Vol. 1 No. 1 (2020): (April 2020)

This issue has been available online since 30th April 2020 as part of the regular April 2020 edition. It features five articles authored by eight scholars from Kazakhstan, Thailand, and Indonesia—offering diverse insights into governance, sustainability, and civic engagement within the context of the Global South and post-Soviet transitions.

The articles in this issue explore key themes in contemporary governance and development. One contribution examines the relationship between women's participation and corruption levels in post-Soviet states (SDG 5, Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership; SDG 16, Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms), shedding light on gender representation and institutional integrity. Another article investigates e-government initiatives in the Smart City programme of Makassar, Indonesia (SDG 11, Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation; SDG 16, Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions), highlighting the role of digital governance in urban transformation.

A biographical study on Indonesian military figure A.H. Nasution reflects on civil–military relations and political transitions (SDG 16, Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels). The issue also assesses Indonesia’s readiness to implement green economy strategies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (SDG 13, Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning; SDG 12, Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources).

Finally, a critical reflection on the Extinction Rebellion movement considers the role of civil society in global climate governance (SDG 13, Target 13.3: Improve education and awareness-raising on climate change; SDG 17, Target 17.17: Encourage effective partnerships with civil society), emphasising indirect participation and transnational activism.

By addressing intersections between governance, sustainability, gender, civil society, and technology, this issue contributes meaningfully to ongoing academic and policy debates on inclusive, transparent, and responsive governance frameworks in the Global South.