Foreign Relations Research Articles

Diplomacy and Capitalism: The Political Economy of U.S. Foreign Relations

Diplomacy and Capitalism: The Political Economy of U.S. Foreign Relations

Chained to History: Slavery and U.S. Foreign Relations to 1865

Chained to History: Slavery and U.S. Foreign Relations to 1865

Trends in Ukraine's foreign trade in the context of complicated international transportation

Introduction. Over the past ten years, there has been a decline in the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation agreements within the WTO, resulting in the growing importance of bilateral trade agreements. The EU countries and the UK are among the most important geographical areas for deepening bilateral cooperation with Ukraine, which has been favourably influenced by trade liberalisation as a result of the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union and the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Improved terms of trade between Ukraine and Europe, despite the war in Ukraine, ensured positive dynamics of trade turnover, but the commodity structure has undergone significant changes. Recently, a trade embargo was imposed on agricultural products, and the border was closed for the transportation of products through Poland and other countries. In this regard, it is an urgent scientific task to determine the impact of the complication of transport. As well as identifying trends in the further development of foreign trade with partner countries. The purpose of the paper is to іdentificate the changes in export sales routes, as well as trends in Ukraine's foreign economic activity in the context of more complicated international transport. Results. The importance for Ukraine's economy of expanding the scope of foreign economic relations with European countries based on international transport is determined. The author emphasises a number of economic prerequisites and advantages of foreign economic relations between Ukraine and European countries, which determine the trends in the development of foreign trade. The author identifies the important role of continuing institutional and structural reforms in our country, which should be intensified and aimed at strengthening the competitive potential of the national economy. The main stages of integration of foreign economic relations between Ukraine and European countries are highlighted. It is proved that there is a high potential of European integration for the Ukrainian economy. However, in the current conditions of complicated movement of goods and closure of borders by partner countries, this direction of development of the national economy is considered as the main one, with certain difficulties, which will slow down the pace of socio-economic growth and restore the lost. Conclusion. By establishing international economic and trade relations and sales channels, Ukraine's foreign trade can develop and function effectively. National economies of different countries interact through the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation agreements, and the creation of intergovernmental associations. After analysing all the factors, it can be argued that establishing economic and political ties with the world's leading countries and increasing the level of foreign trade is possible by stepping up efforts in the most promising sectors of the global economy. Foreign economic and trade relations contribute to the growth of the national economy, acceleration of scientific and technological progress, and improvement of living standards.

The Integration of Liberal Democracy in Sri Lanka

The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka between the majority Sinhalese population and the minority Tamil population has grown to become a complex and pressing matter within the country. The election of Mahinda Rajapaksa as president in 2005 furthered these tensions as his administration passed legislation suppressing the Tamils, ultimately leading to the development of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an extremist organization representing the Tamils who support independence from the country. Rajapaksa’s pro-Sinhala Buddhist government greatly appealed to the Sinhalese population, but his administration’s lack of action towards domestic and foreign issues resulted in the election of Maithripala Sirisena, a liberal democratic leader who significantly improved the status of Sri Lanka. Nonetheless, with the prevalence of Buddhist nationalism and the recent election of Rajapaksa’s brother, the economic, political, and social environment within the country has again begun to decline. Thus, given Sirisena’s positive contribution to the country’s affairs, this paper attempts to view the impacts of his government on the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict, foreign relations, and the possible future repercussions of integrating liberal democracy within the government in order to propose a feasible solution to and assess the likelihood of stabilizing the ongoing ethnic conflict.

Frederik W. de Klerk: Presidential Years in the International Arena

Abstract In South Africa's history, Frederik W. de Klerk has left numerous bookmarks. During his presidency (1989-1994), notable ones relate to his handling of foreign affairs. When he became president, he was a novice in this field. His reputation at home was initially built on conservative values. When he succeeded Pieter W. Botha in August 1985, South Africa was internationally isolated and internally in disarray. The date 2 February 1990, when he released Nelson Mandela from prison and unbanned the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), will forever be associated with an acclaimed and courageous political quantum leap. Soon afterwards, on 21 March 1990, he transferred South Africa's control and administration of Namibia to its first president. De Klerk dealt with two crucial issues head-on. First, he returned the military to true and proper civilian control. His decision to destroy South Africa's nuclear arsenal led to the signing of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty in July 1991. By engaging in personal diplomacy, he forged remarkable relationships with President George H. W. Bush and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who, together with other world leaders, recognized that De Klerk was determined to repair South Africa's disastrous foreign relations. He evaluated the events in Eastern Europe, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and demise of the Soviet Union in their proper context. In December 1993, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela. Up to now De Klerk legacy in the realm of international relations have not been properly explored.

The Syrian Crisis and Iran's Mideast Politics. Global and Regional Dimensions

After the ‘Arab Spring’, globalization actively shapes local attempts to build a new political order in the Middle East. The impact of global processes on nations and state-building has become more evident today. These processes affect the transformation of Middle Eastern states in terms of changes in the scope of the state's sovereign powers as a result of protracted crisis. Given the current political situation in the region, the mutual influence of countries has increased. The processes of institutionalization of foreign relations in the region are closely connected with the unfolding globalization in the Middle East.

Региональная и отраслевая экономика технологического суверенитета России

Introduction. The current state of economic development is due to a long period of spatial infrastructure formation, which is the basis for the formation of a state policy actual concept in its priority areas. The socio-economic strategy of the Russian Federation is currently, for objective reasons, associated with the implementation of the import substitution program. The issue of creating a concept for the formation of technological sovereignty as the main driver of the development of the regional, sectoral economy and the economy of the country as a whole is outlined in the current agenda. Theoretical analysis. The unprecedented economic sanctions imposed against Russia were aimed at weakening Russia’s role on a global scale. The response was the announcement of an immediate course of state policy aimed at intensifying the technical and technological development of the country. Since 2005, the Russian Federation has formed not only import substitution mechanisms, but also created its own innovative infrastructure for the implementation of the spatial economic development strategy. Empirical analysis. Research in the field of the technological sovereignty concept formation has allowed us to formulate a number of global problems and challenges to be solved. The basis of the conceptual presentation were the strategic directions of scientific and technological development formulated by the President of Russia for the period up to 2030. The revitalization of the domestic system is the starting point for building internal potential and establishing stable foreign economic relations. Results. Having considered the existing forms and mechanisms of economic space formation, it became possible to identify the main sites on the basis of which priority strategic directions of development will be implemented. The key tasks in achieving technological sovereignty are to change the system of personnel training, the formation of technological and scientific potentials, the creation of an ecosystem of interaction of various representatives, the implementation of a cluster approach in industry and the creation of investment attractiveness in the regions. As a regulatory mechanism for achieving technological sovereignty, the formation of approaches to the definition of the concept of “technoeconomics” as a new sector in the economic space to achieve the fundamental stability of the Russian economy is proposed.

Comparing the Reconstruction of State Images of Germany and Japan in the Post-World War II Era in the Perspective of Political Symbolism Theory

National image has become an important factor in the competition for soft power among countries. Germany and Japan, as defeated countries in World War II, have both formulated a series of strategies and carried out actions on image reconstruction. This paper adopts the method of documentary analysis to disaggregate the strategic deployment and practices of image building in the two countries into different dimensions and place them under the theoretical framework of political symbols for systematic analyses. From this, it is concluded that there are significant differences between the two countries in terms of their strategic priorities, with Germany focuses methodologically on the cultural diplomacy and geographically on the Europe; and Japan prioritizes economic initiatives and the western community. This prioritization can be a reflection of the underlying attitude divergence between the two nations. In this way, the policies of the two countries in the field of foreign relations can be examined in an ontological and globalized perspective.

Fiji’s Foreign Relations, 2006–23

ABSTRACT From the time he assumed control over Fiji after the 2006 coup, military commander and self-appointed prime minister Frank Bainimarama was determined to assert Fiji’s independent stance in foreign policy. This was especially so after 2009, when he established an authoritarian state ruled by decree. He forged new diplomatic relations with Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, and emphasized Fiji’s good relations with China. Frosty relations with Australia and New Zealand warmed after the 2014 election despite Bainimarama’s unsuccessful attempt to replace the Pacific Islands Forum with his own regional organization. He became briefly prominent in UN circles as chair of COP23 in Bonn, where he publicized the fateful impact of climate change on the Pacific Islands. By 2022 the strategic rivalry between China and the United States and its allies had come to overshadow Fiji on the regional diplomatic scene. Bainimarama was defeated at the election of 2022.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND GEOPOLITICAL FACTORS AND THEIR IMPACT ON SUS- TAINABLE INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY

World economy includes the exchange of goods and services, scientific and technological cooperation, the provision of legal, technological and economic assistance, the creation of joint ventures, etc. They are the result of the development of a market economic system, which has long acquired a global character. Economic problems reflect the deepening and complication of foreign economic relations. International cooperation is an effective mechanism for the development and diffusion of innovative technologies. In modern conditions, the solution of these problems comes up against, first of all, geopolitical realities.

СУЧАСНИЙ СТАН ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ М'ЯСО- МОЛОЧНОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОСТІ В АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНІ

The article examines the role and significance of foreign trade relations in the development of the meat and dairy industry in Azerbaijan and the main priorities of its development. in this area, as well as the shares of individual countries in the export of domestic products in accordance with the procedure for conducting regulatory impact assessments on the issues being studied. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main problems and positive aspects of the current state, as well as prospects for the development of the meat and dairy industry in Azerbaijan. The methodological basis of the research was logical methods of information processing, statistical analysis, and comparison. The main research hypothesis. For many years, the demand for meat and dairy products in Azerbaijan has not been satisfied in the full sense of the word - so far it cannot be said that the quality of local products contributes to a healthy lifestyle for all segments of the population. Presenting main material. The activity of a more efficient agrarian market of the country is being investigated with the aim of forming the export potential of meat and dairy products, creating more significant areas for the import-export of meat and dairy products, and research was also conducted to ensure the formation and efficiency of the import-export system. Originality and practical significance of the research. The conclusions must be taken into account when placing meat and milk processing enterprises in order to ensure their optimal placement in economic regions of the country. At the same time, when choosing the optimal location, one should take into account both the level of development of the raw material base of enterprises and the location of consumers of manufactured products. Conclusions. Despite the tendency to increase the production of meat and dairy products in Azerbaijan in recent years, the problem remains the low-quality satisfaction of the demand for these products. The reasons why this problem has been happening for many years are the insufficient development of the fodder base of livestock farming, weak integration links between meat and dairy enterprises, as well as enterprises and farms that act as suppliers of their raw materials, as well as some omissions. is allowed when processing enterprises are located in the regions of the country.

Africa’s Foreign Relations through Systemic Change at A Glance

Africa’s Foreign Relations through Systemic Change at A Glance

Sweden, NATO and the role of diasporas in foreign policy

Abstract When and how do diasporas influence the foreign policy of liberal democratic states? Few studies have sought to conceptualize how diasporas affect strategic bilateral relations between states. We argue that these non-state actors are an increasingly important factor in western liberal democratic societies, which challenge traditional theories of foreign policy. To explore when and how the transnational societal ties and interests of diaspora groups affect foreign and security relations between states, we develop a triadic analytical model of state–diaspora interactions and specify key contextual factors. To illustrate the dynamics at play, we analyse the influence of the Kurdish diaspora in Sweden on Turkish–Swedish bilateral relations in the wake of Sweden's decision to apply for full NATO membership. Our case-study builds on semi-structured interviews as well as news media sources, speeches and official documents. The study shows that the Kurdish diaspora demonstrates an independent role and an ability to shape the policy process due to the permeability of the political system. As a result, the policy-process is becoming more domesticated, thereby constraining the role of the executive. The article contributes important insights to policy-makers and diplomats on what impact transnational state–society relations can have on foreign policymaking.

Transformation of the fuel and energy complex to ensure Russia’s energy security in the era of sanctions restrictions

Due to the fact that the sanctions regime of Western countries is aimed at destroying Russia’s foreign trade relations and restraining the economic development of Russia, the article considers the increased importance of the main aspects of energy stability and presents a state assessment of Russian Federation energy security in conjunction with energy availability and environmental sustainability using the energy trilemma index. A number of urgent problems that have arisen in the fuel and energy complex as a result of sanctions have been identified. The general scheme of fuel and energy complex transformation is presented and possible ways of solving problems are given. The necessity of carrying out a set of measures for the transformation of the fuel and energy complex, including short- and medium-term measures necessary to ensure the state of energy security and sustainable economic development of Russia is substantiated.

Analysis of environmental legislative restrictions of Kazakhstan in the context of international trade relations

The purpose of this study is a legal assessment of changes in environmental law in the context of foreign trade relations. In the course of this study, author used legal analysis and statistical legal method, which consisted of review and synthesis of the legal framework for environmental protection, analysis of its changes and the impact on environmental and trade indicators. Subsequently author examined the effect of environmental law reforms on foreign trade performance and built a model studying effect of environmental law improvements on trade performance of harmful sub- stances and emissions. This study gives us an opportunity to conclude that the har- monization of national environmental legislation with the standards established by the world community affects the structure of trade turnover, giving preference to green economy products by replacing products containing harmful substances. This work contributes to the process of implementing changes into international treaty and trade law, provides an opportunity to review shortcomings in environmental laws and acts at the national level and helps the institutions to make the right deci- sions to refine them.

Problems of selection and usage of innovative tools for international projects management in the context of foreign economic relations expanding

Introduction. Today, international project management trends are reflected in the increasing importance and significance of resource and process planning, as a well-thought-out and well-founded plan that can take into account all potential risks and challenges makes it possible to respond to them in a timely manner in the process of implementing a business idea. The most important factors that influence the choice of innovative management tools by the management of international projects are their understanding of the functionality of this tool, the appropriateness of its application in the project, and the cost of such an innovation. Having studied the works of scientists, it can be argued that such innovative tools are currently reengineering, benchmarking, outsourcing, crowdsourcing and the ICO or initial coin offering technology The purpose of the paper is to highlight the problems of selection and usage of innovative tools for international projects management at company in the context of foreign economic relations expanding and development of recommendations for their solution. Results. As a result of the research, the current problems of the selection and use of innovative international project management tools of company in the conditions of the expansion of foreign economic relations were identified, such as traditional international project management tools characterized by low efficiency in the conditions of the expansion of foreign economic relations and the dependence of financing on international projects from one investor narrows the possibilities of using innovative international project management tools in the conditions of expanding foreign economic relations. As a result of the study, recommended ways to solve problems were given, namely, the use of a crowdsourcing platform to search for and analyze information and technologies for the implementation of international projects of company and the implementation of ICO technology to attract investors to finance international projects. Conclusion. The use of innovative management tools will help the company better implement its project strategy, but too few tools or their incorrect selection, which do not correspond to the expected result of the implementation of the business idea, can negatively affect the company's activities. The involvement of additional tools and their combination with each other allow to analyze projects in more detail and to use less risky solutions by the management of the enterprise. Implementation of these tools allows the company to save basic resources, such as time and money, and effectively implement international projects.

Türkiye in foreign economic relations of Russia

Today, Russia and Turkey face an unprecedented opportunity to build an effective dialogue. The quantitative and qualitative development of relations in the spheres of economics, politics, business,tourism and culture gives grounds for the most optimistic forecasts. However, there is a whole complex of political and economic issues that can destroy the existing level of relations.

Representative Offices of the Federal Subjects as an Institute for Interregional Cooperation (Experience of the Republic of Tatarstan)

Introduction. The issues of interregional cooperation of Russian regions are of particular relevance in the face of drastic changes in the foreign economic relations. Reasons of interregional cooperation induce Russian regions to open representative offices in federal subjects. The purpose of the article is to consider the Republic of Tatarstan experience of using remote representative offices and improving their performance in order to suggest a generalized model for organizing the activities of representative offices taking into account the modern trends in the development of interregional cooperation. Materials and Methods. The study includes analysis of up-to-date publications on the research topic, documents of state origin and is based on evaluation of the long-term experience of development the system of representative offices of the Republic of Tatarstan. The institutional and structural-functional methods of political science were used to determine the place of remote representative offices in the regional government authorities, the conditions of their activities, and the implemented functionality. General scientific methods of comparative analysis and classification were also used to develop a basic concept and work organization model of representative offices, to assess trends in the performance indicators of their activities, to work out development proposals for representative offices of federation subjects. Results. The current trends in the development of interregional cooperation in Russia together with questions of using the representative offices of federal subjects are considered taking into account corresponding experience of the Republic of Tatarstan. Ways to organize the work of federal subjects’ representative offices and to estimate their efficiency were studied. Approaches to improve activities of the representative offices and to expand their operations to new sites are suggested. Discussion and Conclusion. The study has showed the importance of the representative offices of the subjects of the Russian Federation for interregional cooperation. The authors describe a general model for organizing the work of regional representative offices and identify the ways to increase their contribution into interregional cooperation. The results of the study may be useful for experts in regional development policy and government officials.

Environmental approach to ensuring the security of modern enterprises

The development of integration processes and globalization requires an increase in enterprises' level of security. It becomes a necessary condition for their functioning. Issues related to the environmental and economic security of enterprises become relevant in modern conditions of rapid development of production and foreign economic relations and require further research not only at the level of the country but also at the level of regions and enterprises. Therefore, for enterprises, an essential point in their work is ensuring environmental safety without negatively impacting economic safety. Ensuring the enterprise's economic security is always important because it determines its ability to be stable on the market and flexible. Suppose the enterprise needs to pay attention to measures to counter environmental threats. In that case, it may lead to significant financial losses and even stop work. It is emphasized that the ecological component of the enterprise's economic security must guarantee the society's safety from business entities carrying out industrial and commercial activities. For this purpose, the manufacturer must carefully comply with the national norms of the minimum permissible content of harmful substances entering the environment and the ecological parameters of the manufactured products. It has been proven that enterprises' effective use of natural resources will contribute to producing quality products, increase competitiveness, and, most importantly, be environmentally safe for people's health. It is noted that an essential problem in ensuring control over the management system of the ecological component of safety is the reliability of the reported data of the enterprises' users of natural resources. It emphasized the need to introduce stricter requirements for environmental reporting by enterprises, which should lead to strict compliance with the norms and requirements of legislation in the field of ecology and, therefore, increase the environmental and economic security of the enterprise. Enterprise management is built on a balanced solution to environmental and economic problems, finding the optimal relationship between ensuring environmental safety and the expediency of enterprise activity. Keywords: ecological component, enterprise, safety, environmental economy, resources.

«Նախիջևանի միջանցքի» գործարկման վերաբերյալ Իրանի և Ադրբեջանի ակնկալիքները

Taking geopolitical situation after the 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan put the issue of the so-called "Zangezur corridor" on the agenda. Baku is trying to achieve two strategic goals: to close the land connection between Armenia and Iran and to get out of Iran's dependence on the Nakhijevan issue. However, Azerbaijan, faced with the opposition of Armenia and Iran, changed its strategy. In parallel with its aggressive policy against Armenia, Baku began negotiations with Tehran on the construction of a new route connecting Nakhijevan through Iranian territory. In parallel with the aggressive policy of Azerbaijan in the issue of the so-called "Zangezur corridor" Baku for the first time since March 2021 began to consider the territory of Iran as an alternative way of establishing communication with Nakhichevan. In March 2022, Hikmet Hajiyev, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the President of Azerbaijan and Assistant to the President, in an interview with Turkish media during the "Antalya Diplomatic Forum" held in Turkey, first stated Baku's intention to connect Nakhichevan through the territory of Iran. A few months after Hajiyev's statement, Ramil Usubov, secretary of the Azerbaijani Security Council, and Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, also proclaimed Baku's aims to link Nakhichevan through the territory of Iran. By manipulating the issue of the "Nakhijevan corridor," Azerbaijan is trying to divert the attention of countries that are interested in preserving the territorial integrity of Armenia from its initiatives to forcibly open the so-called "Zangezur corridor. On the other hand, by implementing joint projects with Iran, Azerbaijan is trying to stress its role in relations with the West and Israel, expecting political and financial support from these important actors in exchange for refusing to participate in these projects.