Call for Papers for a Special Issue

 

 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity: Implications for Participating Countries and the World

 

A feather was added to the global history of economic integration in Tokyo, Japan, where the second Quad historic   meeting was held, responsible for the United States’ launch of a new economic forum, the Indo-Pacific Economic  Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). 13 other countries joined the bandwagon.

This initiative poses a major question for scholars and public policy makers at large: will the IPEF be a myth or real?   There are two key arguments for initiating the IPEF. First, this will strengthen the existing economic partnership   among the participating economies. Second, it will help counter China’s increasing economic and political power in   the global world. The major issues to be addressed are enhancing resilience; increasing the degree of sustainability; promoting inclusive economic growth; raising business opportunities; and promotion of fairness and competitiveness among the countries in Indo-Pacific region.

On the flip side, there is a concern that the IPEF will not cover the free trade agreements or deals under IPEF. This is a disturbing issue to be looked at as trade is always part of economic framework. The joining of India as part of IPEF is of paramount importance in the region. This is because India opted out from both mega trade deals (TPP and RCEP). This is a difficult and challenging path for India for coping with the economic and political pressures of the US led IPEF. Largely, it is a marriage of convenience between India and the US- led IPEF.

 

Why a Special Issue?

The issues mentioned above need to be investigated in light of the functioning of the IPEF and associated opportunities and challenges. There is a timely need to undertake in-depth, intensive and extensive studies by   academics, policy makers, and subject experts. This could only be possible when a special issue is organized wherein  experts who are directly and indirectly related to relevant regions across the globe will be invited to provide a better   picture about the forum.

 

Topics

Prospective contributors can submit queries for proposed topics, in addition to considering the following for submission:

 

Background/overview

Note: This is in conjunction with subsequent topics rather than being a standalone piece.

 1. What is IPEF and why was it created?

 2. What are the aims, scope, and objectives of IPEF?

 3. How does the IPEF work?

 

Opportunities and Challenges

 4. What are the promises/opportunities and challenges for participating countries and for cooperation among the member countries? How can they tap into those opportunities?

 5. What are futuristic scenarios for the IPEF?

 

Implications

6. What are the implications for IPEF members’ bilateral economic relations with China?

7. What are options before China and how has China responded to the IPEF?

8. What are the limitations of the IPEF in managing China?

 

India-related IPEF topics

The following topics can apply to other participating countries as well.

9. How far has India implemented the IPEF and what are the expected outcomes for India?

10. What role India has India to play moving forward?

 

Time frame for the Issue

•Launch for the Call for Papers: January 15, 2024

•Last Date of submission of papers: July 31, 2024

•Publication in 2024.

 

Word Limit: 8,000 words (inclusive of the abstract and endnotes)

 

Guest Editor

 Prof. Dr. Badar Alam Iqbal

 Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow

 Turkish Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies [TCAPS], Ankara,Turkey

 

The prospective contributor may seek any clarifications relating to the special issue by contacting the Guest Editor at: 

badar.iqbal@fulbrightmail.org

 OR

biqbal@daad-alumni.de