ABSTRACT This study seeks to validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis through an analysis of the effects of CO2 emissions, economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), globalization, and trade among the ten largest economies in the world, covering the period from 1981 to 2022. To test and quantify economic phenomena in both short- and long-term periods, this study utilized heterogeneous panel data estimation. The EKC hypothesis is supported by the estimates, which show a positive link between GDP and CO2 emissions, and an inverted U-shaped effect for the overall panel estimates. Except for India, all the largest economies accept the EKC hypothesis when examining the Sasabuchi–Lind–Mehlum (SLM) test. The causality test reveals that trade openness and CO2 emission are both reciprocal, while globalization, investment, economic growth, and CO2 emission are all mutually exclusive. The empirical results of the research have shown that there are significant policy implications that need to be addressed, resulting in the possibility of achieving a green economic conditions for the world's largest economies in the future.

With the development of the world economy and the severe situation of environmental pollution, the concept of corporate responsibility has shifted from traditional economic growth to a comprehensive perspective of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Under China's "high-quality development" and "dual carbon" strategies, corporate ESG performance has increasingly become an important evaluation indicator to measure a company's sustainable development capacity and long-term investment value. This paper analyzes the internal and external driving factors for the improvement of corporate ESG performance. External driving factors include policies, industry norm constraints, external attention, and industrial chains, while internal driving factors include the company's own scale, technological innovation, talent support, and executive characteristics.

In the post-pandemic world economy, public debt has reached unprecedented levels. Fiscal sustainability and debt risk management have thus become central to macroeconomic stability. This paper reviews theoretical and empirical perspectives on fiscal sustainability and compares how advanced economies and emerging market economies differ in debt dynamics, risk structures, and policy responses. It discusses key indicators such as the debt-to-GDP ratio, fiscal deficit, and the interest-growth differential (r-g). The findings reveal that while advanced economies can sustain high debt levels due to institutional credibility and negative r-g, emerging markets remain vulnerable to external shocks and refinancing pressures. This comparative analysis underscores the necessity of context-specific, multi-dimensional frameworks for assessing fiscal health, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach based solely on debt thresholds. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research directions, including the integration of institutional quality and climate-related fiscal risks into sustainability analysis.

The paper analyzes the level of globalization of the two key factors of production - capital and labor - during the period of rapid globalization of the world economy in 1990–2022. Using the sum of global inward foreign direct investment stocks as a share of the world’s total fixed capital as a proxy for capital globalization, and the global migrant population as a share of total world population as a proxy for labor globalization the study investigates trends and asymmetries in internationalization of capital and labor. Drawing on data from the World Bank and the United Nations, it finds that capital globalization expanded rapidly until 2008 and then stabilized, while labor globalization followed a steadier, incremental rise. The data show that the level of capital globalization expanded nearly five-fold between 1990 and the mid-2000s before levelling after the global financial crisis, while labor globalization increased by roughly one-quarter over the same period, with limited cyclical variation. The results suggest that structural barriers and policy asymmetries produce a persistent gap between capital mobility and labor mobility. The analysis integrates empirical data with theoretical perspectives on global economic integration, governance, and economic inequality. The findings contribute to understanding post-Cold War economic integration and its uneven outcomes across factors of production.

Climate change and rapid depletion of the environmental resources pose critical threat to world economies, particularly to those who are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. The United States (US), as one of the leading carbon emitters, requires innovative strategies that integrate technology, policy, and investment to transition toward the sustainable low-carbon economy. Against this backdrop, this study examines how artificial intelligence (AI), carbon pricing mechanisms, and the green investment collectively influence energy transition and long-term emission reduction pathways. The study examines US time-series data from 1990 to 2022 using a combination of econometric modeling, such as the Autoregressive Distributed Lag technique and the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test, and Bayesian neural network forecasting. According to the findings, a 1% increase in the use of renewable energy lowers carbon emissions by roughly 0.033% in the short term. Long-term estimates, assuming continued investment in carbon pricing and technological advancement, imply a 15% reduction in emissions by 2040. Furthermore, it is anticipated that over the course of two decades, AI-driven research and development integration will increase renewable energy efficiency by 18%. In addition to offering evidence-based insights for policymakers looking to align economic and environmental goals through digital innovation and sustainability policy frameworks, our findings highlight the revolutionary potential of AI in strengthening climate mitigation initiatives.

In recent decades, the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector has become one of the most dynamically developing segments of the world economy, maintaining its reputation as a dynamic, continuous and prone to cardinal changes. A significant expansion of international trade in products is becoming an important trend of the world economy as a whole. Given that the state policy of Georgia in the field of information and communication technologies is being formed at a qualitatively new economic, political and social level, in the conditions of scientific and technological changes, our state has every chance to occupy high positions in the ratings of countries-leaders of the world innovation system. However, as a result of market transformations, special features of development have been formed in Georgia, which differ from both the old Soviet system and the new system borrowed from Western countries. This was expressed in the deterioration of individual indicators, for example, those that characterize the outflow of highly qualified specialists. In addition, active integration into globalization processes requires Georgia to have its own advanced technologies as an important factor in ensuring advantages in the competitive struggle. The offer of local modern technologies to the world market determines not only the dynamics of world trade, but also the level of development of the state itself. As a result, in order to solve the task set, namely, to organize the production of high-tech products for further import substitution and future entry into the world market, it is necessary to determine Georgia's promising directions and competitive advantages by identifying the peculiarities of the local information and communication technology market. Thus, information and communication technologies as a whole contribute to the implementation of coordination and commercial operations, which allows for the effective use of the advantages provided by the new information and communication environment. Information and communication technologies have become a key factor in the modernization of traditional economies, including the management methods of companies and non-profit organizations. Keywords: Information and communication technologies, Internet, development, information services market.

Leveraging AI and green growth to resolve energy trilemma: Insights from major energy-consuming economies.

In this chapter, the discussion of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has extraordinarily influenced US global hegemony. By putting resources into framework projects and advancing networks between countries, China desires to build its financial and international power through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The objective of this chapter is to analyze how China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is presenting serious difficulties to the customary international and financial aims of the US global hegemony. In any case, the US and its partners have eyes on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its influences on the world economy cautiously. While certain countries see the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an opportunity to acquire a better network and add to China’s monetary extension, others have voiced stresses over China's aspirations and the conceivable political influence that could accompany its monetary responsibilities. The US has moved toward the BRI, coordinated effort and rivalry. From one viewpoint, the US recognizes the worth of foundation spending in encouraging turn of events and financial development. They also perceive the likely benefits of improved trade and availability that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can give part countries. Accordingly, the US has tried to cooperate with China and participate in BRI (Kim, 2019). In addition, the US has done whatever it takes to protect its own monetary advantages and public security considering China's extending influence. They have passionately inspected the BRI tasks' terms and conditions, focusing on the worth of receptiveness, maintainability, and fair rivalry. The US has worked to foster elective systems and principles that help great foundations venture and dare steady with their standards through programs like the Blue Dot Network. In this chapter, Neo-Realism theory and a subjective information approach in this part. Utilizing the Neo-Realism theory to offer clarifications, this approach empowers us to look at and decipher qualitative data like reports and observations. The US has presented the Form Act and the Infrastructure Transaction and Assistance Network (ITAN) to back foundation projects in the Indo-Pacific region. This part will inspect and discuss how US approaches toward China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) consolidate wariness, participation, and intensity. While recognizing the potential benefits of expanded network and framework speculation, the US likewise attempts to shield its interests and goals while being careful about China's aims. As the BRI pushes ahead and China's influence in the worldwide field develops, so too will the influence of this venture on US plans.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of key mechanisms and areas for strengthening multilateral cooperation within the BRICS association. Economic, political, socio–cultural, technological and institutional aspects of integration are addressed. Based on the analysis of current initiatives and existing challenges, the dynamics and prospects for further consolidation of the participating countries in the context of the transformation of the global order are investigated.The relevance of the topic is due to the growing role of BRICS in the world economy and politics, as well as the goals of creating a more equitable and inclusive architecture of international relations.The purpose of this article is to systematize and analyze the main mechanisms for strengthening interaction between member countries in five key areas: economy, politics, socio–cultural sphere, innovation and institution–building.

The current world economy has experienced colossal levels of fluctuations in regards to how wealth is being created which is absent in this section of the globe at any given moment, and this is leading to a paradigm shift of monetary to financial wellbeing. The article unfolds the speed with which the 21 st century is accelerating wealth creation as globalization and digital platforms, artificial intelligence and swarm innovation start to take over. As the article demonstrates, we discovered that in diverse situations (companies, industries or nations) we clarify the process through secondary and cases studies that during the crash of these technical development track economic new paradigms boom as a result of the rapid wealth accumulation. Such findings of research have suggested that individuals and companies can now earn enormous sums of money within a shorter period compared to the previous system of business and at increased penetration rate comes novel forms of economic disparity and risk. The research is also able to project some insight on the manner in which the digital revolution and global connectivity are alleviating the entrepreneurial regions, and income distribution.

In the 21st century, the functions of cities have transformed significantly. Moving beyond the nation-state paradigm, globally expanding cities have emerged as key drivers of economic growth. With this shift, cities increasingly influence the world economy, sometimes surpassing nation-states. In the new world order, cities compete with others sharing similar characteristics, leading to the concept of competing cities. To engage in this competition globally, cities are expected to brand their economic, social and cultural assets and integrate into a hierarchical structure. Cities that strategically use resources and anticipate future developments can attract capital, while those failing to adapt risk losing their power and economic independence. However, in competing as value- added products, cities often become standardized, threaten their cultural heritage and contribute to growing global inequality. The capitalist accumulation process is intrinsically based on inequality, which becomes further intensified within the competing cities model. This study critically investigates the role of competing cities in the new order. Using document analysis, a qualitative research method, it complies and reviews relevant literature. Theoretical studies examining the relationship between cities and globalization are incorporated to provide a critical perspective.

Abstract The end of the nineteenth century in Central Europe saw the development of an independent and original variant of Marxism – Austro-Marxism. As the party doctrine of Austrian Social Democracy in the interwar period (‘Red Vienna’), Austro-Marxism attempted to stake out a middle position between Revisionism and Bolshevism. After the defeat of the working class in February 1934 and fascism’s seizure of power, Austro-Marxism sank into obscurity. A revival attempt after the Second World War failed. In the 1970s, Austro-Marxism served as a platform of the dialogue between left socialists in Germany and Austria and Southern European Eurocommunism. Of interest for this dialogue were the studies by Otto Bauer, Karl Renner, Max Adler and others on state and democracy theory as well as strategies for socialising the economy. In 1938 Bauer died in exile. His major work, published in 1936, Between Two World Wars? The Crisis of the World Economy, Democracy, and Socialism can be considered his political testament. In it he calls on revolutionary and reformist socialism to unite in a higher synthesis. His work and the broader body of Austro-Marxist theory is an important reservoir to draw upon for the renewal of leftist theory and practice today.

Electric energy is one of the most commonly used energy sources today. Therefore, how energy can be produced, transmitted, and consumed at the lowest cost is among the main topics that researchers are intensely working on. The limited nature of current energy sources and the rapidly increasing demand for energy necessitate scientific and technological efforts in this field. With a growing world economy and the continuous development and expansion of modern power systems, the voltage problems arising in power systems have become quite significant in terms of controlling energy systems. In this context, one of the most important issues that need to be addressed in power systems is optimal power flow (OPF). Therefore, in the study conducted, the Slime Mold Algorithm (SMA) was used to solve the OPF problem in power systems according to the objective functions, and it was tested with different objective functions. As the objective function, three single objectives (fuel cost, active power loss, and voltage deviation minimization) and the combination of these objective functions, three multi-objective functions, have been determined. The tests conducted to solve the OPF problem were carried out on the IEEE-30 bus system. According to the results obtained, it has been observed that the SMA algorithm is more successful than other algorithms in the literature in solving problems in power systems.

The focus of the article is on both traditional approaches to the phenomenon of elites, and those objective changes in the principles of formation and functioning of elites that have occurred over last quarter century. The article analyzes the role of elites in the process of social transformation, as well as inevitable changes in mass consciousness in terms of ideas, goals, values, and motives. The author pays special attention to the dynamics of modern Western elites, the ideological crisis, the redistribution of resources, the role in modern society, etc. The work is based on the analysis of changes that have occurred in the structure of the world economy and, as a result, in the structure of the world’s leading elites, in the mechanisms for choosing vectors of the society’s development, etc. It is noted that all the above-mentioned processes are currently in the active phase, and the elites themselves are in the state of permanent turbulence.

In this review, the impacts of Skill-Based Education (SBE) and STEAM-oriented education on today's education to an innovation-oriented world economy are discussed. Based on the recent literature, policy documents, and case studies in the region, the paper puts forth how these models focus on interdisciplinary, experiential, and student-focused approaches to learning. SBE attempts to bridge the gap in teaching at school and working at the workplace, and STEAM incorporates Art into the already existing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics combination with the idea of enhancing innovativeness and critical thinking. It has been seen that although these methods enhance the engagement of different learners, teamwork and finding solutions to problems, they are hindered by the outdated curricula, lack of proper teacher training and resources; predominantly in Pakistan and other South Asian nations. The review also emphasizes that reform can only work through teacher professional development, equitable resource distribution, and the use of new technologies. Looking at different models regionally, notably India’s National Education Policy 2020, shows how effective policy integration and collaboration across sectors can improve outcomes. In sum, the paper argues that the challenges of the 21st century necessities transformative SBE and STEAM education, which demands ongoing innovation in curriculum and pedagogy, educator training, and policies that include all learners.

Purpose: In an increasingly competitive and changing world economy, organizational capacity to achieve and maintain competitive advantage is inextricably linked with the caliber of strategic leadership. This study examined the application of strategic leadership in realizing and maintaining a competitive advantage in the business environment of Zambia, based on two Lusaka-headquartered companies as case studies. The primary objective was to analyze leadership practices in selected firms and determine their role towards performance, innovation, and differentiation against a negative economic backdrop. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative multiple-case study design to offer rich explications of practical leadership practices. Two private firms were purposively selected: Firm A, manufacturing, and Firm B, services. The firms were chosen based on their market presence and strategic interest. Data were collected through intensive semi-structured interviews with 12 participants- six from each firm-including senior leaders and mid-level managers who were directly involved in strategic planning and implementation. Secondary data obtained from internal business documents, strategic plans, and performance appraisals were also utilized for finding triangulation and contextual enrichment. Data was analysed thematically. Findings: Thematic analysis of the findings revealed that there is a need for strategic leadership to achieve differentiation through vision-connected alignment, responsive planning, and continuous organizational learning. It was also noted that there were weak systems for leadership growth, regulatory uncertainty, and market volatility. These factors impede the optimal utilization of leadership potential and strategic outcomes. The study ends by making a suggestion to develop leadership capacity, implementation of flexible strategy models, and enhanced linkage between leadership vision and operational activities. These actions are required by companies eager to navigate their path through the intricate business environment of Zambia and sustaining long-term competitive advantage.

The steel industry is a major global player in the world economy and significantly contributes to a country’s development. Maintenance is indispensable for the productivity of steel industry assets. The growing use of high-precision operations in these organizations makes hydraulic systems a critical concern. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods can facilitate decision-making, particularly with decisions about the best maintenance policies/strategies to be employed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a consolidated and appropriate method for dealing with multiple factors and uncertainty. This research proposes a model to support decision-making for selecting a maintenance strategy for hydraulic systems in steel plants. The development of this model followed the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which has five stages. The main scientific contribution of this research is to demonstrate that the AHP allows a landscape with a qualitative approach regarding the maintenance strategy selection of hydraulic systems in the steel industry, which enables the development of a hierarchical framework that incorporates four maintenance strategies, criteria, and sub-criteria identified in the current literature. The criteria of cost, safety, reliability, quality, and feasibility were examined to determine the best maintenance strategy to be applied. Predictive maintenance was selected as the priority strategy, while safety was the criterion with the highest added value. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the framework, showing that classifications remained stable even when the weights of the criteria varied.

Incidence and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the municipal wastewaters of the Buffalo City region, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The obvious changes that have occurred and are occurring in the global economy and international economic order have led a number of domestic and foreign researchers to believe that these shifts are so great and significant that they require radical shifts in economic science for their study and understanding - from the creation of new economic theories to shifts in its paradigm. The analysis of the validity of these beliefs is the main objective of this article. To solve it, the provisions of the modern theory of science on the causes of changes in theories and paradigm shifts are considered, the established interpretations of the concept of world or international economic order and their inaccuracies and ambiguities are analyzed, proposals are formulated for a clearer understanding of these terms, the comparison of which with the changes taking place in the world economy logically leads to the conclusion that the statements about the need for new theories and even paradigms for understanding the aforementioned changes are clearly exaggerated.

The U.S.–China trade war, which began in 2018, profoundly reshaped the entire structure of the world economy, global trade, and the supply chain. The trade war is not just a bilateral conflict involving tariffs. It undermined the vulnerabilities of hyper-efficient production and globalized supply chains. The weekly review summarizing all the interdisciplinary work done from 2018 to 2024 looks at the multi-layered consequences of the conflict on the economy, organization, and policy. It looks at the initial supply chain disruptions for multinational corporations, the sharp increases in trade and transport costs, and the new focus on supply chain resilience in the middle of the escalating war. The report identifies main adaptive practices, which include enhancing supplier diversification, regionalization, and the acceleration of digital supply chain technology integration, specifically the use of predictive analytics and real-time supply chain tracking. Additionally, the study addresses macroeconomic impacts, especially trade diversion, which created unequal gains and losses among emerging economies. Overall, these insights imply the lasting legacy of the U.S.–China trade conflict is a deep and fundamental shift—from an efficiency-focused structure of global production to one prioritizing multi-dimensional resilience. This new structure combines geopolitical anticipation, technological potential, and organizational adaptability, offering a tactical framework to facilitate the continuity of international trade amid increasing unpredictability and structural disaggregation of the global economy.