Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sushila Soriya Author-X-Name-First: Sushila Author-X-Name-Last: Soriya Author-Name: Pushpender Kadian Author-X-Name-First: Pushpender Author-X-Name-Last: Kadian Title: Intellectual capital and financial performance nexus in Indian hospitality sector: a panel data analysis Abstract: The present study empirically examines the effects of Intellectual Capital (IC) components on business performance indicators of Indian hospitality sector. Further, it explores the role of interactions among IC components to enhanced corporate performance. The study adopted the Modified Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (MVAIC) model to measure IC and multiple regressions models to analyse the panel data, using a sample of top 50 Indian hotels. The findings demonstrated that the most important and statistically significant variables are human capital efficiency, capital employed efficiency and interaction between human and structural capital efficiencies which positively influence the hotel's performance, measured through profitability and productivity indicators. The findings also reveal IC as strategic source of enhanced corporate performance. Thus, it may assist the management, stakeholders, policymakers and government in developing economies like India to enhance and utilise their IC sources effectively and efficiently, particularly in hospitality sector. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 5-28 Issue: 1 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: intellectual capital; financial performance; interaction effects; hospitality sector; panel data analysis. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=143992 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:1:p:5-28 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Alemayehu Ethiopia Derege Author-X-Name-First: Alemayehu Ethiopia Author-X-Name-Last: Derege Title: Enhancing the competitiveness of Ethiopian cut flower exports using strategic diplomacy Abstract: This study sought to identify the main impacts of diplomacy on Ethiopia's cut flower exports. The fluctuating diplomatic relations with countries of polarised ideology have greatly impacted Ethiopia's main exports. To understand the extent of this issue, the researcher examined the impact of changing diplomatic relations using a treatment effect model. The researcher linked export incentives with cut flower exports, and finally identified challenges for the cut flower export subsector. Based on their analysis, researcher identified low social acceptance of investment in flowers, high competition from other partner countries, and low compensation for land and property that underperforms the sector. The diplomatic relation during the Prosperity Party makes the export of cut flowers fall by 28.4% relative to the EPRDF regime. Based on the results, the study suggests increasing export incentives for the sector. Besides, the government should carefully analyse the economic cost of diplomatic polarisation, assess its current diplomatic ties and ascent towards preferential diplomatic pluralism. Policies that promote economic diplomacy levitate investors' confidence, industry and export in Ethiopia. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 44-62 Issue: 1 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: diplomacy; cut flower; export; incentives; GDP; trade competitiveness. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=143993 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:1:p:44-62 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Francis C. Odeke Author-X-Name-First: Francis C. Author-X-Name-Last: Odeke Title: Igbo cultural diplomacy and peace building in pre-colonial Nigeria Abstract: Diplomacy establishes mutual and healthy relations among individuals and groups pursuing different socio-political and economic interests. Among the Igbo of Nigeria, diplomacy was mostly pursued through cultural means in the pre-colonial days. By that, the Igbo maintained cordial inter-group relations and attained good socio-political and economic heights in trade and their other engagements. Using the primary and secondary sources of data, this work considers how the pre-colonial Igbo nurtured peace with their cultural practices for socio-political and economic gains and the effectiveness of those practices in maintaining the peace of the time in Nigeria. The paper is analytic and thematic. It contends that the Igbo cultural approach to diplomacy, if incorporated into the business of the global community, could help the world since the approach successfully secured relative peace in socio-political and economic engagements as desired in contemporary international system. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 29-43 Issue: 1 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: pre-colonial Nigeria; Igbo land; culture; diplomacy; global peace and security; peaceful co-existence; economic interests. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=143994 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:1:p:29-43 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nishat Rumaly Author-X-Name-First: Nishat Author-X-Name-Last: Rumaly Author-Name: Md Mehedi Hasan Author-X-Name-First: Md Mehedi Author-X-Name-Last: Hasan Author-Name: Uttam Golder Author-X-Name-First: Uttam Author-X-Name-Last: Golder Author-Name: Barnali Roy Author-X-Name-First: Barnali Author-X-Name-Last: Roy Title: The Russia-Ukraine war and stock market volatility: lessons from selected South Asian countries Abstract: This study examines how the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine affects the stock markets of selected South Asian nations. Although several studies in developed countries have explored the footprint of this dispute on the equity market, the impression of this war in the South Asian context is still underexplored. Using data from August 2014 to November 2022, we inquire about the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war on stock market volatility and its return in five selected South Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Applying Generalised Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity-in-Mean (GARCH-M) model, we find that the war increases the volatility of stock markets. Besides, we also identify that the war negatively impacts the equity return. Our study recommends that the battle must end right now and rigorous regulatory adjustments be implemented to mitigate the financial damages resulting from the conflict. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 82-99 Issue: 1 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: Russia-Ukraine war; DSEX; Nifty 500; KSE 100; CSE all-share; NEPSE; GARCH-M. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=144000 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:1:p:82-99 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Panagiotis Tsitsoglou Author-X-Name-First: Panagiotis Author-X-Name-Last: Tsitsoglou Author-Name: Grigoris Zarotiadis Author-X-Name-First: Grigoris Author-X-Name-Last: Zarotiadis Title: Commercial diplomacy: conceptual analysis and factors shaping its empirical impact on trade and investments Abstract: The activities and relevant means/instruments of conducting Commercial Diplomacy (CD) recognised by relevant literature need further clarification and conceptualisation. Scholars usually point out the agents (state/non-state actors) or the goals of the concept (exports/investments, business promotion), without stressing the instruments/means available to relevant actors, while conducting CD. This paper contributes to a better understanding of CD, since we propose - after a thorough theoretical and empirical literature review - two conceptual dimensions of activities and relevant instruments of CD, cognitive and political, which we also take into account in our proposed definition of the concept. Thus, we introduce a new holistic framework of CD, where next to the actors and the goals, the concept is additionally characterised by the activities and relevant means, both integrated into the aforementioned categories/dimensions, defined respectively. Last but not least, we point out specific qualitative factors that affect the impact of CD on international trade/investment flows. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 63-81 Issue: 1 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: commercial diplomacy; definition; dimensions of activities; exports; investments; embassies; consulates; trade missions; export/investment promotion agencies; business support. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=144001 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:1:p:63-81 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sweta Goel Author-X-Name-First: Sweta Author-X-Name-Last: Goel Author-Name: Nikhil Yadav Author-X-Name-First: Nikhil Author-X-Name-Last: Yadav Author-Name: Nassir Ul Haq Wani Author-X-Name-First: Nassir Ul Haq Author-X-Name-Last: Wani Author-Name: Aamir Aijaz Syed Author-X-Name-First: Aamir Aijaz Author-X-Name-Last: Syed Title: Company-specific antecedents to stock returns: a statistical investigation with special reference of the NIFTY 50 Abstract: This study examines the relationship between stock returns and company-specific factors. Specifically, the study investigates the effect of Growth, Earnings, Dividends, Financial Ratios, Risk and Volatility on the stock returns of companies listed on the Indian Stock Exchange. The study used an ex post facto research design. The population comprised all companies listed on NIFTY 50, National Stock Exchange, India. Multiple regression analysis is used to analyse the data and test the hypothesis that financial indicators significantly impact stock returns. Findings reveal that several independent variables, such as Earnings per Share, Dividend Payout Ratio and Price-to-Book Ratio had a statistically significant relationship with stock returns. This study provides valuable insights for investors and analysts regarding the stock selection process. The findings suggest that combining company-specific factors can help predict stock returns. Few studies have addressed the interplay of company-specific factors and stock returns. This paper provides unique insights into this relationship in a developing economy using comprehensive financial metrics and advanced statistical techniques. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 105-123 Issue: 2 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: company-specific factors; stock returns; dividends; financial ratios. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=145646 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:2:p:105-123 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mohamad Zreik Author-X-Name-First: Mohamad Author-X-Name-Last: Zreik Title: After nearly 50 years of Ping-Pong Diplomacy: does the tense contemporary US-China relationship need a return to sports diplomacy? Abstract: Sports have historically bridged gaps that wars, politics and economics could not. Ancient rulers turned to sports to mend fractured ties between kingdoms and empires. A prime example is 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy'. In the early 1970s, amidst strained US-China relations, an unexpected interaction between Glenn Cowan (US) and Zhuang Zedong (China) at the World Table Tennis Championships Catalysed US President Nixon's visit to China, rekindling diplomatic ties. However, five decades later, US-China relations are again under strain. Amidst a backdrop of trade wars and political tensions, this paper explores the potential of sports diplomacy in mending US-China relations, asking: 'Can sports diplomacy reset US-China relations?' Drawing from primary and secondary sources, this study highlights the pivotal role sports played historically and suggests that sports diplomacy might again be the tool to reorient the trajectory of US-China ties. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 124-137 Issue: 2 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: sports diplomacy; Ping-Pong Diplomacy; US-China relations; public administration; management. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=145647 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:2:p:124-137 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Slobodan Šešum Author-X-Name-First: Slobodan Author-X-Name-Last: Šešum Title: Science diplomacy merging with commercial diplomacy in small and developed countries: case study of Slovenia Abstract: The challenges that humanity is facing nowadays are rooted in science and technology and call for an international approach. Science is important not only for solving these common problems but is swiftly gaining importance in the economy. A continually important topic in the economy, which is rapidly coming back to the fore today, is the question of productivity and innovation, which cannot be improved without cooperation with the scientific sphere. The term 'science diplomacy' is a buzzword, but its exact meaning is not clear. Activities of commercial diplomacy can be 'reactive' and 'proactive'. For small countries, it is irrelevant whether we call it economic or commercial diplomacy. Small countries may have a different understanding of the concept of science diplomacy, namely, a much broader one. By combining science diplomacy with commercial diplomacy, small and developed countries can leverage their scientific and technological capabilities to drive their economic growth and competitiveness. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 138-158 Issue: 2 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: science diplomacy; commercial diplomacy; economic diplomacy; diplomacy; small countries; productivity; economic counsellor; global challenges. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=145648 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:2:p:138-158 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Anamika Author-X-Name-First: Author-X-Name-Last: Anamika Author-Name: Laxman Kumar Behera Author-X-Name-First: Laxman Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Behera Author-Name: Gaurav Tyagi Author-X-Name-First: Gaurav Author-X-Name-Last: Tyagi Title: WMD proliferation concerns in the era of great power competition: an Indian perspective Abstract: The contemporary international landscape is marked by an intense great power rivalry, primarily between the USA and its democratic allies on one side, and Russia and China on the other. This geopolitical competition has brought into sharp focus the critical issue of weapons proliferation, particularly in regions that are pivotal to global strategic interests. Among these, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point of this great power competition, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing proliferation concerns in this context. The article discusses the proliferation challenges that have surfaced amidst the changing dynamics. It argues that the recent geopolitical developments, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly belligerent and expansionist behaviour, are key factors driving proliferation concerns in the region. It explores India's non-proliferation efforts and how and why India can play a significant role in global non-proliferation efforts. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 174-192 Issue: 2 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: weapon of mass destruction; non-proliferation; multilateral export control regimes; Russia-Ukraine conflict; treaties; NSG; disarmament. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=145650 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:2:p:174-192 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M. Jayalakshmi Author-X-Name-First: M. Author-X-Name-Last: Jayalakshmi Author-Name: Kiran Shrimant Kakade Author-X-Name-First: Kiran Shrimant Author-X-Name-Last: Kakade Author-Name: Jayant Brahmane Author-X-Name-First: Jayant Author-X-Name-Last: Brahmane Author-Name: Anjali M. Kulkarni Author-X-Name-First: Anjali M. Author-X-Name-Last: Kulkarni Author-Name: Shailendra Kumar Kale Author-X-Name-First: Shailendra Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Kale Title: The correlation between stress and economic crisis models of economic diplomacy Abstract: It is commonly known that economic stress presents a considerable danger to the health and productivity of workers, particularly during times of economic crisis on a global scale. The study was conducted with the specific objective of determining whether or not one of them, or both of them, are related with one another. We arrived at the conclusion that the stress brought on by the economy may perhaps have a detrimental impact on creativity in both a direct and indirect manner, via an increase in absenteeism. The years 2018 and 2019, the investigation that was carried out as a part of a cross-sectional research study which takes place at a product manufacturing facility. It came to the process of gathering answers for the Stress Questionnaire, the nine-item scale and a single-item questionnaire about absenteeism, there were a total of 578 workers who took part in the process. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 159-173 Issue: 2 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: economic stress; work related stress; absenteeism; innovation; innovative behaviour; mental health. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=145651 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:2:p:159-173 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Joyce Toendepi Author-X-Name-First: Joyce Author-X-Name-Last: Toendepi Author-Name: Eric B. Niyitunga Author-X-Name-First: Eric B. Author-X-Name-Last: Niyitunga Author-Name: James Asani Author-X-Name-First: James Author-X-Name-Last: Asani Title: Solidifying the concept of political will to promote decoloniality and migration diplomacy in South Africa Abstract: The lack of political will has impeded the decolonisation of migration diplomacy in South Africa. Political will is a critical pillar in applying migration laws and the practice of migration diplomacy in Africa. Unfortunately, African scholars of decoloniality have not yet explored the role and effects of political will in promoting decoloniality and migration diplomacy in South Africa. This paper adopts a qualitative research methodology with an explanatory approach to achieve its objectives. Thematic content analysis was used to identify and analyse data patterns systematically and objectively and assemble a shared interpretation. The findings show that the lack of political will has affected the fate of decoloniality, migration laws, and diplomacy in South Africa. The paper recommends that African leaders understand the effects and role of political will in promoting decoloniality and addressing the failures of migration diplomacy in South Africa. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 244-263 Issue: 3 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: migration; migration laws; migration diplomacy; political will; coloniality; decoloniality; South Africa. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=147267 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:244-263 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tansif Ur Rehman Author-X-Name-First: Tansif Ur Author-X-Name-Last: Rehman Title: Indo-Pak diplomacy: prospects and barriers Abstract: Diplomacy is the art and practice of negotiating between representatives of different states or organisations to achieve mutual agreements or the resolution of conflicts. Diplomacy involves negotiation, communication and compromise to resolve disputes peacefully. Diplomacy in the modern period expands its activities to several locations, yet, it is subject to unprecedented consequences and restrictions. Expanding global multidimensional diplomacy's structure and themes indicate its expanding impact. Since the creation of two independent countries, namely Pakistan and India, they have been fixated on their various disputes. These countries fought three conventional wars and frequently demonstrated their nuclear power capabilities to intimidate each other. The underlying issue is that Pakistan and India have destabilised regional and global stability and socioeconomic growth. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 197-215 Issue: 3 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: digitisation; diplomacy; global aspects; India; institutional aspects; Pakistan. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=147274 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:197-215 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Neha Seth Author-X-Name-First: Neha Author-X-Name-Last: Seth Author-Name: Baleboina Vengababu Author-X-Name-First: Baleboina Author-X-Name-Last: Vengababu Title: Does diplomacy influence stock market trends? Analysing the impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict on India and the USA during and after war Abstract: The present paper aims to study the diplomacy influence on the stock market by analysing the impact of Russia and Ukraine's warfare in the long run, short run, dynamic relationships and innovations between Brent crude oil, the Nifty 50 and the S%P 500. So, the study collects the daily closing prices. The entire study period has been split into two sections: before and during the war. The co-integration model is used to examine the long-term relationship. It found that there is no co-integration, also, there is no short-term relationship except for the S%P 500 to Nifty 50 in both periods. While checking the impulse response and variance decomposition, it was observed that before the war, there was a negative trend response in Brent to the S%P 500 and during the war, there was a negative trend response in Brent to the Nifty 50, the S%P 500 to Brent and the Nifty 50 to Brent. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 216-243 Issue: 3 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: Ukraine and Russia conflict; Nifty 50; Brent oil; S%P 500; cointegration; causality; impulse response function; diplomacy. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=147275 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:216-243 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sarfraz Hussain Author-X-Name-First: Sarfraz Author-X-Name-Last: Hussain Author-Name: Kiran Shrimant Kakade Author-X-Name-First: Kiran Shrimant Author-X-Name-Last: Kakade Author-Name: S. Saravanakumar Author-X-Name-First: S. Author-X-Name-Last: Saravanakumar Author-Name: Kamakshi Mehta Author-X-Name-First: Kamakshi Author-X-Name-Last: Mehta Title: Russia-Ukraine conflict disturbance of global supply chain Abstract: Russia and Ukraine, the unpredictability and volatility of global economic policies have been significantly ratcheted up to a much higher level. The chance that global economic policies would fall short of their goals as a result of this development has significantly risen. Within the context of economic globalisation, the primary question that we investigate is whether or not the unpredictability of global economic policy will have distinct effects on the manufacturing sectors of the world's three most significant economies: China, the USA and the European Union. For the purpose of analysing the effect that Global Economic Policy Uncertainty (GEPU) has on manufacturing between the years of March 2008 and March 2023, this study employs a model that is known as a Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressive model (TVP-VAR). Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 264-275 Issue: 3 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: global economic policy uncertainty; manufacturing; PMI; TVP-VAR. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=147276 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:264-275 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yuan Zhang Author-X-Name-First: Yuan Author-X-Name-Last: Zhang Author-Name: Zoltán Szabó Author-X-Name-First: Zoltán Author-X-Name-Last: Szabó Author-Name: Árpád Papp-Váry Author-X-Name-First: Árpád Author-X-Name-Last: Papp-Váry Author-Name: Ragif Huseynov Author-X-Name-First: Ragif Author-X-Name-Last: Huseynov Author-Name: Nidhi Shukla Author-X-Name-First: Nidhi Author-X-Name-Last: Shukla Author-Name: Aamir Aijaz Syed Author-X-Name-First: Aamir Aijaz Author-X-Name-Last: Syed Title: Comparative insights into the digital transformation of the tourism industry: a literature review Abstract: This review conducts a comparative analysis of digital transformation in the tourism industry, bridging Chinese and international perspectives. Utilising an interdisciplinary framework, it critically evaluates the transformative role of digital technologies on operational and managerial aspects of tourism. The findings highlight distinct approaches and outcomes of digitalisation in different regions, revealing three primary dimensions: consumer experience enhancement, innovative business models and sustainability practices. The review acknowledges the dual nature of digital transformation, offering opportunities for improved consumer engagement and operational efficiency while addressing challenges like data privacy and sustainable development. A significant contribution of this paper is its synthesis of diverse impacts of digital transformation across various geographical contexts, providing strategic insights for industry practitioners and policymakers in the digital era, especially under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 276-303 Issue: 3 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: digital transformation; tourism industry; comparative analysis; COVID-19 impact; international perspectives. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=147309 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:276-303 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kiran Shrimant Kakade Author-X-Name-First: Kiran Shrimant Author-X-Name-Last: Kakade Author-Name: Jayant Shaligram Brahmane Author-X-Name-First: Jayant Shaligram Author-X-Name-Last: Brahmane Author-Name: Anjali M. Kulkarni Author-X-Name-First: Anjali M. Author-X-Name-Last: Kulkarni Author-Name: Subhash Yadav Author-X-Name-First: Subhash Author-X-Name-Last: Yadav Author-Name: Arjita Jain Author-X-Name-First: Arjita Author-X-Name-Last: Jain Title: Cultural diplomacy and informal artistic relations in China in the 20th century: a global perspective Abstract: A notion that relates to the sharing of art, information, ideas, and other aspects of culture between countries and their people in order to enhance and expand mutual understanding is referred to as cultural diplomacy. Increasing the amount of contact that occurs between different populations and fostering the development of trust between countries via cooperation and collaboration are two examples that demonstrate the significance of cultural diplomacy. Through an emphasis on shared values and a shared humanity, cultural diplomacy fosters international cooperation and supports international cooperation. It is partially a response to fears about the perceived development of Chinese soft power, and partly a consequence of changing attitudes among the elite who make decisions about foreign policy regarding the uses of new social media. During the process of making this investment, the conditions associated with both the international and the regional arenas are being taken into account. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 401-413 Issue: 4 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: cultural diplomacy; global perspective; network studies; cultural relations literature; globalisation and transnational. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149228 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:4:p:401-413 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Divya Shukla Author-X-Name-First: Divya Author-X-Name-Last: Shukla Author-Name: Mitushi Singh Author-X-Name-First: Mitushi Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Title: The evolution of human resource roles in business: a systematic literature review from origins to the present Abstract: Human resource management has undergone significant changes in response to the evolving business environment. The concept of HR roles has evolved considerably over the past four decades due to advancements in technology, shifts in industry dynamics, and the increasing scale of operations. This study summarises the key studies on HR roles and their evolution over time. As business operations change, the role of human resources also transforms, and the literature on HR roles adapts accordingly. The objective of this study is to capture the evolution of HR roles through a systematic literature review. It highlights three major themes: traditional human resource management, strategic human resource management, and international human resource management. The purpose of this research paper is to identify gaps in the existing literature on HR roles and to encourage further scholarly exploration in those areas. The study has also highlighted recent developments in human resource management sector post COVID-19 and the implementation of artificial intelligence in human resource management which should be studied in the future to understand upcoming changes in human resource roles. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 342-364 Issue: 4 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: human resource roles; HR roles; human resource management. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149229 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:4:p:342-364 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Poowin Bunyavejchewin Author-X-Name-First: Poowin Author-X-Name-Last: Bunyavejchewin Author-Name: Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt Author-X-Name-First: Kornphanat Author-X-Name-Last: Tungkeunkunt Author-Name: Orawan Nugprachaya Author-X-Name-First: Orawan Author-X-Name-Last: Nugprachaya Title: Boylywood's soft power and Thai public diplomacy Abstract: Thai Boys Love (BL) drama series, which feature love between cute boys and/or stylish young men, has enjoyed global popularity in recent years, causing the home-grown BL entertainment industry - Boylywood - to grow rapidly. Although Boylywood exhibited high potential as a source of Thailand's soft power, it was not until 2021 that the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok began to include Thai BL dramas as part of the country's public diplomacy content. This was preponderantly due to Boylywood's ability to function as a revenue generator. Regime legitimation and the establishment's de facto green light were also factors that furthered Thai BL drama's soft power. Despite the government's initially limited involvement, Boylywood has become the country's most lucrative source of soft power, at least economically. Moreover, Thai public diplomacy's openness can be a catalyst for the government to maximise the potential utility of Thai BL drama's soft power. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 382-400 Issue: 4 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: Boylywood; public diplomacy; soft power; Thai BL; Thai Boys Love; Thai Boys Love series; Thai foreign policy; Thailand; Y series. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149230 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:4:p:382-400 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ila Joshi Author-X-Name-First: Ila Author-X-Name-Last: Joshi Title: Open-source intelligence (OSINT) and international humanitarian law: exploring the scope and limitations of civilian participation in the Russia-Ukraine war Abstract: Since the inception of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, warfare has evolved significantly, driven by technological advancements and real-time information sharing. The integration of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has redefined war tactics, as demonstrated by the use of Foreign Broadcast Intelligence Service during World War II and recent social media posts by Ukrainian citizens to track Russian troop movements. The free flow of information via both formal and informal channels has led to a new era of information warfare, blurring the lines between combatants and civilians. In the Russia-Ukraine war, civilians have actively assisted armed forces using OSINT, raising questions about their role and safety under the laws of war. This study explores the impact of OSINT on civilian vulnerability, emphasising how their participation has challenged the conventional distinction between combatants, non-combatants, and Prisoners-of-War, reshaping the nature of modern warfare. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 414-423 Issue: 4 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: OSINT; open-source intelligence; international humanitarian law; civilians; combatants; non-combatants; Russia-Ukraine war; Geneva convention; additional protocols. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149232 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:4:p:414-423 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Breda Mulec Author-X-Name-First: Breda Author-X-Name-Last: Mulec Title: The influence of Slovenian economic diplomacy and companies on changing environmental values in North Macedonia Abstract: Despite some progress, countries still face challenges when it comes to environmental protection. The paper relies on existing academic research and a structured interview conducted with diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, as well as representatives from Slovenian companies, to analyse the potential influence that companies and economic diplomacy from more developed countries with high environmental protection standards have on changing attitudes towards the environment in countries with lower standards. We focused our attention on Slovenian companies operating abroad in order to determine whether Slovenian companies in North Macedonia apply higher environmental protection standards than required by the regulations in the host country. Despite its efforts to join the EU, North Macedonia faces a spate of environmental protection challenges, including high levels of air pollution that place it among the worst affected countries. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 365-381 Issue: 4 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: economic diplomacy; corporate social responsibility; environmental protection; environmental standards; North Macedonia; Slovenia; pollution havens; public administration. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149233 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:4:p:365-381 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Diána Pacsi Author-X-Name-First: Diána Author-X-Name-Last: Pacsi Author-Name: Csaba Bálint Illés Author-X-Name-First: Csaba Bálint Author-X-Name-Last: Illés Author-Name: Árpád Papp-Váry Author-X-Name-First: Árpád Author-X-Name-Last: Papp-Váry Author-Name: Zoltán Szabó Author-X-Name-First: Zoltán Author-X-Name-Last: Szabó Author-Name: Ragif Huseynov Author-X-Name-First: Ragif Author-X-Name-Last: Huseynov Author-Name: Nidhi Shukla Author-X-Name-First: Nidhi Author-X-Name-Last: Shukla Author-Name: Aamir Syed Author-X-Name-First: Aamir Author-X-Name-Last: Syed Author-Name: Ramiz Isgandarov Author-X-Name-First: Ramiz Author-X-Name-Last: Isgandarov Title: New ways in tourism: factors influencing the domestic travel decision of generation Z and the correlations of gamification Abstract: Tourism, just like other industries, has to face the challenges of digitalisation. Changes in consumer needs and growing environmental and economic challenges are forcing tourism providers to take new paths. As the world opened up, international tourism became accessible to those with lower incomes, and increasing the motivation of tourists in domestic tourism became crucial from a national economic point of view. One of the tools for this can be the gamification methodology. In this study, we examine the motivations of Generation Z travellers. In the course of the research, we examined the travel decisions of Generation Z and the correlations between the HEXAD player dimensions in relation to Hungarian domestic tourism in a questionnaire survey conducted with 234 people. With the help of the study, tourism service providers can better understand the needs of the age group, as well as develop their communication strategy, even tailored to destinations. Journal: Int. J. of Diplomacy and Economy Pages: 313-341 Issue: 4 Volume: 11 Year: 2025 Keywords: generation Z; gamification; HEXAD player types; domestic travel. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149235 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijdipe:v:11:y:2025:i:4:p:313-341