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"This volume assesses China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as it approaches its tenth year in operation. The programme has gone through a difficult transition since its inception in 2013, with an environment developing in a way utterly unanticipated by Chinese decision-makers. Despite pragmatic adjustments to the BRI, the lack of a firm empirical base has impeded the BRI and led to its demise in many countries. With the accumulation of nearly ten years of project and economic data, it is possible to make an in-depth assessment of the BRI. For this purpose, the study examines the infrastructure component of the BRI in 39 countries, stretching from the Americas to Oceania and, finally, South Asia. The study finds a strong relationship between a country's progress in improved governance and the quality of its infrastructure. Countries that have benefited from the BRI have simultaneously achieved progress in governance areas, such as the rule of law and control of corruption. By not emphasizing improved governance structures, China condemns many of its partners to failure. Researchers, students, and economic development specialists from Latin America to South Asia and Oceania will find this study a useful departure from the volumes of anecdotal BRI assessments"--

"This volume assesses China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as it approaches its tenth year in operation. The programme has gone through a difficult transition since its inception in 2013, with an environment developing in a way utterly unanticipated by Chinese decision-makers. Despite pragmatic adjustments to the BRI, the lack of a firm empirical base has impeded the BRI and led to its demise in many countries. With the accumulation of nearly ten years of project and economic data, it is possible to make an in-depth assessment of the BRI. For this purpose, the study examines the infrastructure component of the BRI in 39 countries, stretching from the Americas to Oceania and, finally, South Asia. The study finds a strong relationship between a country's progress in improved governance and the quality of its infrastructure. Countries that have benefited from the BRI have simultaneously achieved progress in governance areas, such as the rule of law and control of corruption. By not emphasizing improved governance structures, China condemns many of its partners to failure. Researchers, students, and economic development specialists from Latin America to South Asia and Oceania will find this study a useful departure from the volumes of anecdotal BRI assessments"--

"This volume aims to illustrate the uniqueness of the economies of the countries and territories of the Caribbean as well as the similarities they share with other regions. While most countries in the region share many of the characteristics of middle-income countries, theirs is a matter of extremes. Their generally small size suggests a fragility not found elsewhere. While much of the world is beginning to feel some effects of climate change, the Caribbean is ground zero. These factors suggest a difficult road ahead, but the chapters presented in this volume aim to help spur the search for creative solutions to the region's problems. The chapters, written by expert contributors, examine the Caribbean economies from several perspectives. Many break new ground in questioning past policy mindsets, while developing new approaches to many of the traditional constraints limiting growth in the region. The volume is organized in four sections. Part I examines commonalities, including issues surrounding small economies, tourism, climate change and energy security. Part II looks at obstacles to sustained progress, for example debt, natural disasters and crime. In Part III chapters consider the specific role of external influences, including the USA and the European Union, China, as well as regional co-operation. The volume concludes in Part IV with country case studies intended to provide a sense of the diversity that runs through the region"--

Cover -- Half Title -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- List of Tables -- PART ONE DEFENSE EXPENDITURES IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTH ASIA: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Patterns of Defense Expenditures and Socio-Economic Development in the Middle East and South Asia: A Factor Analytic Approach -- 3 Arms Races in the Middle East and South Asia: A Test of Causality -- 4 Government Expenditures and Third World Economic Growth: The Impact of Defense Expenditures -- 5 The Economic Consequences of Defense Expenditures in the Middle East and South Asia -- 6 Defense Expenditures and Human Capital Development in the Middle East and South Asia -- 7 The Budgetary Impact of Defense Expenditures in the Middle East and South Asia -- PART TWO CASE STUDIES -- 8 Iran: Budgetary Priorities in a Revolutionary State -- 9 Iraq: War, Military Expenditures, and Human Capital Development -- 10 Saudi Arabia: Budgetary Priorities, Relative Austerity Measures, and Human Capital Formation -- 11 Pakistan: Budgetary Conflicts, Military Expenditures, and Infrastructural Development -- PART THREE DEFENSE EXPENDITURES IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTH ASIA: SUSTAINABILITY AND PROJECTIONS -- 12 Thresholds and Forecasts for Defense Expenditures in the Middle East and South Asia -- Selected Bibliography -- Index.

This book analyzes the main causes of deterioration in the Jamaican economy since 1972 and assesses the prospects for returning to a period of stable growth under an International Monetary Fund Stabilization program. Considering both the role of international economic conditions and domestic policies on Jamaica's economic decline, Dr. Looney compares the viability of the socialist model of development, implemented between 1972 and 1980, with that of the U.S.-sponsored supply side model. He raises important questions about the ability of small open economies to sustain acceptable rates of growth in the existing world economic environment, the effectiveness of IMF Stabilization programs on these economies, the possible impact of supply side development strategies, and the significance of Caribbean Basin Initiative policies for growth and stability in the area.

An original contribution to our understanding of a phenomenon that is reshaping the world, this title thoroughly discusses the transformation of the energy security policy arena brought on by two dramatic developments - the increased potential availability of energy in many parts of the world on the supply side, and on the demand side increasing concerns over the harmful effects on the environment brought on by the use of fossil fuels. An in depth discussion specifically focuses on what energy security means to different countries, and examines which of those countries appear to be managing their energy/climate transitions successfully and which are having a more difficult time adapting to the new environment. Part 1 introduces the topic, covering the main themes and provides an overview of the chapters Part 2 provides a framework for policy evaluation, considering the evolving factors affecting energy security and the energy/climate policy trilemma Parts 3 to 6 discuss energy transitions in the carbon producing countries (Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Russia, Mexico), in intermediate carbon/producing/consuming countries (China, United States, UK, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa), in carbon consuming countries (Germany, Japan, South Korea, Israel, India, Spain) and finally in carbon reduction countries (France, Denmark, Switzerland)Part 7 looks at attempts at regional/international cooperation Part 8 considers the prospects for the future, examining technological breakthroughs. This title builds on the theme of unfolding energy transformations driven by, but increasingly constrained by climate/environmental considerations. It is ideal for researchers and students in the areas of environmental politics and policy, climate change, and energy and climate security, as well as for academics and professionals.

""Analyses emerging and newly emerged economies. Covers the BRICS countries as well as possible other candidates for emerging economy status and offers an overview of current issues in development economics"--Provided by publisher"--

"The Arab-Israeli conflict has been one of the most protracted and contentious disputes in the Middle East. This wide-ranging textbook examines the diplomatic and historical setting within which the conflict developed, from both the Israeli and Palestinian perspectives, and gives a comprehensive overview of the peace process."--Publisher's website