Low-income settlement is a common problem existing in many countries. By using 2012 survey data of UN-HABITAT and CASS, this paper focuses on the change of original residents' subjective happiness during the process of low-income settlement reconstruction in six cities of Liaoning province. Several conclusions are obtained: (1) Low-income settlement reconstruction had significant effects on original residents' happiness, the relation between income level and happiness exhibits an inverted-U shape after reconstruction; (2) Quantile regression estimation shows that the community life quality improvement affected positively on different happiness levels of original residents, while new communication methods and the change of neighbor relationship after reconstruction cannot improve subjective well-being; (3) According to the low-income class, the influencing factors of happiness is so different with other groups and also government's indirect pro-poor policies received slightly less positive effect. Therefore, authorities should pay more attention to both explicit and implicit effects of low-income settlement reconstruction.

View full abstract

The importance of the Asia-Pacific region has increased significantly for the Russian economy. The Russian government's Far East Development Program has shown the way towards infrastructure development in the Far East. Given the regional characteristics of the Far East, it is important to take a flexible approach when selecting priority projects of vital importance and of high utility value, and when utilizing government-led investment to develop transportation infrastructure, while at the same time, proactively inviting private investors when bankable infrastructure projects arise. From such perspective, JBIC intends to contribute to the 'Win-Win' Far East development through the Japan-Russia Investment Platform with RDIF and through partnership with FEDF under the business cooperation. Considering the further deepening relations among North East Asian countries, we see huge potential for growth when viewing the Japan Sea Rim Economic Subregion as a single economic bloc. In order to promote such regional economic development, a bold and flexible way of thinking is needed to capture Northeast Asia, including the Russian Far East, as the 'plane' from the perspective of international logistics.

View full abstract

American international relations with Russia until recently were governed by the Obama administration's 'reset policy.' Its goal was to work with the Kremlin to construct a harmonious global order based on democracy, free enterprise and universal human rights. This objective wasn't realized. The policy instead led to contentious engagement, and has been 'paused.' The failure was caused by both sides' overzealous double gaming, and raises the prospect of renewed cold war. The danger can be averted on a second best basis by both camps committing themselves to the principles of 'coexistence,' and mutual self-restraint.

View full abstract