Regional Cooperation Research Articles

Community-based economic romance and integration: assessing the feasibility of a currency union in South Asia

Purpose This purpose of this study aims to critically evaluate the feasibility of establishing a single currency area within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by examining the economic integration of its member states. The analysis focuses on the extent to which the region meets the criteria of the optimum currency area (OCA) theory, particularly in terms of business cycle synchronization, labor mobility and capital flows. Design/methodology/approach Using a vector autoregression (VAR) model within the aggregate demand-aggregate supply framework, this research investigates the symmetry of supply and demand shocks across SAARC economies. The study analyzes the synchronization of business cycles and the mobility of labor and capital to determine the readiness of SAARC for a unified currency. Findings The results indicate significant asymmetries in business cycles among SAARC countries, with substantial disparities in economic responses to shocks. These findings suggest that the region lacks the necessary economic synchronization required for a successful single currency area. Limited labor and capital mobility further complicate the potential for economic integration within SAARC. Research limitations/implications The study is constrained by data inconsistencies and the limited range of economic indicators available for SAARC countries. Future research should expand the analysis to include a broader set of socioeconomic factors and more comprehensive data sets to better assess the region’s potential for monetary integration. Practical implications The study highlights the challenges of forming a currency union in South Asia due to economic disparities and limited mobility. However, gradual steps toward deeper regional integration, improved financial infrastructure and enhanced cross-border collaboration could foster long-term economic stability, growth and social cohesion in the SAARC region. Social implications The research highlights the potential social benefits of enhanced economic integration, such as increased community resilience and social cohesion, while also warning of the risks associated with premature monetary union in a region with significant economic disparities. Originality/value This study provides a detailed analysis linking the theoretical framework of the OCA to the practical realities of economic integration in South Asia. By focusing on the specific economic conditions of SAARC member states, the research offers valuable insights for policymakers considering regional monetary integration.

Assessing contextual factors influencing scale-up: a interactive approach involving stakeholders

Abstract Issue Pilot interventions are not always put into practice at scale. When they are, effectiveness is often highly reduced in the field due to contextual factors. To effectively implement a scale-up, stakeholders’ involvement is crucial. Curema is an international research evaluating an intervention aiming to reduce malaria transmission by distributing RDTs and treatments in mobile hard-to-reach populations. This intervention might be scaled-up in Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana as a tool of national malaria programs for specific areas and populations. Description of the problem An interactive pre-planning assessment was conducted involving key stakeholders -implementers, decision-makers, and researchers - in working sessions, semi-structured interviews, and formal meetings. Mendelow’s Power/Interest Matrix was used to map stakeholders and a SWOT analysis was conducted using ExpandNet/WHO Framework to evaluate contextual factors and identify levers and obstacles influencing the scale-up. Results A total of 23 participants were involved. Health authorities had high power and generally high interest, while implementers and recipients had lower power and different interest levels. National engagement for WHO E2025 or E2030 enhanced scalability and represented a main opportunity in the three countries. Nevertheless, several regulatory and administrative aspects were identified as potential obstacles to be addressed to make scale-up realistic. Funding was also a major concern for sustainability. The need for regional cooperation was emphasized to achieve malaria elimination. Lessons Despite financial and regulatory challenges, a window of opportunity is open to scale-up Curema. Identifying and involving stakeholders in a pre-planning assessment and advocating for foster regional cooperation are crucial steps to support the scale-up. Stakeholder analysis should be refined during the scaling-up to capture further changes in factors that might influence the process. Key messages • Engagements with WHO represent windows of opportunity to enhance Curema scale-up. • Stakeholder involvement and regional cooperation are crucial for scaling up Curema in Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname.

Quantifying Invasiveness Risk of Non‐Native Freshwater Fishes in South Korea Under a Changing Climate

ABSTRACTBiological invasions pose a serious threat to native biodiversity, and climate change intensifies the risk of non‐native species invasion in human‐altered environments, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. In South Korean freshwaters, the number of non‐native fish species increased significantly since the early 1950s. We screened risk of invasion by 43 freshwater fish species in South Korea using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS‐ISK). Of these species, 26 (~ 61%) posed a high to very high risk of invasiveness. Black bullhead Ameiurus melas, brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, North African catfish Clarias gariepinus, green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, round goby Neogobius melanostomus, and Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii were very high risk under current and predicted climate conditions. Striped snakehead Channa striata, longear sunfish Lepomis megalotis, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, white perch Morone americana, Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis, and rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus were high risk only under predicted climate conditions. Present risks were generally consistent with previous qualitative assessment, with some discrepancies, likely due to unobserved or under‐reported invasive traits of some species or a better ability of the present semi‐quantitative approach to estimate potential risks. Our results will inform South Korean decision‐making to potentially enhance regional cooperation across East Asia against transboundary introductions of aquatic invasive species.

Cultural, Economic, or Transport Link: Does Carbon Emissions Trading Promote “Good Neighbor” Carbon Emission Reduction?

Carbon emission reduction was a crucial objective for China’s green transformation, yet establishing regional cooperation with neighboring areas posed a significant challenge in carbon governance. We investigated the spillover effects of carbon emissions trading (CET) on carbon emissions among Chinese cities, employing spatial difference-in-differences (DID), Callaway and Sant’Anna DID (CSDID), and other methodologies. Our paper integrated datasets on high-speed rails, dialects, and carbon emissions at the prefecture-level city scale. The findings revealed that (1) CET reduces emissions by 11.55% in pilot regions, although the impact of the second policy pilot was not significant. (2) In terms of spillover effects, CET increased emissions in neighboring cities with economic and geographic ties, creating a “beggar-thy-neighbor” reduction model. Conversely, it reduced emissions in cities with shared cultural ties, fostering a “good neighbor” reduction model. (3) The policy spillover effect exhibited an “inverted N” curve, first decreasing, then increasing, and finally decreasing as economic and geographic distance increased. (4) Technological advancement was identified as the primary mechanism driving the spillover effects of CET. To achieve the dual-carbon goal, avoiding harmful economic competition and promoting low-carbon cultural exchanges were essential.

Trend Analysis of Cross-Border Electricity Trading in Pan-European Network

The long-term global target of facilitating energy security and optimizing resource utilization while supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems has led the pathway towards regional cooperation in the context of energy infrastructures and trading. Recent trends highlight the development of transnational energy grids, pipelines, and renewable energy projects, facilitating efficient distribution of electricity, gas, and other energy forms. These advancements offer benefits such as increased reliability of energy supply, cost savings through shared resources, and strengthened relationships between countries. However, challenges persist, including regulatory differences, geopolitical tensions, alignment of market rules as well as substantial investment requirements in infrastructure and technology. Addressing these challenges necessitates harmonized policies, robust legal frameworks, and cooperative international governance, which are crucial for effective cross-border energy trading. The aim of the work is to present the current landscape as well as analyze the latest trends and developments in the dynamic field of electricity interconnectors, providing insights into its trajectory and implications for the European internal energy market.

Uncertainties in the Contemporary Political Landscape of West Africa amidst Global and Regional Challenges

Purpose: This paper analyzes the political instability in West Africa, exploring how historical legacies, military coups, and insurgent violence contribute to this instability. It also examines the role of external geopolitical influences and the limitations faced by regional organizations like ECOWAS in fostering stability. Materials and Methods: The research adopts a historical and analytical approach, examining the colonial legacies, recent military coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, and the rise of armed insurgent groups. It also investigates the external influences of powers like Russia and China, alongside regional efforts by ECOWAS to manage the political situation. Findings: The research highlights that the persistence of military coups and insurgent violence is deeply rooted in the colonial past and exacerbated by weak democratic institutions. The resurgence of military coups underscores the fragility of governance in the region, while the proliferation of armed groups intensifies security threats. External geopolitical actors such as Russia and China have reshaped political alliances in the region, complicating ECOWAS' efforts to foster cooperation. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: To achieve lasting political stability, West Africa needs to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote regional cooperation, and develop more effective strategies to counteract both internal security threats and external geopolitical influences. ECOWAS must enhance its capacity to mediate conflicts and unify states amidst growing geopolitical divides.

Regional Development Policies in Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries: A Comparative Analysis

This essay explores the regional development policies applied in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries using a comparative qualitative analysis method. It focuses on infrastructure development, human capital investment, regional integration, and technological innovation policies. It compares development policies in China, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan highlighting key projects which have fostered regional connectivity and economic growth. By comparing these policies, the essay evaluates how these initiatives have contributed to reducing regional disparities. This study aims to provide insights into how regional development policies can address Afghanistan’s socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable development. Despite notable successes, the research identifies ongoing challenges such as political instability, limited financial resources, and weak regional cooperation that impede further progress in Afghanistan. Key policy recommendations for Afghanistan include enhancing regional cooperation, investing in technological infrastructure, and developing human capital to achieve sustainable growth and stability.

Enhancing Maritime Security: Challenges and Strategies in Indonesia's Natuna Sea

The Natuna Sea, a strategic region within Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, faces multifaceted maritime security challenges that threaten national sovereignty, economic interests, and regional stability. This abstract explores the key issues and strategic responses to enhance maritime security in this vital area. Indonesia's maritime security challenges in the Natuna Sea are driven by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, territorial disputes, and transnational crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking. The encroachment of foreign fishing vessels, particularly from neighboring countries, exacerbates the IUU fishing problem, undermining local economies and depleting fish stocks. Additionally, overlapping territorial claims, particularly with China, complicate Indonesia's efforts to assert its sovereignty and maintain peace in the region. To address these challenges, Indonesia has developed a comprehensive maritime security strategy that includes diplomatic, legal, and operational measures. Diplomatic efforts focus on strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and other multilateral forums to foster dialogue and build consensus on maritime security issues. Legal measures involve the enforcement of national and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to uphold Indonesia's territorial rights and combat IUU fishing. Operationally, Indonesia has enhanced its maritime patrols, surveillance capabilities, and naval presence in the Natuna Sea. The establishment of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the deployment of advanced technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite monitoring, have improved the detection and interdiction of illegal activities. Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to resource constraints, coordination issues among agencies, and the complex geopolitical landscape. This abstract underscores the importance of a holistic and adaptive approach to maritime security, integrating diplomatic, legal, and operational strategies.

-RAMP3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cell-mediated CCL2 degradation by supporting membrane distribution of ACKR2

This study aimed to explore the potential bind of Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein 3 (RAMP3) with atypical chemokine receptor 2 (ACKR2), and their cooperative regulation on the degradation of the immunosuppressive chemokine CCL2 in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using available bulk-tissue RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and protein–protein interaction datasets. Human HCC cell line Huh7 and HepG2 and mouse HCC cell line Hepa1-6 were utilized for experiments. Results showed that RAMP3 binds with ACKR2 in HCC tumor cells and promotes the membrane distribution of ACKR2 through RAB4-positive vesicles. RAMP3 promotes CCL2 scavenging through ACKR2 in HCC cells. Mouse RAMP3 inhibited the proliferation of mouse liver cancer cell line (Hepa1-6)-derived syngeneic tumors through ACKR2, reduced the intratumoral concentration of CCL2 in the tumor, and inhibited the phosphorylation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) and protein kinase B (AKT). In addition, mouse RAMP3 inhibited CD11b+/Gr-1 + myeloid cell infiltration and neovascularization in the tumors through ACKR2. In TCGA-LIHC, RAMP3low/ACKR2low group had the worst progression-free interval (PFI), while the RAMP3high/ACKR2high group had the best overall survival (OS). In summary, restoring RAMP3 expression in HCC cells may generate synergistic support for the anticancer effect of ACKR2.

ASEAN Regionalism in the Implementation of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management

Objective: This article analyzes how ASEAN countries utilize regional mechanisms in implementing humanitarian assistance and disaster management. Method: Using the qualitative method, this article shows that ASEAN regionalism in disaster management is quite effective. Secondary data is obtained through library research, utilizing various publications such as books, journals, documents, and the Internet. Results and conclusion: The research results show that ASEAN has made protecting society from natural disasters one of its goals since its formation. But the unequal capacities of ASEAN countries have driven different domestic levels of responses. ASEAN regional cooperation maximizes ASEAN’s capacity by unifying each country’s capabilities in ASEAN’s relations with the extra-regional powers. Even though it has the principle of non-intervention, the existence of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre on Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) has removed the obstacles for parties who wish to send out aid to disaster areas in ASEAN member states. Originality/value: ASEAN has produced various mechanisms for handling victims of natural disasters. In its development, the efforts to protect against natural disasters have become very important because they have become an aspect of non-traditional security. Therefore, what ASEAN faces is not only the natural disaster itself but also how to save its citizens from non-traditional security threats.

Assessing the achievement of sustainable development in the Maghreb countries

Aim. Comparative analysis of the progress of achieving sustainable development by Maghreb countries (among them Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania) according to the indices developed by international organizations and scientific institutions, as well as ranking the countries according to the level of sustainable development in the region.Objectives. To analyze the regulatory framework governing sustainable development in the Maghreb countries; to assess the level of sustainable development of the countries under consideration according to international environmental, social and economic indices in 2018–2023; to apply a universal methodology for assessing sustainable development based on basic statistical data of each country; to identify common achievements and unique challenges faced by countries in the process of implementing sustainable development programs.Methods. The analysis is based on the comparison of statistical data, publications and reports of international organizations on the success of the implementation of sustainable development programs in the Maghreb countries. Comparative and analytical approaches to assessing the level of sustainable development were applied, and attention was paid to factors affecting successes and obstacles to achieving sustainable development.Results. Maghreb countries are at different levels of sustainable development. The article traces the differences in the countries’ strategies for implementing national sustainable development programs. The analysis of the level of sustainable development in Maghreb countries showed that Morocco has the highest position. Libya has the lowest level of sustainable development. The poverty rate in the region is decreasing, although in Libya, it remains high. Countries are showing progress in renewable energy development, with Morocco in particular implementing solar energy programs. Despite the successes, the countries face significant challenges. Inequality in access to resources and income, along with high unemployment, especially among youth, remains a pressing problem in the region. Political instability in Libya, non-cooperation between Morocco and Algeria hinder economic development and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.Conclusions. Regular monitoring of the level of sustainable development in the Maghreb countries, as well as timely adjustment of actions, serves as a necessary step to achieve prosperity and well-being in the region. Despite many challenges, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania have great potential for sustainable development. However, realizing the Aim. requires considerable effort, political will and effective cooperation, both within the region and internationally. It is necessary to continue to invest in development, strengthen regional cooperation and utilize innovative technologies to achieve a sustainable future.

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Evolution of Coordinated Development Between Transportation Infrastructure and Ecological Environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

The coupling and coordinated development of transportation infrastructure and ecological environment is an important way to achieve win-win economic, social, and ecological benefits. This study analyzes the coupling and coordinated development between transportation infrastructure and ecological environment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on panel data from 11 provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2007 to 2022, establish their respective indicator systems and use entropy method to measure the comprehensive level of the two. Through the perspective of spatiotemporal differentiation, this study analyzes the changes in the coupling and coordinated development level of transportation infrastructure and ecological environment in 11 provinces. It is found that the overall coupling and coordinated development level of each province has significantly improved, but there are obvious regional differences. In the future, each province should formulate more precise and effective policy measures based on its own actual situation, strengthen regional cooperation and communication, and jointly promote the coupling and coordinated development of transportation infrastructure and ecological environment protection in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Optimizing green hydrogen strategies in Tunisia: A combined SWOT-MCDM approach

Tunisia's rapid industrial expansion and population growth have created a pressing energy deficit, despite the country's significant, yet largely untapped, renewable energy potential. This study addressed this challenge by developing a comprehensive framework to identify and evaluate strategies for promoting green hydrogen production from renewable energy sources in Tunisia. A Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis, incorporating social, economic, and environmental dimensions, was conducted to formulate potential solutions. The Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method facilitated the weighting of SWOT factors and sub-factors. Subsequently, a multi-criteria decision-making approach, employing the gray technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS-G) method (validated by gray additive ratio assessment (ARAS-G), gray complex proportional assessment (COPRAS-G), and gray multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA-G), was used to rank the identified strategies.The SWOT analysis revealed "Strengths" as the most influential factor with a relative weight of 47.3 %, followed by "Weaknesses" (26.5 %), "Threats" (15.6 %), and "Opportunities" (10.6 %). Specifically, experts emphasized Tunisia's renewable energy potential (21.89 %) and robust power system (12.11 %) as primary strengths. Conversely, high investment costs (11.2 %) and political instability (7.77 %) posed substantial threat. Positive socio-economic impacts represented a key opportunity with a score of 5.2 %. As for the strategies prioritizing criteria, production cost ranked first with a score of 13.5 %, followed by environmental impact (12.8 %), renewable energy potential (12.0 %), and mitigation costs (11.3 %). The gray TOPSIS analysis identified two key strategies: leveraging Tunisia's wind and solar resources and fostering regional cooperation for project implementation. The robustness of these strategies is confirmed by the strong correlation between TOPSIS-G, ARAS-G, COPRAS-G, and MOORA-G results. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive roadmap and expert-informed decision-support tools, offering valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in Tunisia and other emerging economies facing similar energy challenges.

Systemic Risks in the Derivatives Market: Origins, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

Derivative markets play an indispensable role in the contemporary financial system. The global financial markets have been repeatedly riddled with turbulence instigated by derivative trading in recent years, underscoring the urgency and necessity for in-depth study in this field. The subject matter of this paper is to delve into systemic risk in the derivative markets, including its genesis, impact, and mitigation strategies. This paper aims to proffer valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers and financial practitioners through comprehensive analysis. To achieve this objective, this study utilizes research methodologies such as literature review, analysis of historical cases, and empirical analysis. The findings suggest that the systemic risk in the derivative markets primarily stems from high leverage operations, market information asymmetry, and complex financial product structures. These risks became particularly prominent during the financial crisis, leading to an upsurge in market volatility, liquidity crises, and a domino collapse of financial institutions. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a gamut of strategies to mitigate systemic risk, including enhancing market transparency, optimizing risk models, augmenting capital requirements, and fostering international regulatory cooperation. Additionally, technological innovations such as blockchain and big data analysis are considered to hold significant potential in enhancing market transparency and improving the accuracy of risk prediction.

The protection of submarine cables in Southeast Asia: The security gap and challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation

This article argues that Southeast Asian states’ efforts to promote resilience on submarine cables should move beyond facilitating cable deployment and repair to encompass cooperation on the protection of submarine cables from intentional damage given recent incidents highlighting the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure. While protection of submarine cables from damage (routine or non-routine) requires a broad range of legal and policy measures taken by states, industry and other relevant stakeholders, this article focuses on intentional damage to submarine cables and the measures highlighted in the 2023 General Assembly Resolution on Oceans and Law of the Sea, namely, cooperative measures by states aimed at the detection, prevention and suppression of threats to submarine cables consisting of (1) monitoring; (2) prevention and response; (3) the enhanced sharing of information; and (4) the adoption of national laws on the prosecution of offenders. The analysis views intentional damage to submarine cables through the lens of maritime security and examines challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation between Southeast Asian states on these four measures. It also explores the role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the primary intergovernmental organization in the region, can play in facilitating cooperation on the protection of submarine cables, and makes recommendations on areas of possible cooperation on the protection of submarine cables.

Regional integration and export performance of Pakistan: Empirical evidence from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The study examines export impact of Pakistan's integration into Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on its export's performance. We apply Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) on augmented gravity model to estimate trade data from the period before and after permanent membership with Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2017. The study aims to explore changes in exports volume and analyze the key mechanism through which Shanghai Cooperation Organization promotes exports. The study assesses that after integration which key exports sector such as agriculture or manufacturing sectors are affected more significantly. The initial findings suggest that SCO integration positively affect and provide access to Central Asian markets, leading to modest but noticeable promotion in exports promotion. In heterogeneity analysis we find that exports of Pakistan are more significant with low and middle-income level countries compared to higher-income level countries. Additionally, exports in the manufacturing sector benefited more than in the agriculture sector. The significant and positive findings of mechanism analysis indicate that the belt and road (B&R) initiative and bilateral trade agreements are the key factors to enhanced exports. The overall impact remains moderated by structural changes in Pakistan economy, such as poor infrastructure, deficiency in energy sector and limited trade relations with its neighbors India and Iran. The study concludes that although the SCO integration has positively promoted exports of Pakistan however, it requires to address domestic economic constraints and capitalize more effectively the benefits of SCO membership through regional cooperation mechanism. For more potential benefits in the region SCO needs to expand B&R connectivity, encourage more trade agreements, and adopt favorable environment to attract high income countries in the organization. The study provides the base for future research in depth analysis of long-term impact of SCO integration on Pakistan exports.

Emergence of mpox in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Data assessment and implications for a public health response

IntroductionMonkeypox (mpox) is an illness caused by the MPX virus and endemic to certain African countries. Historically, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in some non-endemic areas. In 2022, a new variant emerged, clade IIb, causing a global outbreak sustained within sexual networks among men who have sex with men (MSM). To our knowledge, this is the first multi-country study examining mpox epidemiology and clinical features of the 2022–2023 outbreak caused by clade IIb across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). MethodsWe analyzed datasets of anonymous mpox case-based reports submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) from May 2022 to December 2023 in the EMR to describe the cumulative incidence, demographics, transmission routes, and clinical outcomes. ResultsBy the end of 2022, 95 case reports were submitted to the WHO. The first case of mpox was reported in the United Arab Emirates on May 24, 2022. The highest number of cases were reported from Lebanon (27 confirmed cases). Most cases in the EMR were adult males (92 %), 60 % identifying as MSM, and 10 % living with HIV. Most reported symptoms were rash (95.4 %) and fever (69.6 %). No intensive care unit admissions or deaths were reported. ConclusionIn this study we investigated the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of the mpox outbreak related to clade IIb in the EMR. We raise concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the data, given that the number of cases reported to the WHO from EMR countries appears to be significantly lower than the number of cases documented within the region. This discrepancy could impact the reliability of the reported figures and the region's response strategies. Despite these challenges, collaborative efforts across EMR countries have laid the groundwork for effective outbreak response, underscoring the importance of ongoing regional cooperation to enhance future preparedness strategies.

REGIONALISM IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OF UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE REGIME

The article is devoted to the characteristics of the peculiarities of public administration of underwater cultural heritage regime in the regions whose water areas are significantly rich in such objects. The research of regional specifics of legal regulation and organizational mechanisms of the maintenance of the operational regime aimed at underwater cultural heritage represents experience of countries that are parties to the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage and those who have not yet adhered to it. The relevance of the research issues is determined by the necessity to create the concept of the public administration of underwater cultural heritage regime in Ukraine based on the best international practices and progressive experience of the functioning of comprehensive legal regimes of sea areas and regional cooperation. The article aims to determine the main tendencies, the best tools and mechanisms of the public administration of underwater cultural heritage regime in the range of regions of the world, whose water areas are significantly rich in such objects. The article’s purpose is to suggest proposals regarding the adoption of the positive experience and implementation of the new practices of legal regulation and organizational support of the underwater cultural heritage regime in Ukraine. The methodological basis of the research is composed of general scientific and special legal methods of scientific knowledge (historical, statistical, analysis and synthesis, comparative, scientific abstraction, forecasting, simulation). The authors describe the main modern risks for underwater cultural heritage and the ways of their potential detrimental effects elimination. Within the classical ways of regional cooperation in the field of maritime activity, the joint efforts and national approaches to public administration of underwater cultural heritage regimes in Mediterranean, Black Sea and Caribbean Basins have been characterized. It was mentioned that typical features of such administration include the establishment of specially authorized national management bodies, approval of relevant legislation and regional specialized treaties, cooperation with interested parties and digitization of vaults of museums and underwater objects in situ. Special attention was drawn to the necessity of the development of national legislation of Ukraine on the activity in the field of underwater cultural heritage, to the intensification of efforts regarding cooperation on regional and global basis, as well as to the implementation of new technical opportunities for activation of underwater historical, cultural and archeological artifacts digitization.

Joining NATO: a national end or a strategic means for Georgia?

Georgia’s pursuit of NATO membership faces significant challenges due to Russia’s strong opposition, placing the country at a critical geopolitical crossroads. This article examines whether NATO membership is a national end or a strategic means for enhancing Georgia’s security. It explores the historical context, strategic dilemmas, and complexities of Georgia’s situation, highlighting the impact of Russia’s opposition, particularly in light of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The article argues that NATO membership should be a means to enhance security rather than a precursor to armed conflict. It recommends that Georgia adopt a strategy of strategic patience and diplomacy, recognizing that Euro-Atlantic integration is a long-term endeavour; prioritize dialogue with both NATO and Russia; pursue regional cooperation; and explore alternative pathways to security as well. Ultimately, the article calls for a comprehensive approach to national security that aligns with Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations while addressing immediate security challenges

The Dragon's Overwatch: Chinese Private Security Expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean

This scholarly disquisition furnishes a comprehensive exploration of the burgeoning presence of Chinese private security companies (PSCs) across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), delving into the strategic repercussions for regional security architectures and national sovereignty imperatives. Employing a meticulous qualitative methodology encompassing a thorough literature review, policy document analysis, and an examination of Chinese-language sources, the research elucidates the salient drivers catalyzing this phenomenon. These precipitating factors span cultural affinities, economic motivations, geopolitical ambitions, and the exigent security challenges besetting Chinese commercial entities operating within the LAC region. The operational modes of Chinese PSCs are subjected to forensic scrutiny, illuminating their diverse service offerings, geographical permeation across the region, and the obstacles they confront. Furthermore, the inquiry contextualizes the issue within the broader geopolitical milieu, accentuating concerns regarding transparency lacunae, regulatory deficiencies, and potential avenues for Chinese intelligence and military machinations, thereby potentially destabilizing the regional equilibrium. Ultimately, the research culminates in a series of substantive policy prescriptions aimed at mitigating risks, fortifying regional stability, and safeguarding national sovereignty through capacity-building initiatives, constructive engagement with Beijing, enhanced transparency mechanisms, and robust regional cooperation frameworks.