The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
Making water use in global trade more sustainable
English Summary
The paper argues that water is a 'forgotten input' in global trade, and the lack of policy integration regarding water use leads to unsustainable practices in supply chains. It emphasizes that thinking about supply-chain security must explicitly incorporate the concept of 'virtual water' trade, particularly given current geopolitical fragmentation. Consequently, policymakers and corporations must mandate that physical water scarcity and degradation challenges are primary considerations when reorganizing supplier relationships and managing global trade flows.
中文摘要
本文提出，水資源在全球貿易中是一個「被忽略的投入要素」，缺乏關於水資源使用的政策整合，導致供應鏈中出現不可持續的實踐。文章強調，鑑於當前的地緣政治碎片化趨勢，思考供應鏈安全時必須明確納入「虛擬水」貿易的概念。因此，政策制定者和企業必須強制要求，在重組供應商關係和管理全球貿易流動時，必須將實體水資源的短缺和退化挑戰作為首要考量。
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