Regional Security Research Articles

The shifting dynamics of amity and enmity in the Middle East: analysing the 2023 Israel-Hamas war through the framework of regional security complex theory

ABSTRACT In Middle Eastern regional politics, the Israel-Palestine conflict has been a key factor in shaping political dynamics. During the establishment of Israel, Arab countries, including the Gulf states, expressed support for the Palestinian cause, leading to the expansion of anti-Israel sentiment. However, following the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979, the focus of hostility gradually shifted towards Iran. With the Arab Spring further amplifying Iran's influence, the Gulf states began to explore the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel as a new strategy for survival. This rapidly changing political landscape posed a crisis for Hamas, culminating in Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. This study, based on Buzan's Regional Security Complex Theory, aims to examine how the changing perceptions of amity and enmity surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict are reflected in the political attitudes of the Gulf states. The Gulf monarchies continue to consider the potential benefits of normalizing relations with Israel. However, given that hostility once again dominates public sentiment, these states are merely observing the situation. This conflict has confirmed that emotional factors, such as amity and enmity, still play a significant role in shaping the Middle Eastern regional security complex.

Imbuing climate security with positive peace: a peace continuum approach to sustaining peace during climate crisis

Abstract Climate change impacts peacebuilding and is an important topic within the UN Security Council (UNSC). Yet, the UN's member states take conflicting positions on whether climate change should be framed as a security threat or a development issue, and several scholars have warned against its securitization. Introducing a ‘peace continuum’ approach to climate security, this policy paper shifts attention from a ‘for or against’ debate on framing climate change as a security threat, instead considering climate crisis as a call for rethinking security itself. A peace continuum approach connects climate finance and adaptation with a continuum of peace efforts. This broadens the outlook of security to integrate human and ecological security concerns and offers a perspective on climate security that emphasizes ‘positive peace.’ Imbuing climate security with the notion of positive peace resonates with peacebuilding norm developments around the primacy of politics, prevention and adaptive approaches. Grounding the discussion of a peace continuum approach in case-studies from the Horn of Africa, the paper highlights three major developments. First, new networked climate security governance has emerged within and around the UN and UNSC, showing promise for scaling up a peace continuum approach. Second, recognizing climate change as a security issue can enhance commitments to climate finance and adaptation, while finance and adaptation can contribute to peace dividends, including in ‘high-risk’ contexts. Third, regional climate security hubs are emerging as vehicles for regional–international knowledge exchanges, and serve as entry-points for flexible UN support, well suited to shifting peacebuilding trends away from large-scale missions. In a context of geopolitical competition, strained multilateralism and competing priorities, there is no automaticity ensuring the advancement of a progressive climate security agenda—achieving that will require continuous, committed efforts.

Implementation of good documentation practices and good storage and distribution practices for medical products in female penitentiary in Costa Rica.

This paper aimed to the enhancement of health-care services at a female penitentiary center in Costa Rica by implementing good documentation practices (GDocP) and good storage and distribution practices (GSDP) among the staff responsible for medications (SRM). The methodology used in this project was qualitative, as it sought to deepen and reinforce the knowledge of the SRM about GDocP and GSDP in the Vilma Curling CAI to achieve its implementation. Additionally, different questionnaires were applied to measure the initial level of knowledge of GDocP and GSDP and the new skills acquired by the SRM at the end of the project. Some improvement opportunities were identified in pharmaceutical service, management of the documentary system and knowledge of GDocP and GSDP among SRM. It is important to highlight the essential role of pharmacists, as experts in medical products, in health-care teams. Their participation significantly contributes to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, such as incarcerated women. Limitations included a small sample size, the security regulations to entry to the penitentiary center and limited information related to the implementation of GDocP and GSDP in such environment. This project explores a poorly researched field such as the implementation of GDocP and GSDP and the impact that this could have on the pharmaceutical service of a penitentiary center.

EVALUATING SINO-US INTERESTS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION: A NEO-FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE

This article explores the evolving power dynamics between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on how rivalry between these actors can be reduced to foster greater cooperation and regional integration. ASEAN's role in promoting stability and institutional cooperation is examined as a key factor in shaping the region's security. The paper discusses whether diplomatic and economic cooperation, despite rising Sino-American tensions, can contribute to the development of regional institutional cooperation mechanisms. Using a functionalist/neo-functionalist framework, it analyzes how the conflict-cooperation dichotomy between the US, China, and their interactions with ASEAN and other regional actors impacts the Indo-Pacific security structure. The study argues, consistent with neo-functionalist postulates, that mutual cooperation, including ASEAN’s diplomatic efforts, is crucial for enhancing regional integration and stability. Addressing the security dilemma requires strategic cooperation that considers all actors' concerns, such as open trade routes and energy security. The paper concludes that a new Cold War-like scenario between Washington and Beijing, where both vie for regional hegemony, is unlikely in the Indo-Pacific’s multipolar context. Instead, ASEAN plays a vital role in fostering regional stability through institutional mechanisms, making institutional cooperation a viable model for reducing tensions and creating stability in the region.

Influence of Regional Security Organizations on Peacebuilding Efforts in Liberia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of regional security organizations on peacebuilding efforts in Liberia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Regional security organizations, particularly ECOWAS, played a critical role in stabilizing Liberia and laying groundwork for sustained peace. Their military interventions helped quell violence, and their political mediation efforts paved the way for peace agreements and transitional governance frameworks. By coordinating disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, these organizations fostered post-conflict recovery, while ongoing diplomatic and monitoring activities ensured accountability and supported institution-building. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Neorealism, Liberal Institutionalism & Constructivism theory may be used to anchor future studies on influence of regional security organizations on peacebuilding efforts in Liberia. RSOs should prioritize enhancing their resource base, institutional capacities, and logistical frameworks to improve their effectiveness in peacebuilding. RSOs should advocate for policy frameworks that facilitate the inclusion of marginalized groups in peacebuilding processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

The Pan-Asian Railway: Opportunities and Challenges

This study explores the profound impact of the Pan-Asian Railway (PAR) on Southeast Asias economy, regional security, and geopolitics. As a key part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, the railway improves regional infrastructure, boosts trade, tourism, and industrialization, particularly by reducing transportation costs and enhancing exports. The project has strengthened regional security cooperation, especially in combating drug trafficking and cross-border crimes. Chinas influence in Southeast Asia has grown through economic and political ties, furthering its geopolitical presence in the region. Despite significant economic benefits and regional integration, the Pan-Asian Railway faces challenges such as environmental impact, financial sustainability, and geopolitical tensions. The success of the project will depend on political cooperation, environmental safeguards, and effective financial management in the future.

Sustainable Land Use and Value Addition Practices to Combat Land Degradation and Enhance Food Security in Arid and Semi-Arids Regions

Combatting land degradation and desertification is crucial for protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change impacts, and improving climate adaptation capacity. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Ogongo campus to explore land use and value addition practices aimed at combating land degradation, building resilience to climate change, and enhancing food security. Data was collected through digital photography and face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. The data was analysed using content analysis and the Chi-Square (X2) test. Findings identified key land use practices, including the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops such as pearl millet and groundnuts, water management practices like rainwater harvesting using earth dams, and modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinklers for efficient water use. Soil management practices at the campus focus on enhancing fertility and conservation, with the use of organic matter from cattle and chicken manure to improve soil quality. Rice husk mulching reduces evaporation and maintains soil moisture during dry periods. Adaptive farming techniques, including agroforestry, crop rotation, and intercropping, were also employed to enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and increase resilience to climate change. The campus has installed solar panels to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. Artificial waterholes in the Game Park provide water for wildlife during dry periods. Additionally, the campus adds value to agricultural products such as groundnuts, beans, rice, and fruits (e.g., guavas, lemons, mangoes) by processing them into flour, juices, dried snacks, omaere, fresh milk, butter, yogurt, and biltong. The findings suggest that campuses like UNAM Ogongo can serve as models for sustainable land management practices in arid and semi-arid regions, blending education, research, and practical implementation.

Ядерная проблема КНДР сквозь призму интересов России и Китая

This article examines China’s and Russia’s views on the DPRK nuclear issue and strategy toward the DPRK, as well as the future direction and impact of the DPRK nuclear issue on the national security of the Northeast Asian region. The subject of the study is the DPRK nuclear issue. The object of the study is regional security in Northeast Asia. The author elaborates on aspects of the topic such as the deepening of the Korean Peninsula problem, why China and Russia are pushing for denuclearization, regional cooperation in Northeast Asia, and the security situation in Northeast Asia. The purpose of this article is to understand the impact of the DPRK nu-clear issue on the national security of the Northeast Asian region at the present stage and propose appropriate solutions. The novelty of the study is that sanctions may not be the right way, and only the joint cooperation of many parties and smooth development can effectively solve the problems.

Integrating Fish Farming into Runoff Water Harvesting Ponds (RWHP) for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Farmers’ Perceptions and Opportunities in Burkina Faso

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems are recognized as sustainable solutions to optimize resources, support livelihoods, and enhance food security in climate-sensitive Sahelian regions. In contexts like Burkina Faso, runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) improve agricultural yields during the rainy season but remain underutilized for the rest of the year. This study assesses the feasibility of integrating fish farming into these ponds. Using the Waso-2 tool, structured perception interviews were conducted with 51 farmers across 17 localities. Welch ANOVA and Games–Howell tests revealed, on a scale of 20, that water insufficiency scored 16.01 among experienced farmers without additional water access as a key obstacle, while pond degradation scored 17.69 for those with water access. For motivations, income generation scored 16.24 among inexperienced farmers, whereas training opportunities scored 17.65 for experienced ones, highlighting varying priorities across strata. Farmers preferred fish farming effluents over NPK for vegetables, scoring 15.99. Some favored raw effluents for immediate use, scoring 13.91, while others preferred decanted water with dried sludge for gradual nutrient release, scoring 12.39. This study demonstrates strong farmer interest in integrated RWHP systems. Enhancing pond retention, supplementing groundwater, and providing tailored training in aquaculture practices, pond maintenance, and water management are recommended to encourage adoption.

Genetic potential of papaya genotypes: insights from agronomic descriptors and parameter estimation

Carica papaya L., a fruit crop of high nutritional and economic importance, faces significant challenges regarding yield stability, fruit quality and environmental stress tolerance. This study explored genetic variation, heritability and trait correlations to support targeted papaya breeding programs. Through a Line × Tester mating design, 40 F1 hybrids were developed from 14 parental genotypes, revealing considerable genetic diversity. High heritability values (87.25% – 99.65%) for key traits confirmed the strong genetic influence on fruit yield, size and number of fruits per plant. Notable anticipated genetic advances, particularly for fruit yield (93.16%), emphasize the prospects for substantial improvement through selective breeding. Traits such as fruit yield per plant (45.30%), fruit weight (39.06%) and number of fruits per plant (31.46%) showed the highest genotypic and phenotypic variability. The study also highlighted the impact of environmental factors, as phenotypic coefficients of variation exceeded genotypic coefficients across traits, underlining the need for integrating ecological adaptability in breeding strategies. These results emphasize the importance of utilizing genetic diversity to enhance papaya yield and quality, meeting both domestic and global market demands. By leveraging the observed genetic potential, breeders can develop improved genotypes that align with sustainability goals, ensuring higher productivity, better market returns and enhanced food security in papaya-producing regions.

Potential of Arid Fruits Cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, India: A Comprehensive Review

The arid and semi-arid regions of India cover a significant portion of the country, including parts of Madhya Pradesh, presents a unique set of agricultural challenges and opportunities. These regions are characterized by harsh climatic conditions, such as high temperatures, low and erratic rainfall, and poor soil quality. A comprehensive review was made to give an insight on the potentials inherent in the underutilized arid fruit crops like Indian jujube, Indian gooseberry, Bengal quince, Custard apple and tamarind, discussing the nutritional and economic importance and adaptability of arid and semi-arid zones. It also explore the significance of arid and semi-arid fruit crops in enhancing food security, income generation, and sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions, with a particular focus on Madhya Pradesh. This study offers policy recommendations, which include providing subsidies to arid-fruit cultivators for attracting policy change, value addition, and advancement of profitability, as also the creation of targeted marketing strategies. Strengthening the research-extension networks in the arid fruit agronomy sector and bringing these under a government initiative such as 'One District, One Product' can increase the uptake of arid fruit cultivation. A more prudent future for the agricultural economy can be imagined with such strategic moves for arid fruit farming.

Ecological Management Zoning Identification by Coupling Blue-Green and Gray Infrastructure Networks: A Case Study of Guizhou Province, China

Ecological management zoning is crucial for maintaining regional ecological security and realizing differentiated urban ecological governance. However, the existing zoning methods are overly focused on ecological functional attributes and fail to adequately consider the impacts of human activities, resulting in an insufficiently rational allocation of resources. Taking Guizhou Province as an example, using multi-source data and spatial analysis tools, this study proposed an ecological management zoning framework based on the coupling analysis of the blue-green infrastructure (BGI) network and gray infrastructure (GI) network. The results indicated that (1) the BGI network in the study area included 179 sources, with a total area of 54,228.80 km2, and 232 corridors. (2) There were 53 sources in the GI network, totaling 709.19 km2, and the corridors of the first, second, and third levels were 11,469.31 km, 6703.54 km, and 5341.30 km, respectively. (3) There were 606 barrier points identified, mainly distributed in the central part of the study area, and the total area of the disturbance zone was 1132.50 km2, which had the largest distribution in Qiandongnan, followed by Qiannan. (4) At the county scale, five ecological management zones were identified in the study area based on four indicators, namely, the source area ratio of BGI network, corridor density of BGI network disturbance zone area ratio, and density of barrier point. Then, we proposed targeted optimizations and restorations for each zone. This study organically linked ecological functional attributes and anthropogenic impacts to identify ecological management zones, which will provide new perspectives on synergies between ecological protection and economic development.

Transformation of Turkish-Russian Relations: Rivalry and Cooperation in Eurasia and the Levant

Relations between Russia and Türkiye have developed considerably since the end of the Cold War. What began as energy trade in the late 1980s evolved into cooperation in business, energy, construction, tourism, politics and even security. Behind the ever-expanding cooperation lies a mistrust fueled by historical enmity and regional rivalry that occasionally leads to confrontation. As the two countries seek to shape their competitive cooperation beyond the current geopolitical challenges and constraints of regional security and alliances, the question of whether they could find ways to advance their partnership is of paramount importance and has regional and global implications. This paper seeks to understand how they have managed their conflict-ridden past to develop a modus operandi in the post-Cold War world by proposing a new conceptual model, namely “competitive cooperation” or “coopetition”, to understand the relationship that developed over the last 30 years in different geographical regions.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE UKRAINE WAR FOR INDONESIAN MILITARY AND SECURITY COOPERATION: A POLICY ANALYSIS

The ongoing Ukraine war has significant global geopolitical implications, reshaping security policies and international relations. For Indonesia, as a non-aligned and strategic player in Southeast Asia, understanding the impact of this conflict is crucial for adjusting its defense and security cooperation strategies. This research aims to analyze the implications of the Ukraine war on Indonesia's military and security cooperation policies. A qualitative approach was employed, using secondary data from government documents, policy analyses, and academic literature to explore Indonesia's diplomatic stance, defense collaborations, and alignment with major powers. The findings reveal that the Ukraine war has prompted Indonesia to reconsider its defense policies, particularly in diversifying military procurements, avoiding over-reliance on any specific nation, and enhancing regional security partnerships. Additionally, Indonesia's emphasis on non-alignment has been strengthened, with a focus on ensuring strategic autonomy amidst the growing tensions between global powers. The research concludes that the conflict has reinforced Indonesia's proactive engagement in regional security forums and prompted a recalibration of its defense procurement strategies. These insights contribute to understanding how global conflicts can influence the defense policies of non-aligned states like Indonesia.

Effects of Film-Bottomed Treatment on Absorbability and Translocation of Nitrogen in Spring Wheat in Arid Area

Plastic film-bottomed treatment (FBT) is a critical agricultural practice in arid regions, aimed at enhancing crop productivity by improving soil moisture retention and nutrient availability. However, the effects of different depths of film-bottomed treatment (DFBT) on nitrogen (N) absorption and translocation in spring wheat remain inadequately understood. We conducted a field experiment on sandy soil to investigate the effects of different DFBT depths (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 cm) and on total N absorption amount (TNAA), total N translocation amount (TNTA) in all nutritive organs, grain nitrogen content (GN), and grain yield (GY). Morphological measurements included GY, GN, TNAA, and TNTA in the stem, sheath, leaf, spike axis, kernel husk (SAKH), and culm. The results showed that FBT significantly reduced soil moisture loss, with the 100 cm depth reducing soil leakage by 59.6% (p < 0.001). At the flowering stage, nitrogen derived from fertilizer (NDF) and soil nitrogen (NDS) were significantly higher at the 80 cm depth (p < 0.001). At maturity, the total nitrogen absorption amount (TNAA) and translocation amount (TNTA) in the main stem and across nutrient organs were significantly higher under the 80 cm DFBT (p < 0.001), leading to improved nitrogen use efficiency. The correlation between TNTA and GN was strongest at 80 cm (p < 0.001). Grain yield (GY) and GN were optimized at intermediate depths, particularly at 80 cm, suggesting this depth provides an optimal balance between water retention and drainage efficiency. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing DFBT depth, particularly at 80 cm, to achieve enhanced water retention, efficient nitrogen utilization, and improved crop productivity in arid agricultural systems. This research provides critical insights into sustainable agricultural practices under water-limited conditions, offering practical guidance for improving food security in arid regions.

Examining the evolution and influential factors of regional ecological security patterns: a case study of Jiangsu Province, China

Examining the evolution and influential factors of regional ecological security patterns: a case study of Jiangsu Province, China

Exploring Afghanistan's Prospective Role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

This article analyzes the prospects of Afghanistan's presence in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Given the increasing importance of this organization in regional and global dynamics, Afghanistan's effective involvement could play a key role in shaping regional economic, security, and political interactions. This research employs qualitative methods and the Delphi strategy to gather and analyze the views of experts and specialists in international politics, regional security, and economics. Data analysis was conducted using the grounded theory method in NVivo software, and the results, based on the Kendall formula, indicate a consensus among experts regarding the significance and challenges of Afghanistan's participation. The research findings suggest that Afghanistan, due to its geostrategic position, rich natural resources, and potential capacities, can serve as a bridge between Central, South, and West Asian countries, thereby strengthening economic and security cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. However, challenges such as internal instability, economic dependency, and geopolitical pressures from foreign powers pose serious obstacles to Afghanistan's active participation in the organization. According to content analysis, there is a consensus among experts that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, if it enhances its support mechanisms, can provide a suitable platform for bolstering stability and development in Afghanistan. This endeavor requires multilateral cooperation and sustained support from the key members of the organization. The findings of this research can significantly assist policymakers and decision-makers in formulating effective strategies to enhance Afghanistan's role in this organization.

Standards of living and human potential development: Assessing risks to regions’ economic security

The possibility of high-quality labour force reproduction is a key condition for forming a knowledge-intensive production system, ensuring the necessary level of technological sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency against the background of the deteriorating geo-economic situation. The study’s aim is to identify and assess the risks to economic security in the context of human potential development on the example of regions in Russia’s Volga Federal District. Methodologically, the re search relies on Senchagov–Mityakov zonal theory as well as on a political economy approach. The methods include a historical-logical method, comparative analysis, and an index method. The data is the indicators reflecting the standard of living and the degree of human potential development for 2010–2022 coming from the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation. The decile ratio and the percentage of population with income below the subsistence level capture the greatest risks to regional economic security. The problem traced by the decile ratios is the acutest in the Perm krai and the Nizhny Novgorod oblast, in terms of poverty – in the Mari El Republic, the Chuvash Republic, and the Republic of Mordovia. The most favourable situation has emerged with the unemployment rate, especially in such industrially de veloped regions as the Republic of Tatarstan, the Udmurt Republic, and the Republic of Bashkortostan. The findings confirm the need for an active state policy focusing on the development of social sphere and reduction of inequality, prioritising the development of the institutional environment, and expanding financial incentives in the innovative segment of the national economy.

Differentiation of regional development and economic security threats

Differentiation of regional development and economic security threats

Toward a Strategic Culture-Enabled Theory of Black Sea Trilateral Cooperation

This article explores the dynamics of Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Georgia (TAG) trilateral cooperation by integrating strategic culture into the theoretical and empirical analysis of regional alignments. The study begins with an introduction to the TAG trilateral framework, situating it within contemporary regional security concerns. A comprehensive literature review follows, surveying dominant neorealist and positivist approaches to alliance formation, with particular attention to their gradual incorporation of ideational and cultural factors. Building on this foundation, the author develops a theoretical framework centered on strategic culture, emphasizing its utility in complementing materialist explanations by incorporating historical narratives, elite perceptions, and shared norms. The case study of TAG trilateral cooperation in the Black Sea region illustrates the explanatory power of this approach, highlighting how nonmaterial factors sustain and expand the alignment beyond energy cooperation to include military coordination, security dialogues, and infrastructure projects. By combining theoretical depth with empirical analysis, this article contributes to the literature on strategic culture and offers a nuanced understanding of how material and nonmaterial factors interact to shape regional cooperation.