‘The telegraph and the bank’: on the interdependence of global communications and capitalism, 1866–1914

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone M. Müller ◽  
Heidi J.S. Tworek

AbstractThis article uses the example of submarine telegraphy to trace the interdependence between global communications and modern capitalism. It uncovers how cable entrepreneurs created the global telegraph network based upon particular understandings of cross-border trade, while economists such as John Maynard Keynes and John Hobson saw global communications as the foundation for capitalist exchange. Global telegraphic networks were constructed to support extant capitalist systems until the 1890s, when states and corporations began to lay telegraph cables to open up new markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, as well as for strategic and military reasons. The article examines how the interaction between telegraphy and capitalism created particular geographical spaces and social orders despite opposition from myriad Western and non-Western groups. It argues that scholars need to account for the role of infrastructure in creating asymmetrical information and access to trade that have continued to the present day.

Author(s):  
Yunming Shao ◽  
Lei Shi

This paper is a case study of FORGE, the first UK-China cross border accelerator program, conducted in the context of TusPark Newcastle, an overseas innovation center by TUS Holdings in the United Kingdom. It engages with current research that examines the role of trust, particularly in the area of cross-border trade. We suggest that this is especially pertinent for early stage technology companies, since in many cases, their products, business models and even founder reputations, are more unformed. We also look at the topic of cross-border incubation, particularly with China as the target market, and provide new insights for understanding the channels and barriers for international commercialization in China for early stage tech startups. Finally, we provide some suggestions for policy-makers on both sides to better coordinate efforts to increase innovation relationships like FORGE.


2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana V. Stepanova

In line with the observation that tourism is becoming a key element of economic development in border regions, the author describes an approach to a specific form characteristic of border regions alone, i.e. cross-border tourism and its role as a factor in the development of regional and local economies. Cross-border tourism gains presentation here in relation to the mobility of tourists (with differing purposes) between neighbouring border regions of the Russian Federation and Finland, with no account taken, however, of the development and functioning of the tourist system overall. The aim has thus been to seek to substantiate the importance of the development of cross-border tourism in the socio-economic development of the Russian-Finnish borderland. In its several parts, this article focuses first on theoretical and practical developments of Russian and foreign academic thinking as regards the development of cross-border tourism. A second part then reveals (and looks for structure among) factors influencing the nature and dynamics of cross-border tourism development in the Russian-Finnish borderland. The role of these factors in the phenomenon’s development is identified. Empirical data are then used in a third part identifying features and general trends, with the stimulation of cross-border tourism considered a direction of importance in the development of border regions either side of the state border under study. Given the positive effect of cross-border trade on the development of Finnish border regions, it would seem crucial that Finnish tourists should be attracted to the Russian border area. Finally, the significance of the development of cross-border tourism in the Russian-Finnish borderland is deliberated, where the area in question is taken to encompass Murmansk Oblast, the Republic of Karelia and Leningrad Oblast in Russia, as well as Finnish Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, North Karelia, South Karelia and Kymenlaakso. Median indices are calculated. The outcomes of the research are regarded as of both academic and practical significance to the development of cross-border tourism, seen academically and from the point of view of both regional and municipal authorities and representatives of the tourist industry.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Mawejje ◽  
Dorothy Nampewo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential role of money supply and agricultural informal cross-border trade (ICBT) in Uganda’s food price processes. Design/methodology/approach The econometric analysis is based on two separate but complementary approaches: vector error correction modeling and Granger causality testing. Findings The results indicate that long-run domestic food prices adjust to money supply, agricultural output and exchange rate movements. However, the findings do not provide sufficient evidence to support the proposition that agricultural ICBT is an important long-run driver of food price in Uganda. The pair-wise Granger causality test results reveal a unidirectional causality from food prices to agricultural output; unidirectional causality from money supply to food prices; bidirectional causality between food prices and nominal exchange rates; unidirectional causality running from rainfall to food prices; and unidirectional causality running from agricultural ICBT to agricultural output. Social implications Understanding the underlying drivers of food inflation is critically important because food prices are critically important for food security, social stability and general household welfare. Originality/value The major innovation in this paper is attempt to model demand side determinants of food prices by focusing on the role of money and ICBT.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-25
Author(s):  
Mohammad Akbar Hossain

The Post-clearance Audit (PCA) is being used by the Customs administrations across the world to facilitate trade as well as to reduce revenue evasion. As a limited number of declarations or entities need to be audited, the selectivity criteria for identifying the riskiest ones for conducting PCA is of utmost importance for the effectiveness of audit. A wrong selection for audit will be counterproductive. That is why, this paper will examine how the selectivity criteria impacts the PCA. The WCO and WTO have advised the administrations to utilise the PCA mechanism to enhance cross-border trade. The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) of WCO and the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO have focused on systematic use of PCA rather than examining every imported consignment at the ports. Therefore, the PCA assists the authorities expedite clearance of goods, while, at the same time, ensures plugging leakages and, finally, enhances collection of duties and taxes at the import stage.  Moreover, the PCA also creates opportunities for the authorities to catch tax evaders in future as the results of PCA may further be used for the proper implementation of Risk Management (RM) mechanism. Effective RM helps single out the risky consignments and facilitate clearance of the low risk consignments. So, if the selectivity criteria for PCA are not properly set, both the PCA and RM system will be adversely affected, ultimately paralysing the revenue administration of a country thereby reducing its economic competitiveness. This study will scrutinise the existing selection procedures for PCA with qualitative analysis. Due to lack of availability of reliable data, the author interviewed some of the main stakeholders and the Customs and VAT officials to analyse the mechanism for identifying the loopholes and prospects of the PCA initiative. Furthermore, this paper will not only help the administrations to set the selectivity criteria for PCA, but also assist the administrations to redesign their existing PCA selectivity system.


2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Anisiewicz ◽  
Tadeusz Palmowski

Abstract Polish and Russian cross-border cooperation is governed by lawful agreements. The enlargement of the Schengen Area had a significant impact on Kaliningrad Oblast relations and cross-border cooperation with its neighbours. The introduction of visas between Poland and Russia hindered and restricted local border trade which had for years been the only measure mitigating social and economic problems of the cross-border regions. Nevertheless, border traffic between Poland and Kaliningrad grew steadily, to exceed four million in 2012. Poland and Russia, supported by Germany, applied to the EU for small border traffic to cover the entire territory of the Oblast. According to the European Commission, the proposed solution would be a European exception. The agreement on small border traffic came into force on July 27, 2012, covering the entire area of the Kaliningrad Oblast and selected Polish poviats of Pomerania and Warmia-Mazuria voivodeships. Towards the end of the first quarter of 2013, the number of Poles crossing the border showed a rising tendency, and starting from the second through the third quarter of 2013, the number of Russians coming to Poland grew more dynamically. The visits of Kaliningrad residents, apart from commercially oriented ones, also include recreation, tourism, medical tourism visits, etc. Kaliningrad citizens looking for leisure, recreation and entertainment come to participate in great sporting and cultural events in Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. The local self governments of poviats covered by small border traffic noted a clear upturn in the economies and trade of their regions. The development of cross-border cooperation, including small border traffic, has not resulted in attracting a substantial number of Polish tourists to the Kaliningrad Oblast, but it has provided such a possibility. This region is quite expensive for the average Pole. However, as scientists from Kaliningrad projected, with the easing of the visa system and the development of transport and tourist infrastructure the role of tourism shows a growing trend.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Chikaipa ◽  
Pascal Kishindo

Malawi has more than 14 languages but only a few of these, including ciCewa, ciYao and ciTumbuka, have a significant number of active speakers. This article examines the retention of ciNsenga, a minority indigenous language, which provides a different picture. Speakers of ciNsenga straddle the border between Central Western Malawi and Eastern Zambia. Although ciNsenga has a comparatively small number of speakers, the language is actively maintained. Within this paper, ethnolinguistic vitality, domain analysis and social network theories are applied to explore the factors fostering the retention of ciNsenga among the Ngoni, who settled within a predominantly ciCewa speaking area. This study finds that both the media and cross-border trade have greatly supported the retention of ciNsenga, despite years of prolonged contact with ciCewa. It is hoped the case of ciNsenga may illustrate a path that other Malawian languages could follow, in the interest of language preservation.


2011 ◽  
pp. 379-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Klassen ◽  
William K. Carroll

The issue of transnational class formation has figured centrally in recent debates on globalization. These debates revolve around the question of whether or not new patterns of cross-border trade and investment have established global circuits of capital out of which a transnational capitalist class has emerged. This paper takes up the notion of transnational class formation at the point of corporate directorship interlocks. Using Canada as a case study, it maps the changing network of directorship interlocks between leading firms in Canada and the world economy. In particular, the paper examines the role of transnational corporations (TNCs) in the Canadian corporate network; the resilience of a national corporate community; and new patterns of cross-border interlocking amongst transnational firms. Through this empirical mapping, the paper finds a definite link between investment and interlocking shaping the social space of the global corporate elite. Corporations with a transnational base of accumulation tend to participate in transnational interlocking. While national corporate communities have not been transcended, transnational firms increasingly predominate within them, articulating national with transnational elite segments. This new network of firms reconstitutes the corporate power bloc and forms a nascent transnational capitalist class.


2019 ◽  
pp. 121-143
Author(s):  
Riccardo Resciniti ◽  
Federica De Vanna

The rise of e-commerce has brought considerable changes to the relationship between firms and consumers, especially within international business. Hence, understanding the use of such means for entering foreign markets has become critical for companies. However, the research on this issue is new and so it is important to evaluate what has been studied in the past. In this study, we conduct a systematic review of e-commerce and internationalisation studies to explicate how firms use e-commerce to enter new markets and to export. The studies are classified by theories and methods used in the literature. Moreover, we draw upon the internationalisation decision process (antecedents-modalities-consequences) to propose an integrative framework for understanding the role of e-commerce in internationalisation


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