The Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Journal (APSDJ) is a rebranded publication issued by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). It builds on the success of two former ESCAP journals - the Asia-Pacific Population Journal (APPJ), launched in 1986, and the Asia-Pacific Development Journal (APDJ), launched in 1994. APSDJ us based on the recognition of the interconnected and multidisciplinary nature of sustainable development. Published biannually, it aims to stimulate debate and assist in the formulation of evidence-based policymaking in the Asia-Pacific region towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Kremlin's ability to shape global affairs appeared decimated following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Coupled with the internal instability that gripped Russia in the 1990s, Moscow struggled to develop a coherent and effective foreign policy for almost a decade. But under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has steadily reemerged as one of the most significant countries in the world-and one that is increasingly willing to challenge the United States. In Budget Superpower, geopolitics journalist John P. Ruehl explores how Russia has achieved this feat, despite its relatively limited economic strength. The book is divided into eight chapters, each exploring a tool or approach of the Kremlin's and how and where it has used this method to maximize Russia's influence. Each chapter also analyzes the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of Russia's strategies, as well as cautious predictions for how they may evolve in the future. Russia's determination to confront the United States has become increasingly apparent over the last decade, culminating in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In addition to demonstrating how Russia has effectively undermined the American-led global order, Budget Superpower will help readers understand why Russia has committed to this policy in the face of increasing push back and globally destabilizing consequences.

Technological Change and Mature Industrial Regions explicitly adopts an inter-disciplinary approach to analysing the structural transformation of mature regions. The major focus of the book is from an economics perspective, but it also employs sociological analyses, business history approaches and technological analyses. It critically considers the identification and development of regional capabilities and regional policy initiatives for mature industrial areas in the context of globalisation and technological change. Specific cases from a range of different countries help to distinguish which aspects of mature regions' technology, knowledge or structure are region-specific, and which are more generally applicable to mature industrial regions throughout the world. The book will prove to be invaluable for academic researchers as well as government and policy communities.

This book examines the major economic and political factors influencing China's exchange rate policies from the foundation of the People's Republic to the present. It considers how national economic and political priorities, international influences, domestic institutional interests and the new constraints imposed by China's rapidly globalising post-Mao economy determine exchange rate policy. The authors argue that China's exchange rate decisions were not made simply in response to external pressures, rather that they were formed on the basis of domestic assessments of domestic circumstances to serve domestic interests. They go on to illustrate that such decisions are made on the basis of what policymakers perceive are the nation's best interests, and thus constitute dynamic interplay between national priorities and the interests of institutional and non-institutional actors in the policy arena. Fulfilling the demand for further research on how China formulates exchange rate policy, this book will strongly appeal to a wide-ranging audience including: students, academics and researchers with an interest in political economy, Asian studies, international relations, comparative politics, international business and international economics and finance. Policymakers and bankers will also find much to interest them in this book.

This excellent reference source brings together hard-to-find information on the constituent units of the Russian Federation. The introduction examines the Russian Federation as a whole, followed by a chronology, demographic and economic statistics, and a review of the Federal Government. The second section comprises territorial surveys, each of which includes a current map. This edition includes surveys covering the annexed (and disputed) territories of Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as updated surveys of each of the other 83 federal subjects. The third section comprises a select bibliography of books. The fourth section features a series of indexes, listing the territories alphabetically, by Federal Okrug and Economic Area. Users will also find a gazetteer of selected alternative and historic names, a list of the territories abolished, created or reconstituted in the post-Soviet period, and an index of more than 100 principal cities, detailing the territory in which each is located.

An authoritative yet accessible introduction to the history, politics, and society of one of Latin America's most enigmatic and culturally diverse countries. Mexico: A Global Studies Handbook is an ideal introduction to the United States' southern neighbor for students, travelers, businesspeople, or other interested readers. It debunks a variety of myths and misconceptions that have evolved over time, clarifying the realities of both historic and contemporary Mexico. Mexico offers an authoritative yet engaging tour of Mexican history and geography, as well its current economic and business climate, governmental structure, popular culture, and society. It also provides an alphabetically organized "mini-encyclopedia" for quick access to information on notable Mexican people, places, and events. Together, these sections provide everything readers need to understand Mexico's pre-Colombian origins, colonial legacies of dependence and Westernization, and its continuing efforts to craft a national identity. Maps of both historic Mexico and its modern political divisions plus images of monuments, buildings, natural attractions, and the variety of cultures within the country A detailed chronology of Mexico from pre-Colombian times through the years of colonialism and independence to the present

Megaregions presents an excellent collection of spatial-imaginary cameos drawn from the US and beyond, together with theoretically searching and provocative commentary from its editors. [The book] provides a series of thought-provoking and question-prompting interjections to inspire and prompt new research agendas.' - Kathy Pain, Geographical Review 'This splendid collection both defines and dissects trajectories of a research agenda on one of the chief, yet contested, discursive scalar fixes on our planet in an age of complete urbanization: the megaregion.' - Roger Keil, York University, Toronto, Canada Are megaregions a meaningful new spatial framework for the analysis of cities in globalization? Drawing together a range of innovative contributions and case studies from around the world, this book interrogates the many claims and counter-claims made about megaregions and critically assesses their position within global urban studies. Connecting research on megaregions to broader theoretical debates about globalized urbanization, the book examines the latest conceptualizations of trans-metropolitan landscapes. It investigates the opportunities and challenges posed by planning and governing at the megaregional scale and moves the debate forward to address questions of 'how', 'why' and 'by whom' megaregional spaces are being constructed. This far-reaching book will be of considerable interest to a broad audience, appealing to those engaged in urban and regional studies, geography and planning, and with direct relevance for policymakers and practitioners working at international, state and local levels. Contributors: B. Fleming, M.R. Glass, J. Harrison, M. Hesse, M. Hoyler, A. Schafran, P. Schmitt, L. Smas, D. Wachsmuth, S.M. Wheeler, X. Zhang

More than 1.3 million Korean Americans live in the United States, the majority of them foreign-born immigrants and their children, the so-called 1.5 and second generations. While many sons and daughters of Korean immigrants outwardly conform to the stereotyped image of the upwardly mobile, highly educated super-achiever, the realities and challenges that the children of Korean immigrants face in their adult lives as their immigrant parents grow older and confront health issues that are far more complex. In Caring Across Generations, Grace J. Yoo and Barbara W. Kim explore how earlier experiences helping immigrant parents navigate American society have prepared Korean American children for negotiating and redefining the traditional gender norms, close familial relationships, and cultural practices that their parents expect them to adhere to as they reach adulthood. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 137 second and 1.5 generation Korean Americans, Yoo & Kim explore issues such as their childhood experiences, their interpreted cultural traditions and values in regards to care and respect for the elderly, their attitudes and values regarding care for aging parents, their observations of parents facing retirement and life changes, and their experiences with providing care when parents face illness or the prospects of dying. A unique study at the intersection of immigration and aging, Caring Across Generations provides a new look at the linked lives of immigrants and their families, and the struggles and triumphs that they face over many generations.

For Georgia, the signing of the Association Agreement and the DCFTA with the European Union in 2014 was an act of strategic geopolitical significance. Of all the EU's eastern partners, the country distinguished itself since the Rose Revolution of 2003 by pushing ahead with a radical liberalisation and economic reform agenda. Georgia is unique among the countries in the region for having largely cleansed its economy of corruption in the post-Rose Revolution period, although its political system is marked by oligarchal state capture since the change of government in 2012. The purpose of this Handbook is to make the complex political, economic and legal content of the Association Agreement readily understandable. This third edition, published seven years since signature of after entry into force of the Agreement's implementation is substantially new in content, both updating how Georgia has been implementing the Agreement, and introducing new dimensions (including the Green Deal, the Covid-19 pandemic, cyber security, and gender equality). The Handbook is also up to date in analysing Georgia's troubled democracy. Two teams of researchers from leading independent think tanks, CEPS in Brussels and Reformatics in Tbilisi, collaborated on this project, with the support of the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). This Handbook is one of a trilogy examining similar Association Agreements made by the EU with Ukraine and Moldova.

Market Development in China presents the analysis of leading specialists on the causes, benefits and problems resulting from China's transition to a market economy. As the authors illustrate, it is generally recognized that in the last 25 years China has achieved a rate of economic growth unmatched in any of the world's major countries. However, this growth has been unequally shared, so that by the year 2000, China also exhibited what to many observers was an alarming degree of income inequality at individual, sectoral, and regional levels. This books deals with several facets of China's spectacular economic growth and its rising income inequality. It is shown that geographical and sectoral distribution of social services has increased the degree of inequality among Chinese households. On the positive side though, there is evidence that regionalization of commodity markets has decreased, promoting pricing equality, which is surely a cornerstone of income equality. Analysis is also presented on regional technology spillovers, rural-urban labor migration, and the relationship between FDI and the ability of state-owned enterprises to cope with the pressures of hard budget constraints. The book provides updated evidence on China's social and economic inequalities and their causes. The contributions make up a cohesive and valuable study that will appeal to scholars and researchers at many levels of academe in the fields of economics, Asian studies - and Chinese studies in particular - as well as development economists.

Higher education institutions play a vital role in their surrounding communities. Besides providing a space for enhanced learning opportunities, universities can utilize their resources for social and economic interests. The Handbook of Research on Science Education and University Outreach as a Tool for Regional Development is a comprehensive reference source for the latest scholarly material on the expanded role of universities for community engagement initiatives. Providing in-depth coverage across a range of topics, such as resource sharing, educational administration, and technological applications, this handbook is ideally designed for educators, graduate students, professionals, academics, and practitioners interested in the active involvement of education institutions in community outreach.

Experienced author with an excellent reputation and publication track record. Wide ranging, advanced overview of the topic. Provides a broad ranging overview. Includes pedagogical features to facilitate further study. Freshly updated to include the latest developments including China's growing influence.

This book examines the relationship between national identity and foreign policy discourses on Russia in Germany, Poland and Finland in the years 2005–2015. The case studies focus on the Nord Stream pipeline controversy, the 2008 Russian-Georgian war, the post-electoral protests in Russian cities in 2011–2012 and the Ukraine crisis. Siddi argues that divergent foreign policy narratives of Russia are rooted in different national identity constructions. Most significantly, the Ukraine crisis and the Nord Stream controversy have exposed how deep-rooted and different perceptions of the 'Russian Other' in EU member states are still influential and lead to conflicting national agendas for foreign policy towards Russia.

The much-anticipated definitive account of China's Great Famine

An estimated thirty-six million Chinese men, women, and children starved to death during China's Great Leap Forward in the late 1950s and early '60s. One of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century, the famine is poorly understood, and in China is still euphemistically referred to as "the three years of natural disaster."

As a journalist with privileged access to official and unofficial sources, Yang Jisheng spent twenty years piecing together the events that led to mass nationwide starvation, including the death of his own father. Finding no natural causes, Yang attributes responsibility for the deaths to China's totalitarian system and the refusal of officials at every level to value human life over ideology and self-interest.

"Tombstone" is a testament to inhumanity and occasional heroism that pits collective memory against the historical amnesia imposed by those in power. Stunning in scale and arresting in its detailed account of the staggering human cost of this tragedy, "Tombstone" is written both as a memorial to the lives lost--an enduring tombstone in memory of the dead--and in hopeful anticipation of the final demise of the totalitarian system. Ian Johnson, writing in "The New York Review of Books," called the Chinese edition of "Tombstone ""groundbreaking . . . One of the most important books to come out of China in recent years."

The changing face of infrastructure facilities management worldwide is characterised by high demand for investments in renewal and maintenance, governmental budget constraints and innovations in information systems. The authors highlight the growing demand for accurate, complete and continuous disclosure of information related to management activities, expenditures, stock availability and shadow prices. This study discusses how infrastructure facilities, commonly considered as a public good, have been traditionally funded by the public sector but that the efficiency of this approach has come into question at the same time as the ability of governments to leverage funds for new facilities and for maintenance and rehabilitation of existing ones has decreased. These factors, they argue, have led to increasing interest in private sector participation in financing, building and operating public infrastructure. The main purpose of this book is to: * present recent theoretical and practical advances as well as new concepts and paradigms in infrastructure systems * provide a state-of-the-art overview of current research * stimulate new research and innovative thinking on the interface between infrastructure measurement and management. The book, written by numerous experts in the field, will appeal to national and regional infrastructure ministries and agencies, companies engaged in infrastructure financing, construction, management and maintenance as well as students at graduate level and above and researchers in civil engineering, infrastructure planning and infrastructure economics and management.

In September 1958, Guinea claimed its independence, rejecting a constitution that would have relegated it to junior partnership in the French Community. In all the French empire, Guinea was the only territory to vote "No." Orchestrating the "No" vote was the Guinean branch of the Rassemblement Democratique Africain (RDA), an alliance of political parties with affiliates in French West and Equatorial Africa and the United Nations trusts of Togo and Cameroon. Although Guinea's stance vis-a-vis the 1958 constitution has been recognized as unique, until now the historical roots of this phenomenon have not been adequately explained.
Clearly written and free of jargon, "Cold War and Decolonization in Guinea" argues that Guinea's vote for independence was the culmination of a decade-long struggle between local militants and political leaders for control of the political agenda. Since 1950, when RDA representatives in the French parliament severed their ties to the French Communist Party, conservative elements had dominated the RDA. In Guinea, local cadres had opposed the break. Victimized by the administration and sidelined by their own leaders, they quietly rebuilt the party from the base. Leftist militants, their voices muted throughout most of the decade, gained preeminence in 1958, when trade unionists, students, the party's women's and youth wings, and other grassroots actors pushed the Guinean RDA to endorse a "No" vote. Thus, Guinea's rejection of the proposed constitution in favor of immediate independence was not an isolated aberration. Rather, it was the outcome of years of political mobilization by activists who, despite Cold War repression, ultimately pushed the Guinean RDA tothe left.
The significance of this highly original book, based on previously unexamined archival records and oral interviews with grassroots activists, extends far beyond its primary subject. In illuminating the Guinean case, Elizabeth Schmidt helps us understand the dynamics of decolonization and its legacy for postindependence nation-building in many parts of the developing world.
Examining Guinean history from the bottom up, Schmidt considers local politics within the larger context of the Cold War, making her book suitable for courses in African history and politics, diplomatic history, and Cold War history.

East Asia has been an area of high economic growth for several decades. The East Asian High-Tech Drive argues that to maintain the growth momentum, the more advanced East Asian economies need to pay particular attention to policies designed to upgrade their industrial capabilities. The authors argue that effectively functioning institutions, predictable commercial policies, investments in human capital and infrastructure, openness and macroeconomic stability are essential for growth and technological development. Regarding the two lower income economies in the sample, Indonesia is found to have the smallest improvement in the skill intensity of its exports, while the Philippines has registered the slowest economic growth. For both countries, industrial upgrading issues are not as imperative as achieving or regaining rapid, labour-intensive growth as both recently experienced major political instabilities.Yun-Peng Chu and Hal Hill have gathered together a strong and cohesive collection of papers written by country experts on the issue of high-tech industrialization in East Asia. They present case studies of Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the PRC and Indonesia. The book uses a new measure of the skill intensity of exports that, it is argued, deepens our understanding of industrialization trajectories in this important and dynamic region. There are also detailed examinations and assessments of government policies in each economy. The editors have prepared an overview chapter that summarizes and integrates the main results of cross-country comparisons in a coherent manner. Academics, scholars and researchers of economic development, industrial and technology studies and Asian studies will all find much to engage them within this book.

Product of a Post-doctoral research done at the University of Washington, (Seattle), USA, the present work is an attempt to conceptualise and analyse the postulates underlying India's Foreign Policy from its formative years in the early fifties to its maturation in the early eighties of the last century. It subjects the management of foreign relations by India to a full scale theoretical examination from the political economy angle-an exercise few scholars then or now have undertaken .Notions of security, national interest, diplomatic leverage, decision making process and so on have, in this work, been revisited in the decisive context of a domestic-external continuum in which forces of economic origin were seen as defining the rationale of a foreign policy that was supposed to take a developing nation to the fulfilment of its legitimate aspirations. At the same time, the innovations that were made with practically no earlier precedent to go by and the kind of institution building required for the purpose have been dealt with critically so as to bring out the interplay of domestic development aspirations and the art of ensuring policy independence by appropriate diplomacy. In the turbulent context of the Cold War the Indian experiment in the management of foreign relations and the positive gains it reaped in collectivising the principle of non-alignment did constitute a subject that demanded a non-conventional approach to get to the bottom of it. That is precisely what distinguishes the book by one of the most qualified experts in International Relations, enjoying intellectual acclaim both at home and abroad. The book starts with a theoretical discourse on the applicability or otherwise of the political economy approach as it stood at the time of writing. In subsequent chapters it examines a dependent economy's quest for an independent foreign policy, the central challenge before the external affairs ministry of the country. It needed, among other things handling of external aid, and foreign investment to recharge the developmental enterprises at home in a manner that would not interfere with the autonomy in judging and reacting to external events. Economic restructuring at home which brought a strong public sector as complementary to a fledgling private sector constituted an essential aspect. So also came up the new experiment of building a collective economic front with other developing nations. In its compact, yet well documented, analysis the book provides the most engaging scholarly presentation of the subject in all its relevant technicalities.

With the European Union striving to become the world's most competitive economy, the developments in the two closely interconnected areas of European corporate law and European company tax law are of utmost importance. This book focuses on the crucial issues raised by these developments, on their far-reaching implications and on the key challenges to the future legislative choices. The book illustrates the key developments in EU corporate law and EU company tax law, the EU planned initiatives in these areas, and - at a time when member states increasingly tend to use company law and company tax provisions to attract businesses and investments - it suggests how future developments can contribute to the undistorted functioning of the internal market and to the strategic 'Lisbon-objective'. The explanation of these legislative and case-law developments is of use to students and indicates new opportunities for business expansion strategies throughout the European Community. The book concludes that new optional, but attractive, EU company law vehicles and company tax regimes would be, in these two areas, the only legal and effective means towards an undistorted functioning of the internal market and towards the Lisbon-objective. This ultimately gives rise to a far-reaching challenge for all debates on the future patterns of European integration. Luca Cerioni introduces new themes for academic research and discussion subjects for decision-makers and at the same time, uniquely, makes these accessible to a much wider international public of students, businesses and practitioners.