Research Activities

Driven by the strengths of our core faculty, GSI aims to conduct cutting-edge research on global issues that contributes to academic knowledge, policy debates, and social change. GSI will also support and facilitate research activities by the core and affiliated faculty, as well as by the undergraduate and graduate students. GSI will collaborate with other academic units and external partners on interdisciplinary and cross-institutional research projects.

Research News

Please check out the latest publication: "Localised Waste Reduction Networks, Global Destruction Networks, and The Circular Economy,” in the Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society 2024,  https://doi.org/10.1093/cjres/rsae026. This study, which has been generating broad media coverage (see a partial list of coverages below), explores post-consumer policies in the athletic wear sector to see how geography influences their efficacy. The findings suggest that consumers’ physical location has a major impact on the effectiveness of “greener” circular economy policies designed to reduce waste.

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing - SwiftTelecast
Swift Telecast
11 Aug 2024

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical limitations to return clothes - RawNews
Raw News Health
11 Aug 2024

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return
ScienMag
11 Aug 2024

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing
EurekAlert!,
11 Aug 2024

Eco Fashionistas Hit Snags in Returning Clothes
Mirage News
11 Aug 2024

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing
Phys.org
11 Aug 2024

Research News

US-World Decoupling and South-South Cooperation Through The Lens of FDI in ASEAN Countries By Xingwang Qian and Vida Vanchan

Abstract

Using Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) data from 2010 to 2022 for ASEAN countries, we examine the increasing South-South cooperation in the background of the US’ decoupling from the world. The US’ decoupling from the world during the Trump presidency is reflected in the US great reduction and reversal in FDI to the ASEAN countries. The vacuum left by the reversal of the US FDI in ASEAN countries was filled in by FDI from other developing economies (A.K.A the South). While the US’ decoupling strategy may be due to Trump’s administration, the stepping-in of developing countries’ FDI in ASEAN countries is due to the strengthening trade and FDI linkages (as a part of South-South economic cooperation). Trade is also found to positively affect FDI as more bilateral trade between other developing and ASEAN countries has led to more FDI from those countries in ASEAN countries.

This research was presented at the 22nd Annual Faculty/Staff Research & Creativity Fall Forum.

Download the research poster (PDF, 1.31 MB)

Global Development and Sustainability

This initiative will explore the theories and practices of global development and sustainability. It will assess the impacts and implications of development models and policies on economic growth, social welfare, environmental protection, cultural diversity, and political stability. It will propose alternative approaches and solutions for achieving sustainable development goals at local, national, regional, and global levels.

Global Governance and Cooperation

This initiative will examine the challenges and opportunities for global governance and cooperation. It will explore the roles and interactions among states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

Global Justice and Human Rights

This initiative will investigate the normative and empirical dimensions of global justice and human rights within the context of globalization. It will analyze the causes and consequences of injustice and human rights violations stemming from poverty, inequality, oppression, violence, genocide, and terrorism. It will evaluate the effectiveness and legitimacy of mechanisms promoting justice and human rights, such as law, courts, sanctions, interventions, advocacy, and education.

Global Health and Well-being

This initiative will examine the determinants and outcomes of global health and well-being in the context of globalization. It will identify best practices and innovations for enhancing global health and well-being at individual, community, national, regional, and global levels.

Global Culture and Identity

This initiative will study the dynamics and effects of global culture and identity in the context of globalization. It will investigate the sources and expressions of cultural diversity and identity. It will examine the challenges and opportunities for intercultural dialogue and understanding in a multitude of contexts including education, media, arts, 
migration, tourism, and diplomacy.