Contemporary International Relations Research Articles

Time to Consensus in International Negotiations

Contemporary international relations, anchored in the principles of multipolarity, frequently employ consensus-based decision-making, which prioritizes respect for all negotiating parties and ensures that the views of all participants are considered equally. While consensus remains a core mechanism for many international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), it has increasingly come under criticism for its inefficiency and substantial time requirements. This highlights the importance of examining the factors that influence the time needed to reach consensus. Utilizing formal mathematical modeling based on a modified DeGroot model, this article explores how variables such as the size of the negotiating group, the level of authoritativeness, dominance dynamics within the group, and coalition formation affect the time required to achieve consensus. The findings indicate that an increase in group size, on its own, results in only a minor increase in the time needed to reach consensus, becoming a significant factor only when paired with high levels of authoritativeness among the participants. Conversely, the presence of a highly authoritative member within a negotiating group significantly prolongs decision-making time, even in smaller groups, and the formation of coalitions (e.g., due to multiple highly authoritative members) can make reaching consensus impossible. The "consensus minus k" rule, intended to break deadlocks, is found to be ineffective for international organizations with numerous participants and divergent interests. In hierarchical structures, consensus is typically achieved through preliminary negotiations within subgroups, which further prolongs the consensusbuilding process.

EFFECTIVENESS OF REGIONAL POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

This article examines the impact of globalization on the development and functioning of regional political organizations in international relations. It analyses the effectiveness of regional political systems amidst globalized processes, focusing on mechanisms of interaction and coordination that contribute to regional stability and development. The study also identifies key challenges and threats these organizations face in the context of globalization. Additionally, the research aims to develop recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of regional political systems through optimizing existing cooperation and integration strategies.The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating analysis of historical development of regional political systems, examination of contemporary political and economic processes, and analysis of specific activities of key regional organizations. The relevance of the study is underscored by the necessity to understand the effectiveness of regional political organizations in addressing global challenges. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive analysis of the interaction between regional organizations and global structures, emphasizing their role in contemporary international relations. The research highlights the role of regional political organizations as intermediaries between national states and global structures. It identifies these organizations as facilitators in conflict resolution, economic integration, and stability. The study assesses both positive and negative aspects of globalization for regional political organizations, along with the challenges they encounter.Practical implications of this work include providing recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of regional political organizations in a globalized world. These recommendations are valuable for policymakers, analysts, and international organizations engaged in regional cooperation and global governance. The article significantly contributes to understanding the role of regional political organizations in the contemporary international landscape, emphasizing their importance in addressing global issues and ensuring international stability. The findings of the study open new perspectives for further research and development of management strategies in these contexts.

SPORTS AND INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION: HOW QATAR AND SAUDI ARABIA UTILIZE SPORTS TO ENHANCE THEIR IMAGE

Modern international relations contemplate the rise of sports as an effective instrument of foreign policy, enabling nations to enhance their global reputation and project soft power. This article aims to explore the sports diplomacy of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, focusing on their methods of building international reputation and raising the issue of sportswashing as a phenomenon. The foundation of the research is the analysis of official state documents, key sporting events, and recent news surrounding the development of these countries. The major research finding is that both countries use their substantial financial resources to advance their global image and economic diversification. Qatar emphasizes hosting high-profile events, developing sponsorships and partnerships, and investing in international sports entities, while Saudi Arabia focuses on attracting renowned athletes to its domestic league and using their image and fanbase. Key results indicate that Qatar and Saudi Arabia have significantly enhanced their reputation and image by hosting the FIFA World Cup and attracting famous athletes. Yet, another outcome is the rising concern about sportswashing, the concept under which Qatar and Saudi Arabia utilize sports to divert international attention from human rights violations or political problems. The article identifies countermeasures, including leveraging non-state actors, implementing specific regulations, and using boycotts and media campaigns. The work acknowledges the potential of sports diplomacy but underlines the need for solid responses from international actors to address sportswashing. In the end, this analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and issues of sports diplomacy in contemporary international relations, offering insights into effective strategies, negative implications, and solutions to them.

CONCEPTUALIZING THE SUBJECTIVITY OF GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY

This article, based on an interdisciplinary approach and structural-functional analysis tools, examines the transformation of classical forms of conceptualizing the subjectivity of global leadership in contemporary international relations theory under the influence of new global political realities. It emphasizes that the initial classical positioning of international leadership as the primacy or hegemony of a single state on the international stage is yielding to other political practices that have not yet gained normative consolidation and theoretical conceptualization. It has been identified that modern international processes demonstrate a trend towards the institutionalization of international leadership in the form of a collective subject of international relations, endowed with exceptional powers and special status. New theoretical approaches increasingly note a shift in focus from classical factors ensuring leadership in international relations by enhancing the status and leadership potential of individual actors to the formation of collegial global leadership, including the concept of global governance, which is increasingly seen as the most probable and conventionally interpreted prognostic model for the transformation of the modern world order. Contemporary international relations theory identifies several subjects of international relations, with the nation-state traditionally occupying a leading position. In recent decades, other actors have been added to the list, including international governmental and non-governmental organizations, transnational corporations, civil associations, and private individuals. The emergence of new types of international relations subjects on the international stage, combined with the increasing importance of integration associations and the growing technological potential of digital networks, alongside the practical impossibility of establishing control over them, and the transfer of certain sovereign powers from national states to international institutions, indicates that traditional methods of governance and regulation in world politics are becoming outdated, losing their relevance and effectiveness in contemporary conditions. This necessitates the formation of an institutional foundation appropriate to the modern international system. Increasingly, this foundation of world order is associated with the phenomenon of global leadership. However, attempts to conceptualize it based on classical subjects of international relations are demonstrating increasing methodological inefficiency, leading to the search for new forms of the subjectivity of global leadership on the international stage.

Deciphering Consistency and Coherence in U.S Foreign Policy: North Korea under Trump and Biden

Propose: This study investigated how consistent and coherent U.S. foreign policy toward North Korea was under President Trump and Biden. Methodology: Through qualitative analysis of policy shifts and diplomatic strategies, this paper explored how effectively both administrations advanced their policy objectives within the intricate dynamics of U.S.-North Korea relations. Data were collected from primary sources like official government documents and secondary sources like academic journal articles and media reports. Thematic and content analyses were employed to identify recurring motifs and evaluate the articulation and implementation of policy strategies. Findings: Findings indicated that Trump's untraditional approach of involving North Korean leader Kim Jong-un directly, alongside a "maximum pressure" campaign, yielded mixed outcomes. While it broke long-standing diplomatic deadlocks, it faced challenges such as inconsistencies and limited progress on denuclearization. In contrast, Biden's administration focused on multilateralism, alliance-building, and a structured policy framework. Nonetheless, it also encountered several challenges in making tangible progress toward denuclearization. The study underscored the importance of future U.S. administrations integrating the strengths of both approaches to enhance foreign policy effectiveness. Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: This study improved understanding of contemporary international relations by dissecting American interactions with North Korea under two different administrations. It provided crucial insights for policymakers, highlighting how maintaining consistency and coherence is pivotal in forming effective foreign policy.

The impact of Iran's nuclear program on relations between Western countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran after 2015

This paper aims to research the turning point of Iranian nuclear program. Subsequently, it also deals with the relations of the deal with political changes in Iran. The significance of the subject is that it is one of the most controversial topics of contemporary international relations. A political analysis method has been conducted and the research’s data have been dealt with by the method of variables. The main argument of the essay is as follows: while the Islamic Republic of Iran claims, she is entitled to atomic activities for peaceful purposes, the international community distrusts their rhetoric. The international community is proving, with evidence, that the Islamic Republic aims to acquire atomic weapons, hidden behind the program. Iran cannot convince the international community that she does not have militaristic goals behind the program, given several revelations on her unlawful activities by IAEA. Meanwhile, the international community has been unable to find a diplomatic solution, even with the varieties of sanctions, to deter Iranians from following the atomic ambitions. As a result, the JCPoA seems to be dissolved, raising the probabilities of political and even military tensions.

Conceptual Justification of the Political Future in the Three-Dimensionality of the Past-Present-Future

The article addresses the complicated issue of political future in a temporally three-dimensional manner. First, an attempt is made to dissect the conceptual contents of the idea of the “end of history” linking its historical evolution to contemporary international relations. Moreover, the article exposes the underlying connection between the “end of history” on the one hand and the “political future” on the other. In this sense, one may conculde that it is necessary to differentiate between the “end of history” as an arguable notion and the “desired end of history” as a universal direction of humankind. Second, an emphasis is made on the interrelationships among the individual, the society, the state and supranational entities revealing the sociocultural dimension of the political future. Finally, the article addresses the proposed matrix of “challenge-response to the challenge-counter-challenge” as a formula of an effective deal with contemporary sociopolitical phenomena. The general representation is, however, the anthropomorphizing effect of the political future in the context of global and local civilizations.

REGIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF CENTRAL ASIAN STATES’ COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN

The article examines the evolution of Uzbek-American relations, focusing on their collaborative efforts to enhance regional security and stability. The study explores the critical roleof Uzbekistan in the security dynamics of Central Asia, emphasizing its strategic pivot towards Western standards in military professionalism and education. Through a blend of content analysis , historical review, and case studies, the article illustrates the multifaceted challenges confronting Central Asian nations, including terrorism, regional conflicts, and international diplomacy. The research highlights the significant impact of Uzbek-American cooperation in addressing these challenges, showcasing thebilateral relationship as a model of strategic collaboration that contributes to the stability and security of the region. This partnership is portrayed as a testament to the shifting paradigms in global politics, where open, constructive international relations and strategic alliances are pivotal in maintaining global peace and stability. By analyzing the shifts in politics, the historical engagements, and the current geopolitical environment, the article provide s valuable insights into the importance of Uzbekistan's strategic orientation and its implications for regional and international security frameworks. This comprehensive study underscores the necessity of continued cooperation and strategic partnerships in navigating the complexities of contemporary international relations, especially in strategically sensitive regions like Central Asia.

THE SECURITY CHALLENGES OF THE OPEN BALKANS FROM THE FDI PERSPECTIVE - CASE STUDY: ALBANIA, SERBIA AND NORTH MACEDONIA

Тhe essential purpose of this scientific article is to point out the already existing cause-and-effect relation between security and economic policy in contemporary international relations, on the case study of the Open Balkans. The analysis is focused on foreign direct investments and on the current security challenges and risks faced by actors involved in the Open Balkans initiative. In other words, this paper shows a double cause-and-effect relation: on the one hand, how security circumstances on the ground affect the attraction of foreign direct investments, and economic development policies in general; on the other hand, how much economic development in general, and thus foreign direct investments, determine security challenges and risks and how actors of the Open Balkans face them. The conclusion is clear: economic policies, and the economic performances and prosperity of actors within the framework of the Open Balkans contribute to the improvement of the security situation within this initiative, above all when it comes to contemporary security challenges and risks.

“Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” Identity in Contemporary International Relations

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REASSESSING MIDDLE POWERS: A CASE STUDY OF ESTABLISHED MIDDLE POWERS AND THE IMPERATIVE FOR CONCEPTUAL REVISION

This paper critically reassesses the concept of middle powers in the context of evolving global dynamics, including the recent recognition of Kazakhstan as a middle power. Traditionally associated with specific behavioral traits such as seeking multilateral resolutions and adopting compromise positions, middle powers face a disconnect between theoretical frameworks and their dynamic behaviors. The waning influence of the U.S.-led order and the persistence of outdated descriptors underscore the imperative for reconceptualizing middle power theory. Analysis of traditional and emerging middle powers, including Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, India, and Kazakhstan, exposes a disparity challenging current perspectives. The UAE, with its strategic location and growing influence in regional and global affairs, also presents an intriguing case study in the evolving landscape of middle power dynamics. Despite its relative ly small size and recent emergence on the global stage, the UAE has rapidly established itself as a significant player in various spheres, including diplomacy, trade, security, and developme nt assistance. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of middle-power diplomacy from the UAE's foreign policy initiatives, this study highlights the unique characteristics and contributions of the UAE as a middle power in shaping regional and global dynamics. By analysingitsstrategic alliances, economic diversification efforts, and soft power projection, this article provides insights into the evolving role of middle powers in contemporary international relations.The paper advocates for a comprehensive revision that embraces modern realities, dynamic assessment, inclusive perspectives, global cooperation, and contextual sensitivity. By incorporating the experiences and actions of diverse middle powers into a revised framework, scholars and policymakers can better understand the nuanced roles and contributions of middle powers in shaping international relations. This reconceptualization aims to capture the complexities of contemporary international relations, providing a valuable analytical tool for understanding the roles and contributions of middle powers in an ever-changing world.

Oil embargo as a diplomacy tool: possibilities and limitations on the example of the Israeli crisis

In the following article the possibility of application of the oil embargo tool as a mean of impacting the crisis settlement is considered. The chosen case is the Palestine-Israel confl ict in its active phase since October 2023. The Yom Kippur war of 1973 and the invasion of Israel by Hamas of 7 October 2023 are compared, distinguishing similarities and diff erences. The common features are the start of the operation exactly 50 years after the historical precedent, collective character of the attack, its suddenness, and also a huge potential of Arab countries in the world oil market. There are some distinctive features revealed by the author, though. The Arab states are to a bigger extent aimed at conducting negotiations and resolving the confl ict by diplomatic means than in 1973, the structure of the world oil market is different compared to how it was 50 years ago, giving the OPEC members less possibilities for action, as well as fragmentation among the cartel members themselves, decreasing the opportunity agree on the embargo. The author remarks the intention of several Arab countries, in particular, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, to mediate the confl ict, as well as their aspiration to preserve the trend of restoring relations with Israel. The article highlights the position of researchers about the importance of network diplomacy during confl ict settlement. The shares of countries non entering the OPEC, namely, the United States of America, Russia, Canada are investigated. The conclusion about their important role as oil producers, what limits the possibility of oil embargo,is done. The question of lack of political unity among the OPEC members, as, for example, Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran and Iraq, is unveiled. The factor of political instability in Libya is emphasised. The author comes to the conclusion about necessity to possess a significant share in the oil market, as well as the political consensus for an effective usage of the oil embargo tool. The relevance of the article is based on an increasing role of the Palestine-Israeli confl ict in contemporary international relations, but also the necessity to study the possibility of using the oil embargo in the current conditions, being based on the successful experience of 1970s. The chosen methods are historical and comparative analysis.

Balancing Act: The Dual Role of Military Alliances in Contemporary International Relations

This paper critically examines the dual role of military alliances in contemporary international relations, particularly focusing on their impact on global stability and regional cooperation. By analyzing historical and modern examples, including NATO and the interactions among the United States, China, and Russia, the study elucidates how military alliances have transitioned from Cold War security mechanisms to multifaceted entities confronting today's geopolitical complexities. It delves into the security dilemmas alliances face, their strategic contractions, and the unique challenges posed by China's ascendancy and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The paper underscores that while these alliances are pivotal in upholding global order, they also generate substantial obstacles to regional cooperation, especially in East Asia. This dichotomy is evident in the alliances' evolution, which reflects a shift from primarily defensive postures to roles that encompass economic and diplomatic dimensions, influencing regional dynamics and power balances. This paper demonstrates the various differences and contradictions between today's military alliances and regional cooperation, including contradictions in mechanisms, differences in concepts, overlaps in functions, and conflicts of practical interests. The findings advocate for a reassessment of military alliances, suggesting that future frameworks should foster trust and inclusivity, accommodating the diverse interests of regional actors to enhance cooperative security and stability.

The question of looted heritage return in contemporary international relations: Middle East as a case-study

The problem of destruction and looting of cultural heritage has long been a serious problem for the international community. Despite a significant number of various multilateral agreements, resolutions and recommendations of international organizations, the methods and means of combating such crimes remain insufficient. This is partly due to the fact that the trade in cultural property is a lucrative business, and countries are in no hurry to introduce strict controls on the movement of artifacts. Countries from which heritage is extracted and sold on the black market are asking for the return of stolen property. This article examines the problem of the return or restitution of cultural heritage to countries of origin on the example of the Middle East region. The study aims to trace the public discourse about the return of stolen artifacts to countries such as Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen from Western Europe and the United States. Using quantitative and qualitative content analysis to study documents, media discourse and official statements, we examine how the issue of restitution and return of heritage, often located in European and American museums, is presented in the public sphere of the countries studied. The results show that the process of “decolonization” of European museums is slow and difficult, since the public consciousness still retains the image of the “other”: a weak, dependent, conflict-ridden, unstable Middle East, unable to take care of its own heritage.

Protagonists as the basic actors of contemporary international relations

The relevance of the article is due to the new correlation of sociopolitical actors in the strategy of major civilizations. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the new balance of power on the world stage. The article analyzes such basic parameters of the alignment of socio-political actors as the own defense forces of country-civilization, shows the unity of the basic interests of the majority of workers in all civilizations, which provides solid life chances for their inhabitants. The concepts of progressive and reactionary protagonists are revealed. The article highlights the indigenized strata of the population in the main civilizations that contribute to progressive protagonists. The vector of historical development and the degree of stability of international relations are studied depending on the number of protagonists (in the case of monopolization of world politics by one actor, with the duality of protagonists and in the case of protagonists` pluralization).

The Diplomatic Role of the Non-Aligned Movement in Strengthening Contemporary International Relations

The Diplomatic Role of the Non-Aligned Movement in Strengthening Contemporary International Relations

Economic Comparison between the United States and Russia

In contemporary international relations, the United States and Russia are undoubtedly enemies. Although both countries are permanent United Nations Security Council members and have strong global influence, they share different ideologies and geopolitical interests. In terms of area, Russia has a land area of approximately 17 million square kilometers, ranking first globally; The United States has an area of 9.37 million square kilometers, ranking fourth globally.

Future of the BRICS and the Role of Russia and China

The rise of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the severity of the 2008 global financial crisis have sparked a new round of debate about the long-term viability of transatlantic norms, ideas , and institutions that have dominated global governance since its commencement. Many of the bodies and organizations that contribute towards global governance were formed between 1945 and 1980 , and have been dominated by Western actors and an agenda centered on the West. To support the main argument of the author there are various chapters in the book Future of the BRICS and the Role of Russia and China that focus on The Evolution of Brics and the international system, Russia and BRICS, China and BRICS and Russia and China in BRICS: Convergences and Divergences. The strength of this book is that it is based on empirical evidence and it address pertinent questions on BRICS , contemporary international relations and monetary institutions. Most importantly, the book sheds light on the future of BRICS and the international financial system by providing a clear overview of BRICS and Unipolar and Bipolar world order systems.

Venice's Economic Diplomacy: Timeless Lessons for Contemporary Global Challenges

Several authors have explored the role of Venice in diplomacy, given the city-state’s historical significance as a major maritime and trading power. Could the Venice experience teach us about economic diplomacy today? Venice, during its heyday as a maritime republic and a major economic power in the Mediterranean, offers several lessons in economic diplomacy that remain relevant today. While the historical context differs, the principles underlying Venice’s economic success and diplomatic strategies can provide insights into contemporary international relations and economic diplomacy.

Preispitivanje Hantingtona - teorija o sukobu civilizacija i multipolarizacija sveta

The Paper examines Huntington's model for understanding conflicts in contemporary international relations, according to which the cultural and religious identities of peoples are the primary causes of their mutual clashes. Starting from the basic elements of his paradigm on the "clash of civilizations", like the concept of civilizations and their typology, the concept of conflict, their types and causes, to which the first part of the Paper is dedicated, the central part of the Paper presents a cross-section of critical reviews of Huntington's "clash of civilizations" model from the principle criticism to particular ones. After that - and bearing in mind contemporary international events and processes in the times of the "new cold war" - an attempt is made to determine whether to what extent Huntington was right, i.e. how accurate his model for understanding the conflict was, and how much it was not. Final part of the Paper is devoted to the understanding of contemporary inter-civilizational relations precisely in relation to Huntington's predictions. The conclusions that arise are clear: in Huntington's model of the "clash of civilizations", the conflicts are obviously more contentious than the civilizations themselves. The three-decade development of international relations, from the time of the end of the Cold War until today, has significantly pointed to the importance of large-scale civilizational, cultural and value groupings, although not to the degree of monolithicity and determinism as claimed by Huntington. He also quite correctly observed two tendencies: that non-Western civilizations will reject with a leaf almost all universalistic aspirations that are imposed on them against their own value frameworks, and that this will increase mutual antagonisms, but not between all civilizations and their "core states", religious groups and ethnicities, but between "the West and the rest." Moreover, the process of multipolarization that has begun leads the way to greater and more continuous inter-civilizational cooperation between non-Western large, medium and small powers. The success of these reconciliations and partnership projects is evidently larger if the increasingly problematic influence of the modern West, as a disruptive factor in the intercivilizational and multipolar world equation, is excluded from them.