COOPERATION VS. CONFLICT IN THE REALM OF NATURAL ENERGY WITHIN THE GREATER BLACK SEA AREA

Author(s): Şerban Filip Cioculescu / Language(s): English Issue: 31/2009

Access to natural energy is an imperative for all the states in the world, as economic development and welfare of people is often directly dependent on the wealth of resources controlled. Contemporary world as a whole is dependent on the existence of energy resources, of which oil and gas are of utmost importance. The countries within the Greater Black Sea Area are facing a real “strategic” dilemma regarding the means to gain access to energy resources and the transportation corridors. They may choose to cooperate with each other to jointly exploit the necessary resources to increase the total benefits or, on the contrary, they could prefer individual strategies, often competitive ones. The choice is up to the political and economic decision-makers, but those are influenced by factors such as the domestic political system, the sub-state actors benefiting from these policies (bureaucrats, lobbies, and interest groups), the international economic environment and the external actors. By applying some International Relations theories - neorealism, institutional neoliberalism and social constructivism - one can better understand the basic logic of the behaviors adopted by decision-makers on behalf of their states in the so sensitive field of energy resources management. In the end we showed that the “neorealist” logic still dominates Russia’s relations with its direct neighborhood and those with the EU, but we think a greater coherence in EU foreign policy towards Moscow could lead to a translation to neoliberal logic as Russia would gradually learn the lesson of beneficial cooperation.

South African Job Creation, a Myth or Reality? The Role of Economic Injections as a Solution to the Employment Issues

Author(s): Thomas Habanabakize,Zandri Dickason / Language(s): English Issue: 5/2021

The paper investigated the effect of economic injections components (exports, government expenditure and domestic investment) on South African employment growth. The study employed quarterly secondary data for the period 2002-2021. The ARDL, ECM and Granger causality approaches were utilized to determine the long run, short-run and causality relationships amongst variables. The results indicated that the long-run growth in both exports and government expenditure leads to employment growth whilst a rise in domestic investment reduces employment levels. Irrespective of long run results, the domestic investment significantly creates jobs in the short term. Additionally, the study results suggested a bidirectional causality between employment exports and a unidirectional from government spending towards employment. Based on the aforementioned results, the study concluded that economic injections play a crucial role in curbing unemployment growth in South Africa. Therefore, the South African government should induce and strengthen exports oriented policies and increase its spending on production-related activities rather than consumption expenditure.

Recenzja monografii M. Górskiego, Usuwanie odpadów, Wydawnictwo Wolters Kluwer, Warszawa 2021, ss. 194

Author(s): Adrianna Ogonowska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 14/2021

CALCULATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INDEX IN THE EU AND UKRAINE

Author(s): Olena Khanova,Igor Matyushenko,Ewa Kochańska,Viktoriia Tretyak,Olga Tofaniuk / Language(s): English Issue: 40/2021

It is proposed using certain indicators to assess the sustainable development of the EU countries and Ukraine: for the economic measuring - the global competitiveness index, the global innovation index and the index of economic freedom; for the social measuring - the social progress index, the human development index, quality of life index; for the environmental measuring - environmental performance index. The analysis of each selected indices of the EU countries and Ukraine is carried out. The methodology for calculating the ratio of the economic, social and environmental components of sustainable development for each EU country and Ukraine is presented. Attention is focused on the significant regional diversification of sustainable development and its components in the EU countries and Ukraine; the highest, middle and lowest levels of sustainable development of counties are identified. Impact: the methodology for the study of sustainable development, proposed by the authors on the example of the EU countries and Ukraine, is based on objective international ratings that have a transparent calculation methodology. These international ratings are constantly updated and cover most of the countries of the world. Therefore, the proposed methodology makes it possible to identify countries with the highest level of economic, social and environmental development; calculate the index of sustainable development of any country in the world.

The Western Space Policies under the Influence of International Factors: Mutuality of Russia’s Case

Author(s): Valdis Balcers / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2015

The research is dedicated to the problem of mutual dependence in space policies between the West, represented by great spacefaring actors the US and the EU, and Russia. In the study the correlation analysis, content analysis, and scenario-building methods were used. The conclusion of the analysis comprises consideration on the need to invest in their independence by Western countries in order to avoid unnecessary extra dependence on uncertain and unreliable regimes that supply substantial components for their space technology.

Russia’s Quest for Regional Hegemony: Appearances vs. Realities

Author(s): Silviu Nate / Language(s): English Issue: 02 (24)/2021

Increasingly, Russia’s hegemonic decline is worsening the regional security climate, making Russia’s cooperation with other actors difficult. By connecting politically disadvantageous interdependencies and operating effectively in grey areas, Russia undermines the institutional legitimacy of aggressed states and discredits a series of processes with echoes in the nation’s consciousness, shattering the societal resilience that is the foundation of state sovereignty. In order to cope with Russia’s pressure, the Black Sea coastal states need to improve their ability to maximize specific common foreign policy objectives in order to increase the security capacity of their common geographical region. Violating the sovereignty and independence of other states has become a common practice for Russia. This attitude reflects a deficit in understanding the democratic framework of European civilization and is also undermining of the system of international law.

Energy Cracks of the Black Sea Security

Author(s): Mykhailo Gonchar,Vitalii Martyniuk,Igor Stukalenko / Language(s): English Issue: 01 (19)/2020

The energy picture of the Black Sea region is being changed with new energy infrastructure and ongoing attempts of the Russian Federation to enhance its energy influence on other countries. The article focuses on analysing these transformations, their consequences, the current energy problems, and possible threats produced by Russia using energy facilities for military purposes. The authors propose recommendations to counter Russia’s energy expansion and balance its dominance in the Black Sea region.

Black Sea Policy of Ukraine

Author(s): Hanna Shelest,Yevgeniya Gaber,Artem Fylypenko / Language(s): English Issue: 01 (19)/2020

For the last few years, the Black Sea region has become a top priority of the Ukrainian foreign policy. However, due to the years of ignorance and absence of a strategic vision, Ukraine has not used all opportunities, while many projects, such as BLACKSEAFOR, cannot be used anymore due to the Russian aggression. In this article, the authors look at the main elements of the Ukrainian bilateral and multilateral relations in the Black Sea region, what risks can prevent increased cooperation and guaranteeing national interests, and which countries can be potential partners.

Ukrainian Policy Towards Central Asian States: Which Bridges Do We Need?

Author(s): Viktoriia Khalanchuk / Language(s): English Issue: 01 (15)/2019

Central Asian states are often seen as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Given the importance of the region, Ukraine needs to reconsider deeply its policy towards the Central Asian states. The paper examines the specifics of governance in the Central Asian states, regional problems, interests of the Central Asian states and global actors in the dimensions of logistics, energy, and security. Suggestions for Ukraine’s policy in Central Asia are presented through the article.

Corporate liquidity in normal and crisis times: what is the best yardstick?

Author(s): André Bastiaan DORSMAN,Wim WESTERMAN / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2021

Aim: This paper is meant to investigate measures that help to assess corporate liquidity in both normal and crisis periods, to find out what matters on corporate liquidity in crisis times. Design / research methods: We provide an overview of relevant liquidity measures used by both professionals and academics, apply regular liquidity measures on three major European electricity suppliers, study three local cases to find out how the recent COVID-19 crisis affected liquidity and provide an overview of liquidity management on 27 electricity, oil/gas and other multinational firms. Conclusions / findings: Liquidity measures concentrate on cash ratios, working capital ratios and in specific the cash conversion cycle (CCC). In crisis times, whereas priorities do change, liquidity measures should not. In the COVID-19 crisis, firms go for leaner operations, as well as financing adjustments when needed. Originality / value of the article: We plead for keeping a close eye on the CCC in both good and bad times. The article provides various recommendations to academics and practitioners.

Energy Projects Around the Black Sea: Geopolitics vs. Economy

Author(s): Sergiy Korsunsky / Language(s): English Issue: 02 (2)/2015

In the 21st century, it has become even clearer that political considerations come sooner than economy when global goals and concepts are at stake. Unfortunately, it will be an exaggeration to say that the contemporary globalized world is ruled by markets only. More and more often economy follows political decisions and that brings turmoil into the well-being of even the most developed members of the international community. Number one area of such unbalanced approach is energy, in particular oil and gas.

O Nouă Filosofie Europeană privind Reziliența și Redresarea. Mecanismul de Redresare și Reziliență și Impactul asupra Statelor Membre

Author(s): Mihaela Daciana Natea / Language(s): English,Romanian Issue: 1/2021

The EU offers different funds to member states for investments and development in infrastructure, governance, economy, and society. They are targeted towards the EU priorities and national necessities, offering the chance for member states and partner states to adapt to the new challenges. The COVID 19 pandemic tested states, societies and economies, and pinpointed towards needs which previously occupied a less important role in EU funding. Moreover, European states needed tailor made solutions for the post-crisis context, which will help them recover fast from the domino effect of the pandemic. All these were gathered in the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which, based on national plans, offer funds for a rapid recovery and investments in key sectors. The mechanism revealed an entire philosophy in approaching resilience and recovery, as, even if states followed the same rules in developing the plan, they oriented funds for different investments, reforms or activities. The present article overviews the manner in which states channeled their resilience and recovery plans, as they offer different philosophies in approaching recovery and resilience.

A CGE analysis of the impact of climate change on sustainable development: the case of High Plateaux region, Algeria

Author(s): Mohammed Touitou / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2021

The paper aims to assess the impact of climate change on sustainable development in the case of the High Plateaux region of Algeria. A baseline “climate change” scenario and an “adaptation” scenario were assessed as part of our work. The methodological approach implemented is broken down into three interconnected evaluation phases, pre-modelling phase, modelling phase and post-modelling phase. The work has shown that these complex ex-ante evaluation approaches are adaptable and applicable in the context of Algeria. Our findings indicate that climate change would have a significant impact on economic aggregates on a regional scale. It also highlighted that the calculation of a single index of the impact of environmental policies on the sustainability of arid regions confirms the hypothesis of gaining sustainability by working towards a strategy of adaptation to climate change.

Germany is Ahead to Implement Sustainable Circular Economy

Author(s): Haradhan Kumar Mohajan / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2021

This study tries to discuss aspects of the application of circular economy (CE) in Germany. Since the start of the First Industrial Revolution (start in 1760), more than 260 years ago, there becomes enormous development in global linear economy (LE) on the basis of ‘take, make and dispose’. Modern various technologies, such as automobiles, electricity, telephones, mobile phones, transistors, airplanes, computers, and the internet have brought enormous change in production and consumption. But unsustainable side effects of LE are; loss of biodiversity, deforestation, environmental pollution, climate change, etc. On the other hand, CE represents a sustainable economy. It keeps resources and materials, as long as, possible. The purpose of this study is to show the importance and beneficial effects of a realized CE on the economic, environmental and social sectors for the success of global sustainable development and the contribution of CE in Germany. Germany is the first country in the world that tries to implement CE by using technologies of waste and resource management.

Energy poverty alleviation – a step for sustainable energy transition

Author(s): Georgi Georgiev / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

The paper investigates the issue of fuel poverty and its presence in the Bulgarian context. The focus of the analysis is on the potential for alleviation and – in the long term – elimination of energy poverty through the implementation of measures for energy-efficient retrofit of residential multi-story apartment housing. An effective strategy tackling this topic at the local scale is a key prerequisite for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with particular relevance for SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. Achieving the optimal ratio of saved energy versus financial resources is the key to renovating housing at scale sustainably and efficiently. Energy poverty as a phenomenon is linked to the combined effect of three main factors - low household income, high energy costs and low energy efficiency of housing. There is a broad scientific consensus that this phenomenon has a serious negative impact on the quality of life and citizens’ health and wellbeing. Furthermore, energy poverty contributes to a huge waste of energy and also affects the physical dimension of the sustainable development of the built environment. Therefore, energy poverty exacerbates deficits and discrepancies for territorial economies and communities. Eliminating the problem of “fuel poverty” is often considered to be impossible without the support of the affected households through subsidies. Subsidies invested in energy-efficient housing reconstruction result in immediate savings in housing heating costs, which in turn leads to a tangible reduction in the “fuel poverty” experienced by residents of reconstructed housing. Energy-efficient housing reconstruction (retrofit) is the fastest and most efficient (in terms of public resources) way to combat energy poverty. The financial resources required to enable these activities could also be obtained or complemented through financial engineering schemes with third-party involvement.

ECOCRITICISM IS THE FLAGSHIP TO HUMANITY: REVISITING AND DECODING ABHIJNANASAKUNTALAM AND ARANYAK

Author(s): Biswajit Das / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2021

Health is a reciprocal term that combines mutual co-existence in the environment with a considerable veneration to all forms of life. Life on earth is a result of some favourable conditions in the environment from the empirical point of view. So, the health of the environment remains the supreme, and thereby life, once created, has to keep up the conditions in order to sustain or survive itself. Thus there has always been a fascinating relation between health and environment since the dawn of creation of life on earth. Among the innumerable forms of life on earth human beings are considered the best since they are gifted with immense possibilities to comprehend, create, nourish, admonish, reject and accept. So, they have to shoulder the responsibility largely to secure the health of the environment which, in other terms, is the health of the varieties of life forms on earth. Through the ages they undertook overwhelming initiatives that surely advertise humanity; and literature, especially Eco-critical, has been the best call to humanity in order to restore health which is, as mentioned earlier, very much reciprocal. Literature upholds and worships the heavenly relation between health and environment,humanity and Nature. It celebrates the reconciliation of man and environment in the name of poetry very often.

Methods of Approaching Natural Protected Areas from the Towns of Europe

Author(s): Cerasella Crăciun,Atena-Ioana Gârjoabă / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Natural Protected Areas in the Urban Environment are increasingly subject to the pressures caused by urban phenomena - the most obvious being the expansion of the built tissue, caused by various pressures, including real estate. In the current context of climate change, Natural Protected Areas are among the main victims of this phenomenon. Those in cities are even more affected, given the weak or non-existent connection to an integrated green system network and an ecological infrastructure network. The paper presents the most important aspects of the European legislation regarding the Natural Protected Areas of the Cities, the way in which the responsible or managing authorities are established, the approach in the urban context, the type of management and the way of monitoring the biodiversity, the activities and the types of key-visitors.

Формування фіскального простору для управління екологізацією України

Author(s): Yuliia Remyha,Maryna Toniuk / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 01/2022

At the macroeconomic level, fiscal space significantly impacts the geographical distribution of productive forces and their demographic composition on financial and investment flows across the country. In the context of strengthening the financial support of greening management, the need and practicality of taking into account the peculiarities of changing the scale and structure of fiscal space are determined by the state's fundamental laws of spatial design. The study analyzes the dynamics and structure of investment into environmental protection in Ukraine; capacities and sources of renewable energy; the state of implementation of the government program «warm loans»; features of green lending in Ukraine to ensure further greening. The examples and facts presented in the article show that in Ukraine, the institutional, legislative and economic preconditions for reforming the fiscal space of environmental management are considered only partially. New opportunities for developing this space should be based on the principles of ESG: environmental friendliness, social responsibility and quality management.

Türkiye-Kazakistan İlişkileri

Author(s): İlker Limon / Language(s): Turkish Issue: 24/2022

Review of: Hasan Acar (Editör), “Türkiye-Kazakistan İlişkileri”, Nobel, Ankara, 2021, ISBN: 9786254399756

A Comparison of China and the Other BRICS Countries: How Did China Surpass the Others?

Author(s): Halil Dincer Kaya,Engku Ngah S. Engkuchik / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2021

We compare China’s performance to the performances of Brazil, India, and South Africa over the 1985-2011 period. We look into several areas including patent applications by residents, scientific and technical journal articles, final consumption expenditure, exports, household consumption, government consumption, gross capital formation, gross domestic savings, age dependency ratio, foreign direct investment, energy production, and domestic credit to private sector. We find that, out of the twelve measures that we examine, China’s annual percentage improvement was significantly better than the other three BRICS countries in only three measures. These are patent applications by residents, scientific and technical journal articles, and energy production. These findings indicate that science and innovation had been very important for China’s development. Also, the country’s efforts in energy production including its partnerships in other countries had been key to its economic development.