International Activities Research Articles

Corruption impedes good governance in Somalia’s public sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the level of corruption in Somalia and the causes that lead to corruption that in turn hampers good governance. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on the data collected from Somali’s public institutions, international actors, newspaper articles and peer-reviewed literature. The degree of corruption is assessed with the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International and the Control of Corruption provided by the World Bank. Findings The finding shows that the level of corruption in Somalia is high and complex because of the following reasons: weak governance and poverty, culture and tradition which include favoritism based on clan membership, lack of accountability mechanism and absence political will. Measures undertaken for anti-corruption, for instance, the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and legislation for its support face barriers and challenges that include political influence, lack of capacities among the undertaking institution and lack of participation by the public. Originality/value This research adds value to the knowledge of corruption in Somalia by identifying the concrete socio-political antecedents for corruption and the problems of fighting it. This paper further presents the following detailed strategies to address corruption: enhancing the operational and financial integrity of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission; restructuring the civil service and merging it into a merit-based system; enhancing Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms; independence of the judiciary; and sustaining development in digital technology adoption in governance and procurement.

The Political Economy of Shock-Responsive Social Protection: Analysis from Malawi

Using social assistance systems to address acute needs arising from wide-scale shocks – commonly known as ‘shock-responsive social protection’ (SRSP) – raises significant political economy questions. Previously, acute needs caused by disasters across sub-Saharan Africa have primarily been met by humanitarian actors alone. SRSP disrupts the status quo by reducing humanitarian actors’ access to and control over humanitarian funding. This raises significant political questions; likewise, the introduction by SRSP of greater accountability and transparency into the implementation of humanitarian responses. This article addresses a current gap in the literature: the politics of SRSP. Referencing the concept of political settlements, the article asks what explains the evolution of SRSP in Malawi by examining the actions of domestic and international actors. It finds that there is scant evidence of national ownership of SRSP and that lack of consensus among international actors is a key obstacle to the concept becoming embedded within the political settlement.

Building bridges in Climate Pact activities and Climate Action - example from Serbia

Abstract The European Climate Pact is a movement of citizens united around a common cause, each taking steps in their own worlds to build a more sustainable Europe. Launched by the European Commission, the Pact is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the EU to meet its goal to become climate-neutral by 2050. This work presents examples of activities of the EU Climate pact ambassador in different directions (international and national/local level), with an unique goal, to increase awareness of importance of action, change of mindset, and exchange positive experiences. Climate Action is presented: • through educational activities in EUGLOH project (European Global Health Universities Alliance) - by organizing Course Climate Action for Health and presenting to students at international level different Climate actions activities. • engagement of citizens through Rotary Climate Action in RD 2483 and wither in Rotary international community - as citizens activities - Rotary Climate Action with the aim to increase awareness of climate change and health consequences. • as mentorship activities with PhD students in the field (climate change and air pollution impact on respiratory diseases) - as a research activities. • as an example of cooperation with media in Serbia - increasing of awareness among journalists. There are a lot of possibilities to work in the long-term in the community, using glocal principles and trying to find a way to change the behaviour of citizens towards acceptance of climate neutrality as an important goal. Key messages • Climate Action is citizens action. • Climate action is a way to change the behaviour of citizens towards acceptance of climate neutrality as an important goal.

Transregional Cooperation of German Federal States with Eastern Regions and Countries (Late 20th — 21st Century)

This study examines the formation and development of transregional relations between the federal states of Germany (Bundesländer) and Eastern countries and regions. It presents the findings of a normative-legal analysis of the foundations of international and foreign policy activities of German federal states, based on national legislation. The focus is on the institutional framework for cross-border interactions between individual administrative units of the Federal Republic of Germany and their foreign partners. The research explores partnerships with both neighboring Middle Eastern territories and more distant Eastern regions. The findings indicate that the international and foreign economic activities of the German states are extensive, aligning with the opportunities outlined in Germany’s constitutional documents, and are significantly broader and more diverse compared to similar activities in the regions of France and Italy. It has been identified that German states engage in a system of “horizontal partnerships” primarily with provinces of the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, it is reported that a principle of “network cooperation” is applied to most other Eastern countries, encompassing not only economic but also scientific, cultural, and humanitarian ties. The study demonstrates that among the examined EU countries at the regional level, German federal states lead in establishing the most successful and effective partnerships with regions in Eastern countries.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF DESIGNING ANTI-CORRUPTION ACTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ANTI-CORRUPTION

It has been established that international legal countermeasures against corruption are carried out at three levels: global (by the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank, etc.); regional integration (Council of Europe, European Union, other integration associations); bilateral intergovernmental and interagency cooperation. There is no coordination of directions and means of combating corruption between them. Therefore, international anti-corruption activities at all three levels developed not only in different directions, but also in many ways spontaneously. It has been proven that the wide participation of international organizations in the fight against corruption and the variety of anti-corruption legal means used by them contribute to the concentration and coordination of the efforts of states in the fight against corruption. Another positive effect of the acts of international organizations is also noted: drawing the attention of civil society to the tasks of combating corruption, they significantly strengthen the potential for their full solution. On the other hand, the variety of subjects and legal forms of international legal anti-corruption often create legal conflicts between acts operating in this area. Such collisions create, for example, different approaches to defining the concept of corruption. It is noted that the concepts of designing anti-corruption acts, based on the ideas and methods of system design of complex technological processes and objects, are more and more widely used in the law-making practice of international organizations and states of the modern world. Their influence on the legal regulation of social relations is increasing, confirming that at the current stage of socio-economic, technological, informational development, the complication of social relations, the rapid increase in their quantitative parameters and indicators, the growing danger of man-made and natural disasters, the introduction of system design becomes impossible. It is gradually displacing the maximally ineffective under such conditions practices of «industry», «fragmentary», «point», «situational» legal regulation. It has been established that the systematic design of anti-corruption acts primarily involves conducting comprehensive studies of law-making initiatives. In the course of such studies, all factors that may affect the intended sphere (object) of legal regulation must be analyzed; the opinions, positions, and evaluations of not only regulatory and control-supervisory state bodies, but also potential participants in the projected legal relations should be taken into account.

Research on International Trade Development Path of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Context of E-commerce Trade

With the rapid development of Internet technology and the advancement of globalization, e-commerce has become an important part of international trade activities. In this context, how to expand the international market and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises with the help of e-commerce trading platform has become a hot issue in current research. This paper first summarizes the development of e-commerce trade and its impact on the international trade of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and then analyzes the current situation and main problems of the international trade of small and medium-sized enterprises. On this basis, it puts forward the development path and strategy of SMEs' international trade under the background of e-commerce trade, including establishing e-commerce trade platform, strengthening supply chain management, utilizing cross-border e-commerce, strengthening brand building, and innovating service mode. This paper aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for SMEs to carry out international trade under the background of e-commerce trade.

A Study on Ambient Air Quality and Management inCommercial Areas of Gorakhpur City

The current study evaluates the city of Gorakhpur's ambient air quality using an air quality index. For the period January 2018 to November 2022, the 24-hour average concentration of the three primary pollutants SO2, NO2, andPM10 in a commercial area close to Jalkal Bhawan in Gorakhpur city was measured. Pollutant measurements were made between January 2018 and November 2022. The IND-AQI technique was implemented to calculate the Air Quality Index. In July, the highest monthly average concentrations of PM10, SO2, and NO2 were recorded at 401.13, 36.41, and 54.02, respectively. The yearly average SO2 concentration was found to be within the CPCB- recommended limit, while NO2 was found to be slightly above the maximum allowable level. However, PM10 wasconsistently found to be above the CPCB-recommended limit. The average monthly concentration of NO2 is higherthan SO2, and the overall AQI rating was determined to be moderate. The global experiences clearly demonstratedthat international action had been city specific rather than country oriented, and as a result, statistics show a reductionin PM2.5 of 35%–40% in five years for cities like Beijing and Seoul, whereas cities like Santiago and Mexico Cityhave shown reductions in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration of 73% and 61% in 20 to 25 years, respectively. Recent research published in the Lancet found that over the past five years, CO and Sulphur dioxide levels decreased by 28.2% and 54.1%, respectively, while NO2 and O3 concertation showed no considerable improvement. The August2018 TERI and ARAI report examined several interventions and predicted their possible effects. PM2.5 and PM10 levelsin Delhi and the NCR are above average. A different scenario has been developed in light of the intervention that can improve air quality the most. The NCAP produces an estimated national level target of 20%-30% decreasesin PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024 after taking into consideration the existing international and national studies. This keeps 2018 as the baseline year for concentration comparisons. Gorakhpur City has recently experienced an increase in development activity, which has led to particulate matter.

Technological Innovation in International Training and Advancing Health Services: Two Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Beginning in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic limited onsite international activities and challenged us to plan and implement new ways of collaboration. We reviewed our online trials during a three-year period to better understand how to use digital technologies to continue knowledge and skills transfer. In this cross-national case study, we compare two illustrative cases: Japanese experts training Indonesian health professionals for participatory school health education, and Swiss experts training Malagasy health providers for respectful obstetric and newborn emergencies. We first describe our cases, referring to Vargo’s framework for summarizing reports on digital technology usage. Second, we draw commonalities between the two cases. Third, gleaned from these experiences during the pandemic, we offer a practical framework for efficient and effective international collaboration using new technologies. For both cases, basic digital technologies, such as online meetings and e-mailing, were used and training sessions were successfully conducted. Trusting relationships between the training and participant groups were in place before the pandemic. This led to enthusiasm for continuing learning even after the pandemic started. Our case comparison presents the usefulness of digital technologies for continuing international collaboration and highlights the importance of human factors, such as trusting relationships and enthusiasm to pursue a shared goal, as the basic condition for success.

Bringing it all together: science priorities for improved understanding of Earth system change and to support international climate policy

Abstract. We review how the international modelling community, encompassing integrated assessment models, global and regional Earth system and climate models, and impact models, has worked together over the past few decades to advance understanding of Earth system change and its impacts on society and the environment and thereby support international climate policy. We go on to recommend a number of priority research areas for the coming decade, a timescale that encompasses a number of newly starting international modelling activities, as well as the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) and the second UNFCCC Global Stocktake. Progress in these priority areas will significantly advance our understanding of Earth system change and its impacts, increasing the quality and utility of science support to climate policy. We emphasize the need for continued improvement in our understanding of, and ability to simulate, the coupled Earth system and the impacts of Earth system change. There is an urgent need to investigate plausible pathways and emission scenarios that realize the Paris climate targets – for example, pathways that overshoot 1.5 or 2 °C global warming, before returning to these levels at some later date. Earth system models need to be capable of thoroughly assessing such warming overshoots – in particular, the efficacy of mitigation measures, such as negative CO2 emissions, in reducing atmospheric CO2 and driving global cooling. An improved assessment of the long-term consequences of stabilizing climate at 1.5 or 2 °C above pre-industrial temperatures is also required. We recommend Earth system models run overshoot scenarios in CO2-emission mode to more fully represent coupled climate–carbon-cycle feedbacks and, wherever possible, interactively simulate other key Earth system phenomena at risk of rapid change during overshoot. Regional downscaling and impact models should use forcing data from these simulations, so impact and regional climate projections cover a more complete range of potential responses to a warming overshoot. An accurate simulation of the observed, historical record remains a fundamental requirement of models, as does accurate simulation of key metrics, such as the effective climate sensitivity and the transient climate response to cumulative carbon emissions. For adaptation, a key demand is improved guidance on potential changes in climate extremes and the modes of variability these extremes develop within. Such improvements will most likely be realized through a combination of increased model resolution, improvement of key model parameterizations, and enhanced representation of important Earth system processes, combined with targeted use of new artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques. We propose a deeper collaboration across such efforts over the coming decade. With respect to sampling future uncertainty, increased collaboration between approaches that emphasize large model ensembles and those focussed on statistical emulation is required. We recommend an increased focus on high-impact–low-likelihood (HILL) outcomes – in particular, the risk and consequences of exceeding critical tipping points during a warming overshoot and the potential impacts arising from this. For a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of Earth system change, including impacts arising directly as a result of climate mitigation actions, it is important that spatially detailed, disaggregated information used to generate future scenarios in integrated assessment models be available for use in impact models. Conversely, there is a need to develop methods that enable potential societal responses to projected Earth system change to be incorporated into scenario development. The new models, simulations, data, and scientific advances proposed in this article will not be possible without long-term development and maintenance of a robust, globally connected infrastructure ecosystem. This system must be easily accessible and useable by modelling communities across the world, allowing the global research community to be fully engaged in developing and delivering new scientific knowledge to support international climate policy.

Commercial Law and its Evaluation in International Law

The ease and prevalence of capital movement across international borders has led to its expansion in trade and the economy in recent years, and this may make resolving legal disputes more challenging. As a result of all these changes, national markets are becoming more and more global marketplaces, and commerce is expanding. Legal processes in this process must first be identified, and their characteristics ascertained in order to resolve legal disputes. While research has been done on qualified merchants in commercial law and related fields, no research has been done on qualified merchant requirements on an international scale. This study has, therefore, evaluated the global nature of the qualified trader under commercial law. Semiotic analysis and content analysis techniques were used in the study to evaluate conceptual studies carried out in academic settings. The research findings indicate that while certain national laws exist in the field of commercial law for eligible merchants, significant shortcomings persist in this domain, even within domestic legal frameworks. Confusion in domestic law stems from a number of factors, including the distinction made between the concepts of tradesman and merchant, the definition of "commercial enterprise," and the use of the term "part of" in reference to the requirement of operating a portion of the commercial company. International legal confusion results from inadequate representation of the qualifications of domestic and foreign traders in the legal system, which in turn affects local and national definitions of qualified traders and international activity areas. As a result, both domestically and globally, a more flexible, inclusive, and problem-solving legal strategy is needed.

Legal regulation of the international activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine

The article is devoted to highlighting the features of the normative and legal regulation of the international activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. The content of the concepts of «legal regulation» and «normative and legal regulation» is clarified, taking into account existing scientific approaches to their understanding. It is determined that normative and legal regulation is a part of legal regulation and focuses on influence through normative legal acts, whereas legal regulation includes a broader spectrum of tools and mechanisms of legal influence. It is concluded that normative and legal regulation is carried out exclusively through legal norms, the external expression of which is the sources of normative and legal regulation. The author analyzes the normative and legal framework that regulates international cooperation in the field of youth and sports, including the laws of Ukraine, decrees of the President of Ukraine, resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as international agreements ratified by Ukraine. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms of implementation of international standards into national legislation, as well as the role of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the formation and implementation of state policy in the relevant field. The main problems and challenges faced by the Ministry in the context of ensuring effective legal regulation of international activities are identified, and recommendations are provided for improving the normative and legal framework. Improvement of the legal framework and active participation in international projects will help Ukraine to achieve high standards in these fields. As a result of the study, the author concludes that cooperation between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and other state and non-state institutions involved in international activities is a prerequisite for the successful development of youth policy and sports in Ukraine. Improving the legal and regulatory framework for the international activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine is a prerequisite for increasing the efficiency of its work, improving international cooperation and integrating Ukraine into the global sports movement.

PREDICTION OF UNIT VALUE INDEX OF EXPORTS OF SITC 897 JEWELRY AND PRECIOUS GOODS GROUP IN INDONESIA

Export is an international trade activity that plays an important role in the economic progress in Indonesia. One of Indonesia's leading commodities that dominate the export market is jewelry. In export activities, the export unit value index is an important component that serves to describe the development of export commodity prices. This unit value index always changes every time and fluctuates. This research conducts a comparative analysis of the performance of parametric method, non-parametric method, and machine learning, specifically, ARIMA, Fourier series estimator, and Support Vector Regression (SVR). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods in improving prediction accuracy for the unit value index of the SITC code 897 in Indonesia. The research data used is secondary data including monthly export unit value index data with SITC code 897 in Indonesia obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics. The data divided into 90% training data and 10% testing data. The methods used in this analysis are ARIMA, Fourier series estimator, and SVR. The best model obtained from each method is ARIMA (1,1,1) with MAPE of 10.92%, Fourier series estimator with MAPE of 8.47%, and an SVR RBF kernel function with MAPE of 3.73%. The results of this study obtained the best method for predicting the unit value index of SITC code 897 is SVR with an RMSE value of 8.288 and very good prediction accuracy.

Challenges and strategies for implementing the Ramsar Convention. Balancing Economic Development and Wetland Conservation

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, particularly focusing on waterfowl habitats, signifies a pivotal shift in global attitudes towards wetland conservation. Historically viewed as hindrances to development, wetlands have suffered from drainage and reclamation efforts, resulting in significant biodiversity loss. However, a growing recognition of their ecological significance has spurred international action. The Convention, established in 1971, serves as a landmark agreement to safeguard wetland ecosystems. It mandates member states to designate and conserve wetlands within their territories, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation due to the transboundary nature of wetland ecosystems. The Convention’s objectives encompass sustainable development goals, including water quality, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. Implementation relies on national policies and collaboration among stakeholders. Furthermore, the Convention aligns with other environmental agreements, fostering synergies to enhance wetland protection globally. Despite these positive developments, there are significant challenges in ensuring the effective implementation of the Convention, particularly when economic interests conflict with environmental conservation. As highlighted in the case of the Bystroe Canal project in the Danube Delta, balancing development with wetland protection remains a critical issue. This article addresses the question of whether the Ramsar Convention can effectively apply its provisions in such cases, arguing that while it provides a strong framework, its effectiveness is often undermined by competing economic priorities. Without stronger enforcement mechanisms and increased international cooperation, the objectives of the Convention risk being compromised.

Understanding migration power in international studies

Abstract Where and how does power operate in the governance of international migration? Migrants and refugees are increasingly used for strategic purposes in international politics, but scholarship on this matter has yet to engage thoroughly with the central International Relations concept of power. This article draws on the thinking of Michael Barnett and Raymond Duvall to propose a well-rounded picture of the multiple forms of power in, through or against migration that are mobilized by states and other international actors. We thus conceptualize migration power across two relational dimensions: the nature of the social relations between the actors involved (interactive or constitutive) and the specificity of such relations (direct or diffuse). This leads us to distinguish between four complementary types of migration power—compulsory, institutional, structural and productive—and to identify the main causal mechanisms through which they operate. We argue that power in international migration governance is diffuse, wielded by a wide range of actors, unevenly spread across its different dimensions, and yet, deeply asymmetrical in its distribution along intersecting axes: namely global North vs South, as well as state vs non-state. Beyond academia, the recognition of this complexity can encourage more reflexivity in policy-making and more sensitivity among practitioners.

Managing Shared Maritime Heritage: Australian Warships in Timor-Leste

AbstractThis article examines the effective management and governance of World War II shipwrecks with a particular focus on two Australian wartime wrecks in Timor-Leste, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Armidale. With reference to international frameworks such as the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, as well as Timor-Leste’s evolving domestic regulations, this article explores the challenges in managing these shipwrecks and seeks to broaden the protection and preservation paradigm that defines approaches to other forms of underwater cultural heritage. Particular attention is given to balancing the interests of states, local communities and international actors, while addressing the legal, moral and environmental complexities and sensitivities associated with WWII wrecks. The article aims to contribute to the broader discourse on maritime heritage governance by providing insights into the complex and multiple challenges of managing WWII wrecks, within the context of a nation that only achieved lasting independence relatively recently.

Energy Politics and Warfare: How International Energy Interests Shape Alliances in the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Purpose: This study aims to critically examine the intricate interplay of energy politics and military strategy within the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It posits that energy resources - specifically oil and natural gas - serve as pivotal factors that shape strategic alliances, influence geopolitical manoeuvring, and dictate the foreign policy trajectories of international actors, including the United States, the European Union, and China. Materials and Methods: The research employs a qualitative methodology that is underpinned by a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with a diverse cohort of policymakers, energy analysts, and industry stakeholders. Through this empirical approach, the study explores the participants' perceptions regarding the nexus between energy dynamics and security policymaking. In addition to the qualitative interviews, the investigation analyses a range of qualitative materials, including public statements, policy documents, and corporate strategic outlines. Discourse analysis is utilized to further uncover the mechanisms through which energy companies exert influence on governmental policies and military postures. Findings: The anticipated findings are expected to provide a nuanced understanding of the centrality of energy resources in influencing military strategies and fostering international coalitions. This analysis will contribute to an enriched scholarly discourse that informs not only theoretical frameworks in international relations but also practical applications in global energy governance and security. Implications to Theory, Policy and Practice: The inquiry underscores the imperative for a multifaceted and informed policy approach that acknowledges the profound implications of energy resources on national interests and global stability. By integrating energy considerations into security policymaking, the study advocates for a reassessment of traditional strategic paradigms that often overlook the complexities arising from energy interdependence.

The Terrorist Networks and Their Posing Threats: The Case of the Horn of Africa

This study examines the evolution and impact of terrorist networks in the Horn of Africa, primarily focusing on Somalia and the surrounding region. Following the 9/11 attacks, the Horn of Africa emerged as a critical front in global counter-terrorism efforts due to the presence of groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS. This paper explores these groups’ organizational structures, strategies, and operations, highlighting their adaptability, resilience, and the sociopolitical dynamics that have enabled them to thrive. It delves into the persistent challenges faced by Somalia, including political fragmentation, economic deprivation, and the complex interplay of local and international actors, such as the United States and Türkiye. The study emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to counter-terrorism that integrates military, political, and diplomatic strategies, addressing the immediate security threats and the underlying causes of extremism. By analyzing current counter-terrorism efforts and their limitations, this paper offers strategic recommendations to achieve long-term stability in the region.

Rethinking internationalization of higher education for society from an outside-in perspective

ABSTRACT Amid increasing criticism of the internationalization of higher education (IoHE) for its Anglo-centric tendencies, there has been discussion of the need to reconsider the rationales for and approaches to IoHE. Specifically it has been argued that there is an urgent need to focus IOHE more sharply on addressing the many complex and persistent issues faced by local and global communities. As part of the discussion, a new model of IoHE, ‘internationalisation of higher education for society’ (IHES) has been proposed by prominent scholars in the field. This paper seeks to make a positive contribution to the discussion of IHES. Our aim is to refine the concept by integrating an ‘outside-in’ perspective, a viewpoint currently missing from the existing conceptualization of IHES. The paper answers three unique research questions: 1) What are the implications of contemporary societal transitions for IoHE? 2) How can universities use their internationalization activities to more effectively facilitate societal transformations? 3) What are the implications of reforming the rationales of IoHE from the perspective of university–society relations? We highlight that collaborations in higher education between East Asian and Nordic countries offer an optimal platform to explore and promote the potential of a new paradigm of IoHE.

Multilevel actor networks in China’s growing fossil-fuel based role in the global electricity sector

Abstract Chinese investments into fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity under its Belt and Road Initiative will create lock-in for decades. Despite China’s recent rise as major public finance provider for the electricity sector of the developing world and the related environmental impacts, there is limited knowledge of the extent and characteristics of non-Chinese participation in Chinese-funded projects. We apply complexity theory approaches and network modelling on a new dataset that links funding activities of Developmental Institutions (Chinese Developmental Institutions (CDIs), Western-backed Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)) and the involvement of companies in different roles (i.e., as direct investors, contractors, equipment suppliers, and other service providers) to power plants around the world at the unit-level (1999-2020). Previous literature suggests that CDI funded projects show preference to Chinese commercial partners, but we find more than 70% include non-Chinese participants. This also applies for fossil-fuel based technologies where we observe increasing shares of international actors that together account for nearly every third commercial linkage. However, involvement levels and interaction patterns not only differ by technologies (fossils, hydro, non-hydro renewable, nuclear) but also by the time period and types of commercial partners and we observe overall convergence between the CDI- and MDB-supported power plant networks over time. The decreasing involvement of Chinese companies in CDI-funded projects, across technologies, in favour of increasing Western involvement, has important implications for development and climate policy on which we elaborate. However, the failure of both MDB and CDI funding to promote domestic company involvement in the recipient countries may be the largest failing of both sets of agencies in the pursuit of development outcomes.

“Enhancing Human Dignity Here and Around the World”

Abstract In the second half of the twentieth century, Black sororities began establishing chapters and social programs across the globe, an intentional social action that Aisha A. Upton Azzam conceptualizes as the Black sorority movement (BSM). In this piece, Upton Azzam explores the style and extent of such international engagement. She illuminates the marginalized aspect of the movement’s international activism while clarifying how such activism may have also employed the very neoliberal, neocolonial, and patriarchal ideas and practices that the movement explicitly stated that they wished to resist and overturn.