The conversion from planned to market economies spawned new opportunities and challenges in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Since the social safety nets of guaranteed employment and retirement security disintegrated, the transition governments are trying to develop new social protection systems or adapt the old ones to emerging welfare needs and fiscal realities. Political upheavals, macroeconomic instability, and the difficulty of implementing reforms have hampered progress. Thus the World Bank needs to address social protection issues to inform future Bank activities. To that end, this report presents a social protection strategy for transition economies rooted in three pillars of analysis: a conceptual framework based on risk management, an understanding of the context, challenges, and choices in each country, and Bank experience in social protection in the region.
From one of the leading policy experts of our time, an urgent rethinking of how we can better support each other to thrive Whether we realize it or not, all of us participate in the social contract every day through mutual obligations among our family, community, place of work, and fellow citizens. Caring for others, paying taxes, and benefiting from public services define the social contract that supports and binds us together as a society. Today, however, our social contract has been broken by changing gender roles, technology, new models of work, aging, and the perils of climate change. Minouche Shafik takes us through stages of life we all experience—raising children, getting educated, falling ill, working, growing old—and shows how a reordering of our societies is possible. Drawing on evidence and examples from around the world, she shows how every country can provide citizens with the basics to have a decent life and be able to contribute to society. But we owe each other more than this. A more generous and inclusive society would also share more risks collectively and ask everyone to contribute for as long as they can so that everyone can fulfill their potential. What We Owe Each Other identifies the key elements of a better social contract that recognizes our interdependencies, supports and invests more in each other, and expects more of individuals in return. Powerful, hopeful, and thought-provoking, What We Owe Each Other provides practical solutions to current challenges and demonstrates how we can build a better society—together.
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security. Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the debate on reform of the international investment agreement regime to the fore with renewed force. In this important and timely book, top professionals in the field collectively offer an in-depth investigation of the measures that States have taken, or failed to take, to deal with the pandemic’s consequences and whether these actions or inactions can be construed as investment arbitration risks. In an extensive overview of the impact of COVID-19 on States and investors – including perspectives from UNCTAD, the European Union, the United States, Russia, India, South Korea and the African Union – this comprehensive guide on State defences and investor protection mechanisms tackles such aspects of the debate as the following as affected by the pandemic: treatment of investors in times of pandemic and in the post-pandemic world; sufficient contribution to the economic development of the host State; disparities in bargaining power; and use of ‘pandemic power’ to accord preferential treatment. The final part of the book is dedicated to analysing case studies from around the world in the context of the pandemic and investor-State disputes. Understanding the way public health emergencies can shape international investment law is key to building a sustainable, stable investment environment. As the first detailed study of the post-pandemic development of investment law, this matchless collection takes a giant step toward reconciling the interests of foreign investors and sovereign States at various stages of economic development. With practical recommendations for both States and investors, it will be of immeasurable assistance to practitioners, policymakers, and academics in anticipating and dealing not only with COVID-related measures but also with similar future contingencies.
Over the past decade there has been a worrying increase in poverty in the industrialised countries of the "North", while many of the developing countries of the "South" have experienced some improvement. This collection argues that there are a number of likenesses between the predicaments of North and South, and that these warrant further investigation and analysis.
Welcome to the forefront of knowledge with Cybellium, your trusted partner in mastering the cutting-edge fields of IT, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Business, Economics and Science. Designed for professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike, our comprehensive books empower you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world. * Expert Insights: Our books provide deep, actionable insights that bridge the gap between theory and practical application. * Up-to-Date Content: Stay current with the latest advancements, trends, and best practices in IT, Al, Cybersecurity, Business, Economics and Science. Each guide is regularly updated to reflect the newest developments and challenges. * Comprehensive Coverage: Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Cybellium books cover a wide range of topics, from foundational principles to specialized knowledge, tailored to your level of expertise. Become part of a global network of learners and professionals who trust Cybellium to guide their educational journey. www.cybellium.com
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity. These devices can collect and exchange data, enabling them to interact with each other and with their environment. The significance of IoT lies in its ability to enhance efficiency, provide valuable insights through data analytics, and improve automation in various sectors, ranging from healthcare and agriculture to smart cities and industrial processes. The use of IoT devices has proliferated across diverse sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and smart homes. These devices offer benefits such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved decision-making. However, the widespread deployment of IoT devices also raises security concerns due to the interconnected nature of these systems. The interconnected nature of IoT introduces security challenges as it expands the attack surface. Vulnerabilities in one device can potentially compromise the entire network, leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, and disruptions to critical services. Common vulnerabilities in IoT devices include insecure firmware, weak authentication mechanisms, insufficient encryption, and susceptibility to physical tampering. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or launch attacks on other devices. Insecure firmware can be a major security risk, as it may contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Weak authentication mechanisms can lead to unauthorized access, while the lack of encryption can expose sensitive data to interception and manipulation. Real-world examples of IoT security breaches include incidents where attackers compromised smart home devices, industrial control systems, or healthcare devices to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or disrupt operations. These breaches highlight the need for robust security measures in IoT deployments. Securing IoT networks is challenging due to the diverse nature of devices, varying communication protocols, and the sheer volume of data generated. Additionally, many IoT devices have resource constraints, making it difficult to implement robust security measures. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and network segmentation play crucial roles in IoT security. Firewalls help filter and monitor traffic, IDS detects unusual behavior, and network segmentation limits the impact of a breach by isolating compromised devices from the rest of the network. Implementing strong encryption protocols, ensuring secure key management, and regularly updating device firmware are key best practices for safeguarding communication between IoT devices. Additionally, using secure communication protocols such as TLS/SSL enhances the integrity and confidentiality of data. Data generated by IoT devices often includes sensitive information about individuals, their habits, and their environments. Protecting this data is crucial to maintain user privacy and prevent unauthorized access.
Cyber espionage, Red October, Anonymous and hacktivists... Cyber security has risen rapidly in the headlines, and the interest will continue unabated in the future. But what are we talking about when we talk about cyber security? International top security experts stress that cyber affects all of us in everyday actions. Digitized society is increasingly dependent on information networks, their availability, reliability and safety. This book discusses the world of bits that is an unfamiliar and foreign place for most of us, using familiar terms and without any fuss. The first part of the book describes what cyber security actually is and why it affects all of us. The second section provides practical guidance for building a balanced cyber strategy and for reducing risks within the new opportunities offered by the new digital world.
