Authors: Christopher Noyuoro*, & George Gyader
Published Date: March 02, 2026
Cite: Noyuoro, C., & Gyader, G. (2025). The economic and political drivers behind the formation of new regional groupings and their influence on the sustainability of ECOWAS. Crystal Journal of Environmental Science, Innovation & Green Development, 2(2), 01-15.
Abstract
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has historically been central to promoting economic integration, political stability, and regional cooperation among its fifteen member states. Recent formation of the Alliance of Sahel States by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, however, threatens growing fragmentation of the region and raises basic questions regarding the sustainability and continued viability of ECOWAS. This study probes the political and economic origins of these new regional alignments, with particular focus on disaffection with ECOWAS interventions, divergent security interests, economic disparities, and shifting global allegiances.
With a qualitative research methodology, the study is based on secondary data collected from scholarly literature, formal communiqués, regional agreements, and policy briefs. In addition, key informant interviews between diplomats, political analysts, and policy analysts were conducted to validate and complement the analysis. Content analysis was employed to monitor patterns and themes from the exploration of political contestation, economic divergence, and disintegration of regional cohesion.
The outcome shows that dissatisfaction with ECOWAS due to perceived political bias, marginalisation in economic terms, and retaliatory measures against military rule states has forced some states to seek other alignments. Moreover, the growing role of external players such as Russia and China has further complicated the regional geopolitical environment.
The report recommends a series of strategic changes such as institutional reform for equitable representation, participatory security dialogue, developmental imbalances reduction policies, realistic democratic transition paradigms, and increased public engagement. The challenges of today threaten ECOWAS' solidarity but also hold the potential for redefining its mandate and reinforcing its legitimacy in the evolving regional context. ECOWAS must reinvent itself if it is to remain a pillar of West African integration and stability.
Keywords
ECOWAS, Regional Integration, Political Discontent, Economic Divergence, Security Cooperation and Regional Sustainability
Authors: Abdurrahman Onay*
Published Date: March 02, 2026
Cite: Onay, A. (2026). Enhancıng dısaster response operatıons wıth GNSS applıcatıons, Crystal Journal of Environmental Science, Innovation & Green Development, 2(2), 01-05.
Abstract
The frequency and severity of natural disasters have significantly increased over the last few decades as a result of rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. These complex emergencies demand a multidisciplinary, technology-driven approach to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) — including GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), and BeiDou (China) — have emerged as vital tools in modern disaster management operations. GNSS enables high-precision positioning, timing, and navigation, allowing first responders and emergency managers to coordinate effectively in real-time. GNSS satellites continue their activities in space freely within the scope of Article I of the Outer Space Treaty.
This study examines how GNSS technologies are used globally to enhance disaster response operations, and then compares these international applications with Turkey’s national framework under the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). This study also highlights the importance of space law.Through a comprehensive review of case studies, best practices, and performance analyses, this paper identifies both opportunities and challenges associated with GNSS implementation. It aims to provide strategic insights for strengthening national disaster resilience through improved integration of satellite-based geospatial intelligence. Globally, GNSS-supported systems like Japan’s GEONET and the United States’ FEMA GPS networks have proven invaluable for monitoring hazards and coordinating rapid interventions. In Turkey, initiatives such as the TUSAGA-Aktif (CORS-TR) network, AYDES Information System, and AFAD’s mobile GNSS tools have created a resilient geospatial infrastructure. These systems enable centimeter-level accuracy for rapid damage assessment, resource tracking, and real-time field coordination.
Ultimately, the findings highlight the necessity of combining GNSS with complementary technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to achieve a comprehensive, data-driven disaster management ecosystem. The paper concludes by recommending policy measures and capacity-building strategies for Turkey and similar developing nations to enhance GNSS utilization for effective disaster response.
Keywords
Space, GNSS, Disasters, Space Law
