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Dynamics of Conflicts and Refugees: African Refugees as Humanitarian Crisis and Security Threats (2017.03)
- Author : Shin-wha Lee
- Journal : The 21st Century Political Science Review
- Publisher : 21st Century Political Science Association
- Volume : 27(1)
- Publication Date : March, 2017
- Abstract : Global refugee crisis requires academic and policy approaches by which refugees are not only regarded as helpless victims but also as agents who cause economic, social, and ecological instability, and even inter-state conflicts. Although Europe faces the biggest refugee crisis since World War II, which are perceived as the greatest regional security challenge, more than 85% of global refugees reside in neighboring undeveloped countries where there are civil war, famine, poverty, and other problems similar to those of refugee-producing countries. If advanced countries attempt to tighten border security for their own national interest, they may secure stability in the short run, but ultimately bring about more serious consequences. Still, more states and local peoples tend to “securitize” refugee issues, remaining very passive about or rejecting refugee inflows. This paper intends not to agree with these trend by emphasizing the possibility of refugees becoming security threats. Rather, the paper criticizes those who politically use refugee crisis and seek sustainable realistic responses to refugee crisis by examining it both from humanitarian and security perspectives. Citing the complex dynamics of violent conflicts and refugee flows in sub-Saharan Africa, the paper intends to seek two-way analysis of refugee problems as victims and (intended or unintended) agents of conflicts.
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Economic Transition and Inequality in Vietnam: Political Economy of Privatization and Inequality (2017.03)
- Authors : Yangho Rhee, Hyeok Yong Kwon, and Eunju Chi
- Journal : East and West Studies
- Publisher : Institute of East and West Studies, Yonsei University
- Volume : 29(1)
- Publication Date : March, 2017
- Abstract : In 1986, Vietnam introduced capitalism through the Doi Moi reforms. Generally, socialism turns to capitalism, economic recession and inequality follows. However, transition economy in Vietnam produced high rate of economic growth without the aggravation of inequality. In addition, the poverty rate reduced rapidly during the reforms. These performances are different features from other transition economies such as post-communist countries and China. Contrary to Vietnamese case, the post-communist countries in the Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia experienced long economic recession and the aggravation of inequality. And China has been suffering from high level of inequality after economic reforms. This article examines the process of economic reforms in Vietnam, and then tries to figure out the reason which makes the difference between them. Focusing on the role of Communist Party of Vietnam in reform process, this article shows that flexible and responsible leadership was the main reason of its economic growth without the aggravation of inequality.
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