Introduction: Theorizing the psychology of deglobalization

The unprecedented pace and scope of globalization over the past half century have had major impacts on the field of psychology. We observe that since the 2008 financial crisis, there have been increased academic and political concerns with "deglobalization,” which is often associated with terrorism, xenophobia, authoritarianism, Brexit, the US–China trade war, the Russian war on Ukraine, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that the phenomenon of deglobalization is historically uncertain but intellectually and politically significant enough to warrant analysis. Thus, in this special issue, we begin to theorize the psychology of deglobalization by addressing several foundational issues: the major manifestations of deglobalization in relation to psychosocial life, the dialectical relations between globalization and deglobalization, and possible ways to respond to the challenges of deglobalization. In the meantime, we flesh out these theoretical perspectives using the cases of nationalism, neoliberalism, White supremacy, far-right politics, dehumanization, isolationism, and trade conflicts.

Catalysing regional integration in Africa: The role of infrastructure

Now, more than ever, infrastructure integration in Africa has become critical to recalibrating Africa's growth strategy toward increased intraregional trade, especially in an era of global isolationism, protectionism and supply chain disruptions from COVID and the war in Ukraine. This paper investigates the extent to which infrastructure development and integration can act as a catalyst for trade, innovation and income improvements in Africa. Using panel data analysis, we show that the infrastructure sector with the strongest multiplier effect on economic activity is the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, followed by the transport sector, the electricity sector and, last, the water sector. This ranking of the catalytic role of infrastructure sectors should guide policy prioritisation on infrastructure investments to accelerate growth and unlock the potential of the AfCFTA. Benchmarking exercises on infrastructures' catalytic role in the regional economic communities (RECs) show that infrastructure has had the strongest impact on economic outcomes in the East African Community bloc, making the EAC a type of flying‐geese RECs for other regions to emulate.

Globalizing the DPRK? Domestic Developments and Cultural Globalization in North Korean Cuisine

Article Type: Research Paper Purpose-This paper aims to shed light on North Korean food culture, explore the ways in which North Korean cuisine has changed since the 1990s and the extent to which such changes are influenced by global food trends. Design, Methodology, Approach-Methodologically, this paper relies on secondary sources and prior analyses of North Korean society and culture in combination with autobiographical works, journalistic pieces, travel guides, and cookbooks. Findings-Domestic conditions, primarily social class and geography, determine the exposure to and enjoyment of global foodstuffs. Elites and Pyongyangites experience what the regime allows and puts forth;the rising dongu may consume more foreign products and be more aware of global consumer trends, but their access to such goods is geographically limited. Consumption patterns of the poorest North Koreans are shaped by survival mechanisms rather than global forces. The regime and North Korean diasporas are globalizing North Korean culture abroad. No country or culture exists in isolation, so elements of cultural globalization can be readily observed, even if fragmented and uneven. Practical Implications- This paper provides a useful synthesis and analysis for scholars, students, or anyone else interested in or researching cultural globalization, cuisine, or North Korean culture and society. Originality, value- North Korean culture is under-researched and systematically left out of discussions regarding food culture, cultural analyses, and globalization. This paper aims to remedy this neglect by including North Korea in these academic realms.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on World Politics

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world, affecting all socio-economic and political spheres. Over two years of the pandemic, numerous studies have examined many of its aspects. However, there is no comprehensive understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected and will still affect world politics. The article's research question is: how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected world politics in general? The article To understand the world political consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following parameters were analyzed: 1) the impact of the pandemic on the (mega)trends of world political development-globalization / de-globalization, integration/ disintegration, democratization / de-democratization, 2) the political organization of the world, which includes three primary levels: a) the principles of the Westphalian system, the main of which is the principle of sovereignty;b) the system of interstate relations;c) the political systems of individual states. The choice of these analysis parameters is explained in the article. States have used various strategies to deal with the pandemic, directed towards isolation-ism. At the same time, the polarization of the population increased. The system of interstate interaction has not fundamentally changed despite the difficulties that have arisen. The processes of de-globalization have intensified due to the policy of states towards isolationism. At the same time, globalization understood as transnationalization, manifested itself in the active use of digital communication technologies in various fields, including at the international (transnational) level. In turn, the megatrend of democratization was expressed in the activities of volunteers, the opening of access to performances, lectures, museum exhibits on online platforms. In general, it is shown that the world's political organization has not undergone significant changes as a result of the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the pandemic, the trends that emerged even before it began have continued and intensified. At the same time, the rapid development of previously formed processes has led to a sharp increase in social, economic, and political contradictions, and as a result – polarization on many grounds in world politics, which creates a potential danger of conflict development. © 2022, MGIMO Universty Press. All rights reserved.