Superpower Research Articles

Geopolitics of Central Asia: Between the Russian Bear and the Chinese Dragon

The countries of Central Asia are driven by economic development. However, they are lacking financial resources, and a gap in cooperation among the countries is making the development stage even more problematic. The important geostrategic location is attracting the attention of global superpowers. Russia has been maintaining close ties with the countries since the disintegration of the USSR. Nevertheless, does Russia have enough possibilities and tools to satisfy these states? This paper inquires why the region represents a crucial point from the perspectives of global superpowers. In doing so, the study describes the most likely future of the region and of global actors’ involvement. It also outlines who is currently more dominant in the area, or possibly how the influence is divided between the territories. Lastly, the paper shows how the balance of power has changed with China becoming the main actor, or at least one with the highest potential. The process-tracing method and the geopolitical concept are anchoring the paper and shaping the course of the argument.

Design and Research of 2000T Wide Plate Tensile Testing Machine

Wide plate, wide plate weld, pipeline girth weld and plate welded of panel used to the storage tank were wholly stretched by 2000T wide plate tensile test machine when using the related fixture. Tensile strength, initiation crack position of the joint crack, tolerance of the existing defects of welded joint, possibility of the crack propagation and fracture were studied. Their weak links were found, the formation of defects were avoided by welding technology and technical means. The closed loop control was realized by using advanced servo valve and high performance measure and control system, computer technology was used fully, multifunctional test control of the machine was realized. A number of servo cylinder precise synchronous control loading mechanism was adopted by 2000 T wide plate tensile testing machine, the design of its loading mode, servo cylinder, sensor installation layout and combined structure of super power sensor was the first in China, which created a platform for the development of large structure testing machine in the future.

Why have USA firms been more effective than the UK firms in the market since the industrial revolution?

17th and early 18th centuries as that nation became an economic and colonial powerhouse and the Second Industrial Revolution took place in the United States. beginning in the mid-1800s, transforming and positioning America for its rise to a global superpower. Even though the industrial revolution has been started in Britain, American firms overtake British firms so spectacularly and the US has become the world’s leading economic power. The purpose of the present article is to explore Some Historical Events During the Industrial Revolution and try to find the reasons behind the advance of the US based on reliable data and numbers. After examining numerous articles, books, blogs, and data related to the subject we find that natural sources like America's large landmass, the diversity of US population, the availability of mineral sources followed by numerous reasons as technological innovation capability, dynamic financial system, well-spread infrastructure, transportation stand behind the superpower economy of the United States.

The phenomenon of SoNoR ensemble in the context of the cultural paradigm shift at the turn of the 21st century

Towards the end of the millennium, a once-vast empire had collapsed, causing a multitude of disruptions. This was an empire that had won World War II and become one of the world's superpowers for many decades; the empire that had created a completely new ideology and culture that had spread throughout many of its constituent nations as well as a number of neighboring countries. Music had been an important part of this culture. The demise of such a vast empire resulted, on one hand, in many of its component nations gaining liberty, but on the other, in various military, economic, and legal problems, among which should be mentioned a cultural and ideological vacuum. At the end of the last century, Azerbaijan, as well as other post-Soviet countries, was going through a period of crisis and culture shock, during which all governmental culture programs had been shut down. SoNoR, a contemporary music ensemble, appeared as an alternative to those programs during the darkest period of chaos. It was founded solely by a group of enthusiasts, and filled a cultural niche, becoming an image of contemporary music in the country for many years. SoNoR arranged concerts, festivals, workshops, and premieres both nationally and internationally. The band also established cultural exchanges with various countries. This article concerns the phenomenon of this group in the context of the turn of the century, as well as an attempt to analyze the main reasons for its ups and downs and eventual breakup.

Fuel metering and control optimization based on combustion state diagnosis

It is hard to accurately meter the fuel feed into the furnace for a double-in and double-out pulverizing system, which affects the fuel control quality and also the main steam pressure of a boiler. A correction method for the indirect measurement model of the coal metering feed into the furnace for double-in and double-out pulverizing system is proposed based on the combustion state diagnosis of a burner using fuzzy C-mean clustering method, of which is applied in a 620MW super critical power unit. The engineering application results suggested that the method of this work is effective to improve the fuel control quality during the mill start and stop process. By using the method of this work, the controlling deviation between the target value and the measured value of the main steam pressure is within 0.2 MPa, while it is about 0.6 MPa when the fuel control is without correction.

Super power

Chemistry & IndustryVolume 84, Issue 12 p. 26-29 Energy Super power First published: 22 December 2020 https://doi.org/10.1002/cind.8412_8.x AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume84, Issue12December 2020Pages 26-29 RelatedInformation

China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Global Politics and Implications

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development project that ambitiously aims to connect Asia with European and African continents through land and sea corridors. China adopted this gigantic game-changing master plan in 2013 and spurred much speculation among scholars and policymakers worldwide. This article investigates the development of the project through the lens of global political geography and economy. From an international relations perspective, the author consults relevant pieces of literature and focuses on the international issues and events concerning the development of the project using concepts of ideas, interests, and institutions within the scope of geopolitics and political economy. The analysis is performed by reviewing critical events and arguments related to the ideas, interests and institutions evolving around the implementation of BRI. Drawing from the analysis, the author argues that the rise of China as a dominant global superpower largely depends on the success of the BRI, and this initiative will continue to generate politics among the international actors, multinational entities, and institutions. Despite widespread speculations, the project poses a substantive threat to the USA’s global dominance and is likely to create more global development cooperation under Chinese leadership and vision.

Fuel for commercial politics: the nucleus of early commercial proliferation of atomic energy in three acts

Historical research into the nuclear industry has focussed upon military and commercial aspects of the technology whilst ignoring fuel. This article discusses nuclear fuel, the resource at the centre of the industry and the role superpower politics played in its supply. Starting with the context of superpower competition, we examine the spread of nuclear technology from its beginnings in post-war Britain via West Germany in the 1950s to Finland in the 1960s and 1970s. We demonstrate that each country had varied interests affecting the choice of nuclear fuel for early energy projects; British fuel choices were constrained by its weapons programme and Germany needed legitimacy in the face of opposition in the 1950s. Finland was constrained by ‘Finlandisation’ and despite domestic enthusiasm the country had to balancing competing blocs in its choice of reactor and fuel. In short, fuel choices were constrained by local and supranational geopolitical conditions.

Current scenario of wind power in India, government policies, initiatives, status and challenges

PurposeThis paper aims to review the role of government initiatives for the development of wind power industries in India, to provide better and benevolent policies in the production of wind energy density and to maximize the use of the renewable source of energy which permits to reduce carbon emission from the coal-based power plant and to curtail tackle need of society and mitigate poverty.Design/methodology/approachThe present study is carried out on the current position of wind power generation in India. Government policies for promoting clean energy and associated problems are also analysed herein detail. However, secondary approaches are opted in terms of alertness of caring for the environment hazardous and reduced the major economies aspects by fulfilling the schema of Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.FindingsThe prospective of wind energy generation is huge, as an ancient source of energy, wind can be used both as a source of electricity and for agricultural, irrigation uses. The study of wind turbine blades and its features showed how it can be properly fabricated and used to extract the maximum power, even at variable and low wind speeds.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough India has achieved a remarkable advancement in wind power sectors, it needs to eradicate all the loopholes to evolve as super power in wind energy sector leaving behind its rivalry China. To do this, it is required to develop in many fields such as skilled manpower, advancement in research and development, grid and turbine installation, proper distribution, smooth land acquisition, modern infrastructure, high investment and above all industry friendly government policy.Practical implicationsThe present study finds out effects of wind power energy as a source of renewable energy to mitigate energy crisis.Social implicationsAs a source of renewable energy and cost effectiveness, wind power can be evolved as a potential means enhance social life.Originality/valueThe present paper caries out critical analysis for the active use of renewable energy in the present and forthcoming days. Such unique analysis must help India as a developing nation to balance its energy crisis.

Clean water to prevent kidney disease.

Millions of people in under-privileged regions of the world continue to drink heavily polluted water and die from diarrhoea-related acute kidney injury whilst world super-powers continue to offer military aid to these regions. This gun aid must convert into water aid.

WHAT DOES CHINA’S EARLY RECOVERY FROM THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS MEAN FOR THE GLOBAL ORDER?

Despite being the official origin of the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic, China has managed to recuperate with relatively minimal health and economic damages while the United States and other big global players in Europe are still grappling soaring cases and facing immense economic hardships. The current global hegemon—the United States—has suffered the severest damages in terms of human mortality and increased unemployment rates. Such hardships coincided with its gradual withdrawal from numerous international engagements. At the same time, China is deepening and expanding its global presence and visibility through foreign infrastructure investment and diplomatic ties both at multilateral and bilateral levels. Considering such, the paper discusses the likely impact of China’s early recovery on the future of the global order. The discussion demonstrates that China has utilised the pandemic to showcase its ability to become a global protector. The country has played a pivotal role in the supply of pharmaceutical equipment required to slow down the spread of the disease and has played a significant role in providing the information and advice regarding practical methods to prevent the virus from wide spreading. Economically, China has been the first big global player to register positive economic growth since the pandemic’s outbreak and yet did not provide any stimulus packages to support businesses as other big economies have done and are still doing. With such, many commentators suggest that China is likely to replace the United States as the new global economic superpower since the United States is receding from in its global engagements and suffering economic uncertainties. However, the author of this paper believes that, despite the adverse impact of the coronavirus on the world's leading economies, the shrinking US's interest in international affairs, and the global role of China during the coronavirus period—the roots of US's influence on the international scene are too deep to uproot as of now. The US remains robust militarily, economically, and politically abroad. Besides, the country has a chance to turnaround its international reputation should the November 2020 presidential election result in a new white house occupant.
 
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The UE-Vietnam Free Trade and Investment Protection Agreements: Legal and Economic Perspectives

Purpose: On 1 August 2020, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement went into force. After completing the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement's ratification, the two agreements will create the legal basis of strong economic relations between the parties. However, we argue that these agreements are an element of a broader strategy, pursuing the EU's economic and socio-political goals. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is interdisciplinary, economic, and legal. We analyze the process of establishing the legal framework of EU-Vietnam relations and its context in the New Haven School's application schema, combining it with rational choice. The research was conducted based on public statistics and analysis of the literature on the subject. Findings: The EU pursues a policy of through trade. The agreements deepen Vietnam's participation in the universal economic and social system based on the UN Charter's values. They also strengthen the institutionalization of pluralism in relations in the Asia region and institutions and countries outside the region. Practical Implications: EVFTA and EVIPA represent a new approach of the EU to trade agreements and how to influence international relations in a system where the U.S. have lost their status as the only superpower, and China seeks to become a real global superpower. Realizing this change in EU trade policy is important for all Member States and other international relations actors. Originality/Value: The paper discusses important and current issues related to EU trade and investment policies and can develop future policy scenarios.

‘PANDEMIC DIPLOMACY’ AND THE POLITICS OF PARADOX: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE AGE OF NATIONAL DISTANCING

Since the end of the Cold War no development has unravelled the international political system as much as COVID-19 pandemic. A health crisis is reshaping international politics, undermining global economy, frustrating global climate change talks, and creating several new challenges for diplomacy. Paradoxically, the world is coming together to combat a disease in a time of international travel bans, border closures and national distancing. In another dimension, nationalism is trumping internationalism in a time of global pandemic, where international cooperation offers hope. While the pandemic heralds a new order of international politics and diplomacy given its many legacies and challenges, it sustains the old order of super power rivalry, competition and cooperation. As COVID-19 pandemic untangles, political and diplomatic contradictions reinforce inter-state relations and create uncertainties around the prospects of vaccine development and the nature of post-COVID-19 world order. This study seeks to interrogate diplomatic practices of COVID-19 and how they have shaped global politics and diplomacy since the outbreak of the pandemic. The study argues that COVID-19 is a diplomatic and political paradox, and the challenges created by the pandemic have come to stay and will form the building blocks of global politics and diplomacy in the post pandemic era. Renewed inter-state relations and collaborations will provide a pathway to global prosperity post-COVID-19.

Evaluation of the effect of dose change of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on electrochemical biosensor compatibility using hydrogels as an experimental living organism model

Morphological, structural, optical and dielectric properties, which provide important information about the technological applications of pure and different dose (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0%) Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) doped hydrogels were analyzed in detail in this study. The complex dielectric parameters of all the samples are related to the electrode/interface polarization (grain boundary), dielectric relaxation and grain effects in accordance with the Maxwell-Wagner theory and Brownian motion in the broadband frequency regions. Experimental plane plots of the complex electrical modulus for all the samples are explained by the Havriliak and Negami relaxation model represented by two relaxation times (α and γ) associated with resistances created by grain boundary (α) and grain (γ). In the high frequency region, complex electrical modulus plane plots of all the samples were compatible with the Cole-Cole relaxation model corresponding to the equivalent electrical circuit (RC) in the Smith Chart diagram. Koop's theory and electron hopping mechanism formed between Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions in the octahedral lattice are effective on the electrical conductivity values of the samples. As the molarity of Fe3O4 NPs increased, the logarithmic conductivity values of all samples, which a function of the angular frequency and defined by the Jonscher Power Law, Nearly Constant Loss and Super Linear Power Law conductivity mechanisms, were generally increased. From the experimental results, it was concluded that the hydrogels with high doses of Fe3O4 NPs can be used as an electrochemical biosensor in bio-systems since it has the high dielectric, capacitance, low impedance and conductivity values.

International Legal Action Against The People's Republic of China Over COVID-19 Woes: Prospects, Probabilities and Possibilities

COVID-19, the virus that incubated in Wuhan is now all over the face of the Earth, threatening the existence of mankind as a whole. It is on a rampage, ravishing so-called global superpowers too. Ever since the day the virus was discovered, there has been an air of uncertainty surrounding the same. Various controversial claims and assumptions have been made regarding the source of the virus and the possibility of it being a potential bioweapon. With most of these claims pointing towards the Wuhan Institute of Virology and thereby shifting the blame on China, these will remain as mere claims until proven otherwise! However, one concrete criticism made by the global community is regarding China’s breach of responsibility to the world nations, mandated by various international obligations under the World Health Organization and the United Nations. As the famous saying goes, 'information is wealth'. Timely information during a pandemic is nothing but gold dust. This information sharing is precisely what China has failed to do in accordance with various legislations such as The International Health Regulations,2005. Through its acts of disinformation and misinformation, China seems to have made a mockery of the COVID-19 outbreak. Since Day One, not only has it made a gross violation of various existent International Legislations and Regulations but has gone past the basic humanitarian concerns expected out of a civilized international community. The repercussions of the same are unprecedented both in terms of the death toll and monetary losses. The international arena is seeing a never before outrage from all quarters with the tagline, Beware! The lawyers are coming becoming a worldwide trend. With many nations expressing their displeasure and hinting at the possibility of legal action against China, the legal aspect of the debate comes in. The authors will put forward the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the misdemeanors of China by quoting various incidents that stand in violation of various International legislations such as the International Health Regulations of 2005 and Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts of 2001. Moving forward, the authors would analyze the various different courses of legal options available, from Dispute Resolution Mechanisms to the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, the authors aim to put forward the complications in enforcing legal action against China by citing various international precedents. The defense on part of the Chinse Republic and the chances of the international community forcing China into reparations through non-judicial means will also be examined. At length, the authors, to the best of their abilities, would conclude on the three P’s, the possibility, probability, and the prospects of successful legal action against The People’s Republic of China for its COVID-19 misdemeanors and subsequent international woes.

A Critical Assessment of China’s Role in the South China Sea Dispute

South China Sea is only a small part on the map, but it plays a vital role in the stability of the Pacific-Asian region. South China Sea issue has been under spotlight. Five countries have claimed their rights on these tiny islands splashed in the region of South China Sea. Spratly Islands (Nansha) is endowed with abundant natural resources of petroleum, gas, and others. China, as an emerging super power, plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the region. Which role will China play, a bull in the china shop or a coordinator in finding a peaceful solution? This paper attempts to answer this question by presenting a critical assessment of China’s role in the South China Sea dispute.

China's Courtship with the so Called Rogue States and US Concerns

China's relations with the rogue states like Iran, North Korea and Syria pose some serious threats to the primacy of US in the world. Although US is the sole super power of the world but China's response to the global unipolarity projects China's non acceptance of the supremacy of US in the world. The economic and strategic nature of Chinese engagements in these "Rogue states" has engendered many uncertainties in the Washington. The US tried to pressurise China to quit her relations with the "Rogues states" but China did not listen to the US. This paper analyses the causes of China's love affairs with rogue states and to explore the major concerns of US in the courtship of China with the "Rogue states".

NATIONHOOD AND THE QUEST FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE GAMBIA’S EXPERIENCE UNDER THE SECOND REPUBLIC, 1994 – 2015

The task of nation-building today in the world is that which carries along all well-meaning modern nation-states, with Gambia as no exemption. This paper examines the nationhood process and effort in the Gambia between 1994 and 2015. It focuses on national development efforts both in the first and second republics. The paper investigates how human, material and ecological resources are harnessed and deployed towards this noble goal, availing enabling policy-thrusts for effective implementation and goal attainments that attract sustainable socio-economic and political development. The paper beams searchlights on the redoubled efforts under the Yahya Jammeh regime and the pragmatic approaches taken to achieve more meaningfully goal-oriented national development strides that pave ways for practical development giants and strides. An inductive and deductive methods of research that are descriptive and fact-finding are employed for empirical and critical explorations. The paper posits that the strategies of the second republic government, which surpass the first republic’s conservatively-constructed approaches under Jawara served as impetus for the accomplishments recorded from 1994 to 2015 in making the Gambia an economic super power through industrialization of the agro-economic structures and processes of the small nation in the sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: Nation, Nationhood, National Development, The Gambia, Second Republic, Independence.

Acordos de Sokovia e os Limites do Poder: Capitão América e Reflexões Sobre o Papel da Superpotência no Sistema Internacional

Ao observar o sistema unipolar que emergiu do final da Guerra Fria, é marcante o sentimento de insegurança geopolítica gerada pela existência de apenas uma superpotência global e as dúvidas da atuação do Estado soberano nessa conjuntura. Nesse paradigma, Capitão América: Guerra Civil é lançado com uma simbologia contestadora do papel do hegemon no sistema internacional. Com isso, inicialmente é exposto o enredo do filme, seguido das teorias liberal e realista das Relações Internacionais e da semiótica greimasiana. Com isso em vista, é feita a análise dos símbolos do longa-metragem e, por fim, se conclui que os autores do texto tinham como objetivo disseminar uma mensagem de união política entre os americanos.
 
 
 Abstract: Observing the unipolar system emerging from the closure of the Cold War, is remarkable the sentiment of geopolitical insecurity generated by the existence of only one global superpower and the doubts about the role of the sovereign State in such system. In this paradigm, Captain America: Civil War is released with a contesting symbology about the role of the hegemon in the international system. Therefore, first it is exposed the movie plot, followed by the liberal and realist theories of international relations and the French semiotics. With this in mind, the symbols in the feature are analised and, in conclusion, it is stated that the authors wish to convey a message in bipartisan union amongst the American people.
 Keywords: International Relations Theory, Semiotics, Captain America.
 
 
 Recebido em: setembro/2019.
 Aprovado em: maio/2020.

Impact of Employment and Consumer Reliability in Buying Products Online in Kosovo

Informative technology and especially the internet has created great opportunities in the business field. Even the United States economy as a world superpower is based on the use and exploitation of the potential benefits of the internet (online access). One of these is electronic business (E-Commerce) or online and which relates to sales and purchases from home. Seeing that international trade is now focused in buying and selling online, this paper first analyzes the theory of purchasing online and confidence in online shopping, then analyzes the data on the income and credibility of the consumers for buying products.The methodology used in this paper is through the analysis of quantitative and qualitative methods. Through simple linear regression ( OLS ) measurements were made for the income and online purchases whereas the correlation shows the connection between these two variables. To find results in Kosovo, a structured questionnaire with nominal and ordinary data was used.Expected results of this paper serve a certain clientele and have to do with the awareness of people that using internet services is very profitable. Keywords: Internet, e-commerce, online purchases, services, etc. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/10-6-04 Publication date: September 30 th 2020