On the 2002 U. S. Mid-Term Election Zhang Yanyu and Wang Wenfeng are both assistant research professors at the Division for American Studies in China Institute of Contemporary International Relations

The first mid-term election of the U. S. in the new century took place on November 5, 2002. One third of the senators from the 107th Congress (34 out of 100), all representatives (435), 36 state governors, and numerous local officials and legislators were to be elected or reelected. The resounding victory of the GOP in the congressional elections and the fact that the Democrats only got three more.

Impact of US Financial Sanctions on the Dollar's International

In 2022,the United States stepped up its sanctions on Russia.Most notably,it restricted the flow of the Russian Central Bank's foreign exchange(forex)assets,using financial administrative power as a source of strategic leverage.This move should have reduced the appeal of US dollar assets but in reality has not accelerated as expected the decline of the greenback as a store of value.The US dollar's share of global forex reserves increased instead of decreased during 2022 and 2023.Despite the rise of economic costs caused by tightened US financial sanctions,countries that recognize the geopolitical role of the United States have further accepted the dollar's international status;their continued willingness to live with the dollar's“security premium”has given a fillip to the US dollar in the short term,boosting its appeal as a reserve currency.Meanwhile,de-dollarization of forex reserves has yet to reach a sufficient scale,thus falling short of significantly challenging the dollar's reign.From a longer-term perspective,as economic and security conditions shift,countries that accept the dollar's international role or seek de-dollarization may change their choices.As a result,four possible scenarios may arise:(i)the preeminence of the US dollar remains unthreatened;(ii)the international monetary system splits into blocs;(iii)the international monetary system fragments;and(iv)the dollar loses its throne.The author believes that the last scenario is the most likely outcome.

Sport and International Relations

As China takes center stage for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in August,enthusiasm for the Games extends far beyond the capital city.For Chinese,the Olympics is about national pride and cultural legacy.The Chinese government hopes to make this event a morale booster for the development of the whole country.And for the world,the Olympics is not just a global sporting event,but also an important platform for promoting world harmony and communication between cultures.As editor of Contemporary International Relations,I am mindful of the connection between sport and international relations.Sport today plays a highly significant role in the world,and the impact of this global phenomenon on international relations is often underestimated.

The Establishment of International Rules for Cross-Border Data Flow under Major Country Competition

As major country competi­tion is becoming ever more intense,data has become a key strategic resource,making rules of cross-border data flow go­ing beyond the business scope in a traditional sense and becoming a strategic issue concerning national development and security.Relevant parties compete against each other in three major areas of the collec­tion of cross-border law enforcement data,cross-border flow of corporate data.

欧盟经济安全战略析要

Against the backdrop of the accelerating changes unseen in a century and the intensifying major-country competition,the European Union(EU) has significantly modified its economic security concepts,as illustrated by the release of its first-ever strategy on economic security in 2023,which will continue to be advanced in 2024.This article discusses the possible pathways for the EU to implement its economic security strategy in the context of “de-risking” by taking stock of the evolution of EU economic security concepts and its relevant policy documents and foreign economic policies and practices in recent years.Finally,this article will analyze some of the negative impacts of the latest EU policy on the global economy and trade,as well as on European economic prospects.

美国两党对台政策的差异及影响

In the context of the whole-of-government strategic approach the United States(US)currently applies toward China,the Democratic and Republican parties have reached a consensus on“using Taiwan to contain China,”compromising the integrity of the one-China policy and seriously eroding the political foundations of China–US relations.However,considerable differences persist between the two parties regarding Taiwan policy.The Republicans,as represented by Donald Trump,have appeared more radical and more straightforward,whereas the incumbent Biden administration of the Democratic Party has shown significant duplicity.Democrats in the US Congress have introduced relatively fewer Taiwan-related bills than their Republican counterparts;by comparison,some Republican lawmakers have even introduced resolutions calling for resuming“diplomatic ties”with Taiwan.The Taiwan policy gap between the Democratic and Republican parties mirrors their differences on China policy:liberal think tanks advocate for“strategic ambiguity”on Taiwan,but conservatives back“strategic clarity.”And the gap also ref lects the shifting lobbying priorities of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party.Looking ahead to the upcoming decade,the Democratic and Republican par ties will continue to compete to“support Taiwan,”thus rendering the Taiwan question even more dangerous.After 2024,if Democrats remain in power,they may hasten the“internationalization”of the Taiwan question;otherwise,if Republicans return to the White House and both chambers of Congress,China and the US may find their relationship even more confrontational.Although the political situation in Taiwan will very unlikely have any fundamental impact on the Taiwan Strait,it will,to a certain extent,influence the intensity of China–US rivalry.

拉美新一轮经济改革及其前景

Currently,a new round of economic reform is catching up pace in Latin American and the Caribbean countries.This round of reform coincides with a new wave of leftist governments in this region.Driven by the severe economic dilemma and social conflicts,Latin American and Caribbean countries have initiated a new round of economic reform by strengthening the state's role in the economy,transforming production modes,improving fiscal and monetary functions,and emphasizing income distribution and social equality,which achieved both economic and social effects.This round of reform has had a certain impact at both the regional and global levels,not only activating the sluggish integration of this region,but also reflecting the development demands of the Global South for transformation and independence.The adjustment of interests brought about by the new round of economic reform in Latin America and the Caribbean will also bring new development opportunities for Sino–Latin American relations.

New Trends in Japan's“Indo-Pacific”Strategy

Introduced by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and inherited and developed by Fumio Kishida,Japan's“Indo–Pacific”strategy has gradually taken shape.This strategy can be deemed a broad vision,covering a wide range of topics and an extensive network of partners,with a strong trend of pan-securitization.It is a comprehensive inter national st rateg y based on Japan's alliance policy and China containment strategy,following a global,security-oriented approach.Driven by considerations such as maintaining its economic status,realizing its long-cherished dream of becoming a political powerhouse,and containing China,Japan has stepped up its“Indo–Pacific”strategy,which may influence global development,undermine regional maritime security,and impede China's reunification process.Meanwhile,Japan's“Indo–Pacific”strategy faces the triple challenge of a strategic overdraft,the unstable economic foundations,and the weak external support.These constraints may not suffice to reverse the direction of Japan's“Indo–Pacific”strategy in the short term but will limit its effectiveness.

土耳其国家安全战略:演变、特征与实践

Over the past century since the Republic of Türkiye was founded,its national security mechanisms have undergone a process of transformation from military-dominated to civilian government-dominated,and the ideology guiding its national security strategy has gradually transitioned from Kemalism to Erdo?anism.At the present stage,Türkiye's national security strategy is prominently characterized by its geographical and cultural duality,the expansivity deep-rooted in its history and religion,and an enterprising response to its geopolitical realities.Such a strategy will comprehensively shape Türkiye's practice of preserving national security and guide the future of its security policies,prompting the country to seek a balance between its differentiated perceptions of identity and generalized national interests.

欧洲战略转型左右为难

In 2023, to cope with the turn of events triggered by the Ukraine crisis and adapt to the fierce competition among major powers, Europe's strategic center of gravity has tilted toward security, emphasizing risk prevention and strengthening hard power. However, with this transformation.

世界政治变革向纵深演进

The year 2023 marked an important year of change, in which multiple old orders have given way to new arrangements. “The end of the post-Cold War era,” “the beginning of the post-pandemic era,” “the ebb of the era of economic globalization,” “the return of the era of geopolitical conflict.”

大洋洲地缘战略环境更趋复杂

In 2023, major global powers competed in the South Pacific, thus reigniting regional tensions. In response to novel circumstances and new changes, regional powers, notably Australia and New Zealand, have adjusted their security strategies. Despite headwinds, China has steadily advanced its relations with Oceanian countries.

非洲在动荡与变革中奋力前行

In 2023, the overall situation in Africa remained relatively stable. However, a resurgence of coups d'état has affected the region from political and security points of view. The world's major powers are stepping up their contest in Africa, reshuffling the geopolitical landscape. In the face of interwoven turbulence and change, African countries have increased their efforts to build a stronger continent through unity and to speak with one voice internationally.

中东欧深陷“前沿困境”

Following the outbreak between Russia and Ukraine, the three Baltic countries, Poland, and other Central and Eastern European countries came to the fore in the confrontation between the West and Russia, and aiding Ukraine and resisting Russia became their main policy choice. Since 2023.

拉美亟待破解转型困局

In 2023, Latin America was confronted with increased domestic and international challenges, resulting in a stronger public desire for change. New social ideologies are continuing to emerge, and transformation through reform has become a broad consensus. However, during the complicated reshaping of Latin America's political ecology, the swing of the political pendulum and the change of regimes are accelerating.

Chinese Economy Scales New Heights

The positive figures of last year confirm the strength,resilience,and prospects of the Chinese economy.CHINA’S government work report delivered to the 2024“Two Sessions”in early March released some important statistics.The GDP surpassed RMB 126 trillion,an increase of 5.2 percent.A total of 12.44 million urban jobs were added,and the average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2 percent by average.The consumer price index(CPI)rose by 0.2 percent.The production and sales of new-energy vehicles accounted for over 60 percent of the world’s total.Grain output hit a record high of 695 million tonnes.The installed renewable energy capacity surpassed its thermal power for the first time in Chinese history,accounting for over half of newly installed renewable energy capacity worldwide.The per capita disposable income of residents also rose by 6.1 percent nationwide.

New Quality,Great Potential

Here are some of the achievements China made in 2023:GDP exceeded 126 trillion yuan($17.43 trillion)with a growth of 5.2 percent;12.44 million new urban jobs were created;average surveyed unemployment rate in urban areas was 5.2 percent;consumer price index increased by 0.2 percent;new energy vehicle production and sales accounted for more than 60 percent of the global share;grain output reached a record high of 695 billion kg;installed renewable energy capacity surpassed thermal power capacity for the first time in history,and China accounted for over half of newly installed renewable energy capacity worldwide;per-capita disposable income of residents increased by 6.1 percent…

New Values for New International Norms

The UN Charter and most international norms formulated under U.S. dominance since the 20th century are based on American values of "equality, democracy and freedom". As a rising power in the era of globalization, China should draw upon its traditional political thoughts in promoting the values system of fairness, justice and civility and shaping the new-type international norms.

China's International Influence

China's rise is accompanied by a corresponding growth in its international influence. Not only does this kind of influence have its roots in history and imagination,but it is also an inevitable result of China's growing strength and economy over the past few decades.It is difficult to accurately quantify a country's international influence.China's growing international influence has its own distinct characteristics,marked by the country's unique national interests.A more influential China is not only good for China's own development;it is also good for the world.

Changes in Russia's International Vision and Foreign Policy

The rise of Russia has marked a noticeable change on the international scene.Russia’s international strategic vision has also undergone a significant change.Its conclusion is that the impact of the United States is declining,the West is losing leadership in globalization, and a multi-center international order is emerging.The Russia-Georgian conflict is an important test for Russia’s new international strategic view. However,its increased strength and its strong sense of great power do not allow Russia to improve its international environment and the Russia-Georgian conflict and the financial crisis are forcing it to confront its deteriorating surroundings and international environment.On the one hand,therefore,Russia is hastening to adjust its foreign policy.It is firmly declaring its determination to defend national interests,is making efforts to maintain its status and influence in the former Soviet Union regions,and is strengthening cooperation with the emerging major powers.On the other hand,Russia wants to use the opportunity of Obama taking office to establish an equal strategic partnership with the United States based on common interests,and to continue to strengthen the interdependence of Russia and Europe,and to build a unified space.Russia’s foreign strategy and policy will also be affected in the future by such factors as national strength,national identity,means of rising,and domestic policies.