Nation State: Journal of International Studies

Transaction Cost Analysis of ASEAN Food Security Cooperation on Rice Commodity

2024-06-25T02:48:20+00:00

Food Security Cooperation was implemented by ASEAN through the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), focusing on regional market integration. The food security index of its members has not been strengthened beyond the global index through this cooperation. "Special consideration," particularly concerning rice, has consistently hindered food security cooperation. Rice, being a major component of regional food cooperation and security, necessitates this explanative analysis using Transaction Cost Theory to examine the weaknesses of ASEAN Food Security Cooperation within the regional market context. Through the AEC, a nested pattern and cluster of food security issues were established by ASEAN as a key for market-based analysis. However, the failure to establish side-payments resulted in difficulties in reducing the transaction costs associated with sensitive commodities such as rice. A new perspective on sensitive commodities in the context of regional market food security cooperation is provided by this analysis. It is concluded that the weakness of food security cooperation within the regional rice market context is due to ASEAN’s inability to create side-payments and manage transaction costs that could support regional negotiations regarding rice.

An Analysis of Destructive Fishing as an Anthropogenic Disaster in Coastal Areas

2024-11-29T02:35:19+00:00

Destructive fishing has emerged as a critical threat to maritime ecosystems, posing severe risks to the economy, ecosystem sustainability, resource management, and national security, along with its complex cross-sectoral impacts in coastal areas. As a form of illegal fishing, its harmful consequences necessitate comprehensive scrutiny. This research aims to categorize destructive fishing as an anthropogenic disaster from a maritime security perspective, emphasizing its broad cross-sectoral effects. Employing a qualitative methodology alongside an extensive literature review, this study integrates disaster and maritime security theories, supported by relevant case studies, to thoroughly investigate the issue. The findings reveal that destructive fishing practices qualify as non-natural or anthropogenic disasters, with impacts directly stemming from human activities. These practices damage marine resource ecosystems, disrupt economies, compromise human security, and threaten national security in coastal regions. The study concludes that destructive fishing constitutes an anthropogenic disaster, demanding an urgent, coordinated response from multiple stakeholders. This research advocates for the development and implementation of policies that address the technical dimensions of maritime security, integrate disaster management strategies, and incorporate anthropological insights. Such policies are essential for devising and executing sustainable solutions to this pervasive issue on a global scale.

Water Diplomacy and Non-Traditional Security

2024-04-19T01:33:51+00:00

The water scarcity crisis in Iraq has become a non-traditional security issue that threatens the country's social, political and economic stability. According to international data, water scarcity is predicted to worsen by 2030, affecting more than 700 million people worldwide. Iraq, which depends on the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is experiencing a decline in water quality and quantity that is worsening agricultural conditions, increasing social tensions and causing internal migration. This article analyzes the Iraqi government's efforts to address the water crisis through diplomacy by joining the Paris Agreement and the UN Water Convention, as well as organizing the Baghdad International Water Conference. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the impact of water scarcity in Iraq and the diplomatic responses undertaken for mitigation. Although formal diplomacy has resulted in international aid and mitigation projects, climate change impacts and domestic governance issues, such as corruption, hamper the effectiveness of such efforts. This article also suggests the need for non-formal diplomacy involving non-state actors to improve the effectiveness of solving the water crisis in Iraq.

Indigenous Identity in the Global Sustainable Project

2024-12-20T02:34:39+00:00

REDD+ is an international initiative focused on mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Developing countries can secure funding from developed countries to preserve their forests. However, despite the ideal goals set, the project's achievements varied due to differences in responses among local communities in several areas. This research employs anthropological perspectives and ecological knowledge of worldviews to analyse the factors that contribute to these discrepancies. By analysing REDD+ in Cardamom and Hieu Commune, it was discovered that there are variations in how indigenous people perceive their relationship with the environment. In this case, the Cardamom community perceives the environment as a source that will provide all their essential needs. Meanwhile, in Hieu Commune, people follow traditional methods to manage the natural woodlands, embracing the concept of a sacred forest, where taboos, spiritual beliefs, or religious convictions protect nature. These distinctions subsequently lead to variations in locals’ responses to REDD+, which in turn can impact the success of project implementation.

Philippine-Middle East Relations

2024-10-15T03:21:33+00:00

The countries in the Persian Gulf highly intertwined with the global economy. Given its strategic location and abundance of resources, the Persian Gulf countries (GCC) is expected to play a critical role in the future economic direction and stability of the Middle East and Asian region. Liberal reforms instituted by GCC such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other non-traditional partners wield significant influence. This development calls for a re-evaluation of policies by regional actors and domineering global powers with a stake in the region such as the United States (US). These GCC reforms open a new round of opportunities for countries in the Global South, particularly ASEAN member like Philippines. This paper seeks to evaluate the ongoing economic and geopolitical transformation in the Persian Gulf amid growing Chinese presence and GCC regimes’ economic reforms. Furthermore, this paper poses question, how the Philippines can use an independent foreign policy and take advantage of the changing political-economy landscape in the Middle East. This further suggest that the time is ripe for the Philippines to rethink its strategic policy toward the GCC and the Middle East to maximize gains outside of the US alliance system.

The Complexity of ASEAN Way and Norms in Addressing Islam-Rooted Conflicts in Southeast Asia

2024-09-04T03:01:25+00:00

This research aims to investigate ethno-religious conflicts in the Southeast Asia region with a focus on the role of religion (Islam), nationalism, and citizenship issues, as well as to understand the complexity of resolving these conflicts within the framework of ASEAN Way norms. This research combines qualitative approaches and policy analysis to provide a comprehensive picture of the interactions between conflict factors and regional norms. The research methodology includes analysis of ASEAN policy documents and case studies of selected conflicts in the region. Qualitative analysis will be used to explore community perceptions and experiences regarding conflict, while policy analysis will examine how ASEAN Way is reflected in conflict resolution efforts. Preliminary results show that religious factors and nationalism often trigger conflict, while citizenship issues can complicate the dynamics of conflict. The ASEAN Way, which emphasizes the principles of non-intervention, deliberation, and consensus, has limited impact in responding to ethno-religious conflicts. This research will provide insight into how the ASEAN Way can be improved to be more effectively respond the ethno-religious conflict in the region. The implications of this research can also help design more effective conflict resolution mechanism and support sustainable peace in Southeast Asia.