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Object: Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor originating from the bones, commonly found in children and adolescents, especially in rapidly growing bone areas such as the knees and upper arms. In this study, we aim to delineate the evolution and convergence of research themes in osteosarcoma metabolomics over the past decade, identify major contributors, and forecast emerging trends that could direct future research efforts. Method: The bibliometric method has been applied to systematically analyze the literature in the field of osteosarcoma metabolomics. The relevant literatures were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023. Tools such as CiteSpace, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer were used for the visual analysis of the collected literatures. The focused information includes institutions, journals, countries, authors, keywords, and citations. Result: Various aspects in the field of osteosarcoma metabolism were analyzed. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has published the most papers in the past ten years, followed by Central South University and Zhejiang University. Among the sources, the international journal of molecular sciences publishes the most articles, and oncotarget is the journal with the highest H index. According to Bradford's law, there are 34 core journals identified. A total of 5501 authors participated in the creation of papers in this field. The distribution of authors follows Lotka's Law, and 85.3% of authors have only one article. 46% of the corresponding authors are from China, but most of these corresponding authors are not good at international cooperation. China also has the largest number of publications, followed by the United States. It can be confirmed that China dominates this field. Among the keywords, "expression" is the keyword that has received the most attention in the past ten years. All keywords can be divided into 9 clusters. Based on the explosive words and hot topics each year, we speculate that future research will focus on the tumor microenvironment, molecular mechanisms and autophagy, targeted therapies and inhibitors. Conclusion: In summary, this study comprehensively analyzed the current state of research in the field of osteosarcoma metabolism through bibliometric methods. The findings revealed the development trends and research hotspots in this field, which may provide valuable references for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CDK7 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of malignancy. Therefore, targeting CDK7, which regulates the transcription process, has emerged as a new promising approach for treating cancer. Research on CDK7 inhibitors has significantly increased over the past 2 decades, with almost 600 related papers in the Web of Science Core Collection database. To effectively identify future research hotspots and potential future directions, it is crucial to systematically review and visually present the research on this topic from a comprehensive viewpoint, ensuring scientific reliability. Methods: This study performed bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace and VOSviewer scientometrics analysis software to examine data on the publication of articles on CDK7 inhibitors over the past 2 decades; the data included country of publication, author names, institution names, scientific categories, cited journals, and keywords related to the field of CDK7 inhibitors. Results: This bibliometric analysis included 426 publications from 41 different nations, referencing a total of 15,892 sources. Research associated with CDK7 inhibitors has rapidly expanded since 2016, and the US and China are the two countries with the highest publication output among the countries and institutes that produce literature on CDK7 inhibitors. Furthermore, the US is the country that most frequently engages in international cooperation. The evolution of keywords identifying antitumor strategies related to CDK7-mediated cellular transcription processes has been the research focus in recent years. Conclusion: In this study, we identified research efforts and their evolving patterns and predicted advances in the CDK7 inhibitor field. The knowledge structure of CDK7 inhibitors encompasses pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and cancer treatment strategies. The primary objectives of contemporary research are to discover the processes underlying cancer progression, identify specific signaling pathways, and develop effective clinical medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CDK7 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of malignancy. Therefore, targeting CDK7, which regulates the transcription process, has emerged as a new promising approach for treating cancer. Research on CDK7 inhibitors has significantly increased over the past 2 decades, with almost 600 related papers in the Web of Science Core Collection database. To effectively identify future research hotspots and potential future directions, it is crucial to systematically review and visually present the research on this topic from a comprehensive viewpoint, ensuring scientific reliability. Methods: This study performed bibliometric analysis via CiteSpace and VOSviewer scientometrics analysis software to examine data on the publication of articles on CDK7 inhibitors over the past 2 decades; the data included country of publication, author names, institution names, scientific categories, cited journals, and keywords related to the field of CDK7 inhibitors. Results: This bibliometric analysis included 426 publications from 41 different nations, referencing a total of 15,892 sources. Research associated with CDK7 inhibitors has rapidly expanded since 2016, and the US and China are the two countries with the highest publication output among the countries and institutes that produce literature on CDK7 inhibitors. Furthermore, the US is the country that most frequently engages in international cooperation. The evolution of keywords identifying antitumor strategies related to CDK7-mediated cellular transcription processes has been the research focus in recent years. Conclusion: In this study, we identified research efforts and their evolving patterns and predicted advances in the CDK7 inhibitor field. The knowledge structure of CDK7 inhibitors encompasses pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and cancer treatment strategies. The primary objectives of contemporary research are to discover the processes underlying cancer progression, identify specific signaling pathways, and develop effective clinical medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have theoretically demonstrated that international counter-terrorism cooperation can effectively combat terrorism and maintain regional stability and development. However, due to the limited availability of data, most studies lack empirical analysis. We employ differences-in-differences models to investigate whether the counter-terrorism cooperation actions of Shanghai Cooperation Organization can effectively inhibit the development of terrorism in member countries. We find that after the official launch of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the number of terrorist activities in member countries decreased by 59.8% compared to other Belt and Road countries, and the number of casualties caused by terrorist activities decreased by 42.7%. Mechanism tests show that the breeding ground for terrorism can be eradicated by improving political governance and promoting economic development in member countries. In the context of counter-terrorism, apart from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union contribute to the reduction of terrorist attacks among their member states. We believe that by seeking international counter-terrorism cooperation based on common security interests, and actively utilizing a flexible and diverse range of counter-terrorism measures, we can curb the development of terrorism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beginning in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic limited onsite international activities and challenged us to plan and implement new ways of collaboration. We reviewed our online trials during a three-year period to better understand how to use digital technologies to continue knowledge and skills transfer. In this cross-national case study, we compare two illustrative cases: Japanese experts training Indonesian health professionals for participatory school health education, and Swiss experts training Malagasy health providers for respectful obstetric and newborn emergencies. We first describe our cases, referring to Vargo's framework for summarizing reports on digital technology usage. Second, we draw commonalities between the two cases. Third, gleaned from these experiences during the pandemic, we offer a practical framework for efficient and effective international collaboration using new technologies. For both cases, basic digital technologies, such as online meetings and e-mailing, were used and training sessions were successfully conducted. Trusting relationships between the training and participant groups were in place before the pandemic. This led to enthusiasm for continuing learning even after the pandemic started. Our case comparison presents the usefulness of digital technologies for continuing international collaboration and highlights the importance of human factors, such as trusting relationships and enthusiasm to pursue a shared goal, as the basic condition for success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Understanding the wildlife trade is crucial for effective conservation and policy development, particularly in South Africa, where native species face exploitation as exotic pets and wildlife products. The trade, influenced by socioeconomic factors, presents challenges in balancing conservation with local livelihoods. Our study highlights the gaps in current regulations, especially for non-CITES-listed species, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive data collection, stricter legal frameworks, and community involvement to protect vulnerable species while supporting sustainable practices. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to prevent the overexploitation of species by controlling their trade. However, there is currently no international regulatory framework to protect the trade of non-CITES species. We examined the LEMIS database, online trade, and scientific literature with the aim of identifying and compiling a list of South African native species traded as pets and wildlife products. We found that there are 223 non-CITES species traded as wildlife products and 95 species traded as pets. Mammals and birds were the most traded taxa for wildlife products, while reptiles and amphibians were mostly traded as pets. At the least, species traded as wildlife products and pets are currently not facing extinction, as most are categorized as Least Concern. However, some endemic species have an unknown population size, with Sclerophrys pantherina and Neamblysomus gunningi being Endangered. The international pet trade involves 10 countries, with the USA, the Czech Republic, and the UK being the largest importers. The trade of species as wildlife products involves 20 countries, with the USA being the major importer. This study emphasizes the necessity of strict regulations and international cooperation to control the wildlife trade effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the proposal of the "Belt and Road" initiative (BRI) in 2013, China's renewable energy investments in the countries along the route have shown rapid growth and diversification. These investments have shifted from initial product exports and engineering contracts to deeper equity investments and financing cooperation. They not only promote a global energy structure transformation towards green and low-carbon development but also bring significant economic growth and social progress to the participating countries. This study aims to systematically review the research status and trends of renewable energy investments in "Belt and Road" countries through comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Utilizing the Web of Science database and VOS viewer 1.6.17 software for visualization, this research reveals the publication trends, high-impact articles, institutional collaborations, and author networks in this field. Additionally, through keyword co-occurrence network analysis, three core research themes are identified: investment motivations, synergy effects, renewable energy consumption, and international cooperation. This systematic bibliometric analysis not only outlines the current research landscape but also provides important insights for identifying emerging research directions, thereby supporting more in-depth investigations into renewable energy investments within the "Belt and Road" initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the history of the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG), an organization formally established in 1989, but with the foundations laid at the First International Conference on Geomorphology in Manchester in 1985. It recreates the spirit of the 1980s, when the need for more efficient international cooperation on an equal basis was argued for, and outlines steps which led to its setting up. The model of operation of the IAG is presented, emphasizing membership by countries, followed by milestone institutional developments, listing of IAG officers and its Honorary Fellows. Key IAG activities are conferences, projects run by working groups, training and support programmes for early career geomorphologists, and publications. A summary of major achievements and challenges for the future concludes the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Considering the critical role of higher education institutions in the advancement of the 2030 Agenda, this paper aims to analyse the incorporation of the gender perspective (Sustainable Development Goal 5) in the University Cooperation for International Development. Design/methodology/approach: Following a qualitative methodological strategy, this paper identifies the potentialities and challenges of this perspective from the point of view of the technical staff of the cooperation units of seven Spanish universities. Findings: Results show a strong intention to incorporate gender principles, in accordance with the SDGs framework. However, the findings also point to certain divergences in the forms of understanding and implementing gender equality in practice. Finally, this paper uncovers a variety of strategies to navigate the resistances, still existing in the university community. Originality/value: Spain is orienting the legal framework of its cooperation and international relations towards the ambitious horizon of a feminist foreign policy. Universities are key actors in international development cooperation and the implementation of the SDGs. This is an issue that has received little research attention, particularly from a gender perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International organizations (IOs) are rapidly reorienting around climate change, despite powerful principal states having divergent preferences on the issue. When and why do IOs prioritize climate change? We argue that they do so as a result of an endogenous process of staff learning and rotation. IO staff surveil and implement programs in target states. When working in climate‐vulnerable countries, they come to see climate change as an issue warranting aggressive action. As these staff are rotated and promoted, interest in climate diffuses outwards and upwards through the institution. To test this theory, we introduce original data tracking the International Monetary Fund's attention to climate change and the career paths of key staff. We complement this with interviews of International Monetary Fund personnel. We find support for our theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on contemporary debates on legitimacy and contestation in international relations, the article offers a novel analytical framework to study processes of legitimation and delegitimation of international sanctions. We apply the framework to analyse foreign policymakers' evaluations of the legitimacy of the sanctions imposed by states and international organisations against Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela. The content analysis of evaluative statements shows that (de)legitimation processes focus mostly on who has the right to enforce sanctions and reveals differentiated legitimacy evaluations of multilateral versus unilateral enforcers, as well as of different types of international organisations. Sanctions imposed by multilateral senders and with a restricted impact on targeted individuals are evaluated as more legitimate than unilateral sanctions with a wider scope. We argue that the study of the (de)legitimation of sanctions may have important implications not only for enhancing compliance, but especially for transforming international sanctions into a legitimate mechanism of global governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While previous literature on international innovation ecosystems (IIEs) construction focuses on the leading role of high-tech corporations, the intermediaries which were thought of as playing auxiliary and supporting roles have long been ignored. This study intends to fill this gap by exploring how an intermediary organisation initiates and constructs an IIE as a focal actor from the perspective of social capital. Combining a longitudinal case study and grounded theory, we investigate the construction process of the China–Israel innovation ecosystem established by Infinity Group (IG), an Israeli private equity firm with a base in China that acts as a leading role in connecting innovation cooperation between the two countries. Our findings show that structural capital acts as a fundamental element from the emergence of the ecosystem to its mature stage. Specifically, this study suggests that culture embeddedness influences the diffusion of trust, and trust further leads the network change to a small-world structure, during which intermediaries can act as leading actors to overcome the challenges during the IIE building process. Our study enriches the literature on international innovation ecosystem and provides some practical implications for the construction of intermediary-oriented IIEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central puzzle of international relations research is understanding how groups of cooperative states form. While in theory cooperative groups of states can be made up of states with diverse domestic organizations, in practice, groups of cooperative states tend to have similar domestic characteristics. In this regard, the current state of knowledge on international cooperation is lacking. I fill this research gap by analyzing how network relations simultaneously affect the domestic organization of and conflict among states. Specifically, I argue that frequent interactions and dynamic network formation help states signal their preferences, interests, and capabilities. This information helps spread the political institutions of more powerful states, while alleviating information and coordination problems within groups of states. Over time, this creates cooperative communities or politically homophilous groups of states that are more internally cooperative. When these processes are jointly considered, shared institutional characteristics have a null effect on interstate conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the challenges faced by researchers in collaborating across national borders due to growing geopolitical tensions. It specifically focuses on strategic areas such as microelectronics and quantum computing. The responses of major science nations, including the US and Europe, to China's rise as a global science node are also discussed. The article emphasizes the need for a global dialogue and responsible research practices that balance research security, academic freedom, and institutional autonomy. Ongoing efforts by international research funders to develop a code of conduct for responsible practices in international research collaborations are highlighted. The author suggests that by adhering to these proposals, the research community can contribute to a more inclusive and accessible global science system. [Extracted from the article]

International cooperation occurs after long periods of negotiation, but not every negotiation ends in cooperation outcomes. To date, International Political Economy (IPE) literature has not fully explored these negotiation variations. I suggest that researchers take a process-centered approach to better understand (non-)cooperation rather than look only at the cooperation outcomes. A process-centered approach enables researchers to examine the determinants of the negotiation process and alternative outcomes. This approach also helps uncover how the process may change domestic and international politics. I use trade negotiations to demonstrate negotiation variations and draw on relevant literature to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of process-centered and outcome-centered approaches. Relevant lessons from trade negotiations may shed light on other bargaining processes that bring about (non-)cooperation. While opening the black box of negotiations can be challenging, a process-centered approach advances our knowledge of international cooperation and bridges the gap between IPE research and the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past three decades, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has gained considerable attention in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an increasing number of publications. It is crucial to reveal the global status, research hotspots and future research trends of ER stress in HCC. The aim of this study is to analyze the publications related to ER stress in HCC through bibliometric analysis in order to better understand the current status of ER stress research in HCC and to identify potential new research directions. Methods: In this study, articles and reviews on ER stress in HCC up to December 31, 2023 were searched and downloaded from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), Pubmed, Scopus and Embase databases. Using CiteSpace 6.2.R6, VOSviewer 1.6.19, Scimago Graphica and Microsoft Office Excel 2019, the knowledge networks of a variety of countries, regions, authors, references, keywords and journals were analyzed. Results: A total of 1239 publications were retrieved, including 843 articles and 396 review articles. The number of global publications is increasing every year, with the majority of publications coming from China and the USA. Ih-Jen Su, Wenya Huang and Wei Wei are the top 3 prolific authors. "Progression", "inflammation", "cell cycle arrest", "metabolism", "snsignaling pathways", "pathogenesis" and "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" have emerged as research hotspots in recent years. The journal with the greatest co-citation is Hepatology. Conclusions: Based on current global trends, the total number of publications on ER stress in HCC research will continue to increase, but there is a need for more cooperation between authors and countries/regions. ER stress in HCC will continue to be a research priority. Conclusions: Based on current global trends, the total number of publications on ER stress in HCC research will continue to increase, but there is a need for more cooperation between authors and countries/regions. ER stress in HCC will continue to be a research priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mounting geopolitical tensions and rivalries between the world's major economies transform the goals and instruments of domestic and external policies. Industrial strategies of leading global powers call for technological decoupling, strategic autonomy, and the de-risking of dependencies in critical value chains. Economic interdependencies become a liability and de-globalisation tendencies come to the fore. The energy sector is not exempted from these trends, leading even to the weaponisation of energy in some cases. In that vein, this article explores the character and directions of EU international energy engagement through the geoeconomic lens. Taking inspiration from literature on energy security and the geopolitics of energy transition, the article theorises the concept of de-risking in energy to investigate how the EU is positioning itself as a power while ensuring security and competitiveness. Looking at three illustrative examples of the energy transition--supply of natural gas, access to energy-critical minerals, and international hydrogen markets-the article shows that EU de-risking means not only diversifying suppliers but, most notably, constructing new economic, sustainable, and potentially long-lasting international relations. As a result, despite the deep geopoliticisation of energy and the new global "disorder," the EU's de-risking has the potential to reshape international relations by forging new partnerships or reconfiguring existing ones, thus establishing a new economic order driven by clean energy while offering new economic opportunities to create local value chains and decarbonise economies in third countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal for Scientific Publishing is the property of Research & Development of Human Recourses Center (REMAH) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Journal for Scientific Publishing is the property of Research & Development of Human Recourses Center (REMAH) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The United States has emerged as a prominent actor in the international fight against transnational terrorism in the Sahel region of Africa since 2002, exerting significant political influence on regional affairs. Under the leadership of the United States, a coalition of Sahel countries has collaboratively established security programs, notably including the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). However, the U.S. counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel region has not only proven ineffective in containing the deterioration of regional security, but also has exacerbated the vulnerability to coups in recipient countries. The observed deterioration can be attributed to various driving factors, such as deviations in the willingness and ability to involve and the security traffic jam. We contend that the U.S.-Sahel counterterrorism partnership is fundamentally misaligned and plagued by a securitization problem. Firstly, a significant impediment to international cooperation lies in the United States' pursuit of consolidating its dominant role in Sahel security affairs, which usually overlooks the pragmatic principle of 'African solutions to African problems'. In the counterterrorism process, there is a misalignment between U.S. national interests and those of Sahel states. Furthermore, the United States' extensive reliance on military strategies indicates a significant securitization of non-violent civil affairs in certain Sahel states, inadvertently creating an opportunity for genuine terrorist organizations to recruit members. In addition, U.S. interference in the internal affairs of Sahel states heightens the risk of coups, thereby undermining the legitimacy of U.S. leadership in the region. Currently, with both the withdrawal of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and France withdrawing their security forces from the Sahel region, there has a significant weakening effect on regional security capabilities. Therefore, it is imperative for the international community to collaborate with African nations and adopt more proactive measures to safeguard regional security and maintain order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studies in Conservation is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

For developing countries endowed with mineral resources, mineral resource development is often considered a short-term growth strategy compared to other industries. However, the exploration and economically viable extraction of mineral resources require substantial funds and advanced technology. Given the inability of developing countries to cover these costs independently, the involvement of foreign companies becomes crucial. Nevertheless, there are numerous challenges that must be addressed for foreign companies to enter the market, including the absence of legal and enforcement systems, inadequate infrastructure, and various risks. Moreover, even if foreign companies successfully enter the market, developing countries confront issues such as effective management of mining revenues and development investments, preparations for resource depletion, environmental and safety measures, and strategies for mine closures. To ensure the sustainable development of developing countries through the exploration and utilization of mineral resources, it is imperative to address a broad spectrum of issues, spanning from the establishment of robust legal systems to the implementation of comprehensive environmental measures. In this regard, support from developed countries is crucial. Japan boasts considerable expertise in the mining sector, and if the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), tasked with aiding resource-rich developing nations, leverages Japan's knowledge to assist in the mining and economic development of these countries, it could pave the way for a sustainable and stable supply of mineral resources to the international market. This endeavor would also hold great significance for the revitalization of the domestic mining sector and the growth of other industries in Japan. For this reason, JICA initiated a project named "Shigen-no-Kizuna" = "Bond in Mineral Resource Field" (Human Resources Development Program in the Mining Sector) in fiscal year 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine and analyze law politics related to the execution of bankruptcy decisions against debtor assets abroad. The research method used is normative legal research with a qualitative descriptive analysis method approach, based on comparative law, with prescriptive analytical specifications. The research findings conclude that sovereignty is interpreted as the responsibility to improve and protect all national and international community interests, manifested in the form of the state's ability to interact and establish relations with countries in the world, as well as cooperate and coordinate bilaterally, multilaterally and in international organizations. The provisions on international bankruptcy in Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 37 of 2004 concerning Bankruptcy and Suspension of Debt Payment Obligations or Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 37 Tahun 2004 tentang Kepailitan dan Penundaan Kewajiban Pembayaran Utang (Bankruptcy Law) are similar to the Dutch Bankruptcy Law, there are no comprehensive regulations related to international bankruptcy. To ensure legal certainty, a legal policy is needed in the form of changes and updates to the Bankruptcy Law by adding articles to apply the principles of international bankruptcy in the Model Law, namely the Principle of Access, the Principle of Recognition, the Principle of Assistance and the Principle of Cooperation and Coordination, as applied in the US Bankruptcy Code Chapter 15. Article 299 of the Bankruptcy Law also needs to be amended so that the procedural law applied is the special procedural law for international bankruptcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on classical realism, the article investigates whether the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), just like the other subregional projects that Romania took part in since joining NATO in 2004, has been part of Romania's external balancing towards Russia. In contrast to the 1990s, when the Black Sea area had not been mentioned in Romania's strategic documents, Bucharest came up with a grand principle (the internationalisation of the Black Sea area) and a grand behaviour (external balancing) once it joined NATO. Considering that the Black Sea area has played a central role in all major strategic documents issued by Romania since 2005, one could draw the conclusion that, at least formally, Romania has devised a grand strategy for the region. The article examines whether 3SI, with its apparent emphasis on desecuritisation, marks a turn in Romania's grand behaviour in the region, as Bucharest's previous subregional initiatives have been guided by securitised multilateralism. By bringing into analysis the main differences among 3SI and Romania's prior strategic initiatives in the area, i.e. the Black Sea Forum for Dialogue and Partnership, Black Sea Synergy, Black Sea Flotilla and Bucharest 9, the article pays heed to the question of change and continuity in Romania's grand behaviour in the Black Sea area. The article concludes that 3SI is in line with securitised multilateralism, which is the common denominator of all Romania's subregional projects in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research highlights the crucial role of design in tracing cultural transformation and its implications for national identity, particularly in the context of Indonesia-China bilateral relations. Design, as a reflection of culture, embodies the values, beliefs, and aesthetics of a nation. The objectives of this research are to (1) explore the role of design in cultural transformation, (2) analyze the influence of bilateral relations on design, (3) assess national identity in design, (4) identify design innovations for cultural diplomacy, and (5) investigate cultural dissemination through design. This study employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through literature review, document analysis, and in-depth interviews with design experts, cultural scholars, and government officials from Indonesia and China. The results reveal that bilateral relations between Indonesia and China have led to significant cultural transformations in design. Cultural exchange and design collaboration have produced innovative works that incorporate elements from both countries. This transformation has influenced the national identities of both countries by strengthening the sense of unity, increasing tolerance and intercultural understanding, and creating new opportunities for cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation. The conclusion of this research is that design is not only a tool to reflect culture but also a bridge to strengthen cooperation and understanding between cultures. In the context of Indonesia-China relations, design holds great potential to build a more harmonious and inclusive future for both nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of World Affairs is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Stockholm Declaration and the London Convention/Protocol continue to shape multilateralism in marine environmental law. They guide international law-making and judicial processes including the recent International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and International Law. They also inspire the World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute and its work on areas beyond national jurisdiction, plastic pollution, gender equality for the Decade of Ocean Science, the World Ocean Assessment, sea level rise, capacity-building in the Eastern Caribbean, and the Future Ocean Programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to capture a facet of US – Baltic relations that for the most part has played out behind the public curtain. As such, the following chronicles key twists and turns, achievements and failures in American – Baltic intelligence relations. A substantial body of scholarship has already examined cultural, diplomatic, and security ties between these actors. The same cannot be said about intelligence bonds. This article attempts to redress this neglect in the literature. It argues that the Baltics, with their well-honed sense of Russian political affairs, have become valuable sources of intelligence for their key ally across the Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This summary discusses two books, "Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives" by Stephen Roach and "The United States vs. China: The Quest for Global Economic Leadership" by C. Fred Bergsten, which provide insights into the dynamics of the US-China relationship and its impact on global governance. The books examine economic ties, cultural and political differences, and propose solutions for balancing competition and collaboration. They emphasize the importance of understanding diverse perspectives for achieving global stability. [Extracted from the article]

This research evaluates an onsite training programme for the security forces in Burkina Faso. This scheme is part of the Rapid Action Groups for Surveillance and Intervention in the Sahel Project; an EU initiative for improving the effectiveness of national security forces in counterterrorism actions and policing the territory and its borders. Considering the short, intensive and residential nature of the programme, we use a before-after study design to determine the scheme's causal effects on participants' marksmanship skills and physical fitness. Our findings suggest that this scheme has a highly positive impact on these dimensions, even though the benefits differ across participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has become a global issue, but no study has examined the discursive construction of resistance to climate change as part of crisis response in the media. To fill this gap, this study employs Wodak's discourse-historical approach to examine 82 news articles collected from China's English-language news media. The analysis reveals three themes used in the construction of a discourse of resistance to climate change: (1) climate change as a global enemy, (2) China as a leading climate change fighter, and (3) other nations as China's allies in the fight. These themes are articulated in the news stories using discursive strategies such as nomination, predication, argumentation, and mitigation. The article sheds light on the language state-run news media uses to project China's image abroad and encourage international collaboration and action in the fight against climate change. It also illustrates how discourse analysis can illuminate the geopolitical and sociocultural dimensions of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Belügyi Szemle / Academic Journal of Internal Affairs is the property of Ministry of Interior of Hungary and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The aim of the article is to present the practical experience of cooperation between Europol, which plays a key role in international criminal cooperation, and Hungary. Methodology: The author collected knowledge about the operation of Europol and its investigative support services by studying the available EU legislation, and by working as the Head of the Hungarian Liaison Bureau at Europol, as well as by carrying out the tasks of the former expert in the cyber-attacks priority and the deputy national EMPACT coordinator. Findings: Europol’s system of cooperation with the Member States and operational and strategic partners provides the law enforcement agencies of the countries concerned with an opportunity that no other agency, institution or organisation can offer. In addition to supporting specific investigations, the institutional system also provides countries with IT, strategic and financial support. Value: The article aims to provide a practical and comprehensive overview of the state of cooperation with Europol, to give a deeper insight into the day-today work of the law enforcement and judicial authorities and to provide the interested reader with contextualised insights into the steps and processes involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with a global emissions problem such as climate change, we know that if countries' emissions decisions are made in an independent and self-interested fashion the outcome can be very far from optimal. One proposed solution is to have countries enter international environmental agreements (IEAs) whereby individual countries' emissions decisions are taken in the interests of all the participating countries and so reflect a degree of altruism. However, if the decision to co-operate is made in a self-interested fashion the standard non-cooperative model of IEAs yields the pessimistic conclusion that the more serious the environmental problem the smaller will be the equilibrium membership of an IEA. Our paper examines the implications for emissions, IEA membership and welfare of assuming that countries make both emissions and IEA membership decisions in the alternative moral fashion of acting as imperfect Kantians as defined by Alger and Weibull (Econometrica 81:2269–2302, 2013). We show that (i) the first-best can be achieved when countries either act as Perfect Kantians or by fully cooperating; (ii) in a more imperfect setting, these two forms of moral behaviour are complementary approaches to improving welfare outcomes in the sense that the greater the weights on Kantian behaviour the larger is the equilibrium coalition; (iii) the weights on Kantian behaviour that will induce full cooperation and hence the first-best are significantly less than 1; (iv) for given Kantian weights, our model generates higher equilibrium IEA membership, lower emissions and higher welfare than in the related paper by Eichner and Pethig (International environmental agreements when countries behave morally) which, we argue, does not fully capture the benefits of membership decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article is to analyze the process of institutionalization of Intellectual Property (IP) in the Pacific Alliance (PA) from its origin in 2011 to 2020. This organization is made up of four countries: Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru. The theoretical foundation is located in the theory of neo-institutionalism, which grounds the analysis of isomorphism and institutional immersion regarding international agreements and political factions within the economic bloc. The question of this work is: What kinds of isomorphism and institutional immersion prevail in the IP documents assumed by the countries of the PA from 2011 to 2020? Two groups of documents were analyzed: the first group is made up of the documents that constitute the regulatory framework of IP in the international context, and the second group is made up of the documents that have been approved by the PA in this field. In the international context, seventeen treaties on intellectual property are analyzed under the scheme of the three types of isomorphism: coercive, mimetic and normative. Since its foundation, the PA has signed 27 documents related to intellectual property, which are distributed in the three types of isomorphism, where eight belong to the mimetic, seven coercive, ten normative and two mimetic and normative. Another concept that is analyzed is that of institutional immersion; under this scheme, seventeen documents signed by the Pacific Alliance are reviewed, where thirteen seek to promote cooperation, and five are mandated. It was found that mimicry maintains a strong influence in international intellectual property agreements; this is the result of institutional weakness; weak institutions seek to imitate the most successful ones, but it is also a consequence of tendencies to promote international cooperation. The continuation of this work should be aimed at explaining the influence of the institutionalization of intellectual property on the innovation indicators of the PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article elaborates dialogue as one of the most important tools of faith-based diplomacy from the Catholic perspective, as presented by some post-conciliar popes. In the first part, after presenting the state of the art, some characteristics of dialogue are briefly outlined. Subsequently, its "ideal type" fulfilling some basic preconditions is introduced. The third part sheds some light on the levels of dialogue in public and multilateral diplomacy, explaining the ways dialogue promotion works in diplomacy. The final part presents some outcomes of dialogue in diplomacy and international politics in general. The content analysis applied in the article is based on various statements of the popes delivered in their speeches, addresses, homilies, letters, exhortations, and encyclicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has drawn attention to states' backlash against international organizations (IOs), including whether member state withdrawals affect the longevity of IOs. We therefore ask when do member state withdrawals lead to the death of IOs? We are skeptical of a general link between withdrawal and IO death because on average, any one member is not critical for the survival of an IO. Also, withdrawal is often driven by one member state's preferences diverging from remaining members; these remaining states may band together after withdrawal, ensuring or even enhancing the longevity of the IO. Even withdrawal by several states may not contribute to IO death because a smaller group of remaining members may better overcome collective action challenges. Nonetheless, exit by an important member may affect IO survival by removing resources, market power, and guidance. We test these arguments using survival models on an original dataset of withdrawals across 532 IOs from 1909 to 2014/2020 and illustrate the dynamics with case vignettes. The results support our arguments: withdrawals in general do not lead to IO death but the withdrawal of founding members can speed IO death. Interestingly, withdrawal by economically powerful states seems to facilitate IO survival (often through reform and/or re-entry). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the lifecycle of IOs as well as to the resilience and vulnerabilities of international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some states assist other countries to reach across national borders and repress their diaspora, while others do not? Transnational repression involves host countries (including democracies) working closely with origin states (typically autocracies) to transfer their citizens living abroad into their custody and silence dissent. We expect international cooperation on transnational repression to rely on a host country's domestic rule of law (opportunity to repress) and economic ties with the origin country (leverage to cooperate). To measure international cooperation on transnational repression, we present new data containing 608 direct physical cases of transnational repression from 2014 to 2020 involving 160 unique country dyads (79 host countries and 31 origin countries). We test our hypotheses using a dataset of 33,615 directed dyad-years that accounts for refugee flows between pairs of countries and find empirical support for our theoretical argument. Autocracies are better able to elicit cooperation on human rights violations from states that have shared economic interests and a weak rule of law. Our findings provide one of the first quantitative accounts of foreign complicity in extraterritorial repression and have policy implications for civil society activists that seek to prevent governments from committing future human rights abuses against foreign nationals living abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some international agreements yield more cooperation than others? I argue that the network context of agreements conditions their effectiveness. I focus on bilateral defense cooperation agreements (DCAs), which promote defense activities like joint military exercises, peacekeeping, arms trade, and the sharing of classified information. Because DCAs emphasize ongoing cooperative actions, they offer an ideal setting to assess treaty effectiveness. The analysis shows that when agreements are embedded in transitive "friend of friend" relations, characterized by extensive ties to common third parties, they generate higher levels of cooperation. I argue that this network effect is the result of policy convergence. When states share ties with common third parties, their own policies become more closely aligned, and this alignment in turn reduces the costs and increases the benefits of cooperative actions. The theory and findings developed here apply to a wide array of cooperative interactions across multiple issue areas. The effectiveness of international agreements depends on network context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to add to theoretical understanding of how cooperation in science and technology can contribute to achieving a nation-state's foreign policy goals, and to suggest an explanatory framework for existing practices involving Russian-South Korean cooperation in science and technology, specifically space cooperation. The basic approaches of this article are theoretical, methodological, and empirical. International cooperation is based on a realist-constructivist theoretical approach, a science diplomacy concept, and a constructed heuristic model that helps improve our understanding of the role and implications of international cooperation in inter-state relations. The heuristic model for cooperation includes a toolbox of conceptualisation, operationalisation, and effects. This model is designed to contrast, compare, and analyse examples of Russian-Korean space cooperation, and to explain its successes and failures. The proposed heuristic model will help the academic and policy-making community open up to a wider implementation of international cooperation in science and technology for inter-state relations, and can also be applied to other types of international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment affects millions globally across all economic levels. Despite its prevalence, comparative research and internationally comparable data are limited due to varied definitions, methodologies, and reporting systems. This narrative review aims to compare child maltreatment trends in the U.S. and Japan, highlighting the roles of sociocultural factors. Through a literature review and analysis of national data since 1990, the study estimates maltreatment and fatality rates in both countries. Findings suggest an increase in Japan's reported maltreatment cases, likely attributable to legislative changes and heightened public awareness, while the U.S. appears to show a decline, potentially linked to improved mental health services and socioeconomic advancements. In both nations, mothers are predominantly identified as perpetrators, with sociocultural factors influencing maltreatment types and rates. Japan faces challenges in accurately measuring maltreatment due to reporting inconsistencies and mental health stigma. Despite a higher victimization rate, Japan reports significantly fewer fatalities than the U.S., with the fatality rate in the U.S. being approximately 9 times higher than in Japan. This contrast underscores the critical role of healthcare access and mental health support. The review advocates for international efforts to standardize maltreatment definitions and reporting, suggesting the adoption of trauma-informed care and comprehensive healthcare access as effective strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The system-forming element of national security is food security, which guarantees effective management of the food system, ensuring the food needs of the appropriate quantity and quality of each country's citizen. Despite the significant potential of the agricultural sector, which forms the basis of food security, the need to analyse the state of food security in the current situation is due to military operations on the territory of Ukraine, which led to its negative global results. In this regard, the need to develop effective strategies and legal regulation is essential to ensure national and global food security, which in turn requires coordination of efforts of all countries and international organisations through international cooperation. The study aims to establish a pattern regarding the current state of food security by analysing the impact of availability, access, usefulness and stability of food supply on food security. Research methods: comparative analysis; taxonomic analysis; systematisation, generalisation. The survey found that Ukraine's position in the Global Food Security Index (FSI) among 113 countries in 2022 worsened by 13 points, where the worst indicators for domestic food security are sustainability and adaptability (43.5 points out of 100 and 94th place globally) and economic affordability of food (48.1 points out of 100 and 93rd place in the world). It was found that the actual consumption of vegetables, melons, potatoes, and oil in 2021 was slightly higher than the rational norm, indicating sufficient consumption of these products, while the actual consumption of products that are lower than the rational norm includes meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, fish and fish products, and fruits, berries, and grapes. It has been determined that since 2016, the number of kilocalories in the daily diet of the population of Ukraine has not reached the minimum norm of consumption of basic foodstuffs for the working population. It has been established that in 2020 and 2021, the value of the taxonomic indicator for assessing the level of food security (I) has been decreasing, i.e. the distance to the reference vector has been increasing, which indicates a decrease in the level of food security. The forecasting results suggest a downward trend in the food security index for the period 2022–2027, and there is an urgent need to take measures to eliminate this trend and improve the value of the index, which is extremely important for the security of the state, especially in times of war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UN-orchestrated Triple Nexus – a multilateral endeavour to provide humanitarian-development-peace responses in fragile and conflict-affected contexts – embodies several features of the emerging trend towards governance through regime complexity. Praised for its multi-actorness inclusivity and cross-policy experimentalism, the Nexus approach has been criticised as an attempt to replicate top-down, neo-liberal templates to govern crises in the peripheries. We analyse the new evidence provided in this Special Issue, connecting it to the debate on the future of multilateral governance, against the decline of the Liberal International Order (LIO). Guarding against naïve expectations of the Nexus as a panacea to bridge cross-policy gaps and bring about inter-agency cooperation amidst increased geopolitical tensions, we discuss its potential to become a venue for an enlarged conversation among traditional and new players. While also compatible with pluralist scenarios, a progressive variety of the Nexus may well emerge in the UN context, between Western and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) players. Their shared understandings of civil and political rights offer a promising avenue to advance some forward-looking Nexus components, supportive of individual and nature-based rights, to govern the increased complexity of the current multiplex order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of rising contestations to the Liberal International Order (LIO), it is crucial to highlight the contribution of the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region to international institutions and global governance, particularly considering its peripheral position in the world order. The Triple Nexus Approach (TPA), adopted in 2016, promotes a coordinated effort in providing humanitarian assistance and aid for development by integrating them with peace endeavours. The LAC region has provided political and conceptual contributions to each TPA component, providing alternative perspectives on multilateral governance in humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding, emphasising the pursuit of collective and context-specific outcomes for crisis prevention. Focusing on the period from the early 21st century to 2019, a time when the Triple Nexus theoretical structuring publications emerged, it is highlighted how contestations to the LIO and the changing world order have impacted global governance norms, creating opportunities for emerging and peripheral countries to shape post-liberal rules. This allows Global South countries to set self-determined development objectives and make a meaningful contribution to global rule-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge is an essential determinant and component of the international development cooperation agenda and projects. Therefore, it is vital to understand and reflect on how knowledge in international development cooperation is created, what knowledge counts, and how it influences the planning, implementation, and outcomes of international development cooperation projects. In this paper, we critically examine the knowledge system of the development cooperation of the Czech Republic, an emerging donor country, by applying system theory and utilizing system properties as an analytical tool. To this end, we carried out a multi-phase qualitative research with actors from the Czech Republic and Zambia. Subsequently, we analysed the knowledge system properties and identified those often overlooked by development actors, such as taboos, mistrust, and development burden, revealing how knowledge flows can be obstructed by these characteristics. In addition, we compiled a set of suitable interventions to tackle the overlooked system properties and foster knowledge cross-fertilisation. These interventions include, among others, active engagement of traditional leaders, active work with narratives of success, and introducing action-reflection-reaction cycle into the development practice. Furthermore, the proposed interventions clearly emphasize the need for more collaborative and transdisciplinary processes. Finally, we discuss that it is essential to uncover deep layers of the international development cooperation knowledge system to shift and leverage it towards more inclusive and just outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]