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Volume 01, Issue 02 (August 2011)
Fabrizio Carmignani
Pages 85–103
https://doi.org/10.1142/S2010269011000051
Abstract
The risk of war tends to be very high in the first few years that follow the end of a previous conflict. This paper is concerned with the potential contribution of fiscal policy to post-conflict peace stabilization. Drawing on a simple theoretical representation of the post-conflict interaction between two contending parties, the paper explores the empirical relationship between public consumption, fiscal balances, and the risk of war in a sample of African economies. Results suggest that higher government consumption is associated with a higher risk of returning to war. A possible interpretation of this finding is that by increasing the share of public investment today, governments increase the future value of the peace dividend. The benefits of this investment will be enjoyed by all parties only to the extent that peace persists. Therefore, a higher share of public investment increases parties’ incentive to maintain peace.
See: https://www.worldscientific.com/toc/ijdc/01/02
2. Liberalization, Globalization and the Dynamics of Democracy in India
D. M. Nachane
Pages 105–139
https://doi.org/10.1142/S201026901100004X
Abstract
In the closing decades of the twentieth century, there has been an almost complete intellectual triumph of the twin principles of marketization (understood here as referring to the liberalization of domestic markets and freer international mobility of goods, services, financial capital and perhaps more arguably, labour) and democratization. A paradigm shift of this extent and magnitude would not have occurred in the absence of some broad consensus among policymakers and (sections of) intellectuals around the globe on the desirability of such a change. There seems to be a two-fold causal nexus between marketization and democracy. The first is more direct, stemming from the fact of both systems sharing certain common values and attitudes. But there is also a second more indirect chain from marketization to democracy, which is predicated via three sub-chains (i) from marketization to growth, (ii) from growth to overall material development welfare and (iii) from material development to social welfare and democracy. We examine each of these sub-links in detail with a view to obtaining a greater understanding of the hypothesized role of free markets in promoting democracies. In the later part of the paper, we examine the socio-economic outcomes governing the quality of democracy in a specifically Indian context.
See: https://www.worldscientific.com/toc/ijdc/01/02
Peter Karari, Sean Byrne, Olga Skarlato, and Kawser Ahmed
Pages 141–164
https://doi.org/10.1142/S2010269011000117
Abstract
This article analyzes perceptions of the impacts of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) and the European Union (EU) Peace II Fund on economic development in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties. It draws on interviews of 98 study participants conducted during the summer of 2006. The perceptions of community group leaders, funding agency civil servants, and development officers are explored. The images of the respondents and aid recipients of the EU Peace II Fund and the IFI are discussed in the broader context of peacebuilding and economic development in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.
See: https://www.worldscientific.com/toc/ijdc/01/02
4. One-Globe Approach to the Taiwan Strait Conflict
Fu-Lai Tony Yu And Diana Sze-Man Kwan
Pages 165–180
https://doi.org/10.1142/S2010269011000129
Abstract
Conflicts among nation states have led to violence, bloodshed and war. Although the conflicts can be explained by national, racial and cultural reasons, we argue that conflicts arising from sovereignty and territorial disputes are socially constructed. People take whatever they have been taught or brought up as right. If people do not give in to something they have taken for granted, then conflicts arise. This paper explains conflicts among nations and suggests a solution from human agency theory. More specifically, it formulates a theory of one-globe reality from Weber–Thomas–Berger’s social construction perspective to resolve the Taiwan Strait conflict. The theory calls for both mainland China and Taiwan to learn global oneness and unlearn narrowly scoped concepts of nationalism and patriotism to achieve peace in the region.
See: https://www.worldscientific.com/toc/ijdc/01/02
4. Infrastructure Connectivity for an Integrated, Peaceful and Prosperous Asia–Pacific Region
Biswa Nath Bhattacharyay
Pages 181–223
https://doi.org/10.1142/S2010269011000130
Abstract
The Asia–Pacific region accounts for about 60% of the world’s population and comprises 30% of the world’s total land area. The size of its economy is now almost equal to that of Europe and North America combined together. The region has consistently posted the world’s highest economic growth rates. In spite of rapid and remarkable economic growth and poverty reduction in the last two decades, the region is still home to nearly two-thirds of the world’s poor. Basic infrastructure facilities, such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, paved roads, and telephone networks, are not available to a large proportion of citizens. In recent years, income and non-income inequality within and between Asian economies has remained high and been increasing in several economies. If this scenario persists for a long period, it can give rise to conflict and instability in the form of social and political tensions. Several parts of Asia are already witnessing some instability. This paper discusses transport connectivity for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Asia with the Pacific (henceforth Asia). It focuses on the role of soft infrastructure, particularly policies, regulations, institutions; systems and procedures, particularly cross-border ones; business environment, trade facilitation, and logistics in developing effective transport connectivity to enable inclusive and sustainable growth and trade integration.