Journal of International Relations and Area Development

Editorial Introduction

This issue of the Journal of International Relations and Area Development (JIRAD), Vol. 1, Issue 2, presents four research articles that address key themes in global governance, regional politics, and economic transformation.

In the first article, Song evaluates the green-transition efficiency of major high-energy-consuming sectors in Jiangsu using 2023 DEA data. The findings reveal high efficiency in the ferrous and non-ferrous metal industries, contrasted with notable redundancy in the chemical sector, offering evidence-based insights for differentiated and sector-specific pathways to green transformation.

In the second article, Guo employs a game-theoretical framework to analyze the interplay of competition and cooperation in Sino–US relations across economic, political, military, and technological spheres. The study argues that, despite deep strategic divergences, economic interdependence and global public-goods pressures make cooperation the strategy most consistent with both countries’ long-term interests, and it provides policy recommendations for stabilizing bilateral ties.

In the third contribution, Li examines how political transformation in Indonesia has reshaped the political identity of the Chinese community—from historical marginalization and forced assimilation to gradual reconfiguration in the post-1998 democratic era. The article highlights remaining challenges, including religious nationalism, social barriers, and institutional constraints, which continue to impede full political integration and identity reconstruction.

In the fourth article, Zhang explores the historical origins, evolution, and contemporary relevance of ASEAN identity, emphasizing that today’s regional integration rests upon deep-rooted cultural and historical consciousness. By tracing pre-ASEAN identities, colonial experiences, and overlapping national and regional affiliations, the study illuminates how these legacies continue to shape Southeast Asia’s regional consciousness and the development of a shared ASEAN identity.

Together, these articles shed light on critical issues at the intersection of international relations and regional development, offering fresh perspectives that enrich academic discourse and inform policy practice.