This study is to investigate whether the multifaceted roles of democracy have a positive relationship with environmental quality. Using a panel data of 132 high- and low-income countries from 2014 to 2016, a random effect (RE) model is analyzed in comparison with cross-sectional analysis. To pursue the current research thoroughly, five elements of democracy that encompass the aspects of democratic institutions (election system, civil liberties, and government function) and the aspects of democratic culture (political participation and political culture) are selected. We find that elements of democracy are positively correlated with the environment in high-income countries. In low-income countries, on the other hand, it is found that the role of democracy in explaining the environmental quality appears to be very weak; only the effect of government function positively relates with the environment.

This study analyzed the effect of the shale boom on the olefin industries. We investigated the paths by which US natural gas prices are transferred to ethylene and propylene prices and identified the price determinants based on the supply and demand conditions of each commodity’s market. By comparing with the Japanese markets, the understanding of the supply structure of the ethylene and propylene industries is broadened. A path analysis framework was constructed to reflect the supply chains and applied to 2009–2018 data. Results showed that the downward trend in ethane prices provoked by the US shale boom reduced ethylene prices and raised propylene prices. Propane still serves as a determinant of the latter, while naphtha has lost predictive power for both. The comparative data confirmed that the US produces most of its petrochemicals from natural gas and gas-based feedstocks, while Japan relies on crude oil and refined naphtha.

In recent years, the Cambodian government has been promoting clean energy sources, making it essential to understand better the entry/barrier conditions for greater utilisation of renewable and nuclear power. Accordingly, this study aims to analyse the potential for expanding renewable and nuclear energy use in Cambodia. To derive practical recommendations for the political sector, we surveyed officials from the government and various institutions. Specifically, we measured Cambodia’s acceptance of renewable and nuclear energy, derived entry/barrier conditions, and identified the decision-making priorities of the government in introducing and expanding each energy source. The analysis employed the ordered logit-probit analysis and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This study provides a practical guide for the Cambodian government, and investors and partners who intend to contribute to the renewable and nuclear systems of the country: renewable energy requires strategies maximising the economic benefits of its rich potential; while nuclear generation needs broad economic and technological cooperation with foreign governments and companies, and preparation for socio-political instability.

This study investigates the price elasticity of electricity demand in South Korea by region and usage type. As the South Korean government considers regionally differential pricing to build a more efficient electricity supply structure, understanding regional elasticities is essential. Using data from 2004 to 2023 and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model findings reveal that residential electricity demand was negatively elastic during price declines (2004–2019) but became inelastic or slightly positive during price increases (2020–2023). This indicates increased consumption with falling prices and minimal reduction when prices rise. Major metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan showed inelastic demand, highlighting electricity as a necessity. Industrial electricity demand was negatively elastic across most regions, decreasing with rising prices and increasing with falling prices. Regions like Gyeonggi and Ulsan exhibited higher elasticity, indicating adaptability to price changes. Greater responsiveness was observed during price decreases than increases. The results suggest that regional pricing strategies must consider varying elasticities for effectiveness. Additional measures are needed to enhance electricity consumption efficiency, especially in residential and industrial sectors. These findings provide crucial data for policymakers to design effective regional pricing strategies in South Korea.