Law, Economics and Society

Navigating the Turbulent Waters: An In-Depth Study of US-China Geopolitical Rivalry

2025-01-22T20:02:25+08:00

This manuscript explores the intricate and multifaceted geopolitical frictions between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, which have crystallized as a salient characteristic of contemporary international relations. By scrutinizing the historical antecedents of this rivalry, the discourse elucidates pivotal determinants exacerbating the burgeoning tensions, encompassing trade disputes, military posturing, and a burgeoning technological rivalry. This study endeavours to untangle the intricacies of US-China relations and their ramifications for global equilibrium through a rigorous analysis of diplomatic overtures, space race, and security dilemmas. Furthermore, the paper assesses the agency of regional actors and multilateral institutions in modulating the dynamics of this rivalry. Finally, this study’s evaluation aspires to furnish insights into prospective trajectories for conflict resolution and cooperative engagement, underscoring the paramount significance of dialogue and strategic management in navigating the complexities engendered by this critical geopolitical milieu.

A Popular Participation Model to Avoid a New Governance Crisis in Venezuela and Peru: A Study of the Oil and Mining Industries

2025-02-02T13:15:56+08:00

Shared governance through popular participation and social oversight represents a significant challenge and opportunity in combating corruption and enhancing public policy effectiveness. This study, which involved a survey of 35 interviews with students from Peru and Venezuela (University Mayor de San Marcos, Lima y University Carabolo, Valencia) and employed Structural Equation Modeling, proposed a theoretical model titled Popular Participation and Cultural Chage to reduce Corruption -PMRC.

Considering Venezuela's position as one of the largest oil producers in the world, the research focused on the following central question: What is the impact of Venezuelans' social participation in public policies related to gasoline supply?

Despite receiving financial aid from China and Russia to support both the public and private sectors, the Venezuelan government charges $1.36 per liter of gasoline—the highest price in Latin America—despite a production cost of only $0.035 per liter.

The study's key conclusion is that the governments of Venezuela and Peru are exploiting societal ignorance by closing educational institutions and restricting access to comprehensive knowledge, limiting citizens to only basic information.

The research model suggests that promoting knowledge-sharing within society and with other nations holds transformative potential for national cultural change, ultimately contributing to the reduction of corruption. The study emphasizes that combating corruption requires shifting from a purely legalistic approach to fostering an ethical cultural transformation, beginning with exemplary governance practices.

Realization of Women Right to Access to Justice the Law and Practice: In Case of Oromia Region North Shewa Zone

2025-02-13T12:11:17+08:00

This study examines women's right to access justice in Ethiopia's North Shewa Zone, highlighting legal and practical barriers that perpetuate gender inequality. Through qualitative methods including interviews and case reviews, the research identifies cultural, structural, and economic challenges affecting women's ability to seek justice. The study also evaluates gaps in legal frameworks and judicial practices, proposing targeted solutions for improved legal awareness, gender equality, and institutional reforms.

Using Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement and Policing to Improve Public Health and Safety

2025-02-14T11:22:51+08:00

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) policing tools and geo-profiling into contemporary law enforcement strategies has revolutionized analysis of concerning behavior, offering unprecedented precision in the identification of psychological risk factors and predictive crime analysis. AI's sophisticated pattern recognition capabilities, powered by machine learning algorithms, enable the dissection of vast datasets to uncover complex behavioral trends, latent correlations, and risk indicators often imperceptible to human cognition. This analytical depth enhances law enforcement's ability to identify links between disparate criminal activities, forecast potential threats, and shift from reactive to proactive crime prevention. Complementing AI's prowess, geo-profiling employs spatial analysis rooted in criminology, psychology, and geographic information systems (GIS) to elucidate crime patterns, identify hotspots, and predict offender anchor points. The synergy between these technologies augments investigative efficiency and mitigates cognitive biases inherent in traditional profiling through data-driven objectivity. Moreover, the implications of AI and geo-profiling extend beyond criminal justice, significantly impacting public health and safety. By enhancing crime detection and enabling early intervention, these technologies contribute to reducing violence-related injuries, mitigating psychological trauma, and fostering resilient communities. Police organizations can leverage AI-driven insights to deploy targeted interventions addressing the root causes of violence, such as socio-economic disparities and mental health challenges. This conceptual study explores the transformative potential of AI and geo-profiling in crime prevention, emphasizing their role in advancing public safety, promoting health equity, and informing data-driven policies. Ultimately, these innovations represent a paradigm shift in law enforcement and public health, fostering integrated approaches to address the multifaceted challenges of modern crime and its societal impacts.

How Amplify Growth Risks for World Economies in China's Planned Economy

2025-02-14T11:25:50+08:00

This paper examines the sustainability of China’s distinct globalization model, characterized by state-driven economic policies, strategic trade practices, and assertive global investments. Although this approach has fueled impressive economic growth over recent decades, it has also exposed structural vulnerabilities that could undermine long-term stability. The analysis employs a modified Cobb-Douglas production function, integrating critical factors such as tariff dynamics, trade spillovers, and inefficiency feedback loops. This framework bridges the theoretical foundations of the Cobb-Douglas model with insights from the Solow growth model, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of China's economic trajectory.

The model suggests that China’s heavy dependence on state intervention and export-driven growth risks creating inefficiencies that could lead to diminishing returns over time. High tariffs imposed by trade partners, particularly the US, exacerbate these inefficiencies by increasing production costs and reducing access to global markets. Furthermore, excessive reliance on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) amplifies the risks of resource misallocation and geopolitical backlash.

The paper identifies critical tipping points where inefficiency feedback loops outweigh productivity gains, potentially leading to economic stagnation or collapse. Trade spillovers, once a significant driver of innovation and growth, may dwindle as global partners diversify supply chains to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

To ensure sustainable growth, the paper recommends a strategic pivot toward market-oriented reforms and addressing inefficiency feedback by reforming SOEs and streamlining regulatory frameworks. Additionally, capping overreliance on state-led globalization strategies and adopting a more balanced trade approach can mitigate external vulnerabilities. These policy measures are essential for China to transition from a high-growth phase to a more stable, long-term economic trajectory.

Healthcare – Where Law and Economics Fail Society – Needs the “Laboratory of Democracy”

2025-02-19T17:12:02+08:00

In the U. S., legal structures as well as economic systems fail to provide people in society with accessible and affordable life-saving medical care. Other government-run national healthcare systems called single payers experience similar medical inadequacies and dollar inefficiencies though not the legal issues of the U.S.

Systems theory identifies the government command economy with third-party payment structure as the root cause of healthcare over-spending, variable quality, slow service, and death-by-queue.

An effective solution for healthcare system failures derives from the root cause. To make healthcare affordable and accessibl: restore rule of law, remove third-party decision-making, and infuse free market forces. The U.S. could test this hypothesis if states became “laboratories of democracy.”

Bipolarity in Flux: International Political Economy in Contemporary Times

2025-02-22T12:50:02+08:00

This paper explores the evolving dynamics of bipolarity and International Political Economy (IPE) in the context of contemporary global relations. Historically defined by the Cold War, bipolarity has shaped the interplay of power, economics, and security, creating a framework that dictated international relations and influenced global economic structures. As the world transitions into a post-Cold War era, the disintegration of traditional bipolarity has not eliminated power dynamics but has instead given rise to new forms of polarization characterized by ideological, economic, and cultural divides. The unipolarity that followed has been scrutinized, revealing increasing divisions and conflicts rather than harmony. The theories of Fukuyama and Huntington illustrate the ongoing relevance of bipolarity, as cultural clashes and historical grievances continue to impact international relations. The relevance of IPE in this evolving landscape emphasizes the interdependence of political and economic factors, challenging traditional state-centric paradigms. Insights from scholars such as Susan Strange, Joseph Nye, and Robert Keohane highlight the necessity of integrating economic realities with political analysis, acknowledging the myriad of transnational actors and the complexities of global interactions. The emergence of a “control gap” signifies the challenges states face in maintaining authority in an interconnected world, complicating their ability to navigate the increasingly intricate landscape of international affairs. As global challenges such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and socioeconomic disparities persist, the remnants of bipolarity manifest in various forms. This paper calls for a renewed framework that accommodates the nuances of contemporary power relations and the dynamics of globalization, advocating for a paradigm shift towards a more inclusive understanding of global governance. Ultimately, the interplay between bipolarity and IPE remains a critical area for scholarly inquiry, offering valuable insights into the future of global order as nations navigate the complexities of a world marked by both interdependence and division.

Illegal Cybersecurity Threats Created by Organizational Arsonists in Healthcare Organizations

2025-03-03T13:42:24+08:00

Insider cybersecurity threats in healthcare, often overlooked or narrowly defined as technical vulnerabilities, can be more accurately described as acts of organizational arson, representing deliberate, malicious acts designed to ignite chaos within digital ecosystems. Like physical arsonists who destroy property through fire, insider actors exploit their privileged access to organizational systems, causing financial devastation, operational disruption, and severe damage to organizational morale and stability. Insider incidents cost organizations millions annually, with cybersecurity teams dedicating significant time and resources to crisis management rather than strategic planning. This commentary-style paper reframes insider cybersecurity threats using the metaphor of organizational arsonists, offering a unique and powerful framework for understanding these complex risks. By integrating cybersecurity, law, and organizational psychology insights, the paper presents a comprehensive approach to mitigating insider threats that extend beyond technical defenses. It emphasizes the necessity of human-centric strategies, ethical accountability, and legal compliance, calling for organizations to adopt a holistic defense posture that addresses both technological vulnerabilities and behavioral risks. The paper's originality lies in bridging multiple disciplines and framing insider threats as technical challenges and full-scale organizational crises. Combining advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence with human behavior analysis provides actionable strategies for organizations to combat their own digital arsonists. This interdisciplinary approach encourages cybersecurity professionals, legal scholars, and organizational leaders to rethink insider threat management, creating a more resilient and secure organizational environment.

Global Diplomacy in a Multipolar Era

2025-03-15T12:50:06+08:00

In an increasingly multipolar world, this paper critically examines the transformative shifts in global diplomacy as power becomes more distributed among diverse political actors. These actors, which include sovereign states, multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions, play pivotal roles in mediating conflicts, fostering cooperation, and advancing both national and collective interests. By analyzing the dynamic interactions among these entities, the study outlines how their strategies and influences shape the global agenda within an interconnected and complex landscape. The emergence of multipolarity is driven by key factors such as economic globalization, technological innovation, and shifting geopolitical power balances, which collectively redefine traditional diplomatic practices. This paper emphasizes the need for adaptive and inclusive approaches to diplomacy that reflect the realities of a multipolar environment. Through a comprehensive overview of local and global players, the findings underscore the critical need for innovative strategies that navigate diplomatic negotiations, form alliances, and address conflicts in a fragmented world order. Furthermore, this research identifies significant gaps in existing literature, particularly regarding the relationship between state and non-state actors in multipolarity. By revealing the complexities and opportunities inherent in this global transformation, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on international relations and global governance in the 21st century, offering actionable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike.

Cybersecurity Regulations and Risk Management in the Financial Sector: A Comparative Analysis

2025-03-24T11:20:51+08:00

The financial sector has become a prime target for cyber attackers seeking unauthorized access to sensitive data. As social engineering techniques like phishing and denial of service attacks continue to escalate, greater oversight is required to secure financial institutions. While federal and state regulations in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom aim to provide consumer protection, the level of cybersecurity implementation varies across nations. This paper explores the regulatory landscape of the financial sector, focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. It examines the specific protections provided by legislation, such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the General Data Protection Regulation. The study highlights the challenges posed by inconsistent state-level policies and the need for international cooperation to address the growing cyber-attack threat. Furthermore, it emphasizes balancing cybersecurity decision-making and policy implementation to ensure adequate regulation and social freedom. This paper also discusses the critical role of business continuity plans, disaster recovery plans, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and incident response plans in mitigating cyber risks. Finally, it explores the potential of cloud computing as a future research direction for enhancing the security and resilience of the financial sector. This review explores cybersecurity frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and technological advancements, including cloud computing and intrusion detection systems, to mitigate cyber risks in financial institutions.

Wrongful Convictions: Beyond Circumstantial Evidence and Psychological Bias towards Direct Evidence

2025-04-02T12:19:21+08:00

The Indian Evidence Act, 1872, now replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, is the result of centuries of debate on how evidence should be evaluated in legal proceedings. While some scholars, like Gilbert, insisted on a strict hierarchy where direct evidence held more weight, others, like Bentham, argued that logic and context should guide its assessment. James Stephen, the Act’s drafter, took a middle path, focusing on relevancy without ranking different types of evidence. However, in practice, courts often favor direct evidence over circumstantial evidence, especially in criminal convictions, believing it to be more certain, while circumstantial evidence is seen as dealing with probabilities. This paper explores why this preference persists, even though neither the Act nor the Supreme Court explicitly endorses it. It argues that beyond legal principles, deeper judicial tendencies and structural factors influence how courts assess evidence and determine guilt.

The The Dimension and Dynamics of Property Law Practice in The Realm of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) in Nigeria

2025-04-02T12:22:37+08:00

Commercial property law and the Real estate market are majorly shaped by overall Nigerian economic activity, which determines demand for real estate. Similarly, with land and labour, real estate is a factor of production in our economy, and the efficient use of the same can have a significant and robust impact on business output. The real estate industry is a highly capital-intensive business that can be harnessed by practitioners who use the collective capital of investors to purchase and manage income-yielding property and mortgage loans in the form of real estate investment trusts (REITs). By navigation through systematic research and extensive reliance on statutes in concert with authoritative materials, we assert that the dimension of REITs has a place as it creates super dynamics relevant to the practice of property law in Nigeria. The authors aim to explore and analyse the benefits of REITs in Nigeria's cutting-edge property law practice. Further, this article discusses, from an investor perspective and the dynamics of heterogeneity of the economy, that the infusion of REITs in the framework of property law practice in Nigeria is imperative to further heighten the all-important area of practice into wholesome capital investment and economic growth.