Journal of Economic and Social Thought
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Theories and the reasons for war: a survey
Get PDFAbstract. War or conflict is an activity of aggression and violence with weapons and new technologies for resolving internal and/or international disputes between two or more nations, between organized ethnic, social and religious groups, etc., for the purpose of reducing the freedom of other societies/groups and causing social, economic, culturalor ethnic damages over time. The theories of the causes of wars can be distinguished in historical and modern theories. In general, a general theory of the causes of war is difficult to create because of manifold factors engaged in triggering conflicts over time and space. This study describes some theories that focus on specific factors generating a socioeconomic disequilibrium between nations and different populations that can lead to war.Keywords. Conflict, Struggle, Disputes, War.JEL. O32, O33
Foreign direct investment, three main sectors of the economy and economic growth: Evidence from West African Countries
Get PDFAbstract. The study investigates the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in 9 West African countries namely; Burkina-Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Using panel data econometrics for the period 2000-2016, we found empirical evidence that suggests that the effect of FDI on economic growth is negative and statistically significant. Our results show that neither foreign direct investment nor the primary sector of economy (PSE) of this region are not an adequate mechanism to accelerate economic growth in West African countries. While, the secondary and tertiary sectors of economy of the region have a positive effect and statistically significant to explain the growth.Keywords. Foreign direct investment, Sectors of the economy, Economic growth, Panel data, West African Countries.JEL. C23, F62, N17
Equality, equity, and the distribution of income
Get PDFAbstract. The three topics braided together in the title of this paper can be likened, in no particular order, to the elements in Winston Churchill’s classic definition of Russia: a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, insidean enigma. Make no mistake; this is complicated terrain. The purpose of this paper is to add a slight wrinkle to what is already a byzantine subject area. The ultimate goal is to introduce a new way of measuring the distribution of income, an approach that can provide the rationale to actually move the needle of public policy with respect to the issue of income redistribution. The paper begins with an extensive review of ‘equality and the distribution of income’ as the topic has evolved over the past one-hundred plus years, focusing on the Lorenz-curve/ Gini-ratio analysis, the principle measures of income distribution economists use to assess the state of society in terms of equality and inequality. Next follows a discussion, “Equity and the Distribution of Income,” which is a counterpoint to the previous discussion of equality and a prelude to the topic “A Sense of Fairness and the Distribution of Income,” the subject matter of third section of the paper, in which a new approach for assessing the fairness of income distribution is elaborated. The paper concludes with a set of policy implications with respect to income redistribution as implied in the measurement of the distribution of income discussed in the previous section of the paper.Keywords. Equality, Equity, Distribution of income, Lorenz Curve.JEL. D30, D63, E21
Notes on the main analytical insufficiencies of the Marxist theoretical tradition for the comprehension of the contemporary global economy
Get PDFAbstract. This article aims to analyze how the Marxist and neomarxist approaches demonstrate a relative difficulty in understanding and interpreting the dynamics of the modern world economy (globalization). We attempt in particular to explore the interpretive capabilities and shortcomings in the approach of globalization that stem from Marx’s thought and his followers. We present, in particular, the theoretical contribution of Marx in the study of the internationalized capitalism of his era, the interpretation by Lenin based on the concept of imperialism, the subsequent developments and adjustments in the Marxist analysis of the internationalized developmental phenomenon, as well as some contemporary interpretations that link Marxism and neomarxism with globalization.Keywords. Marxism, Neomarxism, Marxist adjustments, Marxism and Globalization, Criticism on Marxism.JEL. B14, B24, B51
Equity in diversity: One size is not meant to fit all
Get PDFAbstract. The paper explains that complexity to explain natural ecosystem is deterministic in relativism though its simplification towards human quantum takes its motivation from human rights and freedom of individual choice that gives stimuli for understanding the importance of provision of rights at individual level with some discussion on Gay Rights and political and economic empowerment of the individual without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity or religion.Keywords. Choice theory, Human quantum, Gay rights.JEL. E24, J24, O15
Beyond greed and bribes: Economic rational of corruption in Pakistan
Get PDFAbstract. The paper explains how Pakistani economy has maintained equilibrium despite prevalence of rampant corruption in the society. However it is not to say that this is a Pareto optimal equilibrium considering higher standards of the state of the economy and social empowerment witnessed in regions like European Union or the North America. Keywords. Rent Seeking, Behavioral Economics.JEL. A10
Study of institutional characteristics of social capital
Get PDFAbstract. The article presents a methodology for determining the quality of the norms of the institutions of social capital in the organizations. The author’s model of multiple linear regression as an instrument for classifying and adjusting the qualitative level of the norms of the institutions of social capital is used. A regression model representing the environment of the institutions of social capital and the basis for reducing transactional costs is worked out. Appropriate calculations are presented. The notion of the index of the institutions of social capital in the organization is introduced into the scientific turn. The presented methodology will be useful for research in the field of quality management as a consulting service. Keywords. Institutions of social capital, Elements of social capital, Norms of the institutions of social capital, Quality management, Multiple linear regression.JEL. С01, C38, D23, D24, D91, O35, P31, P32
Interrelationships between Violent crime, demographic and socioeconomic factors: a preliminary analysis between Central-Northern European countries and Mediterranean countries
Get PDFAbstract. The paper here investigates possible relationships between violent crime, migration and unemployment. Results seem to show an association between some crimes - such as theft, assaults and sexual violence- and immigration but not between intentional homicides and immigration. Preliminary evidence also suggests that intentional homicides are associated with high rates of unemployment, linking this violent crime to socioeconomic and situational factors within countries. In addition, unlike commonplace opinions, statistical evidence here reveals that rich countries have levels of violent crime higher than poor countries. Especially, violent crime in central-northern European regions (geo-economic areas with high GDP per capita, e.g., Germany, Finland, Norway, etc.) is higher than Mediterranean countries with lower GDP per capita (e.g., Greece, Italy, Spain, etc.). These conclusions are of course tentative. There is need for much more detailed research into the relations between unemployment, immigration and violent crime to explain general causes of these social issues in modern economies. This study concludes with some socioeconomic implications and explanations. Keywords. Violent crime, Violence, Theft, Sexual violence, Intentional homicides, Immigrants, Migration, Unemployment, Europe, Poverty, Mediterranean countries.JEL. C10, I30, J10, J11, J15, J20, J60, J61, J62, O15