In times when capacities of roads are starting to run out, it is necessary to search for any alternatives with environmental protection in mind. One of the options is to move some of the road freight transport to railways. One of the possible ways to achieve it is by using Public logistics centres. This concept is already in use in Western Europe and the demand for building terminals of combined transport is growing in the Czech Republic as well. The goal of this thesis is to evaluate the potential of PLC and its influence on the regional development based on information from other countries. In the thesis, theoretical aspects of infrastructure investment and predicted effects of localization into targeted regions are assessed. Outcomes of this research are weaknesses and suggestions for potential implementation of this concept in the Czech Republic.

In this paper I investigate the energy cooperation between the EU and Russia from the political and economic points of view. The relevance of the issue is due to the growing role of energy sector, the need for security of energy supply and demand and for political and economic balance of power in the region, and closer economic integration. Two theoretical approaches, geopolitical and bureaucratic, guiding the research, explain the behavior of protagonists. To better understand the present level of cooperation I analyze the background and dynamics of EU - Russia energy trade relations. As a case study, I investigate the Nord Stream project as an example of successful cooperation of Germany as an EU member state and Russia in this field. I discuss challenges for the healthy mutual partnership in the energy sector, namely, high politicization of the issue, monopolization of Russian energy sector and low sustainability of Russian economic development, and mistrust between the protagonists. I attempt to identify possible policy changes aimed to improve this cooperation and achieve fruitful partnership, security and stability. Key words: Russia, EU, energy, cooperation, Realpolitik, international relations, oil, gas, energy dialogue, ECT, security, balance of power, geopolitics, interest groups,...

Contemporary research indicates that the era of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is not only inevitable but may be reached sooner than expected; however, not enough research has been done to address road infrastructure readiness for supporting AV operations. Highway agencies at all levels of governments seek to identify the needed infrastructure changes to facilitate the successful integration of AVs into the existing roadway system. Given multiple sources of uncertainty particularly the market penetration of AVs, agencies find it difficult to justify the substantial investments needed to make these infrastructure changes using traditional value engineering approaches. It is needed to account for these uncertainties by doing a phased retrofitting of road infrastructure to keep up with the AV market penetration. This way, the agency can expand, defer, or scale back the investments at a future time. This dissertation develops a real options analysis (ROA) framework to address these issues while capturing the monetary value of investment timing flexibility. Using key stakeholder feedback, an extensive literature review, and discussions with experts, the needed AV-motivated changes in road infrastructure were identified across two stages of AV operations; the transition phase and the fully-autonomous phase. For a project-level case study of a 66-mile stretch of Indiana’s four-six lane Interstate corridor, two potential scenarios of infrastructure retrofitting were established and evaluated using the net present value (NPV) and ROA approaches. The results show that the NPV approach can lead to decisions at the start of the evaluation period but does not address the uncertainty associated with AV market penetration. In contrast, ROA was found to address uncertainty by incorporating investment timing flexibility and capturing its monetary value. Using the dissertation’s framework, agencies can identify and analyze a wide range of possible scenarios of AV-oriented infrastructure retrofitting to enhance readiness, at both the project and network levels.

Nesta tese propõe-se responder a três principais questões: No primeiro ensaio estuda-se o impacto dos investimentos privados de multinacionais do setor automobilístico no Brasil sobre o crescimento da atividade econômica dos municípios. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as cidades onde se instalam este tipo de investimentos alcançam um desempenho superior aos outros grupos de municípios sem este recurso. Estes resultados apontam para uma subprovisão de bens públicos esperada em todo agrupamento de cidades, e um crescimento da atividade industrial no grupo de municípios de domicílio dos investimentos em detrimento a um crescimento abaixo da média do grupo de controle dos municípios adjacentes. No segundo ensaio proposto nesta tese, levanta-se a questão sobre qual o impacto do investimento em infraestrutura viária sobre a economia dos municípios do estado de Santa Catarina. Para responder esta questão, o método de regressão de dados em painel foi utilizado para identificar e mensurar o efeito do investimento público em rodovias interestaduais sobre o crescimento econômico municipal. Os resultados apontam para um efeito positivo sobre os municípios adjacentes e aqueles cortados pela rodovia federal. O setor agropecuário tende a perder valor agregado dado uma possível realocação de recursos para o setor de serviços e indústria de transformação. No terceiro e último ensaio, sobre a dinâmica da distribuição espacial da população no Brasil, tem-se como ideia central testar a Lei de Zipf tendo por base as estimativas da dinâmica populacional dos municípios brasileiros e seus limites populacionais (K). Recentes trabalhos na área de economia regional e urbana, e da nova geografia econômica (NGE), retomam o tema sobre a distribuição espacial da população entre as cidades. A principal questão neste ensaio é descobrir sobre a existência de uma tendência na distribuição do tamanho dos municípios brasileiros a atender a Lei de Zipf. Após as estimativas para um estado estacionário na dinâmica populacional dos municípios brasileiros e as estimativas por regressão quantílica da lei de potência, rejeitou-se em quase a totalidade das amostras a existência de um expoente igual a -1. / In this thesis propose to reply three principals’ questions. In the first essay examines the impact of private investment of multinational automobile industry in Brazil about the growth of economic activity of municipalities. The results obtained suggest that the municipalities that settle the investments reach a performance superior to other groups of municipalities. These results point to a underprovision expected of public goods in all groups of municipalities and increasing industrial activity in the municipalities of domicile of the investment over a growth below the average of the control group of adjacent municipalities. In the second essay proposed in this thesis, the question is about what the impact of highway infrastructure investment on the economy of the municipalities in the State of Santa Catarina. To answer this question makes use of panel date regression method to identify and measure the effect of public investment on the municipal economic growth. The results does are positive on the neighbouring and crossways interstate highway, the agriculture sector loses added value due a possible relocation of resources to service and manufacture sector. In the third essay, on the dynamics of spatial distribution of population in the Brazil, the core insight this is to test the Zipf’s Law from estimates of population dynamics of Brazilian municipalities and their population limits (K). Lately, studies on the approach of urban and regional economy and of new economic geography (NEG) recovers’ theme on the spatial distribution of population among cities. The central question in this essay, is whether there is a trend in the distribution of sizes of municipalities meet Zipf's law? After estimates for a steady state in the population dynamics of Brazilian municipalities and estimates for regression quantiles power law rejected in almost all of the samples the presence of an exponent equal to-1.

Nesta tese propõe-se responder a três principais questões: No primeiro ensaio estuda-se o impacto dos investimentos privados de multinacionais do setor automobilístico no Brasil sobre o crescimento da atividade econômica dos municípios. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as cidades onde se instalam este tipo de investimentos alcançam um desempenho superior aos outros grupos de municípios sem este recurso. Estes resultados apontam para uma subprovisão de bens públicos esperada em todo agrupamento de cidades, e um crescimento da atividade industrial no grupo de municípios de domicílio dos investimentos em detrimento a um crescimento abaixo da média do grupo de controle dos municípios adjacentes. No segundo ensaio proposto nesta tese, levanta-se a questão sobre qual o impacto do investimento em infraestrutura viária sobre a economia dos municípios do estado de Santa Catarina. Para responder esta questão, o método de regressão de dados em painel foi utilizado para identificar e mensurar o efeito do investimento público em rodovias interestaduais sobre o crescimento econômico municipal. Os resultados apontam para um efeito positivo sobre os municípios adjacentes e aqueles cortados pela rodovia federal. O setor agropecuário tende a perder valor agregado dado uma possível realocação de recursos para o setor de serviços e indústria de transformação. No terceiro e último ensaio, sobre a dinâmica da distribuição espacial da população no Brasil, tem-se como ideia central testar a Lei de Zipf tendo por base as estimativas da dinâmica populacional dos municípios brasileiros e seus limites populacionais (K). Recentes trabalhos na área de economia regional e urbana, e da nova geografia econômica (NGE), retomam o tema sobre a distribuição espacial da população entre as cidades. A principal questão neste ensaio é descobrir sobre a existência de uma tendência na distribuição do tamanho dos municípios brasileiros a atender a Lei de Zipf. Após as estimativas para um estado estacionário na dinâmica populacional dos municípios brasileiros e as estimativas por regressão quantílica da lei de potência, rejeitou-se em quase a totalidade das amostras a existência de um expoente igual a -1. / In this thesis propose to reply three principals’ questions. In the first essay examines the impact of private investment of multinational automobile industry in Brazil about the growth of economic activity of municipalities. The results obtained suggest that the municipalities that settle the investments reach a performance superior to other groups of municipalities. These results point to a underprovision expected of public goods in all groups of municipalities and increasing industrial activity in the municipalities of domicile of the investment over a growth below the average of the control group of adjacent municipalities. In the second essay proposed in this thesis, the question is about what the impact of highway infrastructure investment on the economy of the municipalities in the State of Santa Catarina. To answer this question makes use of panel date regression method to identify and measure the effect of public investment on the municipal economic growth. The results does are positive on the neighbouring and crossways interstate highway, the agriculture sector loses added value due a possible relocation of resources to service and manufacture sector. In the third essay, on the dynamics of spatial distribution of population in the Brazil, the core insight this is to test the Zipf’s Law from estimates of population dynamics of Brazilian municipalities and their population limits (K). Lately, studies on the approach of urban and regional economy and of new economic geography (NEG) recovers’ theme on the spatial distribution of population among cities. The central question in this essay, is whether there is a trend in the distribution of sizes of municipalities meet Zipf's law? After estimates for a steady state in the population dynamics of Brazilian municipalities and estimates for regression quantiles power law rejected in almost all of the samples the presence of an exponent equal to-1.

Nesta tese propõe-se responder a três principais questões: No primeiro ensaio estuda-se o impacto dos investimentos privados de multinacionais do setor automobilístico no Brasil sobre o crescimento da atividade econômica dos municípios. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as cidades onde se instalam este tipo de investimentos alcançam um desempenho superior aos outros grupos de municípios sem este recurso. Estes resultados apontam para uma subprovisão de bens públicos esperada em todo agrupamento de cidades, e um crescimento da atividade industrial no grupo de municípios de domicílio dos investimentos em detrimento a um crescimento abaixo da média do grupo de controle dos municípios adjacentes. No segundo ensaio proposto nesta tese, levanta-se a questão sobre qual o impacto do investimento em infraestrutura viária sobre a economia dos municípios do estado de Santa Catarina. Para responder esta questão, o método de regressão de dados em painel foi utilizado para identificar e mensurar o efeito do investimento público em rodovias interestaduais sobre o crescimento econômico municipal. Os resultados apontam para um efeito positivo sobre os municípios adjacentes e aqueles cortados pela rodovia federal. O setor agropecuário tende a perder valor agregado dado uma possível realocação de recursos para o setor de serviços e indústria de transformação. No terceiro e último ensaio, sobre a dinâmica da distribuição espacial da população no Brasil, tem-se como ideia central testar a Lei de Zipf tendo por base as estimativas da dinâmica populacional dos municípios brasileiros e seus limites populacionais (K). Recentes trabalhos na área de economia regional e urbana, e da nova geografia econômica (NGE), retomam o tema sobre a distribuição espacial da população entre as cidades. A principal questão neste ensaio é descobrir sobre a existência de uma tendência na distribuição do tamanho dos municípios brasileiros a atender a Lei de Zipf. Após as estimativas para um estado estacionário na dinâmica populacional dos municípios brasileiros e as estimativas por regressão quantílica da lei de potência, rejeitou-se em quase a totalidade das amostras a existência de um expoente igual a -1. / In this thesis propose to reply three principals’ questions. In the first essay examines the impact of private investment of multinational automobile industry in Brazil about the growth of economic activity of municipalities. The results obtained suggest that the municipalities that settle the investments reach a performance superior to other groups of municipalities. These results point to a underprovision expected of public goods in all groups of municipalities and increasing industrial activity in the municipalities of domicile of the investment over a growth below the average of the control group of adjacent municipalities. In the second essay proposed in this thesis, the question is about what the impact of highway infrastructure investment on the economy of the municipalities in the State of Santa Catarina. To answer this question makes use of panel date regression method to identify and measure the effect of public investment on the municipal economic growth. The results does are positive on the neighbouring and crossways interstate highway, the agriculture sector loses added value due a possible relocation of resources to service and manufacture sector. In the third essay, on the dynamics of spatial distribution of population in the Brazil, the core insight this is to test the Zipf’s Law from estimates of population dynamics of Brazilian municipalities and their population limits (K). Lately, studies on the approach of urban and regional economy and of new economic geography (NEG) recovers’ theme on the spatial distribution of population among cities. The central question in this essay, is whether there is a trend in the distribution of sizes of municipalities meet Zipf's law? After estimates for a steady state in the population dynamics of Brazilian municipalities and estimates for regression quantiles power law rejected in almost all of the samples the presence of an exponent equal to-1.

國際經濟制度權力分配所形成的結構，是展現權力或實現利益的一種形式。二次世界大戰結束後，美國透過主導創設國際貨幣基金（IMF）、世界銀行（WB）構成國際經濟制度，確保在全球經濟治理的優勢地位。中國改革開放以來，隨著經濟快速發展與綜合國力大幅提升，日益展現出革新與完善現有國際經濟制度的強烈企圖心，尤其亞洲基礎設施投資銀行（Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, AIIB, 簡稱亞投行）從提出倡議到正式成立僅歷時兩年，並獲得亞太區域內、外之主要國家支持，反映出中國具備主導建構區域性或全球性多邊金融機構的政經實力。本論文將從結構現實主義的權力、利益、霸權等視角，探討美國在二戰後主導創設國際經濟制度之戰略目的、中國深化參與現行國際經濟制度之戰略意圖、美中兩國在國際經濟制度權力消長情形，以及中國創建亞投行對於美中關係未來發展的可能影響與戰略意涵，從中推論在美國掌控總體主導優勢的國際經濟制度下，中國試圖運用亞投行在國際經濟制度的權力結構組建平行架構，爭取與其政經實力相符的國際地位和影響力等相對利益，藉以形塑安全環境、擴大國際事務話語權和提升其大國地位，並在國際經濟制度結構下，與美國保持競合兼具的權力平衡的均勢格局，進而實現「兩個百年」的戰略發展目標。 / The distribution of power formed in the international economic institutional structure may reflect influence of power and fulfillment of the national interests. After World War II, the United States has secured its dominant position of global economic governance by establishing the international economic institution consisting of International Monetary Fund and World Bank. In contrast, since the implementation of “Reform and Opening-up” policy, China has been rapidly developing its comprehensive national power and gradually shown a strong desire to reform the existing international economic institution. The purposes of this thesis are to explore the Sino-US strategic struggles in current international economic institution and evaluate the potential impacts on the Sino-US relations caused by Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from the perspective of structural realism. Based on the conducted analyses, this thesis concludes that China aims to pursue the gains corresponding to its growing influence and have a bigger say in the international economic institution. Moreover, China also devotes to maintaining the status quo in balance of power with the United States while establishing a parallel structure to the existing international economic institution so as to accomplish its Two Centenary Goals of strategic development.

There has been a rapid growth of private participation in infrastructure projects throughout the world in the last three decades. China as the largest developing country in the world has a huge amount of demands for high quality infrastructure projects and public services. The government has actively developed and used the Build-Operation-Transfer (BOT) model to deliver public facilities and services, particularly after 2002. Certain benefits have been brought by the adoption of the BOT model in China's motorway and water sectors. However, issues were also found in the processes behind BOT applications. International organisations as well as scholars suggested that China should learn experiences and lessons from the UK and its PFI scheme. The UK has been the leading country to use private finance in developing public buildings and services. However, very little has been written addressing how lessons from British PFIs can be learnt by China to improve its BOT practice. This study is an attempt to address this vacuum in the existed literature. It was designed to explore the current problems of using BOTs in Chinese motorway and water sectors and looks at what needs to be improved, based upon the PFI lessons in the UK. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods has been employed and various methods of data collection used in this study. These included: 21 interviews, 2 observations and one focus group and the analysis on 14 government reports about BOTs in China. The governments' decision-makers, directors, project managers and contractors were involved in the research to explore the results and emerging issues involving the implementation of BOT models in 87 Chinese motorway and water projects in 10 cities covering six provinces. As a result of its findings, the research is able to discuss and identify the relevant experiences and lessons from PFIs in the UK to improve further application of China's BOTs. This study fills the gap in knowledge regarding comparisons between PFIs and BOTs. It also gives recommendations for good practice in relation to Chinese BOT policy decision making, development and evaluation. Finally, the study hopes to give recommendations that enable the implementation of BOT model in Chinese motorway and water sectors to be more successful in the future.

The liberal theory of international relations primarily associates international cooperation with liberal democratic states, to the point that a theory of scholars Poast and Urpelainen claim that international cooperation with consolidated democracies through international organizations may boost the democratization of or at least prevent democratic backsliding in non-consolidated democracies. This paper investigates the possibility of decoupling these theories from democracies and democratizing by examining whether Chinese efforts within the framework of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road foreign policy project have a similar but reverse effect on its target states, prompting developments in authoritarian directions. Though the results of study are inconclusive on account of the relative youth of the studied IOs, they indicate a strong possibility that could do with further study.

Between 45-57% of South Africans are estimated to be engulfed by poverty. In an attempt to identify policy instruments that could help change this status quo, the various strategies that have been implemented in countries (e.g. China, Vietnam and Uganda) that are known to have been relatively successful in reducing poverty are reviewed. In the process, this dissertation discusses the literature regarding poverty, with a particular emphasis on the definition, measurement and determinants thereof. Furthermore, South Africa's anti-poverty strategies are discussed. It turns out that these have met limited success. This is largely due to insufficient pro-poor economic growth, weak implementation/administration at the municipal level, slow asset redistribution, high income/wealth inequality, low job generation rate by SMME's, high HIV/AIDS infection rate, public corruption and inadequate monitoring of poverty. Therefore, if meaningful progress towards poverty reduction is to be achieved, the government needs to deal with the foregoing constraints accordingly. / Economics / M.Comm. (Economics)