International Relations Experts Research Articles

Turkey’s Trust in the USA: Causes of the Criticised Alliance Member’s Approach

The article deals with Turkey's trust in the USA as its most important ally in NATO. Semi-structured interviews with Turkish academics and international relations experts during field research identified three main areas of Turkish mistrust in the USA – the Cyprus question, USA support for the PYD/YPG in Syria, and USA intervention in Turkish politics. The research results presented in the causal network show that the main cause of Turkish mistrust towards the USA is the factors leading to the phenomenon of fear of abandonment. That causes Turkey's increased need for independence from strategic partners and the subsequent increase in the application of a balance policy. The study concludes that one of the main reasons for Turkey's current attitude towards NATO is the need to ensure its security, and this need stems from Turkey's mistrust of the USA.

The Resurgence of Military Coups in West-Africa States: The Case of Niger Republic and Its Implications on Peace, Security and Transnational Activities in Nigeria

Niger Republic is a country rich in mineral resources (uranium) with astounding and complex relationship with the West, a strategic country provided with supports and collaboration with the West (United States of America) when it comes to fight against terrorism in Africa. Relatively enjoying a stable civilian government before the seemingly unexpected military coup struck and pull out the roots of civilian government and short-lived the democratic government in power. This study aims at; identifying and examining the factors responsible for military coups in West Africa States and Niger republic in 2023, examining the interventions and reactions of Nigerian Government and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and other international organizations towards the Military Coup in Niger Republic, identifying and assessing the implications of the Niger coup on Nigeria national peace, security and socio-economic development as a neighboring State and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) in general. In this study, the Resource Curse Theory was used as the theoretical framework of analysis. The data used in this study are primarily and secondarily sourced. The interview was tailored towards eliciting information from key informants, including historians, political scientists, peace and conflict experts, international relations experts, diplomats, staff of foreign affairs ministry and other stakeholders. Secondary data were sourced from publications, editorials, articles, textbooks, journals, newspapers, internet materials in relations to the subject matter. The research work established the fact that security and welfare of the people which is the primary purpose and responsibility of the government has not been adequately attended to due to leadership failure and indiscipline among the political class. However, because of the far-reaching implications of the coup for national life and ECOWAS States at large, the study therefore, recommended, among other things, that all parties involved must embrace peace and come together in order to resolve the matter in a manner that will further promote peace and development in the sub-region.

National Security and Economy Decoding the Friendship

National Security and Economy have been two important variables when countries have considered their development agendas. Since world war 2 these two concepts were considered different. In the last 50 years or so that has changed as there is consensus among international relations experts, economists and officials belonging to the national security apparatus of many countries that these two concepts are interlinked. Ever since the Soviet Union fell in august 1991 due to various reasons like dwindling economy, excessive state control and the soviet afghan war. Countries have started noticing this friendship between national security and the economy. Countries like India, japan, south Korea, and western European nations have realized that if they want to keep their citizens safe becoming economically self-sustainable is the only practical and permanent solution.

Turkey’s Balancing Act between East and West: A Russian Perspective

ABSTRACT The article analyses Russian official, scholarly and media discourses on transformations in Turkey’s foreign policy in the 2000s–2020s. Comparing perceptions of Russian political establishment and international relations experts of Turkey’s assertive foreign policy and changing relations with the West, Russia and Asia, it examines the main features of Turkey’s balancing between the East and the West throughout this period, and how various segments of Russian society perceive(d) this balancing. The investigation covers the extent to which Turkey’s foreign policy vis-a-vis the US, the EU and Asia run counter to or correlate with Russia’s interests and the implications for Russia of Turkey’s assertive foreign policy.

Bitcoin, Gold and Crude Oil versus the US Dollar – A GARCH Volatility Analysis

Abstract The aim of this study is to compare and contrast the volatility of different asset classes namely Bitcoin, gold and crude oil against the US dollar, using the symmetric GARCH (1,1) model. Furthermore, this study examines which of the three assets provide the lowest volatility and identifies if the univariate GARCH (1,1) model can suitably forecast the volatility of the foreign exchange market, commodity market and cryptocurrency market. More specifically, this study uses only estimates from a symmetric GARCH model for the XAU/USD, WTI/USD and BTC/USD financial assets. Although the literature on the volatility of different assets is extensive, it neglects to detect the severe economic recession that is approaching. Considering that powerful nations purchased substantial quantities of gold in order to back their national currency, supremacy of the US dollar is under significant attack. Experts in international relations have claimed that it is essential to have a single, extremely influential national economy to exhibit stability and operate smoothly. Specifically, the international monetary system functioned under the theory of hegemonic stability. Given the fact that gold still remains the safe haven asset during periods of financial and economic distress, central banks are purchasing gold at a rapid pace with Russia and China leading the way. Furthermore, the demand for precious metals has also increased while the US dollar is struggling to keep its supremacy as BRICS reserve currency is seeking to replace it in the future. The daily data encompassing the necessary information for February 2012 - February 2020 is acquired from “Investing.com”, reaching 7193 observations. This study will enrich the literature associated with volatility forecasting of different asset classes during financial and economic turmoil while also raising awareness of the economic threats that could follow.

AGGRESSION AGAINST GEORGIA AND UKRAINE: CONTEXT AND PARALLELS

AGGRESSION AGAINST GEORGIA AND UKRAINE: CONTEXT AND PARALLELS

Challenges of communication with public and state for Russian experts in international relations

This paper regards the communication aspects of the activities of Russian think tanks specializing in international relations. The importance of expertise on a wide range of issues of foreign policy is arising. This trend is observed both in Russia and abroad. However, simultaneously it is accompanied by the spreading post-truth, which often ensures the competence of a professional. The dominance of one of these discursive practices mostly depends on the communication peculiarities between experts, society, and authorities within a state. In such circumstances, the study of the Russian context seems to be very relevant. The work is organized in accordance with deductive logic: the first part analyzes general aspects (the notion of expert community, its functions, potential and limits of participation in public discussion and political process); the second part focuses on Russian think tanks specializing in international affairs as a more concrete case. The authors point out the features of communication with the public and study how the experts in international relations influence the Russian public opinion on foreign policy. In conclusion, the authors summarize the existing communication challenges and provide recommendations to increase the experts’ role in the public discussion on foreign policy.

Geopolitical competition of global powers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Despite the fact that the classical concept of geopolitics was first formed by Rudolf Kjellén in the early 20th century, modern experts in international relations still discuss the feasibility and relevance of these classical methods in today’s conditions. The academic debate revolves around new methods of geopolitical struggle in the foreign policy of the states in the international arena. Geographical features take a back seat, and economic, military, technological and informational factors come to the fore. The article’s aim is to analyse the impact of geopolitical competition of world leaders during the COVID-19 crisis. The author demonstrates the tendency of aggravation of geopolitical competition between the so-called Collective West and Chinese–Russian alliance. The degree of intensity of geopolitical competition poses a threat to the security and stability of the EU. To discuss the geopolitical competition, it is proposed to include the following issues: the main actors of geopolitical competition, the key methods of this competitiveness and their evolution under the coronavirus pandemic.

TURKEY S ROLE IN SILK ROAD ROUTES: ENERGY SUPPLY SECURITY OF EUROPEAN UNION AFTER UKRAINE – RUSSIAN WAR

Purpose- The aim of the research is to examine, analyze and provide insight into possible future projections of Turkey's role in the security of energy supply and the formation of new trade routes of the European Union (E.U.) after the Ukraine-Russia war within the scope of data obtained from experts. In addition, the current research has been understood that the EastMed project has reached a stalemate with Turkey's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement with Libya and has emerged due to the necessity of new solutions. In addition, turkey's strong position is mentioned, emphasizing that it is an important stakeholder in world politics and trade. Methodology- Since research requires expertise in a particular field, it is determined according to the purpose and scope of the research to be carried out with a specific focus group. The experts in the focus group were reached by the snowball sampling method. In this context, an in-depth interview technique from qualitative data analysis methods was carried out to a group of experts in international relations, international trade, and logistics departments. The research data were obtained from the faculty members and faculty members included in the group between 28.02.2022-09.03.2022 through Google Docs, and the analysis process was started. Findings- When the data obtained from the experts included in the research are examined, the perspective against the Tr-Med project, which is the recommendation of the research, is very positive. One reason is that the EastMed project is already known to be unsustainable, and in addition, the United States has withdrawn its support from the project. It can also be seen as the E.U.'s production of alternatives to existing energy supply processes in order to ensure energy supply security after the Ukraine-Russia war. In addition to the Tr-Med project, it is foreseen that the main routes of east-west-axis trade will shift to Turkey due to future sanctions against Russia. Conclusion- Turkey is foreseen to continue their union in the future because it is already a stakeholder of the E.U. in the TANAP project, has a partner in imports and exports, and is an actor who will play a role in the process of establishing relations with countries such as Iran, Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Qatar in the supply of energy supplies. However, the increase in freight prices in the post-COVID-19 period increased transportation costs, and in addition, the increase in raw material prices caused global inflation. With the Ukraine-Russia war, the price of crude oil at $130, experts say, will see $300 in oil in the future, which will make Turkey the E.U.'s manufacturing hub. Keywords: Energy security, pipeline, Eastern Mediterranean, naturel gas, Silk Road, one belt and one road ınitiative JEL Codes: F4, L8, N4

Trends in Military Diplomacy Between Kenya and Britain, 1963–2017

Military diplomacy incorporates measures adopted by a country to enhance its defence and security capabilities. States engage in military diplomacy to share intelligence, equipment, and resources necessary to safeguard their interests. This study examined trends of Kenya-Britain military diplomacy under four regimes. The focus was on the critical areas of military diplomacy, cooperation and assistance between Kenya and Britain, trends of trade in military equipment and the factors that have influenced military diplomacy and trade in military hardware and software between Kenya and Britain from 1963 to 2017. The study was based on two theories – interdependence liberalism and realism. The study used the historical research design to trace the nature of cooperation and momentous events influencing military diplomacy. Purposive sampling was used to arrive at a sample size of 70 derived from the target population comprising the military, ministry of foreign affairs, and experts in international relations. Field data were collected through oral interviews and Focused Group Discussions. Secondary data was sourced from conference papers, books and journals. Collected data were grouped, corroborated, and presented using content analysis. The study concludes that Kenya and Britain have engaged in military diplomacy for a long time. After Kenya attained independence from Britain, the latter immediately became instrumental in forming a military and laying necessary security and defence structures in her former colony. Britain, therefore, became Kenya's long-standing defence and security partner. Britain and Kenya signed several agreements to cement these relations that enabled the British Army to train in Kenya and conduct joint military exercises to offer military assistance to their Kenyan counterparts. Moreover, Britain supplied Kenya with military equipment and arms. But military cooperation between Kenya and Britain has shifted over the four regimes. Geopolitics and globalization have made Kenya open the doors of her militaries to more countries, especially in acquiring its military equipment. Consequently, volumes of trade imports in military equipment from Britain to Kenya have declined. This trend has been influenced by economic and political sanctions levelled on Kenya in the advent of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s and the look-east policy adopted by Kenya to cushion her from the stringent measures on funding from the West. As a result, China, Oman and Jordan are emerging as Kenya's new trade partners in military equipment. This notwithstanding, Kenya still enjoys close business ties with Britain in military circles. The recommendations point that Kenya should strengthen its military diplomacy with Britain to enhance its national security and access to military capacity. Further research needs to be done on emerging military capacity, especially in intelligence gathering and sharing.

Сучасні закономірності та принципи іншомовної освіти майбутніх фахівців з міжнародних відносин у процесі фахової підготовки

The relevance of this study is that in Ukraine, foreign language education acquires a special status, which is argued by the fact that language creates an effective basis for international and intercultural understanding. However, the problem of implementing intercultural foreign language education in higher education institutions needs further comprehensive analysis and solution. This is evidenced by the analysis of the state of intercultural foreign language education in the works of national and foreign scholars, which demonstrated the numerous views and scientific achievements on the successful implementation of foreign language education in Ukraine. The study of foreign languages in higher education institutions of Ukraine is an indisputable positive feature of curricula, based on the recognition that the study of languages along with significant practical, educational, educational and developmental potential is a necessary condition for the education of modern specialists in international relations. On the other hand, today it is an urgent need in terms of the chosen socio-economic vector of development of our state, as the implementation of the concept of "learning languages during life" is impossible without careful study of languages by future experts in international relations. The study allows us to identify the leading patterns and principles of foreign language education in the European Higher Education Area. In the course of the research it was found out that foreign language education of specialists in international relations is based on regularities and general didactic principles that reflect the main approaches to the organization of education, namely: developmental and educational nature of education; scientificity; regularity and consistency; accessibility; connection of theory with practice; individualization. The research concluded that an open European educational space highlights significant prospects, while requiring efforts to remove barriers and upgrade foreign language teaching and learning systems in higher education. The formation of a single European cultural and economic space actualizes the creation of parameters of "europeanness" of modern Ukrainian science, culture and education.

The Soviet Union and the Post-World War II Foreign Policy of Czechoslovakia as Assessed by American Diplomacy

This article examines how American diplomats and international relations experts perceived Czechoslovak foreign policy priorities between the end of World War II and the consolidation of communist power in the ČSR in 1948. The purpose of the work is to identify the Soviet factor in US policy towards Czechoslovakia, the peculiarities of the perception of the country in the general context of Soviet-American relations and the genesis of the Cold War. The research is based on documentary sources from different archives: the US National Archives, the Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and the archive of Ambassador L. A. Steinhardt at the Library of Congress. Archival documents are supplemented by articles from the American press. The author concludes that during this period, the perception of Czechoslovakia by the Americans was ambivalent and controversial. On the one hand, the existence of a democratic multi-party system made it possible to consider the ČSR part of the West, but, on the other hand, its pro-Soviet foreign policy forced the Americans to regard it as being behind the Iron Curtain. The real foreign activities of the Czechoslovak government led by communist K. Gottwald directly demonstrated Czechoslovakia’s orientation toward close relations with the USSR and its loyalty to the Kremlin. Because of this, the degree of Prague’s dependence on Moscow was a subject of serious discussion and reflection among American experts in international relations. Some of them unconditionally placed the ČSR among the Soviet satellites, while others considered it the last outpost of democracy in Eastern Europe. A turning point in the perception of Czechoslovakia was its refusal to participate in the Marshall Plan under the direct pressure of the Soviet government. After that, Prague’s inability to resist Soviet pressure and its dependence on Moscow became apparent to the Americans.

COVID-19 Pandemic as a Factor for the Paradigm Shift in International Communications. Book Review of ‘Pandémie médiatique. Com de crise/crise de com’ by S. Fouks

The review examines a new book ‘Media pandemic. Crisis communication / communication crisis’ (‘Pandémie médiatique. Com de crise / crise de com’) by the executive vice-president of the Havas Group Stephan Fouks, which was published in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on his rich and unique practical experience as a head of a large media organization, a consultant at international organizations and a presidential campaign manager, the author assesses the role of media communications in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The book under review is addressed primarily to experts in International Relations. It covers a wide range of issues including the causes of the crisis, which led to a paradigm shift in international communications, and specifi cs of the communication policies in France and some other European states. The author concludes that these policies refl ect a general crisis of the ruling elites (political establishment). Here the author continues to further elaborate on the ideas of his previous book — ‘The New Elites: portrait of a generation that will ignore’ (‘Les Nouvelles Elites: portrait d’une génération 1ui s’ignore’).The author provides a critical analysis of the key elements of communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the ruling elites to the expert community, and delineates methods and the role of international communication in the future. The reviewers emphasize that the monograph by Stefan Fouks goes beyond the traditional formats of communication studies, which tended to focus either on the various crises, or on the organization of media structures in diff erent states, public-private partnership, and corporate communications, and thus were too narrow in scope. In ‘Media-pandemic’ the author stresses multidimensional nature of international communications and argues that their paradigmatic shift was brought by both the development of digital technologies and anthropogenic factors in the form of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Central Europe between the Great Powers: contemporary foreign-policy orientation

Abstract The main aim of this this study was to highlight the relations between the Central European countries (Slovakia, Czechia, Poland and Hungary) and the two great powers—the United States and the Russian Federation. We examined the importance of this region from a geopolitical perspective, analysing the relations between the Central European countries and the great powers through two of their critical manifestations: military bases and energy security. The selection of these themes was justified by the frequent centralisation of the abovementioned topics in political discussions and their role in underpinning the securitisation of political leaders. The analysis of government strategy papers, and politicians’ statements and press releases, which included the views of three international relations experts, revealed diverse interstate relations. Each of the four Central European countries claims to be a responsible and reliable member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; however, not all of them place the same emphasis on this partnership. Regarding the energy sector, we came to the same conclusion. The countries declare their independence, but the RF continues to have a significant or dominant influence. The geographical position of the four surveyed countries is probably an important factor in this situation and the great powers generally adapt their foreign policy towards them accordingly, as evidenced by the selected topics. The results of the analyses confirmed the importance of this region from a geopolitical perspective.

Soft Power: theoretical framework and political foundations

Although 30 years have passed since it was first formulated by the American political scientist Joseph Nye Jr, experts in international relations still debate on the contribution that soft power can give in foreign policy. This article aims to analyse the epistemological framework of soft power since its elaboration over the years till now. The research delves into two essential angles of soft power. The former is the study on the relevance of the concept of soft power in the current political dynamics. The latter is the definition of the idea of soft power with a focus on the evolution of such an idea since it was formulated by Joseph Nye Jr. The academic debate around the concept of soft power can be summarised mostly around four points: (1) the definition of soft power, (2) the relationship between hard and soft power; (3) resources and behaviours generating soft power; (4) the actors involved, when we speak about soft power. In the political debate of the last few years, some political scientists and practitioners have raised doubts about relevance and effectiveness of soft power in the current international political dynamics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, which is reshaping the global order, is demonstrating that deploying effective public diplomacy is still crucial in international relations.

Economic sanctions in world politics and science on international relations: relevant theoretical-methodological approaches

Diplomatics has always been interconnected with economy particularly the development of international trade. However, unlike the previous historical periods, the era of global interaction, developing an intense economic competition, simultaneously contributes to growth of interdependence between economic systems of various countries. Thus, there arises a legitimate question: whether or not the professional diplomats and experts in international relations should be concerned with the state economic administration. What are the practical and theoretical grounds for studying economic coercion from the position of world politics and science on international relations? It is suggested that such articulation of the problem initially implies presence of an objective need for detailed analysis by the expert-analytical community of economic sanctions (same as other instruments of economic coercion) in the context of global and regional international politics. The goal of this research consists in conceptualization of the term “economic sanctions” as a category of international-political science in light of its more relevant analytical angles and theoretical-methodological approaches. A conclusion is made that the effective application of economic sanctions as a regulatory instrument for international politics is often overestimated. The states that initiated sanctions launch a sanction mechanism in such instances, when they do not see other alternatives for various reasons. Sanctions become successful when imposed by an entire coalition, rather than a separate country; then in can affect the political elites and not only the regular citizens. The scientific novelty and practical importance is defined by the fact that the acquired results can be used in scientific and pedagogical activity in studying specific forms and methods of realization of economic diplomacy in Russia and foreign countries, as well as can be of interests for the experts in international political and economic cooperation.

Escenarios 2020 del Orden Mundial. Análisis desde la Prospectiva Estratégica

Objetivo: el objetivo de este artículo es mostrar evidencia de la prospectiva de los escenarios del orden mundial al año 2020. Metodología: se definió un estudio cualitativo de tipo analítico, no experimental, transeccional y de campo. Se diseñó un instrumento y se aplicó a una muestra de seis expertos en Relaciones Internacionales. Dicho cuestionario presenta cinco ítems para cada variable analizada. Resultados: se logró la clasificación de las variables multipolaridad, liderazgo Asia Pacífico, unipolaridad, amenaza a la seguridad mundial y neoproteccionismos; estas fueron catalogadas según la metodología de Swartch en cinco escenarios del orden global a 2020. Conclusiones: se concluye que la misma magnitud y velocidad de cambio resultantes de la globalización permitirán en la arena global el surgimiento de nuevos poderes, nuevos desafíos de gobernabilidad y una sensación más generalizada de inseguridad, que incluye el terrorismo.

Semantic complications in the war on terror discourse and manipulation of language by state and non-state actors

Since September 11, 2001, attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the US along with its allies declared War on Terror, where the binary opposition of ‘Us’ vs ‘Them’ was firmly established and channelized via both electronic and print media. The media’s discourse on the war against terrorism has been an intriguing research area for linguists as well as international relations experts. This paper highlights the problematization in defining a universally accepted definition of terrorism, the idiosyncratic nature of the War on Terror and how it differs from conventional wars, and, later how media, state and non-state actors (those labeled terrorists) use language to legitimize their views.

Unmanned: Brave New Films’ screen intervention into America’s drone wars

Drawing on the long history of politically committed documentary, Brave New Films combines traditional and emergent production methods with innovative approaches to online distribution and grassroots exhibition aimed at ‘creating media that makes an impact’. In what follows, I argue that Unmanned, Brave New Films’ screen intervention into the highly circumscribed debate over drone warfare, opens discursive space for human rights lawyers, international relations experts, and witnesses of drone strikes to alert the American people of the legal, strategic and ethical implications of the targeted killing programme. Whether or not Unmanned effects lasting or substantive policy change is, for present purposes, beside the point. Rather, my principal concern is to demonstrate the film’s achievement in subverting the dominant discourse surrounding the precision, accuracy and efficacy of US drone strikes.

A Comparative Analysis of the Ukraine Crisis Through the Prisms of Offensive Realism and Liberal Internationalism

In this article, the Ukraine crisis will be analyzed through the prisms of two different International Relations (IR) theories, namely Offensive Realism and Liberal Internationalism. While presenting relevant theoretical discussions, this work will specifically focus on two IR experts, John J. Mearsheimer and John G. Ikenberry, whose names have been associated with these theories. By drawing on the works of Mearsheimer and Ikenberry’s for Offensive Realism and Liberal Internationalism respectively, this work will try to make sense of the developments surrounding the Ukraine crisis, while also exploring the explanatory capacities of these two theories through a comparative approach. The insights offered by these theories in explainingRussia’s actions and Ukraine’s motivation during the crisis will be put to test. In addition, with a focus on the West, this work also aims to offer perspectives through the prisms of these theories on ways to end the Ukraine crisis.