Regional Cooperation Research Articles

The Evolution of Washington's Strategy towards Central Asia

The article examines the evolution of Washington's policy towards the countries of Central Asia. The reasons for the growing US interest in the Central Asian countries, as well as its recently extremely proactive policy against the backdrop of a fierce confrontation with Russia, have been identified. A step-by-step analysis of Washington’s position regarding this region, together with the old and new formats of both bilateral and regional cooperation, is given in the context of the Global South agenda becoming extremely urgent against the backdrop of increasing competition for the region carried out by its key players – China, Russia, and the United States. At the same time, the role and significance of Central Asia could change depending on the place this region will occupy in the constantly changing scale of US priorities while implementing its policy towards the post-Soviet space.

Evolution of China's Role in the Asia-Pacific Region

In the 30 years since China joined APEC, China has actively participated in various forms of economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and has been a firm and active supporter of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. China has closely integrated Asia-Pacific economic cooperation and its own development. China has become the second largest economy in the world, and its role is also changing significantly. By promoting China's economic development - it has promoted economic development and social progress, improved people's living standards and made great contributions to development in the Asia-Pacific region. China is playing an increasingly important role in the world. It has played an active role in building an open world economy, supporting the multilateral trading system and guiding the development of economic globalization. China's rapid consolidation of its comprehensive state power has shattered the original power structure in the Asia-Pacific region and changed the original territorial pattern. Against this background, key economies in the region, such as the US, Japan and ASEAN, are also making strategic adjustments that have a significant impact on the order in the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, the US has been trying to create a group political environment in the Asia-Pacific region in order to suppress and isolate China. The final shape of the changing order in the Asia-Pacific depends on the great power competition and the degree of China's development. Ultimately, the role China hopes to play may also be achieved.

The Spillover Effect of US Monetary Policy: A Literature Review

In an era of globalization, the interconnectedness of financial markets means that monetary policy decisions in one country, particularly the United States, can have significant global repercussions. This interconnectedness necessitates a deeper understanding of how US monetary policy influences economic conditions worldwide. This paper reviews the impact of US monetary policy through various channels on advanced and emerging countries differently. The research finds that US monetary policy involves an element of uncertainty. In advanced countries, this uncertainty primarily influences the term premium component of yields, whereas in emerging countries, it affects the expected component of yields. Furthermore, the impact of US monetary policy shocks varies with the business cycle, having a larger effect when growth is weak outside the US. Different channels of spillover include interest rate differentials, exchange rate movements, capital flows, financial market reactions, and changes in risk perception and sentiment. For advanced countries, significant impacts are seen in interest rate spillovers, exchange rate dynamics, financial market volatility, and global trade and economic growth. In emerging countries, the effects are pronounced in exchange rate channels, capital flows, financial stability, term premium, risk perception, and local monetary conditions. Solutions include strengthening financial regulation, diversifying economic structures, building foreign exchange reserves, managing capital flows, improving monetary policy frameworks, fostering regional cooperation, promoting long-term investment, and enhancing data transparency.

South Asia’s Naval Shift: Regional Cooperation and Challenges

This research explores the significant influence of South Asia on the politics of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and analyzes the extensive implications for the region resulting from the policy changes in India and Pakistan. The long-standing source of conflict, the Kashmir issue remained a bone of contention between the two states. Historically involved in border conflicts, both are now making concerted efforts to enhance their naval capabilities through unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral engagements. This strategic adjustment has surpassed past difficulties, resulting in new interactions in the Indian Ocean Region. The research also explores the potential ways of cooperation between the two states and region as whole, and the challenges that can be faced in the way of regional cooperation or development. The escalating tensions in the region are further intensified by the mistrust and nuclearization of the region. This study rigorously analyzes the potential of regional organizations for cooperation and sustainable development, and the future course of Indo-Pak bilateral relations.

Assessing the contribution of SADC rules of origin to the growth and survival of the manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe

This study investigates the contribution of the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) Rules of Origin (RoO) to the growth and survival of manufacturing industries in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative approach and used purposive sampling to select the interviewees. Data obtained from interviews and through documentary review was thematically analysed. The study found that several critical challenges are hindering the effective utilisation of RoO. Foremost among these is a pervasive lack of knowledge and understanding of RoO requirements across all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy. This knowledge gap is compounded by cumbersome administrative and accounting requirements necessary to meet origin criteria, creating significant compliance burdens for manufacturers. Additionally, the poor economic performance of Zimbabwe has negatively impacted the ability of industries to leverage the benefits of SADC RoO, further impeding their competitiveness within the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA). The study recommended comprehensive awareness and training programmes to educate stakeholders on RoO, simplification of administrative processes to reduce compliance costs, and broader economic reforms to improve the overall business environment. Furthermore, it advocates for the establishment of support services to assist industries in navigating RoO requirements, and the enhancement of regional cooperation to facilitate smoother trade flows. .

The Impact of the Pacific Alliance on Trade Creation and Trade Diversion in the COVID-19 Period: A Robust Econometric Analysis

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted global trade, posing challenges for regional trade agreements such as the Pacific Alliance, comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. This study investigates the Pacific Alliance’s impact on trade creation and diversion during the pandemic, exploring how regional cooperation mitigated trade disruptions. (2) Methods: A quantitative approach utilizing econometric models, including ordinary least squares, Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood, and the Heckman selection model, was employed. The gravity model of trade was applied to bilateral trade data from 1948 to 2021, incorporating COVID-19-specific variables to assess trade dynamics. (3) Results: The analysis revealed significant trade creation within the Pacific Alliance during the pandemic, with intra-bloc trade strengthening despite global disruptions. However, evidence of trade diversion from non-member countries was mixed and inconclusive. (4) Conclusions: The Pacific Alliance demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 period, fostering regional trade creation and cushioning the impact of global trade shocks. While trade diversion remains uncertain, the study highlights the critical role of regional trade agreements in stabilizing trade flows during global crises, offering valuable insights for future policy and regional cooperation strategies.

University-SME cooperation in low technological regions in an emerging economy: Drivers, barriers and regional development

Cooperation between universities and firms in regions with low technological intensity has received little attention from academics in recent years. This study aims to understand university-firm (U-F) cooperation in a low-tech region in an emerging economy such as northeastern Brazil. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach was adopted, with data being collected through semi-structured interviews with lecturers-researchers and owners-managers involved in a cooperation relation between a university and small and medium-sized enterprises (U-SMEs). From descending hierarchical classification (DHC), carried out using IRAMUTEQ software, four categories/topics were identified: (1) selecting partners, (2) barriers to cooperation, (3) institutional environment, and (4) effects of that cooperation on regional development. The results show that researchers look for these small firms based on their geographical, technological and institutional proximity. SMEs, in turn, seek cooperation from the university, from the close social relations they already have with researchers and/or other actors linked to the university who can help them to form these partnerships. The barriers to cooperation found are associated with the time taken and academic bureaucracy. The institutional environment is also a relevant factor both in forming cooperative relations and the obstacles underlying this type of process. Perception of the results of cooperation for regional development emphasizes the qualification of human resources and retaining them in the region, as well as access to new knowledge. The actions developed by the university involving local SMEs also increase the university’s insertion in the business environment.

Spatio-Temporal Evolution, Internal Diversity, and Driving Factors of Economy of Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration in Northwestern China Based on Nighttime Light Data

Urban agglomeration (UA) is a highly developed spatial form of urban complex, which is one of the important carriers of regional economic cooperation, international industrial division of labor, and flow of capital and information elements. In China, urban agglomerations (UAs) have become the spatial subject of the national new-type urbanization strategy since the early 21st century and have made irreplaceable contributions to China’s urbanization and economic development. The Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration (GPUA) is an important economic growth pole in northwest China and a key node in China’s open-door pattern. Exploring the spatial and temporal characteristics and driving factors of its economic development will be an important revelation for the promotion of high-quality economic development of the GPUA. This paper characterizes the level of economic development of GPUA with a long series of nighttime light data between 2002 and 2022. The standard deviation ellipse, spatial autocorrelation analysis, the economic difference index, and grey correlation analysis are used to analyze the characteristics of spatio-temporal evolution, internal diversity, and driving factors of economic development of the GPUA. The results show that the economic development level of the GPUA continued to increase from 2002 to 2022. The spatial distribution of the GPUA economy is “northeast-southwest” axial distribution, and the center of gravity of economic development gradually moves westward. The differences in the level of economic development within the GPUA show a typical core–periphery structure, but the degree of difference tends to weaken over time. The internal expansion force and economic promotion force were the dominant factors for the economic development of the GPUA in the early years. However, with the passage of time, scientific and technological support and government support have gradually become the main influencing factors for the economic development of the GPUA nowadays.

Activities of a Pharmacist in Community Medicine in Nagasaki, Japan

With the increasing separation of dispensing and prescribing, Japanese pharmacists have changed over the past 50 years. Changes affecting pharmacists include the bashing of the separation of dispensing and prescribing, the formulation of the "Vision for Patient-centered Pharmacies" and the implementation of the Action Plan to realize this vision, and the amendment of the "Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act." By 2025, when many baby boomers will be 75 years of age and older, the construction of the "Integrated Community Care System" is being promoted in various regions, and pharmacists are expected to be involved in community healthcare as members of community support networks based on multidisciplinary cooperation. In Nagasaki City, Japan, a regional medical cooperation system centered on the "Nagasaki Home Doctor Net" has been established, and a multidisciplinary network supports the region. In 2007, volunteers, mainly pharmacy managers, established the "Nagasaki Pharmaceutical Care Net (P-net)" to provide home medical care. To date, these volunteers have been involved in community healthcare while continuing their studies through the group. At the symposium, I introduced my active involvement in community healthcare as a pharmacist and as a member of P-net. I hope this symposium will help pharmacists' involvement and collaboration in community healthcare.

Cancer care and outreach in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries: from epidemiology and the National Cancer Control Programme to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

South Asian Association for Regional Collaboration (SAARC) countries, home to 24% of the world's population, are facing the double burden of disease (ie, where a population experiences both an increasing incidence of cancers typically associated with affluence and a sustained or rising burden of cancers linked to infections and poverty) with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributing to 47% of the global burden of disease and to about 60% of all deaths. In 2022, cancer in this region accounted for approximately 9·3% of incidence worldwide and 12% of global mortality. Cancer is one of the major NCDs affecting South Asia, accounting for a large proportion of disability-adjusted life-years lost in this region. The most common cancers are lung, head and neck, and gastrointestinal cancers in both sexes, and cervix and breast cancers in females. The cancer burden is high in SAARC countries, although there are differences among countries and within urban and rural regions of each country, depending on the level of available resources, development, and epidemiological shift. Here we discuss various cancer care issues and challenges throughout the cancer care continuum in the SAARC region. We make an urgent call for regional collaboration to develop, modify, and implement a holistic cancer control plan and formulate a systematic approach directed to address the growing burden of cancer in this region. It is crucial to establish strong political will and commitment to take forward the recommended actions outlined in this Series to overcome and address the cancer crisis in the SAARC region, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 2030 targets.

The Role of Laboratory Data on Outpatient Prescriptions in Improving Collaboration with the Community and Health Outcomes

Although there have been appeals for regional cooperation for a considerable time, are hospitals and local communities really working together? Hospitals typically permit a variety of professionals to work together, share information via medical records, and directly discuss patients. A problem with treating patients at home in local communities is that doctors and pharmacists do not share the same workplace; hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies do not have a common information source equivalent to medical records. Prescriptions and medical notes are the only things that connect health provision to the community. We have added laboratory data to prescriptions for outpatients to eliminate confusion. This has improved efficacy and made it easier to avoid serious side effects. It has also prevented economic losses to some extent. An important goal of medicine is to provide individualized care. This current endeavor may be a small but steady step towards this goal.

Spatial correlation and urban collaborative governance of air pollution in Anhui province based on complex networks

To promote the greening of the economy and sustainable development, and to achieve a win-win situation for the economy and the environment.By constructing and analyzing the complex network, this study provides a new perspective for understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of air pollution, and provides a scientific basis for formulating effective air quality improvement measures.This study investigated the seasonal evolution and spatial correlation of air pollutants and AQI in 16 cities in Anhui Province. A weighted undirected complex network for AQI was constructed based on the average correlation coefficients of AQI between different cities, using the ratio of the average correlation coefficient to the distance of the cities as weights. By analyzing the overall statistical characteristics, node importance of the network, and dividing the network into communities, the results show that the atmospheric environmental quality in Anhui Province has significantly improved from 2018 to 2023. Bengbu, Chuzhou, and Hefei occupy the core positions in the network correlation, exhibiting the strongest ability to spread air pollution. The relationship between GDP and AQI between different cities was analysed using the grey correlation method. By combining the results of community division, the correlation between GDP and AQI, and the consideration of policy factors, it is expected that this comprehensive analysis will provide more effective strategies for pollution management, such as optimising and upgrading the industrial structure, perfecting the synergistic management system of air pollution prevention and control among cities, and strengthening regional cooperation for coordinated urban development.

Cancer research in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

Cancer is a major global health threat, with 35 million new cases projected by 2050, predominantly in low-income and middle-income-countries. Within South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, a notable gap in cancer research investment and output compared with high-income countries highlights the need to strengthen research capacity. The rising cancer incidence across SAARC countries is not being matched by local research, particularly in clinical trials in molecular biology, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and cancer vaccines. This paucity of research is problematic as guidelines and therapies developed in high-income countries might not be directly applicable to low-income and middle-income countries due to distinct regional sociocultural, genetic, and environmental factors and are often impractical in these countries due to cost and implementation challenges. This Series paper examines the cancer research landscape within SAARC countries, focusing on Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Maldives. We analyse PubMed publication rates and examine available infrastructure, current research (including clinical trials), and limitations and disparities among SAARC countries in terms of cancer research. Key challenges include disparities in health-care access, cultural and economic barriers, and little funding and infrastructure. Strengthening cancer research in SAARC countries requires building collaborative networks, improving research facilities and training, focusing on local epidemiological studies, and developing affordable technologies and treatments. Effective policy and stakeholder engagement could greatly advance cancer care in the region.

Policy Proposals for Mitigating Intensive Care Unit Strain: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Intensive care unit (ICU) strain, characterized by a discrepancy between perceived or actual intensive care resources and demand, significantly impacts patient outcomes and healthcare worker well-being. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated ICU strain, leading to increased mortality and extended hospital stays, affecting both critically ill patients with and without COVID-19. A systematic review identified 16 leading and lagging indicators of ICU capacity strain, including queuing, premature and after-hours ICU discharge, use of temporary space, length of stay, burnout, staffing and nurse-to-patient ratio, ICU census, acuity and turnover, standardized mortality ratio, readmissions, availability of critical supplies, ventilator use, and surgery cancellation. However, variability in operational definitions and limited evidence regarding the reliability, validity, usability, and feasibility limit the value of single indicators for informed strategic planning and policy guidance. Regional and national policies and programs are essential to enhance real-time monitoring for effective management of critical care resources, and they mitigate the impact of ICU strain, facilitating complex interhospital transfers to reduce strain and ensuring comprehensive strategies for enhancing ICU resilience. Proactive regional cooperation is advocated for policy formulation, knowledge exchange, and resource allocation to anticipate and mitigate ICU strain, ensuring equitable healthcare access during global health crises. The policy implications for future preparedness emphasize the importance of evidence-based triage and adaptable patient management strategies alongside ethical considerations in resource allocation and the role of behavioral economic insights in optimizing resource utilization and collaborative healthcare practices. This multifaceted approach for addressing ICU strain comprehensively and effectively during a pandemic would promote health equity and enhance healthcare system resilience under both routine operations and crisis conditions.

Cancer care, education, and research in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

Cancer care, education, and research in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

Study of the mechanism of fibroblast-like synoviocytes-derived exosomes inducing macrophages M1 polarization and CD8+T cells immune regulation ferroptosis and autophagy in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints. The pathogenesis of RA is complex, involving membrane lipid antioxidant systems, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. In this study, it was found that cysteine dioxygenase 1 (CDO1) is significantly upregulated in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and that exosomes derived from these RA-FLS deliver CDO1 to promote M1 polarization of macrophages, thus facilitating RA progression. In the immune microenvironment, CD8+T cells play a role in immune regulation by producing cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFNγ) in various diseases. The results of this study suggested that in RA-FLS, CD8+T cells deliver IFNγ, which not only inhibits the viability of RA-FLS but also affects glutathione (GSH) through CDO1, regulating the GPX4 antioxidant signaling pathway to promote ferroptosis and autophagy in cells. It was also discovered that IFNγ enhances the expression of TRI69, ubiquitinates and degrades FSP1, thereby forming a cooperative regulation process of GPX4 and FSP1 in ferroptosis. These findings provide a new direction for the treatment of RA.

Ecological compensation for cross-regional domestic waste treatment: A stochastic differential game perspective.

The implementation of ecological compensation for cross-regional domestic waste treatment is beneficial for balancing the interests of waste generation districts and waste treatment districts. This paper introduces dynamic differential games to capture the temporal evolution and adjustment of strategies, examining dynamic game strategies under different compensation scenarios (non-horizontal ecological compensation, horizontal ecological compensation and fully shared ecological compensation). A new interest distribution model is proposed, with empirical analysis conducted using Shanghai as a case study to validate the reliability and feasibility of the model. The findings indicate: (1) Government intervention combined with horizontal ecological compensation significantly improves waste management efficiency and urban welfare. The compensation mechanism fosters regional cooperation, optimizes resource allocation, reduces decision-making conflicts and enhances overall processing effectiveness. (2) Without a compensation mechanism, high costs in export regions and low benefits in import regions result in low cooperation willingness. The ecological compensation mechanism enhances willingness to cooperate by fairly distributing costs and benefits, optimizing long-term cooperation and overall gains. (3) Complete shared ecological compensation is optimal, though partial shared mechanisms are also effective in practice. Proper interest and ecological compensation ratios can significantly improve waste management efficiency and urban environment, strengthening long-term cooperation. The study theoretically expands the dynamic optimization and cooperation mechanism analysis in waste management, provides solutions for environmental policy formulation in cross-regional waste handling and offers new perspectives and tools for addressing complex issues in cross-regional environmental governance, including targeted policy recommendations with practical significance for enhancing cross-regional waste management.

Research on the Communication and Development of Heilongjiang Cultural and Creative Industry under the Background of “Belt and Road”

This paper focuses on the research on the dissemination and development of cultural and creative industries in Heilongjiang Province under the background of “Belt and Road.” Firstly, the paper analyzes the main characteristics of cultural and creative industries in Heilongjiang Province and then puts forward the leading advantages of the government to promote the development of cultural and creative industries. The government gives full play to its regional advantages and creates Longjiang cultural products, while also accelerating regional industrial cooperation and innovative cultural communication forms. In-depth discussion is made on integrating scientific and technological means of the times and strengthening the cultivation of innovative talents. The government optimizes the communication and development path of the Heilongjiang cultural entrepreneurship industry and brings positive influence to the stable development of the Heilongjiang region in the future.

Rethinking The Mosul Dam: A Reassessment of Its Impact Beyond the Traditional Narratives

The Mosul Dam, one of Iraq’s most significant infrastructural projects, has been the subject of extensive debate and scrutiny, often overshadowed by negative narratives concerning its safety and environmental impact. These narratives overlook the dam’s significant function in creating food and energy and fostering local, regional, and global water cooperation. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive revaluation of the dam’s contributions to water management and diplomatic relations. By systematically addressing the prevalent criticisms, this study highlights the recent renovation works that extended the dam’s lifespan. These works, which will be examined with a quantitative methodology in the study, involved the Iraqi Government, the Kurdish Regional Government, the United States and Italy. These four entities contributed with joint efforts to make the dam safer, forging trust and collaboration on multiple levels. The Mosul Dam serves as a model for international water cooperation, illustrating the potential for large-scale infrastructure projects to contribute to peace and stability. The reassessment provided in this study advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the Mosul Dam, recognizing its pivotal contributions to water security and international cooperation, which are essential for the region’s sustainable development and beyond.

Global Value Chain Spillovers and Economic Growth of SAARC Countries under the BRI Perspective

This study revisits the relationship between trade and growth, emphasizing the functions of the global value chain (GVC). This is a pioneer study to empirically evaluate the impact of GVC trade on the economic growth of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations from the perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The objective of this article is to analyze the potential contribution of BRI in the development of these countries backward, forward and sectoral-level GVC participation. We employed second-generation econometric techniques for this empirical analysis over the period 1990–2022. To ensure the robustness of the results of cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL), we used the augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) models. The results indicate that forward and backward GVC involvement increases economic growth for SAARC countries. On the contrary, due to improper implementation of domestic policies, economic environment and inadequate absorptive capacity, GVC participation comes with a negative impact on the economic growth of the sample countries. The sectoral GVC trade in manufacturing industries is linked to a favourable impact on growth, while sectoral GVC trade-in service shows a negative association with gross domestic product (GDP). The results of our analysis demonstrate that GVCs are a driver of economic growth. Countries can unlock potential gains by implementing policies that promote participation in GVCs and by strengthening domestic fundamentals through regional collaborations within the BRI.