the devastating effects of war, the early detection, prevention and mitigation of such conflict as well as post-conflict reconstruction is a major concern for governments and international actors, including the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The importance of peace building and conflict resolution is therefore amply recognized across the regional and international spectra, hence its incorporation into global agencies and regional agencies including the World Bank and the United Nations, and regionally through the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The African Union, being the umbrella body that encompasses 55 African countries into its membership divided into five regions being Central Africa region, Eastern Africa, Northern Africa, Southern Africa and Western Africa, holds a large presence in matters African politics, and given its expansive reach has partnered with other organizations, majorly the United Nations (UN) with the view of partnering in peace building and conflict resolution. This has been achieved through putting in place several frameworks, including the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2018), Agenda 2063, the AU Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Policy framework, and the extended AU’s Silencing the Guns Initiative. ...

How do we move from rhetoric to action? Lessons from the RINGO project

ABSTRACT The RINGO project has been a systems-change initiative aimed at shifting power from INGOs in order to create a more balanced civil society eco-system, one in which power and resources are more equitably shared between international, national, and local actors. Convening a microcosm of the system, the project identified multiple systemic barriers to change, which no one actor would be able to address on their own. Systems-change and design thinking was adopted to help move beyond these barriers. The project has seen several successes, in terms of inspiring practical changes in INGOs and new forms of collaboration. There have also been some substantial policy changes at the bilateral level, in some cases, attributed to the work of RINGO. Nonetheless, change in the sector continues to be slow and there is an ongoing need to strengthen the demand side, while also leveraging more change to the system through multiple means.

Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health.

Water scarcity is projected to affect half of the world's population, gradually exacerbated by climate change. This article elaborates from a panel discussion at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference on Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health. Understanding and addressing water scarcity goes beyond hydrological water balances to also include societal and economic measures. We consider five categories of health impacts resulting from deteriorating water qualities and quantities: (i.) water-related diseases and water for hygiene, (ii.) malnutrition and water for food, (iii.) livelihoods, income, development, and water for energy, (iv.) adverse air quality from drought-induced dust and wildfire smoke, and (v.) mental health effects from water scarcity-related factors. A discussion on the barriers and opportunities for resilient water systems begins by re-framing water scarcity as a 'pathway to water bankruptcy' and introducing Water Partnerships to empowering local water leaders with the awareness, education, and resources to devise and implement locally-appropriate water management strategies. Other barriers include the (i.) lack of tools to consider the socio-economic implications of water scarcity, (ii.) lack of water information being in actionable formats for decision-makers, (iii.) lack of clarity in the application of water scarcity modelling to gain policy-relevant findings, and (iv.) inadequate drought adaptation planning. The article includes recommendations for local governments, national governments, international actors, researchers, non-governmental organizations, and local constituents in addressing these barriers. The predominant theme in these recommendations is collaborative, multi-disciplinary Water Partnerships, knowledge-sharing in accessible formats, and empowering participation by all. This paper's central thesis is that addressing water scarcity must focus on people and their ability to lead healthy and productive lives.

Historical geopolitical risk acts and world crude oil production: evidence from the international level

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically investigates the influence of geopolitical risk acts (GPR) on world crude oil production. GPRs are a proxy for waging wars and military actions, thus it is expected to have a clear impact on world crude oil production (WCOP). Design/methodology/approach The current study formulates a theoretical model, and its parameters are estimated using three methodologies – traditional autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, Dynamic ARDL model, and Frequency domain causality test – across the period 1973–2023 to ensure robust findings. Findings The results illustrate that GPRs constrain the global crude oil supply. The final impact relies on the positive interaction term between GPRs and international economic activity from one side and the negative interaction term with crude oil prices from the other. Likewise, the findings show that geopolitical threats reduce producing crude oil. Furthermore, this research deliberates on policy implications stemming from these findings. Originality/value Examining existing literature reveals a gap in understanding the relationship between geopolitical risk and crude oil production. Most of the studies in this research strand focus on investigating the impact on oil price volatility.

Humanitarian engagement with Myanmar in the wake of the 2021 coup

ABSTRACT The article investigates humanitarian engagement with Myanmar in the wake of the 2021 coup. It opens by examining humanitarian action in Myanmar before 2010, during the 2010s, and after 2021. Drawing on key stakeholder interviews conducted in 2023, it then presents internal and external perspectives on humanitarianism in Myanmar in the 2020s. While the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023 generated significant attention from donor nations, humanitarian needs in Myanmar, encompassing 18.6 million citizens, including 3.4 million internally displaced persons, go largely unmet. The argument from international society is that regional states should work towards a ‘Myanmar-led’ solution. Challenges faced by local and international actors, however, raise questions about the possibility of a solution that bridges the divide between these two humanitarian communities and is also acceptable to all groups in Myanmar. The article concludes by proposing that initiatives at the regional and global levels coalesce, overcome actor territoriality and generate political will by putting affected communities at the centre of humanitarian engagement to overcome current limitations and barriers to action.

Stakeholder perspectives of maternal and newborn health prioritization in South Sudan: a policy analysis

BackgroundThe maternal and neonatal mortality in South Sudan is among the highest in the world and among other fragile and conflict-affected countries. Within an evolving political economic context, this study aims to capture perspectives of current actors on drivers of the stagnating investments in maternal and newborn health (MNH).MethodsA descriptive case study guided by the health policy analysis triangle to explore contextual factors, policy content, actors’ roles and implementation processes for MNH policy and practice. A total of 20 key informants from government, humanitarian and development organizations, civil society, donors and health providers were interviewed.ResultsAccording to respondents, MNH was a priority in South Sudan due to the presence of various legal and policy frameworks. However, financial investment in MNH programs was inadequate due to the government focus on peace and stabilization, and the fragmented parallel systems run by international actors. Funding for MNH was also affected by ongoing conflicts and disease outbreaks, which diverted attention away from the issue. National initiatives to expand service coverage and funding are either inadequate or not well studied. In addition, gendered attitudes and norms continue to impede care seeking, service provision and inclusivity in decision-making for improving MNH prioritization. Stakeholders highlighted the need for accountability to sustain progress and close policy implementation gaps.ConclusionThis study highlighted relevant challenges and opportunities for improving MNH outcomes in South Sudan and similar fragile contexts. Government ownership of the MNH agenda is needed, so is strengthening of national initiatives, gender equity, actor coordination and accountability mechanisms.

COVID-19 vaccine anxieties: exploring social and political drivers of vaccine attitudes in Kono District, Sierra Leone.

As COVID-19 spread rapidly during the early months of the pandemic, many communities around the globe anxiously waited for a vaccine. At the start of the pandemic, it was widely believed that Africa would be a significant source of infection, and thus, vaccinating African communities became a primary goal among local and global health authorities. However, when the COVID-19 vaccine became available in March 2021 in Sierra Leone, many people viewed it with scepticism and hesitation. While much literature has focused on access and distribution-related challenges for vaccination in the region, a growing number of studies discuss vaccine hesitancy as driving low vaccine uptake. Shifting attention to understanding the determinants of vaccine hesitancy remains fundamental to increasing vaccination rates, as negative vaccine perceptions tend to delay or prevent vaccination. This study sought to do this by assessing, through semi-structured qualitative interviews, vaccine-related attitudes and experiences of residents of Sierra Leone's Kono District. In contrast to studies that utilise "knowledge-deficit" models of belief, however, this study drew upon the vaccine anxieties framework (Leach and Fairhead, 2007), which views vaccines as being imbued with personal, historical, and political meaning. Findings suggest that important bodily, social, and political factors, including fear of side effects, the spread of misinformation prompted by poor messaging strategies, and distrust of government and international actors, influenced people's COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and behaviours. It is hoped that the study's findings will inform future policies and interventions related to vaccine uptake in Africa and globally.

From Industry Hype to Emerging Criticism: Analysing Chilean News Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

AI has become (again) a matter of public interest, and it is crucial to investigate how the news media intervenes in the hype and publicity around AI in different countries. At the intersection between Media Studies and Science and Technology Studies (STS), this article examines portrayals of AI and related technologies in the Chilean news media. We curated a corpus of nearly 7000 AI-related news articles from 2008 to 2023 from four Chilean newspapers. We combined an LDA topic modelling with an analysis with dictionaries of the key actors and critical issues discussed around AI. The analysis shows the explosive growth of the media coverage of AI in recent years, as well as the diversity of topics associated with AI in Chile. We found a high prominence of topics related to industry and technology, a high visibility of international actors, mostly U.S. tech companies, and a low level of mentions of critical issues around AI. Moreover, we also discuss the low coverage of the State’s AI use, the emergent use of generative AI in tech journalism, and the prominence of topics such as the arts and humanities that appear as emerging spaces for the problematisation of AI in Chile.

Modern international economic relations in the context of political risks and global geo-economic factors

Introduction: International trade is the main direction of development of international economic cooperation and formation of the world economic space. Given the relevance of the study, the purpose of the research is to identify current trends in the development of international economic relations and develop ways to improve the efficiency of international activity of European countries and the world. Methods: In the process of conducting the study, general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, generalisation, and systematisation were applied. Results: As a result of the study, the authors analysed statistical material on the development of international trade and found that modern international economic relations are primarily implemented through international trade. It is stated that only 3 countries today control almost a third of the total international market, while the rest of the countries should focus on developing and implementing strategies for developing trade potential. Conclusions: The authors propose three main strategies for enhancing a country's position in the international market and provides a description of each of them: a strategy of financial support for accelerated growth of presence in the international market; a strategy for ensuring sustainable economic growth; and an anti-crisis strategy for promoting the world market. It is proved that for most modern countries of Europe and the world it is possible to focus on ensuring the development of domestic production potential and developing a presence in international markets, provided that they follow global trends.

Pancasila in Modern Indonesian Legal Reform: Addressing Current Cases and International Debates on Ideology and Law

Pancasila, the foundational ideology of Indonesia, remains a cornerstone of the nation’s legal and political frameworks. However, the application of Pancasila in modern legal reform faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing contemporary legal cases and navigating international debates on ideology and law. This study examines the dynamic interplay between Pancasila’s principles and Indonesia’s legal reform efforts, focusing on their relevance to pressing domestic and global issues. The urgency of this research arises from the increasing tension between Indonesia’s ideological commitments and the pressures of globalization, human rights norms, and transnational legal principles. This research contributes novelty by analyzing specific case studies that highlight the complexities of integrating Pancasila within modern legal practices. It also addresses critiques from international actors who question Indonesia’s adherence to global legal standards while maintaining ideological authenticity. Using a doctrinal and socio-legal approach, this study evaluates the role of Pancasila in shaping legal doctrines, court decisions, and legislative reforms in Indonesia. The findings reveal that while Pancasila provides a robust framework for addressing social justice and national unity, its interpretation and implementation often encounter inconsistencies and resistance. By critically engaging with international debates on ideology and law, this research offers practical insights for aligning Pancasila with evolving legal and societal demands. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, legal practitioners, and scholars in Indonesia and beyond, fostering a deeper understanding of the ideological foundations of legal reform.

Kashmir at the Crossroads: Analyzing Third-Party Mediation and the India-Pakistan Rivalry

This research paper investigates the enduring rivalry between India and Pakistan, with a specific focus on the Kashmir conflict and the critical role of third-party mediation in de-escalating tensions. The central question addressed is: How effective are third-party interventions in mitigating the Kashmir dispute and facilitating a sustainable resolution between India and Pakistan? Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study analyzes historical instances of third-party mediation, including U.S. interventions during the Kargil crisis and the 2001–2002 military standoff, alongside other diplomatic efforts by international actors such as the World Bank and the USSR. It also examines bilateral negotiations and the limited role of the United Nations in addressing the Kashmir issue. The findings reveal that while third-party mediation has been successful in preventing immediate military confrontations, it often lacks the depth required to address the root causes of the conflict, such as deep-seated mistrust and the exclusion of Kashmiri voices from the dialogue. The paper argues that for long-term stability, major powers must transition from a crisis management approach to promoting sustainable peace through inclusive dialogue, confidence-building measures, and arms control agreements. Ultimately, addressing the underlying grievances and aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential for a lasting resolution to the India-Pakistan rivalry.

Improving Education Quality for Higher Education Institutions in Eastern Indonesia: Approaches for Internationalisation Activities

Internationalisation plays a substantial role in the development of higher education. In order to anticipate all the globalisation challenges, higher education becomes a main source in producing university graduates who not only possess academic and professional capacities but also must be equipped with multilingual competence and intercultural understanding. This paper aims to explore the approaches for Internationalisation for higher education in Eastern Indonesia to improve the education quality. The study describes the level and approaches of internationalisation that can be adapted to prepare the university to fulfil some indicators of world-class University which lead to education quality improvement. This qualitative study used data from interviews, literature and relevant documents to insert the internationalisation elements in university strategic planning, to design Strategic Internationalisation Plan in higher education and to create a model of internationalisation approaches. Internationalisation needs to be implemented in the strategic focus plan of the university. The internationalisation awareness and commitments in higher education should be supported not only from government but also from upper management level and must be conducted in holistic way from all the components in higher education institution. The study provides a model of internationalisation approaches that could be adapted in higher education in Eastern Indonesia.

Reception of the political news narratives in readers’ responses: multimodality and intertextuality

Developed in the field of international relations, the theory of the strategic narrative (Miskimmon et al., 2013; 2017 among others) identifies it as a means for political actors to construct a shared meaning of international politics, and to shape the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviour of domestic and international actors. The authors of the theory maintain that the explanation of the workings of the strategic narrative presumes the study of its formation, projection, and reception. Such explanation brings together various scholarly fields aimed at the search of the lacking methodology that demonstrates how the formation, projection, and reception aspects of the strategic narrative work together as a triptych. The proposed article approaches this problem from the perspective of cognitive linguistics that studies conceptual grounds for verbally delivered information. The article forwards and tests a novel methodological framework, which posits a cognitive ontology of the information, featured verbally and visually, as the feasible grounds for tracking regularities in the simultaneous dynamics of the three narrative aspects. The article focuses on the projection / reception narrative aspects, represented in a media news text and the readers’ responses to it – the issue relevant for the linguistic field of intertextuality. Methodologically and thematically, the article continues the previous research (Zhabotynska & Velivchenko, 2019; Zhabotynska & Ryzhova, 2022; Chaban et al. 2023; Chaban et al. 2024 among others) of the formation / projection aspects of the strategic narrative featured in a news media text.

Towards a common approach for managing food allergy and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) at school. GA2LEN and EFA consensus statement

AbstractGA2LEN and EFA propose minimum specifications for all industrialised countries/regions to work towards to support students with food allergies in educational settings. We reviewed research and legislation and gained feedback from over 100 patient and professional groups. We built shared expectations around: 1. training all school staff about what food allergy is, the symptoms of allergic reactions, what to do in an emergency, and when and how to use and store devices that laypeople can use to administer adrenaline (epinephrine). 2. preventing allergic reactions by using clear labelling on school menus and prepacked and non‐prepacked foods and regular cleaning where students eat. 3. preparing for serious allergic reactions, with written emergency action plans for every student with food allergies, legislation allowing schools to store adrenaline for anyone who needs it in an emergency (not just those prescribed it), and training and legal safeguards for staff administering adrenaline. 4. including affected students by discussing food allergy in the curriculum, raising awareness among all students and caregivers and reviewing school processes regularly. It is time for national and international action at the policy level. Patient groups, education networks and professional societies all play a role in campaigning for shared next steps.

Shifting paradigms: Social protection vs. social policy in Lebanon

ABSTRACT The multiple crises that have plagued Lebanon since 2019 have created an unprecedented socio-political and economic landscape that continues to challenge the country, its citizens, and residents. The increased poverty and vulnerability revived an already ongoing debate on social policies and security. However, the presence of international stakeholders, has shifted the framework of the debate from social policy and security to social protection. This shift in the discourse mirrors the current situation in the country, in which social protection programmes promoted and funded by international actors have become more prevalent. Despite the ongoing debate concerning the necessity of a social policy framework in Lebanon, no recent academic studies have explored the transition from a social policy and security system implemented by the government and endorsed by experts and academics to a social protection system advocated by international actors and donors. This article examines the existing social protection model and how this paradigm undermines the development of an overarching social policy and security framework in Lebanon. Drawing on a qualitative methodology, this study questions the international community’s role in impelling a social protection paradigm, and argues that foreign interference can create dependency on donor-oriented assistance programmes that undermine national social policy framework and exempt governments from their responsibility towards citizens.

Key directions for global higher education in the post-Covid era

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the adaptation of the educational process to the changing conditions. Efforts to stop the spread of the disease, including social distancing and self-isolation, led to the need to implement a new education model and develop effective communications in higher education, with the online educational process from March to April 2020. Platforms such as Discord, Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, and others were used for distance learning. Training for future doctors working in hospitals repurposed to treat COVID-19 patients was organised, including remotely. This rapid transition to distance learning significantly transformed modern higher education. This article explores the features and necessity of internationalising the higher education system as an integral component of the innovative development strategy of higher education institutions in post-COVID conditions. The transition of education to a qualitatively new level – the international online space – requires implementing new strategies and forms of learning. One such form is Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programmes. The COIL model aims to integrate educational standards, structures, teaching styles, and academic calendars of different countries into the higher education system, thereby contributing to developing intercultural professional competencies. Collaborative international online learning programmes are designed to develop relationships between educational institutions and their partners within a comprehensive global engagement strategy. From the globalisation of the curriculum to building funding capacity and creating new projects in research, education, and experiential learning, these programmes engage students and faculty in international activities. The COIL model brings teachers and students worldwide to collaborate within academic disciplines and in an interdisciplinary field as part of a joint virtual project. To demonstrate the timeliness and adequacy of the higher education system's response in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, the article presents global experiences using the distance learning principle for teaching.

Research on adapting marketing techniques to different culture economics and regulatory environment to entering new international markets

The study focuses on how products from emerging markets are sold abroad. According to case studies, companies actively seek out countries with a large Bangladeshi diaspora and hire locals who are familiar with business culture. Manufacturers' globalization is aided by this strategy since it raises their profile and fosters understanding with local buyers. The cultural literature benefits from illuminating the ways in which collectivism and the avoidance of ambiguity promote marketing strategy, trust, and networks. It proposes a modern, people-focused IM approach that is innovation-driven, shaped by customer preferences for food products, and that places an emphasis on the contributions of diaspora. Organizations’ potential use of globalization to access hitherto untapped markets is also explored in the research. Corporations' strategies and methods for penetrating these markets face both opportunities and threats as a result of globalization. The qualitative study looks at characteristics related to international market entrance and global expansion based on previous research. The results demonstrate how businesses may become more globally competitive by adapting to cultural and behavioral differences and selecting the most effective market entrance strategies. The significance of varied commodities, works, and services for international economic activity is shown in this research, which lends credence to globalization and market entrance methods.

Chinese-Russian Cooperation in the Arctic at the Present Stage

The study is aimed at studying the works of Chinese authors on the issues of Russian-Chinese cooperation.Aim. To analyze the main areas of cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic as interpreted by Chinese authors.Tasks. To identify the current state and forecasts of Chinese-Russian Arctic cooperation, considered in the works of Chinese scientists, and compare them with the national interests of Russia.Methods. To determine the specifics of the Chinese understanding of cooperation in the Arctic, historiographic and geopolitical approaches were used, focused on the adoption and implementation of political and managerial decisions, achieving specific managerial results. Using the historiographic approach, the transformation of Chinese-Russian relations, the dynamics and problems in the interaction of the two countries are analyzed.Results. A comprehensive study reflects the specifics and shows the prospects for strategic cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. An analysis is given on current issues of Chinese-Russian cooperation in the Arctic region based on a study of the works of Chinese scientists. The existing problems in Chinese-Russian relations are identified and analyzed, and proposals for their resolution are defined. A prospective analysis of the development of Chinese-Russian relations in the Arctic is made based on the works of Chinese researchers.Conclusions. The People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation are important partners in the development of the Arctic. This partnership is built on the basis of comprehensive strategic interaction between the countries. The two countries need to further deepen their Arctic cooperation. It is necessary to overcome the difficulties for the stable and sustainable development of the Arctic. Cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic will continue to develop on the basis of a strategic partnership between the countries. At the same time, Russia considers the Northern Sea Route as a competitive national transport artery with the possibility of its international use for transportation between Europe and Asia. To this end, the Russian Federation gives priority attention, in particular, to the issues of neutralizing the course of unfriendly states to militarize the region and limit Russia’s ability to exercise its sovereign rights in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, as well as to establishing mutually beneficial cooperation with non-Arctic states that pursue a constructive policy towards Russia and are interested in implementing international activities in the Arctic, including the infrastructural development of the Northern Sea Route.