Articles

• Amel Ben Rhouma — Université Paris Cité, Global Research Institute of Paris & EA CEDAG, France

  Petia Koleva — Université Paris Cité, Global Research Institute of Paris & UMR LADYSS, France

  Eric Magnin — Université Paris Cité, Global Research Institute of Paris & UMR LADYSS, France

  HOW GLOBAL ARE GLOBAL CODES OF BUSINESS CONDUCT? THE CASE OF THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT AND ITS LOCAL NETWORKS

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 419-441

  The aim of the paper is to contribute to research on global initiatives for environmental, social, and ethical responsibility in business activities and their local embeddedness. Taking the example of the United Nations Global Compact and its local networks in Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, and the United States, the article discusses the relevance of dichotomous theoretical frameworks such as explicit/implicit CSR and its affinity with the VoC approach. Through a methodology of qualitative analysis of data collected from the websites of the various local networks, the article shows the way in which the dissemination of the UNGC by its local networks is contributing to the emergence of differentiated hybrids, reflecting the diversity of national institutional arrangements of CSR and that of the underlying models of capitalism defined by regulation theory. One of the paper’s main conclusions is that the uniform and globalising character of the UNGC has not erased the national differences present in the local UNGC networks.

• Fabio A. Telarico

  A NETWORK APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF THE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL-MEDIA COMPLEX IN BULGARIA

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 442-463

  Both the media and arms manufacturers play a key role in shaping public opinion on the conflict in Ukraine. Thus, it is necessary to question the extent to which the latter influences or even colludes with the former. In this context, the term media-military-industrial complex gives theoretical backing to the hypothesis that the media has a vested interest in promoting (not-so-)banal militarism for the benefit of the military-industrial complex. Favourable coverage of military operations and firms would likely be highly correlated to cross-sector corporate ties and/or sheer thirst for advertising revenues. Combining a network approach to the analysis of data on corporate structures with theoretically and empirically grounded arguments, this paper sketches a picture of the extent to which a military-industrial-media complex exists in Bulgaria and its reach.

• Eduard Marinov — New Bulgarian University

  SUSTAINABILITY OR ECONOMIC GROWTH: AFRICA’S GREEN TRANSITION

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 464-484

  The pursuit of sustainable development in Africa is becoming increasingly critical in light of the exacerbation of environmental vulnerabilities resulting from climate change. Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent faces significant challenges, including droughts and energy access issues that threaten economic stability. This article examines the interdependent relationship between sustainability efforts and economic growth in Africa, proposing that a transition towards renewable energy can stimulate industrial growth and generate employment opportunities. The future prospects of the green transition in Africa are outlined, focusing on the potential of gas resources and renewable energy to combine with economic development. A SWOT analysis is employed to facilitate a systematic evaluation of the benefits and challenges associated with the green transition, with particular attention paid to the potential barriers. The article presents some policy recommendations for integrating sustainability into national strategies and urges the global community to enhance support for Africa's green transition, with the objective of achieving a resilient future.

• Henrik Egbert — Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Germany

  Teodor Sedlarski — Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

  Aleksandar B. Todorov — University of Economics – Varna

  FOUNDATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY ECONOMICS: JOHN ROGERS COMMONS AND INSTITUTIONAL ECONOMICS

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 485-500

  John Rogers Commons (1862-1945) was a prominent representative of American institutionalism in the early decades of the 20th century. As a political economist and sociologist, he developed an institutional approach, defining institutions as collective actions which take place within given norms such as law, habits, and customs. Additionally, he introduced the transaction as the smallest unit of interaction in economic theory. Commons' studies of the labour market, the role of law, and his social policy work in legislation made him one of the most influential proponents of old institutional economics.

• Giovanni Paiela — independent researcher in the field of Marxian economics with no current affiliation

  ON THE AVERAGE RATE OF PROFIT IN BULGARIA

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 501-516

  A study was conducted regarding the factors and effects of the average rate of profit in Bulgaria. The main variables on which this paper focuses are introduced in the beginning – those being the average rate of profit, the average organic composition of capital, the average rate of surplus value, the growth rate of the labour force, and the growth rate of the GDP. The proposed hypotheses’ validity was analysed. The average rate of profit was found to have an upward trend, while a significant linear negative relationship was found between the average rate of profit and the average organic composition of capital; a statistically insignificant positive linear relationship was found between the growth rate of labour and the average rate of profit; a stronger yet not significant enough correlation exists between the labour force growth rate at a time  and the average rate of profit at time ; there is a significant positive linear relationship between the average rate of profit and the GDP growth rate; and a significant correlation was found between the average rate of profit and the average rate of surplus value.

• Anton Blagoev — PhD, is Assistant Professor at the Department "Economics of Natural Resources", University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria. ORCID 0000-0001-7837-6727

  THE IMPACT OF MULCH-TILL TECHNOLOGY ON AGRICULTURE

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  стр. 517-529

  Sustainable agriculture requires increasing human productivity to meet current needs while preserving the ability of future generations to produce food. One of the keys to achieving this is proper soil management, which includes tillage and appropriate soil improvement measures. One of the significant impacts of tillage on the sustainability of the soil environment is manifested through its impact on the soil itself. This includes soil degradation, pollution of water resources, and the release of greenhouse gases associated with soil processes. The need for sustainable solutions is particularly important in areas facing various constraints. This reality highlights the urgent need to implement practices that balance productivity with natural resource conservation. The choice of an appropriate agronomic practice, such as mulch-till technology, complemented by no-till and strip-till, can have a significant positive impact on both agricultural production and the environment. This study focuses on the impact of mulch-till technology as a concrete example of an agri-environmental practice that aims at soil conservation while contributing to environmental protection. The paper includes a review of existing literature to analyse the concept and application of mulch-till technology. Furthermore, the effects of the introduction of this technology in agricultural activities are considered, and the potential future benefits for sustainable development and environmental protection are assessed.