M. Evren Tok

Policy-Making in a Transformative State: The Case of Qatar

In this book, we explore in detail how public policy is made in Qatar, within the context of what we will call a transformative state. If we simply assume that Qatar is an autocracy, ruled completely by the Al-Thani family, the answer to the policy-making question is also quite simple: policy is what the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani says it is. As the chapters in this book will show, the real answer is more complicated, and indeed other analysts have tried to come to grips with the nuances of the Qatari reality by using qualified descriptions of the system such as “late rentier,” “pluralized autocracy,” “tribal democracy,” or “soft authoritarian.” Most importantly, for our analysis, Qatar is deliberately engaged in a rapid process of societal transformation. That process has its contradictions and tensions, particularly with regards to achieving a balance between Islam, social traditions, and modernity. But it also has a specific policy dynamic of generating ideas and institutions, developing policy and program designs, and implementation and coordination.

Reproducing spaces of embeddedness through Islamic NGOs in Sub-Saharan Africa: reflections on the post-2015 development agenda

This paper explores the nexus of religion, space, and development. It sheds light on the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) as partners in sustainable development and key actors for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Applying and building on the theoretical framework of Polanyi’s The Great Transformation indicates that FBOs with value-laden agendas have formed new state spaces during the age of globalization, where state capacities are transferred to non-state actors at other levels. The case study of Qatari organizations in SSA demonstrates how their uptake of state capacities can lead to development efforts that are driven by faith apart from politics and economics, which help balance market liberalism and social protectionism to create the conditions for sustainable development. Among other things, FBOs offer alternative financing options and new opportunities for financial inclusion that are relevant to the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.

Global Governance and the Informal Nature of Islamic Development Assistance: The Peculiar Case of Gulf States

This chapter scrutinizes the fragmentation of the OIC aid system. It is argued that this fragmentation is a result of the asymmetrical intergovernmental relationship between a small number of aid donors (notably the hydrocarbon-rich Gulf States) and a large and increasing pool of aid recipients. The chapter illustrates that this process is empowered by the asymmetrical setting of the OIC (there are very few donors with whom to compete), donors have “bilateralized” the multilateral by supporting their own “aid recipients”. This has progressively fragmented the OIC aid system. In parallel, because borrowers and aid recipients dominate the OIC arena numerically, their increasing demands have enhanced donor organization proliferation, to the detriment of a cohesive OIC aid system. The combination of these two trends explains why the OIC system is fragmented, structurally underfunded, and difficult to reform. These consequences constitute a challenge that the OIC must address going forward.

Global Environmental Governance and the GCC: Setting the Agenda for Climate Change and Energy Security

The threat of climate change and the need for energy security pose serious challenges for policymakers. Part of the strategy to tackle these issues rests on multilateral initiatives increasing the momentum of global environmental governance efforts. Nevertheless, these problems create a further dilemma for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. On the one hand, the impact of climate change will heavily affect these countries and thus requires their active participation in mitigation efforts. On the other hand, the remedies against climate change mainly require a decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels, especially oil, which is the backbone of the GCC economies. Given this dilemma, as well as the interdependence of the GCC economies, the chapter questions to what extent the GCC has developed a coordinated and comprehensive approach to environmental issues among its members and to what extent they are involved in global governance efforts. The findings inform the direction of the policy efforts, as well as the practices of energy security and environmental performance that are in place to meet the climate targets, which in turn will affect the overall success of global efforts officially declared in the Paris Agreement.

Global Governance and Muslim Organizations: Introduction

Pal and Tok’s introduction describes the modern system of global governance, three major misconceptions about Islam and its engagement with the world, and each of the book’s chapters. The modern global governance system comprises international and quasi-governmental organizations, the private sector and NGOs, as well as new decision-making processes that produce both hard and soft law. Muslim-majority states and global Islamic organizations engage in various and complex ways with this system, contrary to the misconceptions that there is a monolithic “Islamic world” that is opposed both to the West and to modernity.

Qatar’s Global-Local Nexus: From Soft to Nested Power?

This chapter proposes that the existing literature and discussions pertaining to Qatar’s international visibility, impact, and image fail to take into consideration the “nested” nature of its power. In this chapter, we define “nested power” and use it as a calculated approach to international relations, using multiple levels of interactions. The nature of nested power refers to the ability of a state to use various tools and resources, at the domestic, regional, and international levels, in order to manipulate them for the desired effect. The state is able to act in a multi-dimensional manner that allows it to be defined in various ways, having strongholds and influence in various industries and among different alliances, which all contribute to its foreign policy agenda. In this sense, how does nested power operate? Although it seems that Qatar’s nested power approach is well orchestrated by the existing leadership, the question remains, is this approach a systematic one? Does it cascade down to second and third generations of potential political leaders? Is there any link between Qatar’s nested power practice and the National Vision? Is there a plan for sustainability? Is this practice of nested power a high or a low maintenance approach? What are the limitations? What are the constraints?

Gateways to the World: Port Cities in the Gulf

Within a matter of decades, Gulf port cities have rapidly evolved from regional centers of cultural and economic exchange to globalizing cities deeply embedded within the global economy. Explicitly evident features of Gulf cities such as international hotel chains, shopping centers, and entertainment complexes have classified these cities as centers of consumption. Other urban trends, such as exhibition and conference centers, media and knowledge cities, and branch campuses of Western universities have integrated Gulf cities within numerous global networks. In line with this, the CIRS research initiative on “The Evolution of Gulf Global Cities” examines dynamics of urban configurations in the Gulf region (the GCC, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran) in order to understand the city as a cultural and social space. Over the course of two working group meetings, CIRS invited academics from various disciplinary backgrounds as well as architects, urban planners, and designers to discuss their research findings and to present papers linking macro-level knowledge of urbanization and modernization projects in the Gulf with the micro-level understanding of everyday spaces of living and human interaction. The chapters are combined into an edited volume titled, Gateways to the World: Port Cities in the Persian Gulf.

Does “Embeddedness” Create Miracles? The Case of the “Anatolian Tigers” in Turkey

Social organization as a subsystem of a large system of social organization has a unique governance capabilities. The level of social organization autonomous ability what is better to promote the level and the ability of the social governance’s system more scientifically , more modernization, especially in the modern open society. In this paper ,it is based on the perspective of system theory, the meaning of social governance, the status of social organizations, and the effective ways that social organizations to participate in social governance are put forward. In the condition on the basis of the theory of system, the ways of the organizations to participate in social governance shows: overall planning development goals, strengthen the top-level design, perfect social organizations working content, strengthen the responsibility consciousness.The twin challenges of building pathways to sustainable development and reducing poverty have never been more pressing and cannot be effectively tackled without gender equality. It is the realization of this that prompted the United Nations to include poverty elimination and fight against inequality and injustice in its post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Equality among men and women is more than a matter of social justice—it is a fundamental human right. It also makes good economic sense. When women have equal access to education and go on to participate fully in business and decision-making, they are a key force against poverty. Women with equal rights are better educated, healthier, and have greater access to land, jobs and financial resources. Their increased earning power in turn raises household incomes. By enhancing women’s control over decision-making in the household, gender equality also translates into better prospects and greater well-being of children, reducing poverty of future generations. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the critical nexus between gender equality, poverty reduction and sustainable development. The paper makes the case that achieving gender equality and realizing the human rights, dignity and capabilities of a diverse group of women is a central requirement in the fight against poverty and a just and sustainable world. The paper also submits that essential public services like health and education, benefit women, men, girls and boys equitably.Wannan Incident, as an important event significantly affecting the Anti-Japanese War and Kuomintang (KMT)-Communist Party of China (CPC) relationship during the second KMT-CPC cooperation, has promoted KMT and CPC to make significant adjustment in policy under the premise of continuing to resist Japan. The KMT-CPC relationship and their policy adjustment, from a fundamental point of view, depend on the development of the Sino-Japanese contradiction. Under the leadership of CPC Central Committee, the Southern Bureau has implemented the Party’s principles and policies as the CPC delegation and Eighth Route Army office. It has taken a principled but flexible strategy to promote the democratic political process in the KMT ruled areas, and has made outstanding contributions in maintaining the KMT-CPC cooperation and the Anti-Japanese national united front.China does not auction radio spectrum for wireless service but uses operations license granted by the government. The paper takes on LTE license to show how a flawed policy impairs adoption of LTE technology in China and how excessive interference hurts telecom operators. LTE has two flavors: TDD and FDD. The Chinese government favors TD-LTE, a “minority” technology, to rescue struggling China Mobile from its failing 3G service, and to make China a leader in LTE. China does this by suppressing LTE FDD and China Mobile’s rivals China Unicom and China Telecom that prefer LTE FDD. As the paper argues, the bad policy has turned a business decision to a politically charged issue that brings harm to LTE development. The high price China has to pay: delayed LTE deployment, eliminated competition, discontent public and a laggard behind many countries in a tight race. The paper then traces the root of the bad policy, what can happen when technology is viewed with political bias, how extraneous factors influence directions of technology without challenge, and what China can learn from the mistake and prevent it from impairing a promising technology. Key words : LTE; TD-LTE; LTE FDD; business decision; 3G; competition; technology adoption; government interferenceBased on the specific regional culture, targeted at configuration of landscape plants at the edge of campus, this article studies the selection, art, culture, function and ecology of plants, and highlights the principles of people orientation and harmonious humanity. It takes Henan Polytechnic University as an example, puts forward the principles of planning landscape plants at the edge of campus, and explores new ideas for deigning the spaces at campus edge.As China’s economic strength and political influence have been greatly increased during the past decades, Tai Chi culture, which has been long viewed as one of the very essential parts of traditional Chinese culture, is being given a golden opportunity to step into the world. Tai Chi contains a variety of values that are quite beneficial for people all over the world to live a peaceful and healthy life. Actually it represents a life attitude that stresses the harmony between man and nature, which is obviously significant in the contemporary society. Today with the intensification of globalization, Tai Chi culture cannot and also should not be restricted only to Chinese people. Instead, it should belong to the whole world. However, the international communication of Tai Chi culture meets both challenges and opportunities. Some myriad stereotypes, misperceptions, and distortions about China may hinder the cultural spreading. The conflict and competition between Tai Chi and other cultures are another problem. In addition, lack of theoretical study of international communication systems should be taken into serious consideration. On the other hand, the culture communication is faced with a favorable internal and external political and economic environment. Besides, practical demands in strained life of contemporary society also call for the wide spreading of Tai Chi culture. In short, joint efforts should be made to overcome the challenges and make full use of the opportunities so as to promote the worldwide spreading of Tai Chi culture.cet article presente un bref apercu de l’histoire des Forces Armees espagnoles remarquant l’importance de l’institution militaire et son role dans l’histoire espagnole contemporaine. Depuis la mort de Franco il y a eu une tentative de canaliser le commandement des Forces Armees dans la voie democratique et constitutionnelle, jouant un role essentiel dans ce sens le general Gutierrez Mellado. Depuis 1981, deux mesures importantes dans le domaine militaire sont prises: la dite Cause 2/81 pour la poursuite judiciaire des responsables de la tentative de coup d’Etat, et la demande d’adhesion de l’Espagne a l’OTAN, etape tres importante qui determinera l’avenir du pays et conduira a la modernisation des Forces Armees espagnoles, comparables, depuis, a celles du monde occidental. Apres la victoire socialiste de 1982 le changement de position du PSOE fut clef: le gouvernement transforma habilement son anti-americanisme initial, ce qui permit l’acces du pays a l’OTAN apres le referendum de 1986, modifia profondement l’armee, et elimina les tensions militaires. La derniere etape du processus de modernisation fut menee par le gouvernement Aznar, qui reussit la professionnalisation des Forces Armees et l’integration de l’Espagne dans la structure militaire de l’OTAN.A teacher’s “accomplishment” plays an important role in education by “soul to soul influence”, especially in the era that Internet changes human life, how to recognize the teacher still has a very large space for improvement. In the era of “Internet +”, the developmental pursuits of students have undergone great changes, but real existence of teacher remains unchanged, so teachers should properly treat the accomplishment of change and unchanged: To highlight the humanities of tolerance, sincerity and kindness; integrate individuation and innovation in profession; accumulate the beauty of client and data thinking.Jinan Old Railway Station, as the only Germanic-style station architectural group in the world, was a landmark of Jinan with high architectural and cultural value. Both its demolition and reconstruction have affected the nerves of Jinan people. This article starts with from a review of the historical evolution of Jinan Old Railway Station, focuses on the history, architectural and cultural value of this station, and further explores the significance of the reconstruction of Jinan Old Railway Station.Action research method is taken in the research. The researchers conduct Chinese character multi-dimensional education from the aspects of experience & expression of Chinese characters forms to cultural infiltration and cooperative learning upon Yiyi who is interested in Chinese culture as well as obstacles in Chinese learning and social adaptability. Yiyi’s imagination, observation ability, knowledge, experience and prosocial behavior, etc. were observed and analyzed by qualitative research method through interviews with teachers, parents and young children and analysis on preschool painting and handiwork in Chinese character multi-dimensional education. The result shows that Yiyi’s imagination has become more and more and her comprehensive ability has improved; knowledge and experience have gradually enriched and observation ability has become persistent; prosocial behavior has increased and enhanced.As the soul of Chinese national culture and profound foundation of advanced socialist culture, Chinese excellent traditional culture reflects the essence of national culture. Vocational colleges shoulder the heavy task of cultivating high-quality workers and skilled talents. It is objectively necessary to regard Chinese excellent traditional culture education as a basic general education course system and scientifically integrate it in course teaching of vocational colleges. Besides, this is an important acting point and key point of course setting innovation in vocational colleges. Vocational colleges must scientifically and reasonably plan course setting of Chinese excellent traditional culture.With economic globalization, trades all over the world have become more frequent, commodities have circulated more rapidly, and diversified consumer demands have been also met. The public has come to realize the importance of brand effect in stimulating consumption and exploring market. The promotion of advertisement on the product is beyond the reach of other forms and has been favored by the public. With the continuous emergence of foreign products, advertisements tend to have more diversified forms and plentiful connotations. In this context, it’s especially important to study on the principles and strategies in foreign brand translation. From a perspective of functional equivalence, this article proposes the “Three Aesthetics” principle and association principle in brand translation, has an introduction to the commonly used translation methods, and puts forward examples to further discuss the feasibility to implement foreign brand translation under the guidance of functional equivalence.Under the background of the competition and upgrading between enterprises; management of enterprises has been the focus of competition. Whether the enterprise could update its management has been a key factor for the enterprise’s success during the competition; which requires the manager of the enterprise paying high attention to the management as well as enhancing the core competitiveness by management innovation. This paper has emphasized briefly the importance of the enterprise’s management innovation to enterprise’s development; and analyzed the basic principles for the enterprise’s management innovation. Based on the current obstacles existed in enterprise’s management innovation, this paper discussed the basic strategies for enterprise’s management innovation, which expected to offer some effective ways for the management innovation work’s carrying out. As an important component factor of enterprise’s core competitiveness improvement, management innovation has played a more and more important role in that field. Currently, our countries’ enterprise management innovation still developed in a low level; and there are large gaps between enterprise’s management innovation and enterprise’s development. Faced with the drags to enterprise’s competitiveness caused by backward enterprise’s management innovation, the enterprises need to have a more objective and general view towards management innovation; envisage the deficiency in the management innovation and take effective measures to update so that the enterprise could improve its management skills and lead up more energy for enterprises’ healthy development. Key words: Enterprise management; Innovation; Principles; StrategiesAlthough voluntary carbon offset market is an important solution to the climate crisis, there hides a variety of risks behind it because of lack of global registration system and measurement method. In this paper, we focused on the default risk from the original carbon supplier in voluntary carbon market, and built an evaluation indicator system according to several principles. Then analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation technology were used to construct evaluation model to measure default risk level which are simple but effective. Finally, a simulation case proved the evaluation indicator system and model proposed can not only work out the comprehensive risk level but also calculate risk level from different aspects, which is useful for stakeholders to make their decisions in voluntary carbon market. Key words: Default risk level; Carbon credit trade; Voluntary carbon offset market; Comprehensive evaluationA citizens’ society needs and promotes the behavior of helping and sympathy for other people. The behavior of charity first is under the premise of respecting for citizens’ freedom and equal status and follows the concept of people-oriented. Only if we take citizens as the center to nurture the spirit of charity (i.e., citizens’ recognition and belief about the charity), it can meet needs of human society and realize the fundamental value of human beings. In the background of citizens having rational individual independence and freedom, we form a charity consensus that is a possible way to nurture the citizens’ spirit of charity and solve conflict issues. When rationally examining unselfish and altruistic acts of charity, we find the charity’s moral consensus rooted in the life way of people’s helping each other in society solidarity. Through the charity, people seek win-win situation for individuals and the society under the background of society solidarity, namely, saving others as if saving oneself is the consensus basis of nurturing citizens’ charitable spirit.The tea markets of Sichuan Province were divided into the origin, entrepot and consumer markets. The original markets of tea were widely distributed in Sichuan, but the main entrepot markets were Kangding and Songpan, which were called frontier tea. This paper will focus on trading of the western frontier tea and the southern frontier tea. Meanwhile, the author will also analyze the distribution of tea firms in this area.Starting from the perspective of cultural talent cultivation, this paper discusses the reason why the inheritance and innovation of culture become the fourth function of college education, the great value the college cultural construction possesses in talent cultivation, the restrictive elements of college talent cultivation from the perspective of culture, and also the leading role of college culture in college talent cultivation.The characteristics of pre-school children’s Chinese learning are: Being dominated by oral communication; instinctive acquisition; acceleration development of learning; learning in context and obviously student-centered learning.