Open Access
Access granted
Subscription Access
No 1 (2025)
Top problem
A Year of War. Analyzing Public Mood in Israel
Abstract
The attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the largest in decades, precipitated substantial shifts in Israeli society. On the one hand, the attack, which resulted in a significant number of casualties and the taking of hostages, prompted a surge in solidarity among citizens in the short term. Nevertheless, over time, societal divisions have reemerged. In the article, the author presents an analysis of the findings of public opinion research conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute. The surveys were conducted over the course of Israel’s year-long military operations in the Gaza Strip. The data indicates a considerable degree of confidence in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) among the Jewish population, as evidenced by their endorsement of military operations in Gaza and the northern region of the country. In contrast, among the Arab population, there is a clear preference for negotiations. It is noteworthy that, one year into the conflict, the percentage of optimists regarding the country’s future has significantly increased among Jewish Israelis, whereas a sharp decline has been observed among Arab citizens. Concurrently, confidence in government institutions is eroding, and the prospect of early elections is gaining traction, with nearly half of Israelis expressing support. Despite enduring calls for a resolution through the “two states for two peoples” formula, societal consensus remains elusive. An interview with a representative of the Geneva Initiative NGO underscores that while support for the formula remains stable, the positions of Israelis and Palestinians are hardening.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):5-13
5-13
Politics, economics
China. The Strategy of Military-Civil Integration
Abstract
The article examines the development of military-civilian integration (MCI) in China, the expansion of its role and importance in the innovative renewal of the economy and strengthening the defense potential of the Chinese state at the present stage. In the author’s view, the factors that contributed to the development of MCI in China are: the traditional participation of the PLA in economic construction; the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), which opened up opportunities for the convergence of military and civilian technologies; borrowing the experience of military-industrial corporations of Western countries that produce both military and civilian products. It is noted that the MCI in China has now acquired the character of a national strategy aimed at increasing the integrated state power and international competitiveness. The MCI contributes to the creation of an effective innovative system of science and technology in the country in order to implement the transition of the economic system to world-class high-tech production and increase the capabilities of the military-industrial complex to produce new-generation weapons and military equipment with rational use of resources.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):14-21
14-21
Singapore and Hong Kong are Leaders of Asia in FinTech and ICT Industries Development
Abstract
The research proposes an approach for assessing the effectiveness of FinTech and ICT sectors using the international rating and method of statistical analysis for digital and ICT indicators. The author determined the competitive advantages of Singapore and Hong Kong in the Global FinTech and ICT Market and the factors behind lagging Asian countries in this area for 2014-2024. For adaptation of experience of Singapore and Hong Kong into practice, it could be useful to develop infrastructure by: creating a FinTech center and platforms for the exchange of commercial and credit data based on Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, including a cross-industry register of financial institutions and Fintech providers, as well as improving the efficiency of incubators, accelerators, FinTech “sandboxes” in the regions and introduction of FinTech services laboratories under the Governments and in universities. According to the experience of Singapore, the author proposed the improvement of the quality of Higher education for FinTech & ICT specialists by intensifying cooperation between universities, key financial centers and FinTech providers.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):22-32
22-32
Political Sufism in Contemporary Pakistan: The Key Aspects
Abstract
The article explains the uniqueness of political Sufism in Pakistan and its incongruence with the general characteristics of political Islam (Islamism). Two aspects of Pakistani political Sufism have been established: the conceptual one that suggests the incorporation of Sufi views and ideas into politics, and the personalistic one that is embodied in the mechanism of direct (as well as indirect) participation of authoritative Sufi figures in political life. Neither of these aspects falls within the definition of political Islam. In the first case, the use of Sufi rhetoric in the political sphere is not accompanied by the religious agenda, nor by the setting of Islamist goals rather, the stress is laid on the cultural component of Sufism, its religious tolerance and peaceful nature as the keystones of Islamic identity. In the second case, the involvement of Sufi pirs in politics and of the politicians “from the outside” in Sufi ceremonies is not accompanied by religious slogans; neither side sets the goal of spreading Sufism or makes pleas for the reformation of society in accordance with Islamic values. Simultaneously, one can safely speak about the covert implementation of religious authority in politics by pirs and about the engagement of Sufi “vote bank” by social elites in order to sustain their positions. Still, in both of its aspects, political Sufism represents an integral part of Pakistan’s political life: its positions are strong, even more so that it is organically embedded into the very fabric of society.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):33-40
33-40
Differences in Thinking Patterns between Chinese and Russians
Abstract
Our brains are wired to think and process information differently depending on our upbringing, the way we are socialized, the language we use, and our genes. When it comes to Chinese and Russians, thinking patterns differ greatly. These patterns play a crucial role in shaping our behavior, beliefs and emotions. In order to summarize the origins of differences, the paper examines language structure, geographical location, philosophy, religion and beliefs, educational methods and modern living conditions of two countries. In addition to that, the paper lists a number of key differences between Chinese and Russian verbal and non-verbal thinking patterns. Chinese people tend to use visual, circular, subjective, “outside-in”, comprehensive and “collectivist” thinking, while Russians prefer logical, linear, objective, “inside-out”, analytical and “individualistic” thinking. The author tries to explain the reasons why the differences exist and illustrates how cultural and language expression is influenced by the way we think.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):41-48
41-48
Professional Backgrounds and Water Governance Strategies: A Case Study of Nile Basin Countries
Abstract
Water security is a critical issue in the Nile Basin, where countries rely on the shared waters of the Nile River for various purposes including agriculture, industry, and domestic use. However, the resolution of water security issues in the region has been challenging due to competing interests and conflicts among the Nile Basin countries. This article aims to investigate whether there is a difference in the approach to resolving water security issues in the Nile Basin depending on the professional background of the presidents leading these countries. To conduct this research, a mixed methods approach of QCA analysis and thematic analysis are employed. The researchers analyze the approach of each president in the Nile Basin and how it affected the negotiation process or led to armed conflicts among these countries. This analysis also takes into account the use of principles and water laws to clarify the legal aspects of the water security issue. The main finding of this research is that the military and civil background of presidents does indeed have an impact on their approach to resolving water security issues in the Nile Basin, leading to varying negotiation processes and potential conflicts among countries. On the other hand, presidents with civil backgrounds tend to prioritize diplomatic negotiations and cooperation, seeking peaceful resolutions to water security issues.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):49-56
49-56
Black Jews of South Africa: The Lemba People
Abstract
The article is devoted to the consideration of the Jewish origin of the Lemba people. The Lemba are a South African Bantu-speaking people who claim Jewish origins as descendants of one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel. Most Lemba are currently Christians, and a small number are Muslims. The Lemba population is about 80,000 people who live mainly in northern South Africa and central Zimbabwe, as well as in Malawi and Mozambique. Since the early 2000s, there has been an explosive interest in the history of the Lemba among scientists and the media, which was caused by sensational results of DNA research. Genetic studies were conducted in the late 1990s and their goal was to test the hypothesis that the Lemba people are of Middle Eastern origin. It was proven that the Lemba are of Jewish descent in the male line and their Jewish ancestors could have come from the region of South Arabia. The results of genetic research have initiated the restructuring of the social and religious identity of the Lemba. The article examines the history and religious beliefs of the Lemba, as well as the problems of transforming their identity.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):57-63
57-63
Post-graduate tribune
Effective Municipal Solid Waste Management in Rural Areas as a Result of Environmental Education Policy in Japan
Abstract
The article examines the problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in rural areas using the example of Japanese villages. A database on solid waste management in 183 Japanese villages for FY 2022 was analyzed. It included such indicators as the total volume of solid waste; amount of waste generated per person a day; data on the volume and methods of waste disposal; recycling rate, etc. The data were compared with the main national indicators and it was revealed that Japanese villages demonstrate a high level of solid waste management. This can be mainly explained by the effective government policy and sufficient ecological and environmental education of the population, including implementing concepts of 3R and Zero Waste, which imply control over mass generation of waste aside from its possible recycling. Regional initiatives aimed at reducing certain types of solid waste proved to play an important role as well.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):64-70
64-70
Scientific life
85 Years of the Victory at Khalkhin Gol: A New Look at the Historical Event
Abstract
In October 2024, an international panel discussion ‘85 Years of the Victory at Khalkhin Gol: What History Teaches Us’ was held at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences. The panel discussion was organised by the Centre of Japanese Studies with the assistance of the Department of Korea and Mongolia. The conference was attended by experts of Japanese and Mongolian studies, military historians and representatives of diplomatic missions. Participants discussed a wide range of topics, including the everyday life of military and civilian people, press coverage of the war, the significance of the fighting at the Khalkhin Gol River in the context of international relations, as well as the intricacies of military strategy and analyses of archival materials. This event concluded a wideranging series of events to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian troops in the fierce battles of the Khalkha River in 1939.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):71-74
71-74
Pages of history
Julius Nyerere: Ideals and Reality
Abstract
The article is devoted to the memorable date the 25th anniversary of the death of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, a prominent political figure in Tanganyika, Tanzania and Africa as a whole, a participant in the struggle for the independence of African peoples, an intellectual, thinker and humanist, the “father of the nation”, the “architect” of the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, a theorist and practitioner of the policy of non-alignment, Pan-Africanism, African socialism, nationalism. The amount of literature dedicated to J.Nyerere is huge. We will highlight only one block of historiographical and analytical materials. A well-known Tanzanian legal scholar, Professor Issa G.Shivji, one of the leading biographers of J.Nyerere devoted a number of his publications to Mwalimu and touched upon various aspects of his theoretical and practical activities. The author of this article dwells on some of the researcher’s works. The topics covered here are the ways of socioeconomic development of Tanganyika-Tanzania, in particular the problem of village development and the peasant issue in Nyerere’s theory and political practice; nationalism, the national question, the problem of tribalism in Nyerere’s views; methods and ways of building African socialism; Union relations in Tanzania; Pan-Africanism; decisive moments in Nyerere’s life and political activities.
Asia & Africa today. 2025;(1):75-80
75-80