Issue 3, Vol.1 (2024)
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Table of Contents
To What Extent was Marx Correct in his Critique of Capitalism?
Written by: Yi Rong Shee, Garden International School
Received: January 29th, 2024
Revised: February 18th, 2024
Accepted: February 20th, 2024
Summary: This paper acts as a starting point in understanding Marx’s critique of capitalism and its inevitable fall to socialism, and evaluates its diminishing but still cautionary relevance in contemporary society.
The dissertation seeks to condense Marx’s critique of capitalist relations and its systems into five main points; that societies are divided into classes of the proletariat and the bourgeoisie; that such relations between them are necessarily exploitative for the benefit of the bourgeoisie; that this benefit when instituted throughout society enables the bourgeoisie to control the superstructure; that this society not only subjugates the proletariat but also subjects them to alienation and false class consciousness through this subjugation; and finally, that the capitalist system is unsustainable and will inevitably crumble to make way for a socialist utopia.
Alongside each analysis of Marx’s critique, the dissertation seeks to evaluate in a nuanced perspective the extent of which modern society embodies said characteristics. This dissertation concludes that the relevance of Marx’s critique has largely faded away into the hallmarks of history, but even where it theoretically fails, his overarching messages should still remain a warning for society today.
A Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag Analysis on the Impacts of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) on Environmental Degradation: Evidence from 12 South-East Asian Countries 2005-2017
Written by Muhammad Alif Iman Asmal, University of Warwick
Received: December 5th, 2023
Revised: February 18th, 2024
Accepted: February 20th, 2024
Summary:Â This dissertation investigates the effect of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) on environmental degradation in 12 South-East Asian countries, using advanced statistical methods and controlling for factors like energy consumption and trade openness, revealing both potential benefits and risks to the environment. The findings emphasize the importance of greener investments and a shift towards renewable energy to achieve economic growth without compromising environmental protection.
Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) are crucial for economic growth especially for developing coun- tries as they allow for better technological transfer, thus, heavily benefiting host countries. Con- forming to the Pollution-Haven and Pollution-Halo hypotheses, FDI could generate positive or adverse impacts on environmental degradation. To address several research gaps of past literature, this study examines the impacts of FDI inflows on environmental degradation for a sample of 12 South-East Asian countries (the 10 ASEAN member countries, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea) over the period of 2005-2017 by employing a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) method; Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Mean Group (MG), Dynamic Fixed Effects (DFE). This paper includes energy consumption, renewable energy consumption and trade openness as control variables. Two mod Two models are formulated; the first model incorporates the square of GDP per capita to examine the presence of an inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), the second model includes square of FDI to analyse whether there are monotonic effects of FDI on emissions. For model 1, the PMG estimates validates the presence of an EKC and confirms the pollution-haven hypothesis. Surprisingly, renewable energy consumption does reduce emissions however only in the short-run and not necessarily in the long-run. Moreover, trade is negatively associated with emissions. For model 2, MG estimates show no indication of an inverted U-shaped FDI relationship with emissions. More importantly, energy consumption exacerbates emissions in both models. Thus, findings from this paper suggest countries to ensure bringing in more greener investments that could generate green growth without jeopardising environmental protection and consider transitioning from traditional fossil fuel to more renewable energy sources. In summary, while countries strive to ensure macroeconomic stability and achieve growth, it should never be at the expense of neglecting responsibilities towards environmental protection.
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Investigating Properties of Galaxies and Stars Using Galaxy Zoo and SDSS APOGEE Stellar Spectra
Written by: Clarina Ong, Nur Syamimi Shapiee, Raja Aisya Suraya Raja Selimin, Raja Alisya Sofia Raja Selimin, University of Toronto
Received: February 27th, 2024
Revised: March 1st, 2024
Accepted: March 5th, 2024
Summary:Â This study voyages the interstellar space using Galaxy Zoo and SDSS APOGEE databases to examine relationships between galaxy brightness and redshift, uniformity in stellar temperatures, and differences in temperatures of red giants based on iron abundance, employing statistical analyses to enhance cosmic understanding.
The Galaxy Zoo and SDSS APOGEE Stellar Spectra databases were utilized to get additional knowledge regarding stellar and galactic features, respectively. The first line of investigation explores whether the sersic_nmygy_r decreases with redshift, as well as the relationship between a galaxy’s measured redshift and its apparent brightness. The second research subject examines the distribution of effective temperature values for stars in order to determine if the population of stars is somewhat uniform. Using boxplots and scatterplots to visualize the data and investigate any linear relationships, the third research question evaluates if there is a statistically significant difference between the effective temperatures of red giant stars with and without a high iron abundance. This study employs statistical methods such as hypothesis testing, shape analysis, and linear regression. In conclusion, the findings of this study shed information on the properties of galaxies and stars, thereby expanding our understanding of the cosmos.
How have urbanization and land-use changes contributed to increased flooding in the Klang Valley area in Malaysia, and what sustainable urban planning strategies can mitigate these effects?
Written by: Muhammad Faiz Bin Fuad, University of Toronto
Received: February 22nd, 2024
Revised: February 27th, 2024
Accepted: March 5th, 2024
Summary:Â This study examines how urbanization and land-use changes in Malaysia’s Klang Valley have escalated flooding risks and evaluates sustainable planning strategies to combat these effects, stressing the need for community engagement and technology in managing urban growth and flood resilience.
This research investigates the impact of urbanization and land-use changes on the frequency and severity of flooding in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, and explores sustainable urban planning strategies to mitigate these effects. With the Klang Valley’s urban population growing from 10% to over 60% in the last century, the study examines the connection between this growth, land-use modifications, and increased flood risks. It utilizes a comprehensive scoping review and disaster risk analysis to provide a nuanced perspective on managing urban development and enhancing flood resilience. The research aims to balance urban expansion with sustainable practices, learning from international examples, and considering Malaysia’s economic and governance challenges. It underscores the importance of community-driven and technologically integrated urban planning to ensure long-term sustainability and flood risk management.
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The Evolution of Islamization of Malaysian Politics and Nationalism: A Historical Examination from British Colonial Malaya to Contemporary Malaysia
Written by: Muhammad Hilmie Jalong Ahmad Khalil Lajan, University of Toronto
Received: February 21st, 2024
Revised: February 26th, 2024
Accepted: March 5th, 2024
Summary:Â This paper analyses the integral role of Islam in Malaysian politics from colonial times to the present, highlighting how it has been used to unify the nation and shape governance, with current implications suggesting an increasingly Islamic political and social future.
This paper provides a comprehensive historical analysis of Islamization in Malaysian politics and nationalism, tracing its evolution from the British colonial era in Malaya to modern-day Malaysia. It explores the pivotal role of Islam in the anti-colonial struggle, its incorporation into the fabric of emerging Malaysian nationalism, and its influence on the country’s post-independence political identity and governance. The research highlights key moments when Islam was strategically utilized by political leaders to consolidate power, navigate ethnic heterogeneity, and foster a unified national identity, leading to increased prominence of Islamic principles in Malaysia’s socio-political and economic policies. The study further examines the impact of global Islamic movements on local political dynamics, contributing to a deeper Islamic identity and governance model. It concludes by discussing the implications of this historical trajectory for contemporary Malaysian society, suggesting that the entrenchment of Islam in politics has reshaped Malaysia’s national discourse, governance structures, and its approach to multiculturalism, potentially signaling a future dominated by Islamic political and social paradigms.