Journal of Asian - African Studies

Power structures and the challenge of indigenous language preservation in Africa

2026-01-27T03:06:26+07:00

This article analyzes the power structures shaping the preservation of indigenous languages in Africa within a postcolonial landscape, with particular attention to developments after 2010. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of linguistic human rights, postcolonial language hierarchies, and multilingual governance, the study demonstrates that although many African countries have made notable progress in institutionalizing indigenous languages through multilingual education, decentralized language planning, and technological application, these efforts remain constrained by colonial legacies, epistemic inequalities, and weak coordination between state institutions and communities. Structural barriers, including legal shortcomings, insufficient funding,“self-colonization” psychology and widening digital disparities have rendered many policies largely symbolic. The article argues that the preservation of indigenous languages can only be effective when embedded within broader strategies aimed at reducing epistemic inequality and expanding the participatory rights of mother-tongue-speaking communities.

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Overview and prospects

2026-01-27T03:09:51+07:00

The birth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was a significant milestone in the pursuit of a unified continental economic space across Africa. The paper uses a qualitative research approach, in combination with a systematic review of AfCFTA legal texts and credible secondary data sources. The findings indicate that the AfCFTA is designed as an “open and evolutionary” framework, combining ambitious and comprehensive goals with a multi-layered institutional structure. At the same time, AfCFTA is facing substantial challenges, including institutional overlap, development asymmetries among member states, and infrastructure constraints. Nevertheless, the AfCFTA’s outlook remains bright, promising to boost intra-African trade, expand regional value chains, and generate new momentum for the continent’s industrialization.

The impact of oil extraction on the environment and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region

2026-01-27T03:17:59+07:00

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is an important oil extraction hub that contributes greatly to the national economy. However, prolonged oil extraction has caused many negative impacts on the environment and community livelihoods. This paper assesses the impact of oil extraction on the environment and the possibility for sustainable development in the Niger Delta. By using the method of secondary data collection, the research findings show that oil extraction leads to soil, water and air pollution, degrading biodiversity and livelihoods of local communities. The paper also focuses on analyzing environmental management policies, ecological restoration projects and sustainable development solutions, and highlights the urgent need for effective oil management, environmental restoration and support for local communities.

An assessment of the Indian local governance model and suggestions for Vietnam

2026-01-27T03:21:43+07:00

Based on the methods of synthesis and analysis of secondary sources, the paper provides an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian local governance model after the passing of the 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendment Acts in 1992. The paper asserts that, in terms of the strengths, the Indian local governance model has created a broad grassroots democratic foundation, enhancing representation and mobilizing people’s participation in local governance. However, this model has certain weaknesses in terms of real decentralization, limited funding and resources, and weak capacity of local officials... Despite its shortcomings, the Indian local governance model is highly appreciated for its scale, inclusiveness and can give useful suggestions for Vietnam in the current process of administrative restructuring.

Nepal’s public diplomacy activities and their implications for Vietnam

2026-01-27T03:26:13+07:00

Public diplomacy activities are recognized as a crucial foreign policy tool that builds trust, repairs damaged relationships, and promotes an environment conducive to international collaboration. This article aims to identify and evaluate Nepal's public diplomacy activities on the basis of the five subjects of public diplomacy as defined by Nicholas Cull (2009), including: (1) Listening; (2) Exchange diplomacy; (3) Cultural diplomacy; (4) International communication; (5) Advocacy, thereby drawing some implications for Vietnam. The research findings indicate that Nepal has been successful in leveraging its national cultural legacy to build a recognizable national image. However, to maintain positive perceptions, the country needs to focus on institutionalizing and professionalizing its public diplomacy activities.

Repositioning the United Nations in a fragmented world

2026-01-27T03:29:24+07:00

Using an interdisciplinary research approach in combination with methods of international relations, the article argues that the United Nations is facing significant challenges, partly due to policy changes by major powers, and partly stemming from its own internal issues. The United Nations is entering a period in which significant reforms are required to adapt and reposition itself in the new context. With its credibility and inherent strengths, the United Nations is well-placed to continue playing a role unmatched by any other international organization, particularly in global governance.

The new population policy - A religious perspective

2026-01-27T03:35:20+07:00

Vietnam is entering a period of population aging, with fertility rates falling below replacement level in many provinces and cities. The new population policy represents an important turning point in Vietnam’s population strategy after a long period of continuity. Vietnam’s population issues are not only characterized by low fertility rates but also by a sex imbalance at birth. In the long term, these factors affect population quality and generate various social problems. This paper approaches religious perspectives on childbirth to highlight the alignment between these perspectives and the new population policy. Religious philosophy addresses the issue of sex imbalance at birth by emphasizing respect for life and the inherent equality of fetuses. However, the attitudes of different religions diverge on the use of contraception as well as assisted reproductive interventions.