Journal on Political Sciences & International Relations
Journal on Political Sciences & International Relations is an open access peer-reviewed journal from the publishers of Scientific Research and Community (SRC) which publishes articles in the form of written, video and power-point presentations from the arena of Political Sciences & International Relations. The journal focuses to build up accessing the complete content of articles freely from online for reader’s perusal. Article acceptance will be in the form of Research, Review, Case Reports, Analysis, Magazines, Editorials, Opinion, Communications, Mini-Review, Short Communications, Picturized, Book Review, Video type and Power Point Presentations (PPTS). You can submit articles thorough online: https://www.onlinescientificsresearch.com/submit-online or through E-mail attachment: politicalsciences@onlinescientificresearch.info
Emerging Trends in the Era of Decolonization: The Examples ofBritish and French African Colonies
This discussion is an extensive delineation of the Emerging Trends in the Era of Decolonization: The Examples of British and French Africa. A number of significant and crucial events saw and preceded colonization in British and French Africa, and historical underpinnings, while recognizing the challenges and struggles emerging from colonization and anti-colonization, uncertainty in decolonization, and the terrains culminating in social issues and problems. The article also discusses the social change regime of modernization and post-colonial imperialism from a stakeholder perspective and achieving equality from stabilization of a modern world.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal on Political Sciences & International Relations
The Russia-Ukraine War and its Ripple Effects in South Asia: AnExploratory Analysis
The Russia-Ukraine war has profoundly impacted South Asia despite the geographical distance. This study investigates the multifaceted repercussions of the conflict on the region, encompassing economic, political, and social dimensions. The economic fallout, primarily manifested through supply chain disruptions and commodity price surges, has fueled inflation, exacerbated food insecurity, and strained fiscal balances. The war has also complicated the geopolitical landscape, forcing South Asian nations to navigate a delicate balancing act between their ties with Russia and the West, potentially intensifying regional rivalries and increasing Russia’s influence. Socially, the war has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, amplifying existing inequalities and raising concerns about social unrest and political instability. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, relying on a comprehensive review of existing literature, news articles, policy documents, and expert analyses. The findings highlight the interconnectedness of global events and their far-reaching consequences, even in regions seemingly distant from the conflict zone, underscoring the importance of understanding the broader context and the need for a global perspective. The research underscores the urgent need for regional cooperation and a nuanced, proactive approach from regional and international actors to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the war and foster a more resilient and equitable future for South Asia.
Cooperativist Dynamics in Post-Conflict Societies: Addressingthe Rochdale Principles as a Local Framework for PeacebuildingInitiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In this context, cooperatives - an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise, emerge as a local agent that can offer a bottom-up approach in order to contribute to peacebuilding and social reconstruction.
Prospects and Challenges of State Capitalism as Economic Policy: A Review
The renewed prominence of state-capitalism in contemporary economic policy debates reflects increasing concerns over market failures, global economic volatility, and the limitations of liberal market–oriented models. Across diverse political economic contexts, governments have expanded their use of state-led instruments to manage strategic sectors, stabilize macroeconomic conditions, and support long-term development. At the same time, the growing role of the state has intensified debates regarding efficiency, governance quality, and global economic integration. This study systematically reviews and synthesizes the contemporary academic literature on state capitalism as an economic policy framework, with a focus on its prospects and challenges across varying institutional environments. This study employs a qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology. Data were collected through a structured search of the Scopus database. An initial search using the keywords “State Capitalism AND Economic Policy” yielded 2,098 articles. Through sequential screening based on relevance, publication period (2020–2025), language, and open-access availability, 39 peer-reviewed journal articles were selected for final analysis. The selected studies were examined using thematic synthesis to identify recurring patterns in conceptual, institutional, economic, and governance-related areas. The review identifies five dominant thematic domains: conceptual diversity and typologies of state-capitalism; policy instruments and institutional mechanisms; economic performance and developmental outcomes; governance risks and market distortions; and political and global integration constraints. The findings indicate that state-capitalism can enhance strategic coordination, crisis resilience, and early-stage development in contexts with strong institutional capacity. However, weak governance structures are associated with persistent challenges, including inefficiency, accountability deficits, elite capture, and international economic frictions. In conclusion, state-capitalism should be understood as a context-dependent economic policy framework whose outcomes are shaped by institutional design, governance quality, and political–economic conditions. Future research should prioritize comparative and longitudinal approaches to better capture the evolving dynamics and long-term implications of state-capitalist policies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal on Political Sciences & International Relations
Improving Political Marketing Strategies to Enhance Electoral Performance for Moroccan Political Parties
Introduction: This study aims to understand how political marketing strategies adopted by political parties in Morocco can improve electoral performance. Methodology: The paper uses a qualitative study approach based on multiple case study research methods examining three political parties and validating three criteria categories. A contextualization study based on exploratory and desk research was conducted to explore and frame the context. The thematic analysis applied to the responses from the two qualitative studies (exploratory and descriptive). Discussion: The findings of this study highlight the need for the essential use of political marketing to improve political performance. In our context, political marketing is an ethical alternative to fanatic discourse, clientelism, and corruption that, unethically, strongly influences voters. Some political parties unconsciously use political marketing tools; the electoral results of those who do so are more satisfactory than those who do not. Conclusion: This study explores political marketing in a new context. It also contributes to the literature and attempts to assess the effectiveness of political marketing tools in the Moroccan context.
Palm Oil, Environmental Objectivity, and the Political Economyof Trade Discrimination: A Review of International Hypocrisy inAgricultural Trade Policy
This qualitative literature review examines the paradoxical treatment of palm oil in international trade policy, where the most land-efficient and productive vegetable oil faces disproportionate regulatory scrutiny compared to less efficient alternatives. Through thematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025, this study synthesizes evidence demonstrating palm oil’s superior biophysical characteristics—including yields of 3.3-4.0 tons per hectare (8-10 times higher than soybean, rapeseed, or sunflower) and significant carbon sequestration capacity of 64.5 tons CO2/ha/year—while revealing how environmental narratives mask protectionist motivations. The analysis critically evaluates the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) as a discriminatory instrument that selectively classifies palm oil as “high ILUC-risk” while exempting European-produced oilseeds, despite objective life cycle assessment data indicating palm oil’s lower overall environmental impact. Drawing on World Trade Organization dispute proceedings (DS593, DS600) and extensive empirical research, this review demonstrates that international palm oil discrimination constitutes environmental hypocrisy, driven primarily by economic interests protecting domestic farmers in importing countries rather than genuine sustainability concerns. The study concludes with policy recommendations calling for the enforcement of strict, crop-neutral trade standards based on land-use efficiency to dismantle green neocolonialism, alongside the establishment of a transnational framework that institutionalizes scientific objectivity in global vegetable oil governance.
Navigating The 2026 Global Palm Oil Landscape: A Pestel Analysisof Structural Market Shifts, Trade Policy Dynamics, And the Riseof Eco-Protectionism
As the global palm oil industry approaches the strategic horizon of 2026, it confronts a critical juncture defined by the escalating tension between a fragile post-El Niño supply recovery and the institutionalization of non-tariff trade barriers. This study employs a rigorous Qualitative Literature Review (QLR) utilizing the PESTEL framework to dissect the industry’s outlook for 2025–2026. Synthesizing primary data from the 2026 Palm Oil Outlook Report provided by IPOSS with recent academic literature (2020–2025), the research identifies a fundamental structural shift from land-expansion-based growth to a productivity-driven paradigm, necessitated by a pervasive yield gap where Indonesian productivity (3.68 tons/ha) lags significantly behind Malaysia (4.56 tons/ha). While global production is forecasted to rebound to 83 million tons in 2026, the market is bifurcating. On one side, domestic absorption in Indonesia driven by the B40/B50 bioenergy mandates—provides a price floor but threatens to crowd out export volumes, potentially reducing foreign exchange earnings by displacing up to 2.2 million tons of exportable supply. On the other hand, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) represents the apex of “eco-protectionism,” imposing geolocation requirements that threaten to exclude 40% of smallholders who lack formal land tenure. The analysis concludes that 2026 will be a year of “forced adaptation,” where the industry must navigate a “standards war” between Western sustainability hegemony and Global South development sovereignty. Policy recommendations emphasize the urgent need for a “One Data” policy to bridge the traceability gap and a diplomatic pivot to utilize the recent WTO DS593 victory as a lever for mutual recognition of national standards.
New Media and the Promotion of Yorùbá Cultural Values:Opportunities and Threats
This study examines the link between new media and the promotion of Yoruba cultural values, with particular attention to perceived benefits, associated challenges, and strategies for maximising the cultural potential of digital platforms. An online survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 114 respondents. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were employed to analyse the data. The findings reveal that new media play a significant role in enhancing awareness, accessibility, and creative expression of Yoruba cultural values, particularly through social media, videos, music, drama, and storytelling. However, the study also identifies notable challenges, including the dominance of Western cultural content, declining use of the Yoruba language online, distorted cultural representations, and the erosion of traditional moral values. Despite these challenges, respondents expressed strong consensus on actionable strategies for better harnessing new media for cultural promotion, such as increased production of Yoruba-language content, integration of digital media into formal education, involvement of cultural experts and elders, institutional support for content creators, and policy regulation of misleading cultural content. The study concludes that new media represent both opportunities and risks for Yoruba cultural sustainability. When strategically guided by cultural awareness, educational mediation, and supportive policy frameworks, digital platforms can serve as effective tools for preserving and revitalising Yoruba cultural values in the contemporary media landscape.
African Diplomacy and its Utility in Handling Electoral ElicitedPolitical Crises: An Analysis of sadc and South African Diplomacyin the 2023 Electoral Dispute in Zimbabwe
African diplomacy plays a crucial role in managing political disputes and electoral crises across the continent. An example of such a crisis is the disputed election in Zimbabwe, which occurred in 2023. Following the election into office of President Emerson Mnangagwa in 2018, the election held in August 2023 was highly anticipated as a potential turning point towards a more democratic future for Zimbabwe. However, the results of the election were contested, with the opposition party, Citizen’s Coalition for Change, alleging electoral irregularities and calling the outcome into question. This sparked widespread unrest and increased tension within the country. African nations and regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were pivotal in addressing this dispute and attempting to find a resolution. The AU and the SADC intervened through diplomatic negotiations, urging political leaders to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the crisis. This paper will analyze the role of African diplomacy in the context of the disputed election in Zimbabwe by examining the actions and strategies employed by the AU and the SADC, as well as their effectiveness in mediating the conflict.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal on Political Sciences & International Relations
Reconstructing Public Governance in a “Multimedia Landscape”:Policy Agenda Construction in the Short Video Era
The communication ecology of short videos and their emotional mobilization are reshaping public policy agenda setting and challenging traditional governance models. Existing studies tend to focus on either media technology or governance theory, rarely integrating both to explain how digital platforms alter power structures and mobilization mechanisms. This study examines the “Pre-packaged Meals in Schools” controversy, combining media ecology and governance theories, and employs functional roles and content framing to analyze the construction of public issues. Findings show that: (1) agenda formation has shifted from official-driven processes to a grassroots-triggered paradigm, reflecting a shift from static status power to dynamic functional power; (2) emotional mobilization presents a paradox: content that most effectively sparks public interaction is not direct emotional appeals, but seemingly objective news/event frames that provide space for representing multiple social contradictions. By treating platform technology and emotional environment as endogenous to governance, this study offers a perspective on the evolution of opinion leaders, complex emotional mobilization, and collaborative governance in the digital era.
Washington Summit on Ukraine: The Return of Realpolitik andSecret Diplomacy
The organization of the summit by the White House and not by a European capital show that the real center of decision-making for the security and future of Ukraine remains in Washington. European leaders participated, but their role was more confirmatory than leading.
Five Decads Stunck in Underdevlopment: Why Angola ContinuePoor?
After five decades, Angola has proven incapable of breaking out of its cycle of underdevelopment. In this approach, I seek to highlight some evidence that contributes to the failure of the Angolan economy to prosper. Much of this evidence points to the strong contribution of political, administrative, and fiscal centralization to high levels of multidimensional poverty. The past five decades have promoted vicious circles that have contributed to the ability to generate wealth on a private basis. On the other hand, the significantly exclusive institutions that exist have led the economy to stagnation with a strong dependence on international markets, whose economy, lacking the capacity for transformation, has become an economy of expectations based on these markets in particular. On the other hand, the inability to govern naturally reveals the main driver of stagnation in marked underdevelopment, being strongly associated with the inability to generate wealth for the majority.
Spatial Turn: From Geographical to Economic Space
This paper analyzes the different meanings of the term space, which has a significant place in defining appropriate development theories. The starting point is a historical insight into the development of this concept, which was transposed from philosophy into geography), in which it is the primary subject of study. Different interpretations of space during the late 1960s in the fields of philosophy and social theory enabled the emergence of a spatial shift in the social sciences. Thus, there was a break in the development of modernity, and the postmodern period began. This gave special significance to the new methodological framework for interpreting theories of economic development, which showed different interpretations of space a more comprehensive and practical meaning in the regional economy.
The Rise of Corporate “Green Hesitancy” and “Green Hushing”
Thousands of multinational corporations have set ambitious environmental goals and implementation plans to reduce their environmental impacts. Yet analysis paralysis and fear of rebuke for missteps and insufficiency have begun impeding voluntary environmental action across corporate value chains. Corporate environmental action has become like a game of Frogger, where inaction and silence has become safer than taking a step forward to reduce emissions or environmental impacts. There is an opportunity for environmental nonprofits to tackle this commonly discussed yet underreported and veiled issue. With new incentives, user-specific solutions, and new ways to make money from environmental regeneration, environmental nonprofits can better convert corporate environmental action from the game of Frogger to simply the way that corporations do business.
The Importance Of Social Responsibility And Ethics InOrganizational Management
Social responsibility (SR) in the healthcare sector can learn much from the evolving concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The main element of “responsibility” is by nature an ethical concept, addressing the consequences of actions when looking back to the past, and addressing responsibility for what will or must be done when looking forward to the future. Thus, it is a good guide to understanding SR. The “social” part of the term also began initially as a moral concept in interpersonal relationships. Later, society began to take an active role, and its demands began to identify the circumstances that create the right to create responsibility. Starting from the basic concepts involved in organizational management, this paper analyses the major points that motivates administrations to act in a socially responsible manner; in my opinion, social responsibility, understood as ethical responsibility based on virtue ethics may lead management to excellence.
Co-Opetition Among Palm Oil Exporting Countries to Navigatethe Complexities Dynamic Global Vegetable Oils Market
The global vegetable oils market is characterised by increasing complexity due to evolving environmental regulations, shifting consumer preferences, and intensified competition among exporting countries. This study examines the phenomenon of co-opetition among palm oil exporting nations as a strategic response to these challenges. The research aims to analyse how these countries balance cooperation and competition to sustain market positions and address regulatory and market uncertainties. This qualitative study employs a comprehensive literature review method, synthesising findings from diverse academic articles, industry reports, and policy documents. Data were collected systematically using academic databases and citation management software to ensure breadth and reliability. The analysis applied thematic coding and content analysis techniques to identify recurring patterns and critical themes related to co-opetition dynamics. Findings reveal that Indonesia and Malaysia dominate the palm oil export market, engaging in both competitive practices and collaborative initiatives such as harmonising sustainability certifications and joint diplomatic efforts. Despite institutional fragmentation and policy divergences, co-opetition enhances resilience by fostering innovation, regulatory adaptation, and collective bargaining power. The study highlights the critical role of strategic alliances in navigating regulatory complexities and market volatility. In conclusion, co-opetition emerges as a vital mechanism enabling palm oil exporters to reconcile national interests with shared sustainability goals and market challenges. Future research should focus on quantitative assessment of co-opetition impacts and the inclusion of emerging exporters to enrich understanding of global vegetable oil trade dynamics.
The Role of Social Motives in Dream Content
The fundamental social motives framework has generated several empirical findings demonstrating the activation of a motivational system that guides conscious (live) cognition and downstream behavior in functional ways. This evolutionary view of motivation describes social cognition as an inner motivational state designed to recognize, analyze, and mobilize behaviour to manage social threats or opportunities during conscious social situations. This paper revisits the role of fundamental social motives during unconscious (remote) cognition. This paper argues that the premise of fundamental motives is worth preserving during dreaming. The connections between social motives and dream content are highlighted. This paper proposes a novice perspective that serves as a generative foundation for future empirical research.
Literature Review: Implications of Early Marriage on HumanDevelopment
Early marriage is a phenomenon that has an impact on various aspects of life which then affects human development. This study aims to conduct a literature review on the implications of early marriage on human development. The method used in this study is the SLR (Systematic Literature Review) method. Data collection was carried out by documenting all literature that met the research inclusion requirements. The literature obtained as many as 25 articles from the Google Scholer database with the help of Harzing’s Publish or Perish application. From this literature study, it was found that the phenomenon of early marriage has implications for the human development index based on health indicators and life expectancy, education, and welfare. Another finding is that women are the most disadvantaged from the impact of early marriage. Things that can be done to deal with the phenomenon and impact of early marriage include formal and non-formal education, strengthening access to health and education services, creating empowerment programs, and strengthening regulations and legal protection.
The Impact of Regional Powers on South Asian Domestic Politics
This paper examines the impact of regional powers on South Asian domestic politics, a region characterized by rapid economic growth and persistent geopolitical instability. It highlights the critical need for a nuanced understanding of internal political dynamics within neighboring states, arguing that past oversights are unsustainable in today’s globalized information environment. The study is significant for moving beyond conventional analyses and critically examining how regional powers influence internal politics and stability, particularly regarding arms control behavior. Employing a qualitative, case study approach, the paper analyzes specific instances, such as the 2014 Maldivian abductions and the 2021 fall of the Afghan regime, focusing on the impact of regional actors, including India and China. Findings suggest practical regional cooperation hinges on nation-state actors reassessing political and material risks. The conclusion highlights the importance of enhancing regional connectivity through increased trade, cultural initiatives, and people-to-people interactions to promote security and welfare, while acknowledging the vulnerability of democracy to external pressures.
Socioeconomic Diagnosis a Tool for Strategic Planning of PublicAuthority Actions
This paper proposes the use of Socioeconomic Diagnosis as a tool for the elaboration of the Multi-Year Planning of public management. The research methodology used was descriptive and applied with a qualitative approach. The research instruments involved were field research and document analysis. During the document analysis, it was identified that the form of planning popularly used in the Municipality of Matelândia is built based only on meetings, held mandatorily and randomly in communities in the municipalities, resulting from the “Inherited State”, remnants of times gone by. The results of the research highlighted the need to migrate to the “Necessary State”, with the intention of not only resolving existing demands, but also creating new demands and opportunities. To this end, planning with the use of concrete data becomes essential, and based on the case of the Municipality of Matelândia, it is proposed to use the tool to obtain these data, which is the Socioeconomic Diagnosis.
The Relationship between Criminology and Auxiliary CriminalSciences
This paper examines the relationship between criminology and its auxiliary criminal sciences, specifically focusing on forensic psychiatry, forensic medicine, forensic criminal investigation, and criminal policy science. The objective is to explore how these interdisciplinary connections contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and effective justice practices. Forensic psychiatry provides insights into offenders’ mental health, aiding in assessments for sentencing and rehabilitation. Forensic medicine offers biological evidence critical to understanding violent crime, while forensic criminal investigation supplies empirical data through evidence collection and crime scene analysis, enriching criminological research. Criminal policy science translates criminological findings into actionable policies, promoting crime prevention and public safety. Together, these fields enhance the precision and impact of criminology, enabling a multifaceted approach that addresses the psychological, biological, social, and policy related dimensions of crime. This interdisciplinary framework supports criminal justice systems in making informed, evidence based decisions, fostering a more adaptive and responsive approach to crime prevention, investigation, and rehabilitation. By highlighting the value of integrating criminology with auxiliary sciences, the paper underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to advance the effectiveness and fairness of the criminal justice system.
The Identity of Criminology and Its Applications in Palestinian Correctional and Rehabilitation Centers: Between Reality andAspiration
The purpose of this study was to investigate the definition of criminology and its applications in Palestinian prison and rehabilitation institutions using a quantitative methodology. Out of the 591 total study population, which included every employee working in these centers, 175 workers were selected at random. The study examined how staff members’ understanding of criminology concepts, the accessibility of training programs, and the incorporation of criminology into reform activities affected these centers’ overall performance. The results showed a significant positive link between staff members’ criminology expertise and their ability to interact with inmates and assist in their rehabilitation. Additionally, by ensuring that employees had access to the most recent knowledge, the availability of criminology training programs was crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of daily operations. The greatest effect was shown when criminology was included to reform initiatives, highlighting the need of aligning institutional policies with criminology principles to enhance rehabilitation results and reduce recidivism. The study concluded that increasing staff understanding, providing more opportunities for training, and integrating criminology into reform programs are essential steps toward improving the effectiveness of Palestinian jails and rehabilitation centers.
The Enduring Impact of Diversity Leadership Training on Educational Equity: A Decade of Insights
This research article examines the long-term impact of diversity leadership training on educational equity, drawing on the findings of Dr. Berdine Gordon- Littréan’s 2014 action research study. The study, conducted within a diverse educational setting, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, reflective practice, and specific leadership skills in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A decade later, these findings continue to influence contemporary DEI initiatives, providing valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and leaders. This article explores the enduring relevance of the study’s methodologies and findings, offering practical recommendations for sustaining and advancing DEI efforts in education.
Ten Reasons Why 2024 Marks an Inflexion Point Upending the Global Order
After World War II, the world had enjoyed a period of relative prosperity and stability. America’s global dominance, military, financial, economic, technological, and ideological, maintained an America-centric “liberal world order”, supported by various US-led global institutions and the mighty dollar. Nevertheless, as pointed out by scholars, the order is “never wholly liberal, truly international, or entirely orderly”.
A Study on Cultural Memes of Silver Ornaments among the SheEthnic Group in Fujian
The silver ornaments of the She nationality in eastern Fujian, as an important carrier of She culture, bear rich historical memories and profound cultural connotations. Based on cultural meme theory, this paper explores the design modeling, craftsmanship, and symbolic significance of She silver ornaments, revealing their crucial role in the cultural inheritance of the She nationality. The animal and plant motifs, geometric patterns, and exquisite casting and engraving techniques of She silver ornaments not only serve as manifestations of artistic expression but also function as mediums for the dissemination of cultural memes. This paper further analyzes the developmental trajectory of She silver ornaments throughout historical evolution, as well as the inheritance challenges and market pressures they face in contemporary society. Through pathways such as family inheritance, master-apprentice transmission, and cultural exchange with external groups, the cultural memes of She silver ornaments have been preserved and innovated. Finally, this paper proposes strategies such as policy support, cultural documentation, talent cultivation, and technological application to promote the protection and development of She silver ornament culture, enabling it to gain new vitality in the modern cultural industry.
A Project on the Civil Service Crisis: The Prevailing Influence ofPolitical Cadres Across Africa
The civil service in many African nations has increasingly become a battleground for political patronage, where meritocracy is overshadowed by the influence of political cadres. This paper examines the growing crisis in public administration caused by the infiltration of political loyalists into key bureaucratic positions, often at the expense of professionalism, efficiency, and accountability. Using a continent-wide perspective, with case studies from various African nations, this study explores the historical roots, structural weaknesses, and political motivations behind this trend. The analysis highlights the implications of political cadre dominance on governance, service delivery, and economic development, while also considering potential reforms to restore integrity in civil service institutions. The findings underscore the urgent need for depoliticization, strengthened institutional frameworks, and merit-based recruitment to enhance governance and public sector performance across Africa.
Bridging the Gap - The Role of Palm Oil in Shaping Global Tradeand International Relations: A Review
Palm oil plays a pivotal role in global trade as one of the most widely consumed vegetable oils, contributing significantly to the economies of major producers like Indonesia and Malaysia. Accounting for approximately 85% of global supply, it has become essential in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels. However, its influence extends beyond economics, shaping international relations and sparking debates on sustainability. This review explores the multifaceted role of palm oil in global trade and international relations. Economically, palm oil drives export revenues and rural development while fostering competitive dynamics between producing nations. Politically, it has become a contentious issue in trade policies, particularly with the European Union’s stringent environmental regulations, which have led to geopolitical tensions with Southeast Asian nations. Sustainability challenges further complicate its trajectory; while palm oil is highly efficient compared to alternatives, its production is unfairly accused of being linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and social inequities. Efforts such as sustainability certifications (e.g., RSPO) and zero-deforestation commitments aim to mitigate these impacts but face implementation hurdles. The review concludes that balancing economic benefits with environmental and social responsibilities is critical. Policymakers must prioritize sustainable practices through robust governance frameworks and equitable support for smallholders. Future research should focus on innovative solutions to enhance productivity by expanding plantations more sustainably, mechanisms for resolving trade disputes, and strategies for aligning global sustainability standards. By addressing these areas, palm oil can evolve into a model of sustainable development while maintaining its central role in global trade and diplomacy.
Beyond Geopolitics: Ideational Drivers of the Russia-UkraineConflict
This article examines the ideational dimensions of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, such as the symbolic character of Crimea, Russian strategic culture, nationalism and identity, propaganda, and the function of misconceptions and illusions in shaping opinion and action. Although material and geopolitical factors are no doubt significant in the conflict, the ideational dimensions provide us with vital insight into the motivations of Russia’s assertive policies towards Ukraine. The symbolic meaning of Crimea in the Russian identity, its strategic culture, and the influence of state-sponsored narratives’ and propaganda are analyzed in considerable detail. In addition, the article analyzes the misperceptions and illusions which create and perpetuate the conflict, which propel both the Russian policymakers and public opinion. By synthesizing these ideational variables with the broader geopolitical context, the article offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that led to and sustain the war.
Attempts at Westernization in Latin America: Between Ways ofBeing and Information on Civic Morality
The paper focuses on the positions towards and investments in Westernization in Latin America and more specifically discusses the positions and logics of action regarding the import and adaptation of cultural and institutional models from the West. This paper suggests that the effects of attempts to Westernize depend on the multidimensionality of social structures, which implies certain historical and cultural conditions. Here, it is political capitalism that is inscribed in specific social structures, and investments in Westernization affects the most explicit and codified social dimensions. The empirical focus of this paper is on the relations between bonds of reciprocity and institutional rules, as well as the attempts to adapt them to those of Western capitalism. After an initial section about these relationships in Western capitalism some of their elements are highlighted. The main positions originating in Latin America regarding this issue are explained, which is followed by an exploration of the positions of investments in Westernization. These notions are linked to the definition of social capital based on current civic morality. Some basic indicators for this issue are also presented.
Reviewing Timor-Leste’s Obligations under Article 2 and 3 ofthe Timor Sea Treaty 2018 Based on the Principle of Pacta SuntServanda
This research is based on an analysis of the obligations of Timor-Leste under Article 2 and 3 of the Timor Sea Treaty 2018 between them and Australia regarding the establishment of the maritime boundary between the two states in the Timor Sea. This research was made by studying various doctrines and jurisprudence related to the pacta sunt servanda principle as well as reviewing Timor-Leste’s obligation in the Timor Sea Treaty 2018. Based on this research, we concluded that there were a couple of issues regarding the performance of Article 2 and 3 of the Timor Sea Treaty 2018 by Timor-Leste which need to be addressed when Timor-Leste considers their next step regarding maritime boundary negotiations in the Timor Sea.