Territory Of State Research Articles

Land cadastral surveying for real estate in Madona municipality in the Republic of Latvia

Land cadastral surveying is of fundamental importance in the land management of the State territory. This applies both to land properties within the country and to the external borders of countries – including the demarcation of the national border. When transitioning from the common ownership system of land use in the USSR to the earlier, independent system of ownership of land properties that existed in the country of Latvia, the state administration system faced the need to implement land reform, moving from ownerless (the entire nation) land ownership to individual and collective land ownership in the country. It was important to have a political stance, to restore the properties to their former owners or heirs as far as possible. More than 50 years had passed after the liquidation of private property rights to land, many land ownership documents had been lost. There were cases of loss or even intentional destruction of boundaries or boundary marks of former land properties. Therefore, correct and fast land property rights restoration procedures looked complicated, expensive and finally time-consuming. The purpose of research: Compare the activities of the oldest cadastral surveying processes with existing - instrumental and better technology-based methods. This is especially applicable to the processes and possibilities of surveying land property boundaries, recognizing that instrumental (geodetic) surveying of land properties in the area was and is the best way to do it, but it should have been implemented in unusually large quantities, and as quickly as possible, without blocking legal economic activity with land properties in the country. The abilities of available, prepared specialists (surveyors) and surveying entrepreneurs for survey work were also negligible. Therefore, a decision was made, within the framework of the land reform, to implement a simplified determination of the boundaries of land units with a marking methodology, which was developed and approved for use as a cadastral survey-marking methodology. On its basis, the documents provided for in the regulatory enactments were prepared, which served to make legally binding decisions on the ownership and use rights of land properties. At the same time, the simplified property registration provided a basis for territorial planning measures of local municipalities and the organization of economic activity. The variety of data registered in the cadastral survey system does not create a sense of security and reliability for clients and specialists who work with this information, therefore the cadastral survey process in Latvia must be improved both technologically, and we must not forget how to combine historical data with modern ones. Geodetic grounding plays a very important role in the process. For geodetic works and accuracy, in order to be able to legally justify discrepancies in cadastral boundaries. The changes did not create unacceptable consequences for property users and accounting systems. As an example, the study examines the comparison of the results of one land property, initially registered and later cadastral measured, which confirms the validity of the decision taken in the interests of the reform. In the beginning, it is intended to perform simplified property determination-marking works, leaving the labour-intensive surveying technologies for further clarification of the registered property over a longer period - according to the need for use.

Spatial optimization of agricultural production from the perspective of “Greater Food Concept” in Yangzhou, China

Global food security continues to face serious challenges. The “Greater Food” perspective can guarantee regional food security and the availability of basic agricultural products. However, there is still a lack of an appropriate methodology to optimize the spatial agricultural production system under the concept of “greater food.” In this study, we quantitatively analyzed agricultural production space’s quality and spatial distribution characteristics using multi-scale fusion and ecological niche suitability models. The results showed that The overall level of agricultural production function in Yangzhou was high, with firm spatial heterogeneity, high in the southeast and low in the southwest bounded by the line of Gaoyou Lake. The distribution pattern was closely related to the land use status, urban development, topography, and spatial functional positioning of the national territory. The natural quality of agricultural production was better, and the spatial form was more regular and compact. However, due to the coercion of urbanization and industrialization development, the overall ecological location suitability was average. The suitability around the built-up areas, Gaoyou Lake, Baoying Lake, and the Yangtze River was generally low. Based on the results of the comprehensive evaluation of agricultural production functions and ecological suitability, it could be divided into four areas: core protection area, integration and optimization area, comprehensive improvement area, and restricted development area. We plan to propose a classification and optimization strategy accordingly. The method of this study synthesized the multifunctionality and suitability of land use for agricultural production space identification. In this way, it may provide innovative ideas for delineating agricultural production space in economically developed areas, which could guide the optimization of agricultural production space with high quality.

Distribution and association of road traffic accident with depression among Indian population aged 45 years and above: nested multilevel modelling analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional survey

IntroductionThe prevalence of important public health problems like road traffic accidents (RTA) and depression are surging. This study was aimed to estimate distribution and determine the association between RTA and depression among Indian population aged 45 years and above: overall and stratified into age group, gender and across states/union territories as aspirants, achievers, and front runners.MethodsUsing Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) dataset (April 2017–December 2018), we have conducted this study among middle aged (45–59 years) and older adults and elderly (≥ 60 years) Indians. Bivariate analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of RTA and depression nationally and across aspirants, achievers, and front runner states. States and union territories were categorised as low, medium, and high as per RTA and depression prevalence, which were further cross tabulated. Spatial distribution maps were created using Microsoft Excel. We have documented the association of RTA with depression. To reduce the confounding effects of demographic and socioeconomic; health related and behavioural covariates; propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Nested multilevel regression modelling was analysed using STATA version 17.ResultsPrevalence of RTA was 1.84% (1.74–1.94) nationally, highest among achiever states [2.04% (1.82–2.30)]. Prevalence of depression was 6.08% (5.90–6.26) nationally, highest among aspirant states [7.02% (6.74–7.30)]. The adjusted odds of having RTA was significantly among depressed [aOR (95% CI) 1.76 (1.45–2.15)] than non-depressed participants; which was much higher among females [aOR (95% CI) 1.93 (1.43–2.62)] than in males [aOR (95%CI) 1.67 (1.29–2.16)] and much higher among middle aged [aOR (95%CI) 2.08 (1.63–2.65)]. Odds of RTA was highest across front runners [aOR (95%CI) 1.86 (1.26–2.72)] followed by aspirant states [aOR (95%CI) 1.79 (1.37–2.33)].ConclusionThis study established the positive association between depression and road traffic accidents among middle aged, older adults and elderly. Therefore, efforts must be taken to address mental health issues in them with proper policy implication more focused on females and middle aged. Front runner’s states should get the limelight followed by aspirant states.

Involvement of foreign judicial experts in criminal proceedings in the order of international cooperation

The article is devoted to the analysis of the norms of the criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine and other normative legal acts on the issues of forensic expert activity, which regulate the procedural mechanism of involving experts from other states who possess special knowledge and skills necessary to provide substantiated and objective written conclusions during pretrial investigation and trial. Since the introduction of martial law in Ukraine in February 2022, the country has faced an urgent need to conduct an excessive number of forensic examinations in criminal proceedings related, in particular, to the identification of unidentified bodies and human remains. The scale of the tragedy required the involvement of foreign experts to conduct relevant research related to the development of DNA profiles of the victims and their relatives. The article states that international cooperation during criminal proceedings includes, in addition to the fulfillment of requests for investigative (search) actions on the territory of other states in order to obtain evidence, the creation of joint investigative teams for the investigation of crimes, as well as the use of special knowledge in the form of forensic examinations. It is concluded that the involvement of foreign experts in criminal proceedings in Ukraine in the order of international cooperation is provided for by the provisions of normative legal acts of a national nature, albeit in a rather general form. However, the procedural mechanism of involving experts and the order of international cooperation clearly need to be refined. Based on the results of the analysis, the actual mechanisms for involving foreign experts in criminal proceedings, which are provided for by the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine «On Forensic Expertise», as well as existing gaps in the legislative regulation in this area, have been determined. Judicial practice also points to the possibility of involving specialists from other states for joint forensic examinations in criminal proceedings.

An Analysis of the Interpretation of the Territorial Requirement in Investment Treaties by Arbitral Tribunals and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties

Abstract This article analyses the interpretation by arbitral tribunals of investment treaties’ provisions on the territoriality of the investment and its consistency with the general rule of interpretation of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The first section focuses on the decisions rendered in Bayview and Canadian Cattlemen, where the tribunals inferred the existence of a territorial requirement not expressed in NAFTA’s Chapter Eleven. The second section deals with the decisions rendered in Fedax, Abaclat and Ambiente Ufficio, where the tribunals decided that, in cases concerning financial transactions, it was not necessary for the investment to be actually made in the territory of the respondent State even if the investment treaty expressly required the investment to made in the territory of the State. The article concludes that the tribunals misapplied the general rule of interpretation of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaty in these cases.

Collective Property in the Modern State: Émile de Laveleye’s Primitive Property in its Global Context

Abstract The article discusses normative approaches to the commons and argues that similar perspectives emerged in the late nineteenth century, closely linked to claims of social and ecological justice. It posits its subject in the framework of nineteenth-century territorialization, more precisely the exercise of state power as a convergence of normative representations of the space and legislative and administrative practices. Analyzing the theoretical and political dimensions of a representative scholarly work, titled De la propriété et de ses forms primitives by the Belgian professor Émile de Laveleye (1822–1892), it formulates the thesis that Laveleye’s book is indicative of the renegotiation of the status of collective property in land as state territory. The article shows first how the book was shaping a universalist model of common land ownership by waving together European and colonial debates on the topic. Second, by following the English and German translations of the book, it shows how this model was linked to transnational agendas of social politics and land reform. These two aspects draw attention to the crucial role of the state as a historical and present stakeholder in shaping the status of commons as territories.

Historical ostriches in the Libyan Desert, with ecological and taxonomic considerations

Many historical records extend the known range of the African ostrich Struthio camelus to include almost the entire state territory of Libya. This significant expansion augments the spatial potentialities to reintroduce captive-bred progeny of the endangered red-necked ostriches (S. c. camelus) from zoos and wildlife centres. The latest Libyan ostriches lingered in Cyrenaica and Fezzan into the late 19th century, and presumably near Kufra into the 1930s. Their extermination coincided with the occupation by colonial European administrations. These east Saharan biotopes are extraordinarily resource-poor and climatically challenging due to wide thermal amplitudes and extreme drought. Old photographs from Kufra and Wadi Howar leave undecided if the Libyan ostriches adhered to the subspecies S. c. camelus, which appears possible, or if additional, partly substantiated but yet unconfirmed claims should be heeded which demand up to three subspecies in North Africa. A review of taxonomic interpretations reveals a weak foundation by reliable data of a pan-Saharan subspecies S. c. camelus, and additional research is suggested to provide a sound taxonomic concept, not least for the management of various regional breeding lineages in zoos, which safeguard the survival of this endangered bird. As an auxiliary finding, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are attested as inhabitants of the southern Libyan Desert until the 1930s, where they had preyed upon the now equally extinct ostriches.

Communal Palaces in the Venetian Territorial State (15th-16th Centuries): The Case of Treviso

Beginning in the 15th century, the reconstruction of Venetian state communal palaces, which served as the institutional seats of the city councils and judiciaries, was often seen as an opportunity for civic magistrates, along at times with Venetian officers, to develop plans to renovate their cities. These projects often led to the enlargement of central districts and to the transformation of cities’ roads and squares. I look at communal palaces from across the Venetian territorial state, focusing on Treviso, which clearly elucidates how the modification of public buildings often led to a redefinition of central urban space. An array of mostly unpublished drawings proposing urban redevelopment projects that were not always realised are key to reconstructing the city’s history, demonstrating better than other documents how communal palaces have enhanced its fabric.

Oneiros: The Sports Club: navigating the growth path

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will be able to analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with business expansion in any business, assess the significance of leveraging existing strengths versus exploring new markets for organizational growth, evaluate the implications of regional consolidation versus national expansion strategies, develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills in a competitive business landscape and understand the nuances of market dynamics, brand recognition and operational challenges in diverse geographical regions. Case overview/synopsis Oneiros – The Sports Club stood poised at a pivotal juncture, grappling with a strategic quandary that encapsulates the divergent visions of its leadership. The narrative unfolded in Surat, a vibrant city in the state of Gujarat where contrasting viewpoints champion the familiar stability of local success against the lure of uncharted state and national territories. Ms Hemali Shah advocated for consolidating the club’s triumphs in Gujarat, emphasizing on the parameters of brand loyalty and operational mastery. In stark contrast, Mr Robin Patel envisioned a bold expansion strategy across the state, aiming for brand recognition and a paradigm shift to regional prominence. Caught amidst these competing visions, Mr Sumit Lathia who was aspiring for the club’s national presence navigated the complexities of market dynamics and business model, oscillating between preserving familiarity and embracing the allure of ambition. This case study highlights the nuanced strategic dilemmas faced by Oneiros, offering a captivating exploration of growth strategies in a competitive landscape. With insights from various perspectives within the organization, this case study navigates the complexities of growth, market dynamics and the balance between familiarity and ambition. This case study offers valuable insights and practical applications for students pursuing regular Master of Business Administration (MBA) and executive MBA programs, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate studies in entrepreneurship and strategic management. By examining the strategic decisions and operational challenges faced by Lathia and Oneiros – The Sports Club, students can gain a deeper understanding of key concepts such as public–private partnerships, market expansion strategies, customer segmentation and revenue diversification. Complexity academic level This case study is positioned within the decision-making or business development modules of the curriculum. It serves as a platform to apply theoretical concepts of strategic decision-making, market analysis and growth strategies to a real-world scenario. This case study prompts students to critically evaluate expansion dilemmas and devise strategic solutions. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code Strategy.

Assessing Financial Inclusion Across Indian States and Union Territories

Financial inclusion is essential for the effective channelisation of money, allowing individuals to access financial products and services that enhance their financial well-being and contribute to the economic growth of a nation. Governments worldwide are recognising the importance of financial inclusion and are taking initiatives to enhance it. In India, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014 stands as a significant effort by the government to boost financial inclusion. This study is an attempt to assess financial inclusion across Indian states and union territories, focusing on three key dimensions: automated teller machines (ATM) penetration, insurance penetration and mutual fund penetration. This study is based entirely on secondary data, sourced from the annual reports of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIAI). The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the current state of financial inclusion in India and will contribute to effective policy formation aimed at enhancing financial inclusion across Indian states and union territories.

Nomads and international relations: post-sedentarist dialogues

The key concepts and reference points of International Relations (IR) are informed by a sedentarist worldview anchored on the territorial state. IR’s conception of its subject-matter is thus ‘static’ in both senses of the word: state-centric and immobile. One of the consequences of this sedentarist worldview has been a neglect of the world’s nomads. Defined by their spatial mobility, nomads have been either ignored or, less frequently, brought in as an exceptional ‘Other’ against which concepts such as statehood and territoriality can be defined. The interventions in this forum challenge IR’s sedentarism by recovering the world’s nomads as international political actors past and present, thus enriching the range of empirical cases upon which IR scholars may build their theories and challenging teleological narratives that view the history of the international system as the inevitable triumph of the territorial state. At the same time, the forum cautions against the reification of the nomad as the ‘Other’ of the state by disaggregating nomadism from mobility and problematising the sedentarism/nomadism binary. The goal of the forum is not to provide a blueprint for how IR scholars should study nomads, but to promote a critical reflexivity about IR’s sedentarist assumptions.

Making the energy connection: A review of the geographies of high-voltage transmission

Energy is a resurgent topic in geography and cognate fields, but its theoretical development and empirical exploration have been uneven. I argue that centering transmission as an analytical lens — rather than treating it as incidental to extraction, generation, and consumption — brings the multi-scalar spatial politics of energy systems into the foreground through attention to circulation. This article reviews work on transmission from energy geographies, science and technology studies, and the histories of energy, technology, and the environment, identifying four main themes. First, transmission is used as a lens to examine larger energy metabolisms and how the circulation of electricity entrenches spatial relations. Second, transmission is an instrument of state territorialization, both within and across borders. Third, transmission, as a particular form of electricity capital, is subject to specific regimes of accumulation and regulation. Finally, transmission lines can become objects of social contestation that entangle multi-scalar politics of energy transition, electrification, and development. The article concludes by identifying areas for further research — empirical, theoretical, and policy-oriented — through which scholarly attention to transmission can inform energy geographies, energy studies, and human-environment geography more broadly.

Federal Territory: Constitutional and Legal Regulation Development

This article examines the legal status of federal territories as public law entities in the Russian Federation, which emerged as a result of the 2020 constitutional reform. This article discusses issues related to constitutional terminology, the constitutional-legal status, and legal regulation of federal territories, along with an analysis of the practice implementation of the constitutional provisions governing these territories. The specific features of existing federal territories in the Russian Federation and in foreign countries are also reviewed. The necessity for further development of the novelty introduced by the Constitution of the Russian Federation regarding federal territories is underscored, including a discussion on the unique tax regime applicable to these territories. The article employs several scientific methods, including the comparative-legal method and the formal legal method, with additional methods such as analysis and synthesis also utilized. Conclusion: Despite the short period between the establishment of the first federal territory and the development of its legal framework, several distinctive characteristics have also emerged in Russian legislation. An analysis of Russian constitutional law reveals key features in the exercise of public authority in this new public law entity. When comparing approaches to public authority in other countries, the models of India, Brazil, and Canada were chosen for comparison. It was found that Russia’s form of public authority within federal territories is unique and does not fully align with any of the models seen in these foreign states. However, Russian legislation currently lacks a comprehensive law that regulates federal territories as a whole. At present, the only federal territory established in the Russian Federation is the Sirius federal territory, and its legal status is governed by the federal law “On the Federal Territory ‘Sirius’”. This highlights the need for further development of a broader normative framework that regulates the status of the federal territory. Such a framework would not only solidify the legal status of the Sirius federal territory but also provide for future federal territories yet to be formed

The State and Trends of Crime in the Territory of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2023

Introduction. The article provides an analysis of the state of crime in the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2023. The analysis is based on statistical data on the state of crime in the Commonwealth over the past five years.After Russia launched a special military operation in 2022 to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine, a situation is developing in the world in which the countries of the collective West are trying to damage our country through economic sanctions, as well as actually waging a proxy war against Russia. Unfriendly countries, led by the United States, are trying to use the member states of the Commonwealth as a tool in the fight against Russia, through unequal cooperation to introduce differences in the CIS, and use information security technologies for their own purposes.To determine the degree of influence of current world events on the criminal situation in the post-Soviet space, an analysis of the state of crime in the CIS countries was carried out.The given statistical data on crime in the Commonwealth countries demonstrate the dynamics of the criminal situation in the countries under consideration, depending primarily on internal criminogenic factors. Such factors exist and develop under the influence of criminal elements and the existing criminal environment.The analysis of the dynamics of the criminal situation for 2019-2023 was aimed at determining the trends of its development in the light of the impact of external and internal processes that have arisen in recent years, to identify the causes affecting the dynamics of certain types of crime and to make a forecast of the possible development of the criminal situation for the next 1-2 years.To predict the dynamics of the criminal situation in the CIS countries, the expotential smoothing method was used, which is illustrated by the graphs given in the article.Materials and methods. The theoretical basis of the research is based on the conclusions and achievements of criminology, scientific research on crime as a social phenomenon. The reasons and events influencing the dynamics of crime are taken into account. General scientific and private scientific research methods (synthesis, deduction, analysis, generalization, observation, etc.) were used in the work. The methodological basis of the study was a systematic approach, comparative and problem-based approaches.The results of the study. As a result of the analysis of the criminal situation at the transport facilities of the Russian Federation, it was found that, starting in 2020, new factors influenced the quantitative indicators of crime in transport. The introduction of restrictive measures related to the spread of coronavirus infection, their subsequent cancellation, the beginning of the geopolitical crisis in the world, provoked by the imposition of sanctions by Western countries against Russia, restrictions on international communications. closure of airports, borders, etc. they affected the directions of preventive activities of the internal affairs bodies in transport. The conclusions and forecasts made in the article determine the trends in the development of the criminal situation in transport in 2023 and allow us to determine the most important vectors of the direction of preventive activities of internal affairs bodies.Discussion and conclusion. The article identifies and substantiates the priority areas of activity of the internal affairs bodies of Russia in transport for the most effective organization of preventive activities and combating crime.

Intra-ethnic divisions and disagreement over self-determination demands in ethnic movements

Abstract Ethnic movements continue to challenge state governments globally, with many ethnic conflicts revolving around the status of groups’ territories. Yet, politically mobilized ethnic groups vary considerably in their territorial demands: some press for increased autonomy or even outright secession, while others do not make such demands at all and prefer integration in the existing state. What explains this divergence in ethnic group demands with respect to the group's territorial status? We argue that the expected benefits of ethno-regional autonomy or secession compared to integration in a centralized state differ across distinct segments within the group as a function of three structural factors: heterogeneity in the group's income sources, cultural divisions, and territorial fragmentation, leading to disagreement over self-determination demands between different political organizations representing the same ethnic group. We test our argument using an expanded version of the Ethnic Power Relations–Organizations (EPR-O) dataset. Our pre-registered study finds support for one of our hypotheses: heterogeneity in groups’ income sources increases disagreement over self-determination demands. This finding sheds new light on the structural sources of internal divisions within ethno-political movements.

Nine Processes That Have Shaped the U.S. National Park System

The U.S. National Park System began at Yellowstone in 1872 and the National Park Service (NPS) took over its management in 1916. That system has evolved through nine processes to 429 units in every state and most territories. Those processes include (1) the classification of units by natural, historical, and recreational purposes and resources while shifting from isolated sublimity to representation of U.S. environment and history; (2) the spatial expansion of the system from the rural West to the urban East; (3) the rise of science to dominate natural resource management; (4) evolution of socially conscious historical coverage that includes accurately researched places relevant to the entire population; (5) increasing congressional involvement in NPS management through laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Wilderness Act and direct control of studies for new units; (6) the legal triumph of resource preservation for future generations over potentially damaging uses including recreation; (7) NPS encouragement of equal rights by banning segregation, extending outreach to minorities, and employing more women; (8) facing management difficulties with a growing workload while coping with grievous understaffing, underfunding, and a waning interest among young people; and (9) external threats that are beyond its control including climate change and aggressive invasive species. The NPS considers itself the organization to protect and present U.S. heritage, but its responsibilities expand while its powers are contested.

Influence of Technology and Metaverse on Traditional Absolute Sovereignty Control of Modern National States Territories

The metaverse can extend the physical world using augmented and virtual reality technologies, allowing users to seamlessly interact within virtual and simulated environments using avatars and holograms. This investigation strives to analyze the relationship between technology and the metaverse on traditional absolute sovereignty control of modern national states’ territories to understand better the potential impact of emerging virtual environments on the established structures and systems of physical governance. As technology continues to evolve and the metaverse grows in size and complexity, examining how it may challenge traditional notions of territorial sovereignty and governance is essential. It can occur in several ways, such as borderless access, jurisdictional disputes, decentralization of power, and cyber security concerns. Based on secondary data, the study showed different ways technology and the metaverse intersect with traditional state control. It can identify potential conflict areas and develop strategies to adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape. Therefore, it is to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between technology, the metaverse, and the traditional structures of governance that have shaped our world. The ultimate goal is to structure the metaverse in morally acceptable ways and collectively the most democratically beneficial for society.

Strategi Komunikasi Pondok Pesantren dalam Menyosialisasikan Moderasi Beragama: Persepsi Masyarakat Aceh Singkil terhadap Upaya Deradikalisasi

As a religious country, Indonesia recognizes 6 (six) religions and provides the right and equal position in the law to carry out their respective beliefs, Besides that, Indonesia which adheres to Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not all understood by the community in all aspects, so that there is a potential for conflict or conflict. understood by the community in all aspects, so that the potential for conflict or grouping each other into a problem in grouping each other into a problem in the territory of a unitary state, for this reason, religious moderation activities that are promoted by the government become an important activity and even this activity is also carried out by the government. important activities and even this activity is also carried out in the Islamic boarding school by displaying various traditions from Christianity. by displaying various traditions from Christianity. Research with the Title Socialization of religious moderation in Islamic boarding schools in the view of the Aceh Singkil community. Aceh Singkil is a qualitative research, aims to find out how the community views the Religious Moderation Socialization activities socialization activities carried out in Islamic boarding schools, which in fact have been understood as the center of Islamic studies. as the center of Islamic studies. From the results of the research conducted at least can be conclusions can be drawn (1) Religious Moderation Socialization activities are good activities to unite the Indonesian nation (2) Religious Moderation Socialization activities carried out in the Indonesian nation (2) Religious Moderation Socialization activities in Islamic boarding schools are not a problem because they support the policies of the Islamic Boarding School. Pesantren is not a problem because it supports Government Policy (3) Appearances and Cultures that violate Islamic Sharia and Special Traditions for other religions are seen as less beautiful in the Islamic Boarding School. Other religions are considered less Appropriate to be displayed in Islamic Boarding Schools.

Territorial Autonomy across Asia: Assessing Challenges, Addressing Concerns

executive summary: This article analyzes one response to the challenges that governments face in managing diverse ethnic minorities—special self-government through territorial autonomy—focusing on Asian cases such as Aceh, Mindanao, Kashmir, Tibet, and Xinjiang, among others. main argument This article addresses five concerns related to territorial autonomy as a method of governing diverse ethnonational populations: (1) autonomy provides a path to eventual independence, (2) granting autonomy to one region triggers a cascade of demands from others, (3) autonomy results in ineffective governance, (4) self-government amplifies differences between groups rather than bridges them, and (5) autonomous regions mistreat local minorities. It argues that the first two concerns are exaggerated, while the third is more mixed; meaningful autonomy has yet to result in independence and does not typically spark demands from other regions but might lead to poor governance. The final two concerns are more valid, rooted in the very purpose of self-government; autonomy leads to regional nation-building that could weaken relations with other groups and generate tensions with local minorities. policy implications • Territorial autonomy serves distinctive minorities, but it also serves national governments. Autonomy should be seen as a conservative institution that preserves the territorial status quo. • The most important concerns related to territorial autonomy are within autonomous regions. This shifts the focus from maintaining a country's integrity and toward designing better forms of autonomy. Within autonomous regions, laws should speak to minority rights, encouraging titular minorities to recognize their own minority groups. • Territorial autonomy has underappreciated potential to manage minority demands while maintaining international borders in Asia-Pacific countries.

Was Grand Duchy of Lithuania a Federation?

According to received wisdom in the historiography of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL), going back to M. Dovnar-Zapolski, M. Liubavski, O. Halecki, the territorial form of government in the GDL was federal in the late XV-early XVI century. The paper critically reviews the arguments advanced in favor of this thesis and argues that the concept of empire describes the territorial organization of GDL in a more accurate way. The criticism of the federalist theory is grounded in the conceptual analysis of the state forms provided by the distinguished Lithuanian historian and law theorist Mykolas Rėimeris (1880-1945). In his analysis, M. Rėimeris draws the distinction between a unitary state and three types of state compounds: federation, confederation, and empire. While federation and empire share the principle of subordination as the mode of organization, in the empire this is the subordination to a privileged metropole territory and cultural-ethnic group, while in federation all territories are subordinated to the federal center on parity grounds, all participating in federal government. Supplementing M. Rėimeris' ideas with those from the contemporary comparative sociological research on empires and imperialism (S. Eisenstadt, M. Doyle, A. Motyl, Ch. Tilly), the author argues that GDL was an empire because relations between Lithuania in the strict sense (including also some Russian lands annexed by the early XV century) and Polotsk, Vitebsk, Smolensk, Volynia, Kiev, Samogitia, etc. were those of subordination of the periphery to the imperial metropole. The proponents of the federalist thesis mistake as federalism what in reality was a system of indirect rule characteristic for premodern empires. The historiographical tradition was blind to imperial features of GDL because it implicitly or explicitly compared GDL with the Moscow state, considering it as a paradigmatic case of empires. However, the Moscow empire represents only one specific type of empire - Westphalian empire, distinguished by the early application of direct rule. While most medieval polities were transformed into sovereign territorial states and Westphalian empires in the early modern time, GDL was unique in following the path of federalization. However, GDL was transformed into a federation only on the eve of the Lublin Union in 1569, while in the XIV-first half of the XVI century it was a traditional empire, including metropolitan military agrarian domains and indirectly ruled peripheral areas shading into areas of mere hegemony.