Nation State: Journal of International Studies
Nation State: Journal of International Studies is a peer-review journal under the management of the International Relations Department, Faculty of Economics and Social Science, Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta, in collaboration with Asosiasi Ilmu Hubungan Internasional Indonesia (AIHII). The journal publishes primarily original research articles, perspectives, and short-form essays published through a double-blind review procedure. Nation State: Journal of International Studies publish two issues per year (June & December). (Read More)
Faculty of Economics and Social Science, Department of International Relations, Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta
Norm Contestation, Identity and Cultural Dynamics in Contemporary International Order
Copyright (c) 2025 Yoga Suharman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Norm Cycle of the Global Economic Order with the Emergence of BRICS
This study aims to describe the shift in the global political economy with the emergence of BRICS as part of the life cycle of international norms. As a global economic cooperation formed in June 2009, BRICS demonstrates its existence regardless of the different ideologies, identities, and interests of its member states. Although BRICS sparked discourse regarding its existence as an emerging power in the global political economy constellation, the participation of countries shows a positive trend. This study assumes that the inclusiveness, egalitarianism, democracy, and multipolarity plays as new norms. To analyze the shift in the global economic order with the emergence of BRICS, this study applies a qualitative research method with an interpretive approach. The Constructivist approach, norm life cycle by Martha Finnemore and Kathryn Sikkink, is used to describe the phenomenon. The results show that the shift in norms in the global economic order indicates the degree of norm promotion in the contestation of new global political economy norms which occurred due to the existence of BRICS. As norm entrepreneurs, BRICS promotes new norms through active socialization. However, BRICS institutionalization in NDB, CRA, and de-dollarization still require more substantial internalization to achieve the consolidation of the economic order.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dini Septyana Rahayu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This article examines Indonesia's One Channel System (OCS) as a strategic labor migration policy. Grounded in a qualitative content analysis of policy documents and bilateral agreements, the study moves beyond a descriptive account to offer a critical evaluation of the OCS. It utilizes Michael G. Roskin’s theory of National Interest as a foundational framework for understanding the state’s motivations. Still, it enriches this with complementary lenses from the International Relations literature, including migration governance, labor diplomacy, and human security. The findings affirm that the OCS serves as a key instrument of Indonesian statecraft, advancing national security, securing economic interests through remittance formalization, and enhancing international prestige. However, the analysis reveals that significant challenges severelly constrain the policy’s effectiveness. These include a persistent lack of bilateral cooperation from Malaysia, critical on-the-ground implementation gaps, and the unintended risk of state overreach. A fundamental disconnect between the policy’s top-down objectives and the lived realities and agency of migrant workers. The study concludes that while the OCS is a vital assertion of regulatory sovereignty, its success is contingent on bridging the gap between state-centric interests and worker-centric protection. It suggests that future policy must prioritize legally binding bilateral enforcement and address deep-rooted implementation failures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Alif RIfky, Anggia Utami Dewi, Wawan Budi Darmawan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study explores the underlying reasons behind Bangladesh’s preference for cooperating with the New Development Bank (NDB) over the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addressing its national economic crisis. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach and the theoretical framework of the Global South and minilateralism, the research examines Bangladesh’s development policy dynamics and its response to economic and political pressures, particularly following the military coup in August 2024. The findings indicate that while IMF provides financial support, its conditionalities such as exchange rate liberalization, subsidy removal, and fiscal reforms have adverse effects on public welfare. In contrast, cooperation with NDB offers policy flexibility, equality among member states, and financing support for sustainable projects without structural intervention. This study highlights that NDB serves as a geopolitical tool that enables developing countries to assert economic sovereignty and advance South–South solidarity in the context of an emerging multipolar global economic order. The study suggests that Bangladesh’s engagement with NDB reflects strategic hedging, diversifying external partnerships to reduce dependency on Western-dominated institutions. This choice strengthens domestic policy autonomy, mitigates social backlash, and enhances bargaining power, while signaling alignment with alternative development financing models increasingly favored by Global South.
Copyright (c) 2025 Destha Ravalino, Seftina Kuswardini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study investigates China’s motivations for establishing the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation (LMC) through a normative lens, applying Amitav Acharya’s framework of norm subsidiarity. The research employs qualitative and desk review methods to examine China’s efforts to reshape transboundary river governance in the Mekong Region. Findings reveal that China’s refusal to join the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and its rejection of the UN Watercourses Convention (UNWC) are closely tied to its anti-Western sentiment and historical memory of the “Century of Humiliation.” By positioning the LMC as an alternative cooperative framework, China advances new norms that diverge from established international standards. These include asserting its role as the upstream and leading state, maintaining sustainability without hindering economic development, and emphasizing the principle of state sovereignty. Such norms stand in contrast to the obligations outlined in the UNWC and Mekong Agreement, which stress prior consultation, equitable use, and minimizing harm among riparian states. This study contributes to understanding China’s normative strategies in regional governance and offers insights into how emerging powers employ norm subsidiarity to influence international rules.
Copyright (c) 2018 Ayu Heryati Naqsabandiyah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Indonesia's Contested Norms, Selective Humanitarianism and ASEAN Refugee Governance
This article reinterprets Indonesia’s refugee governance and ASEAN’s regional approach as sites of norm contestation rather than mere institutional or capacity gaps. While the 1951 Refugee Convention promotes universal protection, Southeast Asia largely avoids fully integrating these norms. Indonesia exemplifies this paradox: it champions humanitarian diplomacy in forums like the Bali Process. It offers ad-hoc aid during crises, such as the 2015 Rohingya influx, yet it simultaneously upholds a restrictive asylum policy and remains outside key international refugee agreements. ASEAN, similarly, resists formalizing refugee protection, adhering to its core tenets of non-interference, informal regionalism, and consensus. Drawing on regionalism, securitization, and postcolonial theories, the article argues these are not failures, but deliberate political choices driven by concerns of sovereignty, security, and normative pluralism. It reveals how Southeast Asian refugee governance stems from conflicting regional identities and historical legacies, fostering a fragmented landscape where humanitarianism becomes a selective political tool. This analysis enriches critical discussions on refugee protection in the Global South and highlights the limitations of liberal humanitarian norms in diverse postcolonial contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Atin Prabandari, Balya A. Segara, Emma Seruni Ketaren https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study aims to analyze ASEAN's response to the military coup in Myanmar as a form of post-colonial resistance that affects regional norm formation. This study is important because it reveals how collective memories of colonialism shape ASEAN's attitudes towards the concepts of democracy, sovereignty, and intervention, giving rise to the dynamics of norm contestation between the principle of non-intervention and the pressure to protect human rights. The method employed is Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), which is used to explore the discourse construction and ideology underlying ASEAN policies. The theoretical framework adopted includes norm contestation theory which emphasizes that international norms are dynamic and contested, as well as Dipesh Chakrabarty's post-colonial approach, which highlights historical trauma as the foundation of institutional resistance. The results show that ASEAN's cautious stance is not a weakness, but a form of protection of sovereignty and political identity shaped by colonial experiences. This study contributes to the understanding of the interaction between global and local norms in the post-colonial world, enriching the discourse of international relations from the perspective of the Global South.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andra Khagum Muhammad, Jusmalia Oktaviani, Anggun Dwi Panorama https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This article investigates the Minangkabau matrilineal practice of uang japuik as a site of contestation against universalist international gender norms. Through a qualitative approach combining a literature review with discourse analysis of legal and cultural texts, this study employs norm contestation theory and postcolonial feminism to unpack the tensions between global values and local meanings. Findings show that uang japuik, a payment from the bride's family to the groom's, defies reduction to female commodification. Locally, it functions as a symbol of respect, reciprocity, and kinship, representing a distinct matrilineal logic of gender equality. The practice constitutes an epistemic resistance against global narratives that monolithically condemn marriage payments without cultural context. Ultimately, this research argues that the diffusion of international norms is a complex arena of negotiation, demanding a more pluralistic and culturally sensitive approach to the diverse pathways of women's emancipation in the Global South.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sherly Tricia Ningsih https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Relevance of Indonesia's Ratification of the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages
Hostage-taking cases involving Indonesian citizens, both domestically and abroad, remain a persistent challenge for the Indonesian government in ensuring citizen protection and safeguarding national sovereignty. Although previous studies have examined diplomatic approaches such as total diplomacy and the duty of care principle, limited research has examined how media discourse shapes public perception of policy urgency regarding the ratification of the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (ICATH). This study aims to explore dominant media narratives, frames, and thematic patterns that shape public discourse on ICATH ratification. A qualitative research design was employed using thematic coding within an inductive–deductive framework. Data were collected from 100 national online news articles published between 2011–2025. The analysis followed three coding stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Findings show contrasting media tendencies. Independent media emphasise regulatory weaknesses, legal gaps, and the urgency of strengthening international legal commitments, while state-affiliated media highlight diplomatic engagement, crisis management, and government responsiveness. The study argues that Indonesian media play an active role in shaping policy legitimacy by reinforcing issue framings rather than merely reporting events. Ratification is a strategic imperative to align public expectations, strengthen protection, and reinforce Indonesia’s global role in cooperation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Malinda Benita Veda, Surwandono Surwandono https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Strengthening ASEAN’s Stabilizing Role via ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific has become at the forefront of geostrategic rivalry between the United States and China, which has implications for region’s political, security and economic stability. As the only regional institution with multilateral capacity in the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN faces the challenge of maintaining its neutrality while strengthening its centrality. This context explains how, through the 2019 ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), ASEAN seeks to reinforce its stabilizing role by adopting preventive, mitigative, and adaptive strategies in response to regional power shifts. Using a descriptive qualitative method and the statement of strategy concept contextualized with neorealism, this study analyses the AOIP is an ASEAN’s strategic response to regional power competition between the great powers. The finding shows that AOIP, as neutral framework, aims to foster cooperation in various sectors, including industry. ASEAN's neutrality is also tested in policymaking, particularly among Southeast Asia members, as it strives to manage tension between major powers while maintaining its coherence, relevance and influence in the evolving Indo Pacific order.
Copyright (c) 2025 Devy Indah Paramitha; Muhammad Nur Alim Syabana; Khoirul Amin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Vietnamese Government’s Policy Strategies to Address Human Trafficking (2017–2021)
Vietnam, as one of the countries in the ASEAN region, has various complex factors that encourage the occurrence of human trafficking problems. This study aims to analyze the strategies of the Vietnamese government in overcoming human trafficking in the 2017-2021 period using qualitative methods. It applies the concept of the anti-trafficking strategy approach as outlined by Cornelius Friesendorf, which emphasizes four key approaches in addressing human trafficking. The study result shows the Vietnamese government's strategies in the 2017-2021 period to implement anti-trafficking strategies through policies to prevent and address the root causes, strengthen and enforce the law, protect victims, and establish partnerships. In these strategies, the government also focuses on victim protection by providing rescue, recovery, education, and economic capacity-building services to non-governmental organizations. There has been progress in policy formation and emphasis on the number of victims. On the other hand, there are challenges, such as a lack of coordination between the central and regional governments, limited resources, and inconsistent law enforcement officials, which serve as obstacles to effectively addressing human trafficking.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ribka Kristanti Soegiharto, Ludiro Madu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Domestic Factors on China’s Green Belt and Road Initiatives
China’s implementation of the Green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflects a shift in its foreign policy to support global energy transition and sustainable development. However, there is a notable gap between the initiative’s objectives and its outcomes in host countries. While the Green BRI aims to showcase China’s commitment to green investments, its energy investments in Indonesia remain heavily focused on fossil fuels, particularly coal. In contrast, China’s renewable energy investments are prominent in Thailand. This study examines the implementation of the Green BRI in Indonesia and Thailand, analyzing how the energy mixes and investment portfolios. This study involving literature review and analysis of secondary data sources analyzed through the lens of Global China. This study argues that the divergence in Green BRI implementation across Southeast Asia reflects not merely China’s flexibility, but the differentiated capacities of host countries to absorb, steer, or resist foreign investment agendas. Ultimately, Green BRI is highly adaptive, and its outcomes are co-produced through complex interactions between China’s intentions and the domestic landscapes of partner countries. This study contributes by highlighting the critical role of domestic political and economic contexts in shaping China’s green investments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rizka Bunga Shafira, Ardhitya Eduard Yeremia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
China’s Role in International Conflict Mediation and Its Implications for International Relations
This study examines China’s evolving role as a mediator in international conflicts, particularly its involvement in the Saudi-Iranian dispute and the Russia-Ukraine war. It underscores China’s evolution from a historically reclusive nation to a significant global actor, accentuating its “peaceful rise” policy. In doing so, the study employs a conceptual framework to analyze the evolution of China’s foreign policy. It examines China’s strategic deployment of soft power through cultural diplomacy, economic influence, and mediation initiatives. The study’s findings indicate that China’s mediation has contested traditional Western hegemony in conflict resolution by presenting an alternative approach centered on sovereignty and non-interference. Challenges persist regarding perceptions of bias, particularly in conflict such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where neutrality is scrutinized. Ultimately, this study underscores China’s increasing role as a mediator, capable of shaping global diplomatic norms while navigating complex geopolitical contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Rachmat Yuliantoro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Strategic Responses to Myanmar’s Political Crisis
On February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military staged a coup, abruptly halting the country's political transition and triggering widespread violence, humanitarian distress, and regional instability. This article examines how India and China, with distinct political systems, foreign policy and strategic interests have responded to the crisis and shaped regional engagement in post-coup Myanmar. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study utilizes official government statements, news reports, and scholarly publications. The findings indicate that China has maintained close ties with the junta to secure its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments, while also engaging with ethnic armed groups to ensure border stability and protect its economic assets. India, by contrast, follows a “dual-track” strategy—publicly supporting democratic norms but also maintaining relations with the military regime to safeguard its security and strategic interests. However, India's limited support for pro-democracy forces and restrictive refugee policies have weakened its regional credibility, while China’s pragmatic diplomacy allows it to preserve its influence and project strategic dominance in Myanmar. This comparative analysis highlights shifting China and India power dynamics in Southeast Asia and suggests that a more flexible and inclusive policy from both actors is crucial for contributing to Myanmar’s long-term stability and advancing their regional interests.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Indrawan Jatmika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Indigenous Identity in the Global Sustainable Project
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Eduardus Andhika Kurniawan, Balya Arung Segara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An Analysis of Destructive Fishing as an Anthropogenic Disaster in Coastal Areas
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yunias Dao, Yusnaldi Yusnaldi, Kusuma Kusuma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
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.
Copyright (c) 2024 Henelito Sevilla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Complexity of ASEAN Way and Norms in Addressing Islam-Rooted Conflicts in Southeast Asia
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.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rizki Damayanti, Zaenal Muttaqin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
China's Belt and Road Initiative Implementation Maneuvers in the South Pacific Region
The geopolitical ascendancy of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) within the South Pacific Region has been extensively scrutinized due to its potential to both align with global development agendas and provoke sovereignty concerns among recipient nations. It is hypothesized that the BRI could either exacerbate debt dependencies or foster economic emancipation depending on the governance responses of the recipient countries. Therefore, this study seeks to analyze the strategic deployments and the consequential geopolitical ramifications of the BRI, particularly focusing on South Pacific nations. A qualitative method, utilizing literature reviews and analyses of secondary data sources, was systematically employed to extract and synthesize relevant insights. Empirical evidence from multiple South Pacific case studies reveals that these nations have the capacity to harness the initiative for economic enhancement without necessarily succumbing to compromised sovereignty. These findings illuminate the dual potential of the BRI to either ensnare recipient nations in dependency cycles or empower them through strategic economic engagement, contingent upon the negotiation dynamics and governance acumen of the recipient countries.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rezya Agnesica Helena Sihaloho, Tri Bagus Prabowo, Cahyo Pamungkas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Transaction Cost Analysis of ASEAN Food Security Cooperation on Rice Commodity
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.
Copyright (c) 2024 Reni Erlita Pinasthika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Identity Politics and Political Parties in India
India is the country with the largest Hindu majority in the world. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, the leadership model in India has been directed at implementing the teachings of Hindu nationalism, which considers it essential to protect Indian Hindu culture from the attacks of Western liberal ideology. This research aims to provide an overview of how Hindu identity politics is implemented in India under the rule of the BJP and what kind of political strategies and policies have been created by the Indian government, influenced by the ideology of Hindu hypernationalism. This qualitative research uses literature review data analysis techniques. The data sources used are secondary data from journals, books, and websites related to the research theme. Source triangulation is used for data validity, namely by verifying different data sources to obtain valid results. This research found that the identity politics implemented by the BJP utilizes the belief system/ideology of Indian Hindus through Hindutva teachings. The political strategy is carried out by embracing as many radical Hindu groups as possible and creating various policies that discredit minority groups in India. Additionally, during campaigns, the BJP often uses Hindu symbols to gain political support.
Copyright (c) 2024 IGAAG Dewi Sucitawathi Pinatih https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Shifting Attitudes of Acehnese towards Rohingya Refugees
Various rejections by local Acehnese, as well as netizens on social media, have emerged against the newly arrived Rohingya refugees on the beaches of Aceh. The rejection ranges from the locals' rejection of the boats to land to the forced removal of the refugees by students. This change in response from the local Acehnese community is surprising, as the local community's response to the refugees has been known to be positive since the first boat arrived. Through a qualitative analysis that connects the issue with the concept of autochthony, this research found that such concept is connected to the shifting response of the Acehnese towards the newly arrived Rohingya refugees, whereas the concept’s key points of (1) protection of ancestral heritage as well as (2) fear of being contaminated by foreign influences, are prevalent in the locals’ recent gestures and acts of refusals. If this attitude is maintained, it is not impossible that more discrimination towards the Rohingya refugees could take place in the near future.
Copyright (c) 2024 Naufal Rasendriya Apta Raharema https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comparative Analysis of Western Nations’ Actions in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine Conflicts
This study explores and contrasts the responses of Western nations, specifically the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union (EU), to two pivotal conflicts: the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict and the 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the analysis delves into the political, historical, and humanitarian dimensions of these responses, aiming to unravel the intricate factors that shape Western foreign policy. Through a qualitative content analysis of diplomatic statements, and policy actions, the research discerns the motivations guiding the approaches of these key Western players to these conflicts. By using a comparative in foreign policy framework, a pivotal finding emerges, emphasizing that diverse in responses are primarily driven by interstate perspectives, thereby revealing nuanced positions influenced by varying regional alliances within the US, the UK, and the EU.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Alfian Maulana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Regulating European Union’s Border in Africa
Ceuta and Melilla are two enclaves that belong to Spain in Morocco and have become the contact points of the irregular migrants coming from Africa that are attempting to reach the European continent. The enclaves have utilized innovative technology and barbed wire, but immigrant crises have occurred over the years. Despite the crises, the Spanish and Moroccan governments choose to perform a semi-permeable border. This article explains the semi-permeable border using the liberal institutional theory. This article argues that a semi-permeable border is chosen by the Spanish and Moroccan governments to fulfill their mutual self-interests. The Spanish government agrees to perform a semi-permeable border to retain the symbolic border of the region. The blurring overlap in the enclaves has put the Spanish government to use help from the European Union to conduct security measures in the region. The Moroccan government agrees to perform a semi-permeable border to retain its influence over the enclaves and uses the immigrant crises as a bargaining chip for the European Union. The European Union maximizes the performance of a semi-permeable border to pursue its interest, which is to conduct the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement.
Copyright (c) 2024 Yanuar Rahmadan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Water Diplomacy and Non-Traditional Security
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.
Copyright (c) 2025 Krisman Heriamsal, Rivelda Pricilia Heatubun, Heyna Jekaisa, Andi Ira Tenri Adikusuma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
In an era where globalization is reshaping every facet of our lives, international cooperation holds the key to progress. The Special Province of Yogyakarta seized the moment to forge a transformative partnership with Japan's Kyoto Prefecture, inaugurated on 16th July 1985. This study delves into the tapestry of this 'sister province' cooperation, tracing its historical trajectory and discerning the elements behind its enduring success. Employing qualitative research involving stakeholders’ interviews from both regions, this study unveils compelling insights. This cooperation emerges as successful model of 'sister province' initiatives in Indonesia, aligning seamlessly with the government's benchmarks—ranging from mutual benefits and sustainable initiatives to positive community impacts. It is also found that leadership factors influence the success of this sister province cooperation. Both leaders can manage and encourage collective action to support this cooperation. Moreover, both regions boast a vibrant cultural heritage, sharing numerous similarities that energize and deepen the ties between these sister provinces. Yet, even amidst its achievements, challenges like budgetary constraints and manpower shortages cast shadows. This research, therefore, not only unveils the success story of the Yogyakarta-Kyoto cooperation, but also enriches scholarly discussion on the broader contributions of 'sister province' initiatives in Indonesia international cooperation landscape.
Copyright (c) 2024 Tedi Gunawan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Indonesia’s Role in the Rise of East Asia amid China's Ascendancy
China is leading East Asia as the epicentrum of growth in the third decade of 21st century, however, the role of Indonesia is eminent in this rise. Meanwhile, the struggle over influence in the region is acrimonious, as USA, China and Russia are vying for support from countries in this strategic region. Through the lens of neorealism, this study attempts at examining the role of Indonesia in rising East Asia. It argues that Indonesia plays major role especially in mediating and balancing both US – China rivalries through carefully crafted diplomatic strategies. Indonesia provides regional frameworks within which cooperations between opposing countries is possible, while at the same time safeguarding these cooperations through balancing act. Indonesia's strategic position enables it to serve as a global balancer by accepting agreements with China and maintaining close security ties with the United States. Through prudent policies, Indonesia upholds regional stability and plays an effective mediating role among major global powers.
neorealism, balancing act, Indonesia – China, intermediary
Copyright (c) 2024 Sugiarto Pramono, Wahyu Arif Raharjo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
This study investigates the interplay between entrepreneurial dynamism, innovation, and technological advancement in Indonesia's burgeoning e-commerce sector. Framed through the lenses of Creative Destruction and Disruptive Innovation, the research delves into the transformative impact of digital globalization on traditional business models. By tracing the historical development of e-commerce and scrutinizing the closure of offline stores in 2017, this study highlights the potential of digital globalization to disrupt established market players, paving the way for MSMEs to explore unconstrained market segments. The study introduces the Model of Disruption-Destruction Cycle, elucidating how entrepreneurs' innovations lead to technological advancements and business model transformations. These dynamics enrich our understanding of Indonesia's evolving digital economy. The contribution lies in its comprehensive analysis of the transformative forces redefining the e-commerce landscape. While the study presents valuable insights, it also acknowledges limitations, including the need for further empirical validation. Finally, this paper offers a platform for empirically validating and exploring the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancement in Indonesia's e-commerce realm.
Copyright (c) 2024 Galuh Dian Prama Dewi, Alvin Ernesto Lusikooy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Impact of Indonesia-China Nickel Cooperations on Indonesia’s Economy and Environment
As a country with abundant nickel potential, Indonesia possesses numerous advantages that have attracted China to expand its capital in the Indonesia. The collaboration between countries demonstrates the mutual national interests. Following the establishing of downstream policy through Ministerial Regulation No. 11 of 2019, the Indonesian Government has shown increased concern for optimizing its domestic nickel potential. This study examines the impact of cooperation between Indonesia's and China' in the nickel industry on Indonesia's economic growth and environment. It seeks to determine whether this cooperation benefit Indonesian people by fostering advancements in human resources indicators, infrastructure development, and presenting viable solution to environmental challenges through their joint efforts in the nickel industry or vice versa? The research method is qualitative, with critical approaches analyzed using economic diplomacy theory. The results shows that this cooperation positively impacts Indonesia's economic growth, especially in terms of increased employment, human resource development, and infrastructure development. However, it also presents new challenges on environmental issues. Indonesia's endeavors to address environmental problems stemming from the nickel industry involve pressuring China, as an investor, to uphold environmental standards within the mining areas.
Copyright (c) 2023 Farah Rosada, Raden Ambara Arya Wibisana, Arie Kusuma Paksi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Environmental Issue and Digital Diplomacy in the Contemporary International Relations
Copyright (c) 2023 Rivelda Pricilia Heatubun, Yoga Suharman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0