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Abstract:
This article considers the principle of jus cogens norms from a regional perspective. It does so by looking at a regionalized set of legal norms and values, and expunge whether or not they can be reconstituted as regional jus cogens norms. An examination of the Brezhnev Doctrine, juvenile executions in the Americas, and Islamic 'human rights' will be instructive in this manner. The practical utility of norms of regional jus cogens will also be highlighted. Steeped in a legal positivist tradition, it will illustrate that a set of "higher laws" of overriding importance can assist in accomplishing certain social and political tasks that are deemed acceptable within a specific time-period by a group of nation-states. Moreover, such regional jus cogens norms can be replaced by another 'super-norm', or eliminated entirely by the passing of its usefulness. The legal implications for the existence and practice of regional jus cogens norms will be considered, notably its effect on sovereign equality and the role promoting 'differential treatment'. Given a present international community of nation-states characterized by unprecedented heterogeneity, this article will argue that the use of regional jus cogens norms are demanded in limited situations.

jus cogens, differential treatment, sovereign equality, international law, Brezhnev Doctrine, juvenile executions, human rights

Abstract:
Drawing on interviews conducted among leading local and international NGOs operating in China, this article considers how NGOs understand and implement good governance and accountability principles and practices. It also examines how Chinese constituents and the general public perceive local and international NGOs. The discussion provides a basis on which to assess ways of improving accountability practices for NGOs operating in China.

China, NGO, governance, accountability

Abstract:
This paper will examine the linkages between global big businesses, NGOs and labour standards in the contemporary context of developing nations. Specifically, it will pay close attention to multinational corporations' practices in terms of wages, foreign direct investment and supply-chain formations, and its overall effects on labour standards. Reflections on trade agreements will also be offered in respect to how they affect labour standards. Coiled in this background, the role of NGOs to promote and improve labour standards in developing nations will be critically examined.

labour standards, NGO, multinational corporation, North-South divide

Abstract:
This paper will historically examine social development outcomes in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in respect to poverty eradication, education and employment, health care and social integration. Moreover, it will offer tangible advice for improving future social development work in TAR. The main theoretical approach is a literature and policy review of social development in TAR from 1951 to present. Seemingly Tibet's social development strategy has been achieved through a strong top-down approach. However, the road ahead for TAR once basic needs are satisfactorily met, is a move towards a participatory approach, whereby Tibetans can directly contribute and have a stake in their own futures. This paper will be of interest to those who want a definitive account of recent historical social development strategies and outcomes in TAR; and subsequently, the future possibilities and challenges for development in the region.

social development, Tibet, China, ethnic relations

Abstract:
Drawing on interviews conducted among leading local and international NGOs operating in China, this article considers how NGOs understand and implement good governance and accountability principles and practices. It also examines how Chinese constituents and the general public perceive local and international NGOs. The discussion provides a basis on which to assess ways of improving accountability practices for NGOs operating in China.

China, NGO, governance, accountability

Abstract:
The educational attainments of Beijing's permanent ethnic minority population outperform or are on par with the dominant, local Hans. Yet, the Han demographic disproportionately dominates the high-wage, education-intensive employment sectors. What accounts for this paradox? What does this signify regarding the management of ethnic difference in the capital city? And how do we improve this situation? Drawing upon recent research, this paper will offer sociological explanations to answer these questions. Moreover, it will further suggest strategies for enhancing the development of ethnic minorities in Beijing.

ethnic minorities, chinese studies, social development, education, employment, assimilation, urban studies

Abstract:
Ethnic difference is an exciting and empowering idea for some who live in mixed communities. For others, the experience is the opposite: caused in large part by social and economic inequalities and inequitable access to a community's resources. Coiled within this reality are theories of public citizenship such as neo-liberalism, communitarian theory and deliberative democracy that attempt to manage ethnic difference through their respected frameworks. The impact of public citizenship theories to promote high levels of equity within the community is greeted with waning levels of success, especially when compared to targeted inclusionary strategies such as multiculturalism and assimilation. This essay will suggest that in spite of the efforts of public citizenship, greater attention should be placed to exploring the practicalities of employing inclusionary strategies guided by a human development approach, in the hopes of understanding its potential for improving the management of ethnic difference.

ethnic minority groups, public citizenship, multiculturalism, assimilation, human development approach

Abstract:
Ethnic minority development in Beijing has been marred by deep-seated historical experiences of strained ethnic relations. In spite of this situation, this article demonstrates that ethnic minorities in the capital city have achieved educational attainments higher than the dominant, Han group. Yet, when it comes to their occupational outcomes in high-wage, education-intensive (HWEI) sectors, minorities seemingly pay an 'ethnic penalty'. That is, the Han demographic are disproportionately represented in HWEI occupational sectors. Building upon previous evidence, this article discusses this discrepancy from a historical and analytical framework, and offer suggestions for improvement.

ethnic minorities, education, employment, China, Beijing

Abstract:
Defining a world beyond cultural, ethnic and religious barriers demands a stream of constant discourse and deliberation in the public sphere between different groups. The underlying idea here is that deliberation and discourse produces an association between groups of difference through "public argument and reasoning among equal citizens". The goal is to produce a deliberative process and discourse ethics in which "the unforced force of the better argument prevails". The intentions are noble: to acknowledge and pay attention to the opinions of all members in a pluralized public sphere with the hope of creating a society and world in which we can share our values beyond cultural, ethnic and religious barriers. In this effort, the recognition of the 'Other' viewed through the politics of difference, has emerged to challenge traditional notions of participation and citizenship.

This paper will examine these themes in depth. In the first section, it will introduce a theoretical framework for understanding and analyzing the effectiveness of deliberation and discourse ethics in a pluralized public sphere. The attention in the second section will focus on clarifying the confusion between the politics of identity and difference; and examine the notion of difference within the boundaries of a social perspective. The final section will seek to explore the extent to which conceptions of deliberative democracy is compatible with the politics of difference and the viability of difference as a discourse and deliberative resource.

deliberation, discourse ethics, public sphere, pluralism, politics of difference, deliberative democracy

Abstract:
This paper argues that gossip can be a central element in inducing cooperation. The underlying assumption here is that human beings value payoffs in most societies, and are willing to have less now for more in the future. This basic interaction is tempered through gossip - as our behavior now may affect our future interactions and subsequent payoffs. As such, reputation matters and plays a crucial role in inducing cooperation. In order for gossip to be an effective policing mechanism a number of conditions must be met: namely, there must be an incentive for behavior and the behavior must be conducted in a credible manner. Herein lies the utility of charisma and perhaps problem, in inducing cooperation.

gossip, cooperation, social behavior, social philosophy