Journal of Politics and Governance

Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and State Sovereignty in West Africa

Mercy Ikponmwosa — 2025-01-28

States are now recognizing the need to act to create and improve regional institutions in virtually every region of the world, including Africa, and integration even in West Africa has become fashionable over the years. ECOWAS revised treaty seeks to promote supranational tendencies giving room for state reluctance in the implementation of its policies and decision. With the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as its focal point, the study looks at the integration process in West Africa as well as how it affects state sovereignty in the subregion. Secondary data sources, namely journals and publications, are used in the study. The study finds among other things that ECOWAS uses the needs, policies and activities of state to interfere in the affairs of member states thereby limiting her sovereignty to an extent within the region. The study concludes that with national interest at heart, states knowing both the cost and benefits of integration will usually strive to accomplish their aims and objectives. It recommends that policies and initiatives should be developed to support both state autonomy and regional collaboration to aid development, stability, and economic growth among states and to also encourage both local and foreign investors, contributing to the overall development of the states in the West African Region.

Interfacing State Fragility and The Global Drug War: Opium in Afghanistan and Myanmar

Aaron Abel T. Mallari — 2025-01-28

Afghanistan and Myanmar are countries in the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle, respectively. These two regions have been cited to be the loci of most opium production in the contemporary world. Aside from opium, these two countries also share a history of political conflict and instability. In 2021, both countries experienced yet another political upheaval when the Taliban took over the Afghan government and the Myanmar military once again staged a coup. With these, many indices have characterized the Afghan and Myanmar states to be fragile. This paper intends to draw insights from interfacing state fragility and drug policy to situate the place of opium in the larger conversation about political dynamics in Afghanistan and Myanmar. Touching on the role of the Taliban and the Tatmadaw and their place in the two countries’ political history along with the policies and politics related to opium, the paper reflects on how international pressure and domestic concerns animate the enduring difficulty of dealing with opium cultivation and the persistent challenge of state fragility.

The Evolutionary Logic of Grassroots Governance Specialization: A Case Study of Social Work Practice in Yunnan Province, China

Fang Liu — 2025-01-28

Since the implementation of reform and opening-up policies, professional social work in China has rapidly developed and has been institutionally recognized for its effectiveness in grassroots governance. This study examines the evolution of professional social work in Yunnan’s grassroots governance, applying structure-action theory to explore the rationale behind professionalization and optimize these practices. Using qualitative methods, including secondary data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and observations, the findings highlight four aspects of social work evolution: 1) Development path: from professional education to service; 2) Resource provision: from folk reliance to system compatibility; 3) Role transition: from social experimentation to policy implementation; and 4) Organizational structure: from embeddedness to authentication. The study concludes that social work in grassroots governance in Yunnan is a dynamic specialization, professionalism, and service practice process. Community-based governance responds to social issues through an integrated system. National governance is characterized by policy and government leadership, while local innovation is encouraged. Due to its strategic location, the specialization of grassroots governance supports stable border development, national unity, and international cooperative governance.

Policy recommendations for sustainable urban development of Khon Kaen Municipality, Thailand

Phramahawasan Hngokchai — 2025-01-28

The aim of this research is to provide policy recommendations for the sustainable urban development of Khon Kaen Municipality. The research methodology employs a qualitative approach utilizing a selective sampling method, which includes interviewees from four diverse sectors: government agencies, civil society, educational institutions, and the industry/ private sector. A total of eight informants participated in the study. The research focuses on three key components; smart city initiatives, network partnerships, and administration—as variables contributing to sustainable urbanization. The result from a study identified three key dimensions crucial for the sustainability of cities: firstly, building Sustainable Urbanization by Becoming a Smart City. Leveraging smart technologies is essential for improving residents' quality of life. This involves enhancing public services and urban infrastructure through digital solutions, such as optimizing transportation systems, energy consumption, and waste management. Secondly, building Sustainable Urbanization with Network Partnership. Fostering community engagement is vital for social cohesion and economic resilience. This includes supporting local businesses, creating innovation hubs, and organizing activities that bring residents together. Building strong community networks enhances social ties and economic opportunities. Lastly, Building a Sustainable City through Administration. Effective management of natural and economic resources is crucial for long—term sustainability. Administrative strategies should promote awareness about environmental conservation, optimize resource usage, and implement policies that ensure sustainable urban development. While, Administrations should focus on the optimal allocation and utilization of resources to create a harmonious and responsible urban society. Furthermore, organizing educational activities to raise awareness about natural resource management and promoting social and community events to strengthen relationships are key for preparing the urban population for future challenges. This structured approach aligns with existing research on sustainable urban development, emphasizing the integration of smart city technologies, community engagement through network partnerships, and efficient administration as pillars for building sustainable cities.

The Challenge of Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting in ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism

Somsack Hongvichit — 2025-01-28

This study examined the challenge of Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (SEOM) under the Protocol on Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism 2019 (ASEAN DSM 2019) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) In ASEAN; SEOM assists the ASEAN Economic Ministers handling with all ASEAN economic matters. The SEOM also supervises dispute settlement mechanism for ASEAN economic agreements. Under the ASEAN DSM 2019, SEOM plays a significant role. The SEOM establishes panels. It adopts reports of a panel and the Appellate Body. The SEOM also enforces decisions of the panel and the Appellate Body. This research aims to study role of SEOM under the ASEAN DSM 2019. The findings revealed that judicial adjudication under the ASEAN DSM 2019 is not independent body. The SEOM controls whole dispute resolution procedures under the ASEAN DSM 2019. However, members of SEOM are representative of all ASEAN countries including the parties to the dispute. Arguable, adjudication proceedings under the ASEAN DSM 2019 is not impartiality. This paper suggested that ASEAN should establish a dispute resolution body for dispute settlement in ASEAN separately from SEOM.

A Proposed Competency Model for Future Thai Executives

Sirapatsorn Wongthongdee — 2025-01-28

Rapid and unpredictable changes are occurring across multiple dimensions. Executives play a critical role in organizations, and their incompetence can lead to organizational failure. Ineffective management often results from executives lacking the necessary competencies. This article aims to identify the essential competencies for future executives using a concurrent triangulation method. Data were gathered from 27 senior Thai executives, experts, and employees across government organizations, educational institutions, and both public and private sectors in Thailand through in-depth interviews and group discussions. Additionally, a survey of 345 respondents was conducted to perform confirmatory factor analysis of the competencies for future Thai executives. These findings highlight the competencies required for Thai executives to effectively respond to the evolving global workforce and future world of work.