Journal of Global and Area Studies Vol. 8 No. 4
Table of Contents
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Contents |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
Articles
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Special issue: From “Isomorphic Responsibility” to Governmental Responsibility System: Explaining Grassroots Overburden and Exploring Solutions |
p.1-21 |
| Author |
Zhu Guanglei , Huang Yazhuo |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- “Grassroots overburden” refers to overload of responsibilities and abuse of
accountability in grassroots Party and government organizations, grassroots mass
autonomous organizations, and state-owned enterprises and public institutions. It
primarily includes excessive responsibilities and accountability from the superior Party and government agencies and departments, as well as excessive responsibilities from the general public. Though in different forms, all these overburdens are interrelated and fundamentally caused by the “isomorphic responsibility” system and its consequent problems. Under this system, as to intergovernmental relations, the tension between “downward assignment of tasks” and “hierarchical division of affairs” causes responsibilities being “driven down” and the grassroots’ catch-all role being enhanced. Regarding “tiao-kuai” relations, the tension between “administrative management” and “territorial management” causes power being intercepted across different levels, which exacerbates the imbalance between power and responsibility. With regard to government-society relations, the tension between “government administrative management” and “social self-management” causes grassroots mass autonomous organizations being passively administratized, as well as grassroots responsibilities being consolidated. The intricate link and inherent tension between institutional intention and operational performance are the primary reasons why grassroots bear overburden. In order to effectively address the issue of grassroots overburden, it entails a new approach to institutional design, namely reasonably confirming the responsibilities of Party and government agencies at all levels and grassroots mass autonomous organizations, developing a scientific system of governmental responsibilities, and gradually cultivating harmonious intergovernmental partnerships.
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Special issue: Understanding China’s Governance through the Governance units: A Comparative Perspective |
p.23-44 |
| Author |
Long Yang |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Various countries have established different types, scales, and levels of governance units in their development and governance processes. These units encompass substantive and virtual categories, differing in function, institution, power, finance, and boundary. In China’s development and governance efforts, a comprehensive approach utilizing both types of governance units has been employed to form a governance structure comprising “administrative regions/districts + economic areas/functional zones”. This paper explores how China’s effective application of governance units has contributed to its sustained economic growth and long-term social stability by comparing it with western models. The analysis sheds light on China’s experiences in the utilization of governance units for development and governance.
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Special issue: The Sense of Social Attachment in Changing Urban Communities: Evidence from Chengdu City in China |
p.45-65 |
| Author |
Xiao Qin Tan , Xiao Lin Wu , Yong Mei Li , Yi Yun Xie |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Exploring the influence mechanism of the sense of social attachment (SSA) is a key element for community development and residents’ well-being. Existing studies have not accurately distinguished and measured the internal structural factors, including neighborhood relations, community participation, and satisfaction, that affect the SSA. Data collected from 2654 respondents in three dwelling types of communities in Chengdu, China, was analyzed by constructing a structural equation model. We explored the influence paths of the above factors on the SSA to the community. Accordingly, this research shows that the linear model of the SSA has no significant effect in three types of communities, the systematic model was only fully established in work unit housing communities. The living model of “community satisfaction― neighborhood relations―community participation―the sense of social attachment” we constructed is more universal in explaining the influence of the sense of social attachment, which supplements the internal connection of intermediary variables and provides a new judgment for the SSA.
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Special issue: Using Virtual Flow to Drive Physical Flow: How Small City Leverage Huge Flow: Process-Mechanism Analysis Using Zibo as a Sample |
p.67-87 |
| Author |
Wu Hanbo |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Physical flow is an important resource for city development, while virtual flow provides
a new track different from traditional needs. How can small cities without geographical advantages and rich historical and cultural heritage leverage large flow? Existing research has not yet revealed the black box behind the operation of the internet celebrity city. The paper uses the “process-mechanism” paradigm to perspective the Zibo sample, focusing on the virtual flow changing the link between the government, market, and public, and analyzing the mechanism behind Zibo’s flow effect. Research has shown that developing into a flow city requires three stages, flow absorption, monetization, and precipitation. The benign relationship between the government and the market lays the foundation for the development of flow cities; The interaction between the government, residents, and netizens determines the upper limit of the city’s flow effect. There is always a gradual decline in the city’s online attention, but this does not mean the failure of internet celebrity cities. Ordinary cities should have
a rational view of the decreasing popularity of the city, maintain emotional resonance with the people, achieve continuous flow, and establish a good impression of the city in the public mind as the reserve.
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Location of Commercial Facilities and Regional Development Potential: Comparative Analysis of Facilities in Kyushu, Japan |
p.89-107 |
| Author |
Keita Shiba , Hiroshi Inoue |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This study investigates the impact of the opening of Aeon’s (AEON Co., Ltd) large commercial facilities on land prices. Aeon is a large shopping center with, as of November 2023, 167 stores in Japan and 35 overseas. For this study, we use four municipalities’ prefectural land prices from Japan’s Kyushu region and analyze them using time-series clustering. Since 2000, while Fukutsu and Nogata have opened Aeon malls, Koga and Tagawa have had no newly opened large commercial facilities. In terms of population and geography, Koga and Tagawa are similar to Fukutsu and Nogata, respectively, enabling comparative analysis. This study found that (i) municipalities’ land prices increased after Aeon malls’ were launched, and this impact spread to municipalities in the vicinity. (ii) The land around Aeon malls was newly developed in approximately 10 years, with land prices remaining high. The findings signify significant policy implications because they provide evidence of the broad impact of launching malls, which could motivate local municipalities to attract large-scale commercial facilities. This is particularly true in Japan due to its decline birth rate and accelerating concentration of urban residents.
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A Transition Toward the Electrification of the Thai Automotive Industry |
p.109-122 |
| Author |
Kriengkrai Techakanont , Rogier Busser |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This paper examines the evolving Thai automotive industry, focusing on its transition towards electrification. Since the industry’s liberalization in the 2000s, Thailand has become the largest production and export hub for Japanese carmakers outside Japan, with industrial policy playing a key role in this growth. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) offers Thailand an opportunity to become a leading EV production hub in Southeast Asia. This shift is driven by the Thai government’s efforts to attract investments from both Japanese and Chinese manufacturers. Chinese firms, leveraging Thailand’s industrial infrastructure and introducing their own suppliers, diversify the country’s industrial base and reduce reliance on Japanese investments, heightening competition. Japanese carmakers, rooted in ICE technology, favor HEVs and PHEVs as a gradual step towards full electrification. However, declining battery prices have made EVs cost-competitive with ICE vehicles, strengthening the global position of Chinese manufacturers. Japanese firms continue to lean towards HEVs, balancing innovation with existing supply chain challenges. The competition between Chinese and Japanese car manufacturers is intensifying globally and Thailand is an important production hub where this rivalry is clearly visible. These developments indicate a pivotal period of transition that will shape the future of the Thai automotive industry.
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Asymmetric Impact of Remittances on Financial Development: A NARDL Approach for the Philippines |
p.123-144 |
| Author |
Alexander David Ardianrama , Utai Uprasen , Xuexia Zheng |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- The relationship between remittances and financial development continues to be a focus for economists and policymakers. This study builds upon previous research to explore the possibility that the relationship between remittances and financial development might be asymmetric. Notably, remittances accounted for 8.9% of the Philippines’ GDP in 2023 (World Bank, 2024a), ranking it as the 4th highest recipient of remittances globally. Consequently, this study examines the effect of remittances on the financial development of the Philippines based on an asymmetrical approach, and using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model, with the data spanning from 1981 to 2023. The evidence of the studies displays that the impact of remittances on financial development exhibited a nonlinear relationship. The short-run estimations corroborate the long-run findings that a negative shock to remittances has a more pronounced dampening effect on financial development compared to the enhancing effect of a positive shock. The empirical results from the asymmetrical method provide more comprehensive insights, suggesting that Philippine authorities should develop essential policies to mitigate the impact of unfavorable remittance shocks.
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Strategies and Vulnerabilities to Counter Cyber Terrorism in Pakistan Against National Security |
p.145-165 |
| Author |
Adeel Rao Irfan , Dongsoo Kim |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This study empirically explores the multifaceted threats to Pakistan’s national security posed by cyber terrorism, as well as the framework for combating the problem. The purpose of this essay is to investigate the intriguing question of why physical space management is being replaced by virtual space management and how various terrorist organizations use it to carry out terrorist acts. The study applies a qualitative research method to examine scholarly literature, policy documents, and reports released by security institutions of the state. To obtain the necessary data, the study also conducted semi-structured interviews with ten policymakers and eight security specialists. In response to the topic, this paper seeks to review the basic characteristics of virtual space and explain network operations in Pakistan using the theory of securitization and the constructivist approach. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s threats to national security. At the end, there will be a discussion of Pakistan’s strategy prospects.
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A Study on the Legal Regulations of EU’S Hacktivism |
p.167-181 |
| Author |
Minsub Shim , Hayann Lee |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This paper explores the intricate world of hacktivism, an amalgamation of hacking and activism, wherein individuals or groups leverage cyber tactics to advance social or political causes. As the digital sphere becomes increasingly integral to societal functions, hacktivism emerges as both a form of digital protest and a significant cybersecurity concern, challenging traditional approaches to internet safety and freedom. Through a comprehensive examination, this thesis investigates hacktivism’s roots, motivations, and the complex ethical, legal, and societal dilemmas it presents.
A focal point of the study is a comparative analysis of the responses to hacktivism by Republic of Korea (ROK) and the European Union (EU), offering insights into the effectiveness of their cybersecurity strategies, legal frameworks, and educational initiatives. This inquiry raises critical questions about the balance between securing digital domains and preserving the liberties that underpin the ethos of the internet. By juxtaposing the approaches of ROK and the EU, the paper highlights the need for adaptive and cooperative international policies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by hacktivism. The findings suggest that hacktivism demands a nuanced and multifaceted response, incorporating robust cybersecurity measures, international cooperation, and fostering a culture of responsible digital citizenship. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of hacktivism’s role within global digital governance and offers a blueprint for navigating the tensions between cyber activism and cybersecurity in an interconnected world.
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Mediterranean Spiritual Narratives from Anatolia to Iberia: Exploring Rumi’s and John of the Cross’s Quests for Divine Love |
p.183-202 |
| Author |
Motahare Mozafari |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Mysticism is a spiritual practice that seeks a direct, intuitive connection with the Divine, transcending ordinary understanding. Comparative mysticism examines the similarities and differences between mystical traditions across various religions. This study focuses on the works of Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th-century Persian Sufi from Anatolia, and John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish mystic from Iberia. It explores the concept of Divine Love as expressed in Rumi’s Mathnawi and Divan-e Shams and in John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul and The Living Flame of Love. The aim is to uncover how their views on Divine Love are both similar and distinct, thereby deepening our understanding of Islam and Christianity from a mystical perspective. Despite their different languages and geographical contexts, Rumi and John of the Cross offer remarkably similar insights into Divine Love and the spiritual journey toward it. This paper highlights the characteristics of Divine Love as portrayed in the works of both mystical poets.
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Meritocratic Bureaucracy and National Innovation Performance Across African Economies |
p.203-221 |
| Author |
Oscar Nuwagaba , Yousueng Han |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Previous comparative studies of countries have relied on cross-sectional regression analyses and suggested a correlation between meritocratic bureaucracy and national innovation. We sought to validate this assumption by examining the relationship between merit-based recruitment practices and objective global innovation in twenty-nine African economies over the past twelve years. However, this study’s analysis based on panel model estimates consistently indicated a mixed and statistically insignificant relationship between meritocratic bureaucracy and national innovation. Further analysis revealed that the relationship was strong for certain African economies during specific years but reversed for others. This ambiguity in the findings raises doubts about the long-term existence of the projected relationship between meritocratic bureaucracy and national innovation performance. The implications of this study point to the need to explore other contextual explanatory
factors.
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Climate Change and Latin America: New Democracies in a Warming World |
p.223-245 |
| Author |
Dwight Wilson , Andrei Ogrezeanu |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This paper addresses the challenges posed by climate change to democracy. Democracies might face new obstacles if they prove incapable of more effectively addressing the problems posed by global warming than autocracies, and by the pressures the changing climate will place directly on democracies” institutional capacity. Democracy in Latin American and the Caribbean offers a suitable regional case to study this question as relatively new, middle-income democracies whose governing capacity will be more directly threatened by climate-induced crises than highly developed democracies. To establish expectations for democracy in the twenty-first century, this paper suggests a research agenda for this issue that would examine the effects climate change might have on public opinion, institutional capacity, and the possible appeal of “environmental authoritarianism.”
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State Violence and Uncommon Death in Contemporary Mexico |
p.247-259 |
| Author |
Eva Leticia Brito Benitez , Yongseok Noh |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Mexico is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries that, among other distinctive features, has for thousands of years included a unique worldview regarding death. The fusion of indigenous beliefs and the Catholic creed imposed by the Spaniards who arrived in America in the sixteenth century, led to one of the most important ceremonies in the entire national territory in force to this day. The closing of the life cycle of the dead by their loved ones is a necessary step for the eternal rest of their souls. However, this ancestral practice has been truncated with the thousands of enforced disappearances that are becoming a problem of inconceivable dimensions. If there are no material remains of the deceased, they cannot be dismissed or helped on their journey to another world, leaving the living with the idea that they have not fulfilled their work. This paper discusses the concept of uncommon death in Mexico and its importance in cultural identity and aims to take a different approach to the problem of enforced disappearances. Beyond the political repercussions with the population’s distrust of the state due to lack of justice, here the cultural fracture is analyzed. Culture as a creator of identity, as a generator of inclusion, as a glue and catalyst of diversity is suffering damage with serious repercussions in the deterioration of the social fabric.
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An ESG-Centered Evaluation Scheme for ODA Projects |
p.261-292 |
| Author |
Nam Kwon Mun , Kisu Kwon , Taeyoung Yoo |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This study proposes an ESG-centered evaluation scheme for ODA projects. As of 2022, KOICA’s ODA evaluation indicators determine the success of the ODA project in terms of the donor country’s perspective. This implies a need to reorganize the evaluation indicators to include the recipient country’s perspective. In other words, the process and results of the ODA project should also be evaluated in terms of the recipient country’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) conditions. As illustrated by the cases of the UN, Denmark, and Sweden, it is confirmed that it is necessary to convert the evaluation scheme of ODA projects to an ESG-centered evaluation plan. Furthermore, this study discusses three basic directions in establishing ESG-centered ODA evaluation indicators: reclassification of existing evaluation indicators into ESG, participation of various stakeholders, and evaluation of the planning-process-results of ODA projects according to the value chain approach. According to the discussions above, the ESG-centered evaluation plan for ODA projects consists of three parts, including considerations at the business planning stage, considerations at the project progress stage, and considerations at the project completion stage. Furthermore, indicators that should be considered in the evaluation at each stage are divided into G (governance), E (environmental), and S (social). Although many items are reclassified from existing evaluation schemes, it is emphasized that especially concerning governance, new indicators that can reflect the opinions of diverse stakeholders, such as the government of the recipient country, local citizens of the recipient country, and private companies in the donor country, should be additionally considered.
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Climate Change and Intersectionality in the Asia-Pacific Region |
p.293-313 |
| Author |
Dae-Wook Kim |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Climate change is a global challenge with far-reaching consequences, but its adverse effects are unevenly distributed. This research highlights the individuals most susceptible to harm, with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific region. It examines the approach of international human rights monitoring bodies towards intersectionality in the context of climate change within this region. By analyzing approximately 100 Concluding Observations documents, the author identifies crucial recommendations for inclusive climate action in the region. These recommendations notably address various intersectional issues, illuminating potential areas for improvement. As one of the few studies focusing on the Asia-Pacific, this investigation offers invaluable insights into the obstacles faced by vulnerable groups amidst climate change. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for increased efforts by international human rights treaty bodies to acknowledge and address intersectionality in their climate change strategies.
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Trans-Pacific View Points: Beyond Adversity: Indonesian Diaspora Association’s Strategic Support for Small Entrepreneurship in Taiwan after The Pandemic |
p.315-334 |
| Author |
Restu Karlina Rahayu , Tate Agape Bawana |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- With the proclamation of COVID-19 as a global epidemic in recent years, the entire world is currently in a recovery phase as the death rate from COVID-19 infection decreases and a vaccine is developed. Small enterprises, especially those established by the diaspora in the host country, are one industry attempting to recover from the downturn. Several studies have found that the diaspora and its associations are important in strengthening a nation’s economy, particularly by supporting their businesses in the host country. Taiwan, as a country that welcomes the existence of diaspora, has developed several initiatives to assist diaspora entrepreneurs (DE in restoring their businesses, particularly in the post-COVID-19 period. This study seeks to comprehend the role of diaspora associations (DA) in assisting their communities by engaging with the government, local partners, and experts. This study also focuses on the Indonesian diaspora to provide a more comprehensive assessment, as it is one of the largest communities in Taiwan. Diaspora theory is used to investigate the role of the DA. An in-depth single case study of the Indonesian DA in Kaohsiung City, South Taiwan, was conducted to undertake the analysis.
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Trans-Pacific View Points: ASEAN’s Independent Path in the Indo-Pacific: Hedging against China’s Dual Strategy of Coercion and Inducement |
p.335-356 |
| Author |
Enescan Lorci |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- Since its establishment ASEAN’s core goals included deterring great power intervention and establishing itself as the primary agenda setter in Southeast Asia. Two key policies, imparity, or non-alignment, and autonomy, or reducing external influence, have been crucial to ASEAN’s success. However, ASEAN faces significant challenges, particularly in managing China’s dual strategy of coercion and inducement. China’s increasing economic and military power has enabled it to exert significant influence over ASEAN member states. Through coercion and inducement China has exploited ASEAN’s shallow institutionalism and undermined its institutional confidence. This interference has been particularly evident in issues like the South China Sea disputes, where ASEAN’s unity has been tested. This study explores how ASEAN can hedge against China’s coercive and inducement strategies through complex engagement and enmeshment. By conceptualizing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a tool for enmeshment, the study aims to analyze China’s interference in ASEAN’s processes and evaluate the AOIP’s potential as a hedging mechanism. Understanding and addressing these challenges are crucial for ASEAN’s continued stability and relevance in the face of growing geopolitical risks in the region.
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Trans-Pacific View Points: Understanding Shifts in U.S. Public Opinion on Cross-Strait Relations through Social Media during Tsai Ing-wen’s Presidency |
p.357-382 |
| Author |
Maulana Amrullah |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This study examines the shifts of U.S. public opinion on Cross-Strait relations during the first and second terms of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates descriptive statistics, sentiment analysis, and topic modeling of Facebook data using R programming, the research identifies significant shifts in audience engagement, sentiment dynamics, emotional responses, and thematic discourse. In Tsai’s first term, public discussions were characterized by moderate engagement, a predominance of negative sentiment, and a focus on political tensions and regional conflicts. Conversely, the second term exhibited a substantial increase in both positive and negative sentiments, with a notable surge in positive sentiment and intensified emotional expressions such as trust and fear. Thematic discussions expanded to encompass broader geopolitical issues, including U.S. support and global perspectives on Cross-Strait relations. Applying theoretical frameworks of Agenda-Setting Theory, Framing Theory, and Emotional Contagion Theory, the study interprets these shifts as a result of increased media salience, framing effects, and the amplification of emotions through social networks. The findings demonstrate how social media discourse reflects and potentially influences U.S. public opinion on Cross-Strait relations, highlighting the critical role of digital platforms in shaping perceptions and policy considerations in international relations.
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Korean Perspectives: Trans-Pacific Studies in South Korea: Main Issues and Challenges |
p.383-398 |
| Author |
Hoyoon Jung |
| Released |
December 31, 2024 |
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- Abstract
- This study aims to analyze the trends in Trans-Pacific Studies within South Korea, critically assess the current state of research, and suggest future directions. To this end, the study analyzed 1,043 papers indexed in the KCI (Korea Citation Index) database focusing on Trans-Pacific Studies. The analysis revealed that most research has been conducted in the social sciences, particularly in fields such as political science, area studies, and law. This reflects the academic community’s interest in the political and economic importance of the Trans-Pacific region. However, these studies predominantly focus on political and economic relationships, while research on cultural and social dimensions remains relatively scarce. This gap highlights the need for more comprehensive research approaches that address the multi-layered civilizational exchanges and interactions in the Trans-Pacific region. Additionally, through keyword frequency and CONCOR analysis, the study identified the main topics and issues in Trans-Pacific Studies. Keywords such as “Pacific,” “strategy,” “Indo-Pacific,” and “agreement” appeared frequently, indicating the strategic importance of the Trans-Pacific region in international politics and economics. However, these studies still tend to focus on bilateral relations and fall short of adequately addressing the complex interactions within the region. From this perspective, it is essential to understand the Trans-Pacific region as a multi-layered crossroads of civilizations and to deepen research across various geographic and cultural scales. Furthermore, there is a need for a more in-depth analysis of mega-regions and regional integration processes within the Trans-Pacific region, which is crucial for understanding their impact on the global economy and politics.
