Territorial Integrity Research Articles

Ensuring employee privacy at the workplace: current state and problems

In the article, based on the analysis of national legislation, international documents, national and international judicial practice, the views of scientists, the issue of ensuring the employee’s right to privacy at the workplace is considered. It is noted that today domestic labor legislation does not yet enshrine this right (the employee’s right to privacy at the workplace), which, in turn, contributes to abuse by the employer, and leads not only to an unsatisfactory level of protection of the constitutional right to respect for private life, and in the future may lead to the international recognition of Ukraine as a state that does not provide an adequate level of such protection, particularly in the field of labor. It is emphasized that in the conditions of martial law, the right to privacy may be limited by law in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public order in order to prevent riots or crimes, to protect public health, to protect the reputation or rights of other people, to prevent the disclosure of information, received confidentially, or to maintain the authority and impartiality of justice. As a result, it was concluded that the right to privacy at the workplace, which should be guaranteed to all employees regardless of the type of employment relationship, industry affiliation or form of ownership of the enterprise, should be established at the legislative level, taking into account international experience and judicial practice. Since the regulation of all aspects of the employee’s right to privacy in the workplace in the Ukrainian legislation will prevent abuse by the employer of employee control measures. In particular, supporting the proposals of other researchers, it is proposed to supplement the Code of Labor Laws of Ukraine with a rule that when concluding, changing and terminating an employment contract, persons entering work and employees are guaranteed the right to privacy regarding their personal and family life. At the same time, the limits, grounds and conditions of the employer’s interference with the employee’s right to privacy must meet three criteria: the legal grounds for the interference, the legitimate purpose of the interference, and the proportionality of such interference to the stated goal.

Interests trump principles and values: India’s neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war

ABSTRACT This article contributes to the existing literature on India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war by arguing and illustrating that India’s failure to publicly criticize Russia and its abstention on resolutions condemning Russia for violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in international forums highlights India’s sovereignty paradox. India is a sovereignty hawk and its neutral position is contrary to the United Nations Charter, international law and its key foreign policy tenets of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country, non-aggression, non-interference in the domestic affairs of a country and peaceful co-existence. India has been willing to compromise on its principles because the Modi government believes that Russia can play an important role in aiding India to achieve great/leading power status because of the strategic convergence between the two countries regarding a multipolar world order and countering US hegemony, and Moscow enhancing India’s security.

Opinions of Education Faculty Students About Refugees in Turkey

Migration has been a constant in human history, presenting various economic, social, and cultural challenges. The integration of immigrants into society, particularly in terms of language and education, plays a crucial role in fostering social harmony. While Turkey has made progress in its integration policies, challenges persist, including socio-cultural and economic disparities among refugees. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of education faculty students on the refugee situation in Turkey, revealing insights into foreign policy, sustainability, territorial integrity, and safety concerns. The study was conducted using the qualitative research design of a case study method. 55 teacher candidates participated voluntarily, and their views on refugees living in Turkey were obtained through focus group interviews. Participants emphasized the need for stable foreign policies and highlighted language education as essential for successful integration. They expressed apprehensions about the potential security risks associated with refugees and advocated for greater societal awareness and proactive measures. Ultimately, addressing the refugee issue requires both policy adjustments and heightened societal sensitivity.

The Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) Self-Determination Movements and the Role of the United Nations.

This study examines “The Dynamics of Self-Determination Movements and the Role of the United Nations: A Case Study of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria.” The UN's lack of action and formal recognition of IPOB's agitation has undermined the protection of the rights of indigenous people in Nigeria, particularly the Igbo community. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, utilising a time-series research design and documentary analysis of credible secondary sources, including international NGO reports and UN documents. The theoretical framework employed is the Theory of Social Constructivism, which posits that the actions of states and international organizations are shaped by socially constructed norms, ideas, and identities. One key finding is that the UN's indifference can be attributed to complex political dynamics, member states' economic interests, and the prioritisation of territorial integrity over self-determination claims. It is recommended, inter alia, that the UN establish an independent commission or a special rapporteur to investigate allegations of human rights violations against IPOB members and the Igbo community, and hold the Nigerian government accountable for any violations.

Protection of the LGBT community’s rights during the war in Ukraine

The article puts an emphasis on the need to protect the rights of LGBT communities. Although the issue of protecting LGBTI rights was considered in the writings of domestic scientists, the Russian- Ukrainian war has become a new challenge for LGBT representatives and caused new problems for them. In the conditions of the war in Ukraine, this is an urgent issue today, because nowadays, persons in same-sex relationships experience restrictions on their rights. The author emphasizes that in connection with the desire of our country to become a full member of the EU, a significant task for it is to prevent discrimination based on such grounds as sexual orientation and gender equality. Despite the public’s negative attitude towards representatives of the so-called “sexual minorities”, the latter stood up to protect their Motherland. Therefore, the state’s performance of its obligations towards such persons is an important issue today. The problem is that there is no normative consolidation of the legal status of LGBT communities in Ukraine and this leads to a limited amount of constitutional, civil, and family rights compared to other citizens. However, in the conditions of the war, representatives of the LGBT community feel even more restricted in their rights than before the war. In particular, they cannot legalize their relations and because of this certain difficulties arise. The author draws attention to the fact that the presence of gaps in the current legislation leads to the fact that LGBT military personnel do not have the same rights as other citizens of Ukraine, although they fight for the independence and territorial integrity of our state. The article highlights that changes to the Constitution of Ukraine cannot be made during the war. Therefore, injustice towards LGBT military personnel should be eliminated by adopting the Law of Ukraine “On the Institute of Registered Partnerships”. The article draws attention to the fact that national courts, if to analyze their practice, are «not ready» to protect LGBTI rights due to the negative perception of these persons in the state. The author emphasizes that the courts must effectively protect the rights of LGBTI people and restore their violated rights. They should also take into account the fact that the practice of the ECtHR is aimed at protecting the rights of the LGBT community. However, a completely different situation is observed in Ukraine, which leads to the adoption of decisions against our state and this generates negative consequences for it.

Cross-Border Institutional Trust in Post-Pandemic Times. The Role of EU b-solutions Initiative

ABSTRACT Mutual trust is an important element in starting cross-border processes, and institutional trust is vital to forging sound and effective cross-border cooperation. It is widely debated that the recent covidfencing process in Europe chipped away existing long and medium-term cross-border institutional ties, in most European borders, at least for some time. The fundamental point is that the sudden closing of national borders also revealed how important are effective and well-functioning cross-border institutions to direct the reopening of such borders into functional cross-border areas. To appreciate more in-depth the importance of cross-border institutional trust in post-pandemic times, this article analyses to what extent the EU b-solutions initiative contributes to reinforcing it along European cross-border regions. The analysis concluded that this EU initiative reinforces cross-border institutional trust by enhancing institutional capacity building, institutional knowledge sharing and stability/credibility as well as territorial integration in EU border regions. However, only a few European cross-border regions have benefited the most from this institutional support by b-solutions: the Benelux, plus Germany and France, as well as the Iberian cross-border areas.

Pakistan’s neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war: Navigating great power politics

ABSTRACT This contribution argues that Pakistan’s decision to maintain neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war is influenced by its policy to avoid entrapment in “camp politics”, signaling a departure from its longstanding strategic dilemma of choosing between major powers such as the US, Russia and China. It also argues that Islamabad’s unwillingness to denounce Russia for invading Ukraine and violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity demonstrates Pakistan’s “sovereignty paradox”. It highlights that Pakistan has always condemned any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a contravention of the right/notion of “equal sovereignty.” However, on the Russia-Ukraine war, Pakistan has refrained from condemning Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which not only violates the country’s principled foreign policy stance on the sovereign equality of all states, but also raises questions about its commitment towards the key principles of international law and the UN charter.

Brazil’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war: Balancing principled pragmatism while countering weaponized interdependence

ABSTRACT As a post-colonial nation that embraces international law and multilateralism, Brazil was expected to side with those who defend the sanctity of Ukraine’s territorial integrity when the country was invaded by Russia. However, as a Global Southern country with tangible geopolitical and economic interests at stake in the war, Brazil turned a blind eye to Russia’s defiant move and downplayed the gravity of its breach of the law. This article aims to explore the contradictions in Brazil’s foreign policy stance towards the Russo-Ukrainian war. It analyes the difficult balance between ideals and concrete goals that Brazilian diplomats strive to achieve in the ongoing war. In doing so, it also sheds light on the current administration’s strategies to cope with today’s emerging multipolar order and to avoid falling prey to the “weaponization of interdependence”. The article concludes reflecting on Brazil’s quest for an actively non-aligned position to address the sovereignty paradox it faces in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Why China's Periphery Strategy is so Important in its Overall Foreign Policy

China has the largest number of neighbors in the world, nearly 30 in number. A large number of neighbors present historical, religious, ethnic, political, economic, social, and cultural differences. Throughout its history, China has been involved in war disputes and conflicts with several countries, and to this day there are still border and territorial issues that have not yet been resolved. At the same time, China's neighborhood is also a place where the interests of the world's major powers meet. How to deal with its neighborhood is, therefore, the diplomatic key to China's ability to build a stable and harmonious neighborhood security environment and achieve peaceful development. This article focuses on a brief analysis of China's peripheral strategy and the current international situation and peripheral issues facing China. Through a study of the case of the past Diaoyu Islands incident, it illustrates the importance China has to attach to its peripheral strategy in terms of territorial integrity, security, and economic development, as well as a study of the case of the China-ASEAN Expo, which illustrates the improvement of China's geostrategy, economy, soft power and influence in terms of the development of The numerous benefits that the peripheral strategy has brought to China, and the analysis of the two cases to demonstrate the importance of China's peripheral strategy in its overall foreign policy.

Security Concerns of the Russian Federation and Türkiye's Position Within the Scope of Georgia Intervention to South Ossetia in 2008

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus, focusing on Russia's strategic interests, NATO and EU expansion efforts, and Turkey's role as a regional actor. It begins by examining Russia's "Near Environment" doctrine, emphasizing Moscow's perceived security threats and its proactive measures to maintain influence in its immediate surroundings. The 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia serves as a focal point, illustrating the complex interplay of historical, ethnic, and political factors in the region. The article explores the origins of the Georgian-Ossetian crisis, the escalation into the "Five-Day War," and the subsequent recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia. It also examines Turkey's stance on the conflict, balancing support for Georgia's territorial integrity with economic and strategic interests in the region that advocates respect for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty in the context of international law, but at the same time does not ignore its security concerns of Russia and aims to maintain a policy of balance in the Black Sea Basin and the Caucasus in the context of regional peacekeeping. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the international community's response to the conflict and its implications for regional stability. The conclusion underscores the significance of the South Caucasus in global geopolitics, particularly in shaping the balance of power in the Black Sea region. Overall, this article offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of conflict and cooperation in a strategically vital area of Eurasia.

India’s North Border Conflicts: Between Reality and Fiction

Ever since the Republic of India became an independent nation in 1947, the Indian state has strived to keep its territorial integrity, in spite of the numerous territorial claims made by neighboring states. Firstly, the Kashmir region is home to both Muslim and Hindu populations; therefore, when the Indian and Pakistani states were created, the region was split between the two new states. However, both states hold the belief that the entirety of the Kashmir region should be part of their territory. This situation sparked numerous local conflicts and four local wars (1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999). Secondly, another disputed area is located on the border with the People’s Republic of China, as the Chinese state does not recognize the McMahon Line, which was agreed upon by British India and Tibet. This led to the conflict in 1962 and to a tension-filled relationship between China and India. This paper approaches both the historical evolution of the conflicts and the way in which these two conflict areas are portrayed in literature. While Veera Hiranandani, in The Night Diary (2018), and Khushwant Singh, in Train to Pakistan (1956), focus on the conflicts between Muslims and Hindus after the partition of India and Pakistan, Salman Rushdie, in Midnight’s Children (1981), analyzes the traumas of the conflict in Kashmir. Furthermore, Jon Cleary, in Pulse of Danger (1966), presents the context of the Sino-Indian war. The most disturbing novel about the Indian conflicts is Humphrey Hawksley’s novel, Dragon Fire (2000), because the author presents an apocalyptic war between the Republic of India, on one side, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan allied with the People’s Republic of China, on the other side.

The Russian factor: emotions, narratives and reshaping China's norms in international conflicts

Abstract How did Russia, despite being in a weaker position, exercise a continuous and resilient influence on China's normative approach to international conflicts from Syria to Ukraine? This article proposes a theoretical framework that connects the affective turn and norm studies in International Relations. It conceptualizes emotions as the affective infrastructure of norm scripts: shared political feelings create resonance, based on which persuasive narratives work to maintain solidarity and institutionalize normative changes. Drawing on primary Russian and Chinese resources and using process tracing to identify critical junctures in the partnership and institutional channels for Russian campaigns, this article demonstrates how China's alignment with Russia is not solely based on geopolitical interests or constructed identities but rather a result of feelings of isolation and marginalization that firstly resonated with and then exploited by Russian actors. Furthermore, this article identifies three types of persuasive narratives used to construct continuity, analogy and identification in consolidating emotional resonance around the threat of a homogenous West and inducing normative convergence. This drives China to adopt policies in conflict with national interests and norms on sovereignty and territorial integrity that trigger a reflective assessment of the Russian influence, while underlining the growing importance of emotion diplomacy.

Implications of EU Economic and Financial Sanctions against Russian Federation

In view of the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the provocation of the conflict in Donbas in 2014, the EU adopted and implemented Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 of 31 July 2014 in reaction to Russia’s measures undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity as well as the sovereignty and independence of the country. This period is characterized by erosion of bilateral trade and economic relations between the EU and Russia. After the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union adopted a new series of economic and financial sanctions towards Russia: restrictions on trade; a SWIFT ban for certain Russian banks; restrictions on Russia’s access to the EU’s capital and financial markets and services; a ban on transactions with the Russian Central Bank and others. In the autumn of 2022 the conflict further escalated with the so-called “partial mobilization” in Russia and the further unlawful referenda for annexation of Ukrainian territories. Two years later (February 2024), the war is still raging and the European Union continues its policy of adopting new packages of sanctions against Russia.

Romanian Diplomacy during the Balcan Wars (1912-1913)

The young national Romanian state would reaffirm itself in the first decades of the 20th century as a factor of equilibrium and of collective security in the Balkan Peninsula, in the context of the two wars which were about to begin (1912;1913), both conflicts which would precede the greatest diplomatic and military conflict known to international society until that time, namely the First World War (1914-1918). Romania acted in accordance with the principles of public international law regarding its external policy to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of state built from the ruins of the former Ottoman Empire, thus acting for the respect of the status quo in the Balkan area according to the regulations of international treaties, seen as formal sources of law.

A CRITIQUE OF THE CONSTITUTIONALITY AND CONSTITUTIONALISATION OF THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION UNDER THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

As the quest for self-determination in Nigeria surges to a record high in recent times, the Nigerian government has repeatedly adopted every means including the use of force to quell the agitations for this right on the basis that it violates the constitution and endangers the territorial integrity of Nigeria. The advocates of this right contend that it is an inalienable right that is recognized under international laws to which Nigeria is a signatory. Therefore, enforceable in Nigeria. This paper examined the constitutionality of the right to self-determination in Nigeria. It found that though the constitution of Nigeria emphasizes the indivisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria, there is a constitutional silence on the right to self-determination. The study found further that the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorates in 1914, political and economic marginalisation, failure of federalism, and legitimacy question surrounding the 1999 constitution amongst others are factors responsible for the various agitations in the country. Moreso, there is no express affirmation or denial of the right to self-determination under the Nigerian constitution. The study thus concluded that the Nigerian constitution must take a decisive position on the legality of self-determination agitation in Nigeria instead of leaving the challenge to the judiciary

Azerbaijan’s 2023 counterterrorism operation in Karabakh region: causes and consequences

Purpose: is to discuss the possible causes and consequences of Azerbaijan’s 2023 counterterrorism operation in Karabakh region. Method: comparative analysis, and synthesis. Findings: Azerbaijan is one of few countries which successfully waged a full-scale war against Armenia in order to restore its territorial integrity and conducted impeccable counterterrorism operation of the local nature against illegal armed groups in Karabakh region in order to eliminate separatism and ensure its sovereignty over liberated territories. A set of principles is usually followed to conduct counterterrorism operations, which are intricate and multidimensional, with the goal of efficiently fighting terrorist threats while minimizing collateral harm and safeguarding human rights. All principles of counterterrorism operation were met and Azerbaijan eliminated separatism once and for all and ensured its sovereignty over the liberated territories. What makes this operation different from many operations of the same nature, is that a long-term approach – one of the most important principles of the counterterrorism operations has been applied, where the immediate security concerns were eradicated, the source of separatism was isolated, the ideological extremism was dispelled, the promotion of stability was ensured, left no reason for foreign troops (so-called Russian peacekeepers) to stay in its territory. Theoretical implications: The paper enhances our understanding of key concepts of counterterrorism operations in general and provides new insights for understanding the possible causes and consequences of Azerbaijan’s 2023 counterterrorism operation. The results obtained in the study have broader implications for national security strategies in pursuit of eradicating the similar problems in different contexts. Practical implications: Azerbaijan’s 2023 counterterrorism operation is a typical example for the nations suffering from the same problem. Applying different aspects of this operation as depicted in the paper would definitely contribute to the adjustment of tactics and techniques, reallocation of resources, effective application of new technologies by the nations to eliminate the separatism within their internationally recognized territories. Value: The study presents Azerbaijan’s 2023 counterterrorism operation as a model for eradicating the problems of the same nature in pursuit of peace and stability in different regions, delineates the principles of the counterterrorism operations and explains them in the example of the operation conducted by Azerbaijan Armed Forces. Paper type: theoretical.

Ethno-National Policy of Ukraine in the Context of National Security: Problems and Prospects [Polityka etniczno-narodowa Ukrainy w kontekście bezpieczeństwa narodowego: problemy i perspektywy

The process of national consolidation is closely related to the implementation of a consistent ethno-national policy in accordance with modern conditions. The integration of Ukraine into the European Union is impossible without the regulation of ethno-national development processes in accordance with the standards of the European Union. The effectiveness of the state’s ethno-national policy depends on the extent to which its principles and tasks reflect the ethno-national situation in the country, ensure the participation of civil society in the processes of regulating ethno-national relations. The legislation of Ukraine in the field of ethno-national policy was formed under the influence of internal international relations and international legislation. The analysis of the content of the national legislation shows that it enshrines fundamental international norms regarding the protection of national minorities, at the same time, it also has certain shortcomings: blurred provisions, lack of specification of basic terms, obsolescence of the legislative acts themselves, etc. New political realities require revision of most of the adopted legislative acts. Neglecting issues of ethno-national development carries the danger of turning the ethno-national factor from a cultural asset into a source of conflicts and contradictions, leading to the loss of the тational security and country’s territorial integrity. Unregulated relations between ethno-cultural groups aggravate the problems of inter-ethnic communication, create conflict situations, etc. The adoption of the Concept of the State target national and cultural program “Unity in Diversity” for the period until 2034, which was developed in close consultation with national minorities (communities) with the involvement of representatives of the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and embassies of ethnically related national minorities (communities) of Ukraine.

Caspian Sea as a continuation of the history of determining the border of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The article examines the aspirations of our sovereign state to strengthen its foreign policy since 1991 and the process of demarcation of the border, maintaining good neighborly relations with neighboring countries. One of the most important achievements in solving the problem was the decision in August 2018 to demarcate the Caspian Sea border, which is of strategic importance in strengthening the state border of Kazakhstan, preserving the territorial integrity and independence of the country, ensuring national security. The main purpose of our scientific article is to reveal the historical significance of the actions taken on the Caspian Sea, the latest milestone in the actions of the Republic of Kazakhstan to strengthen the country's borders. The scientific novelty of the work is a comprehensive, concise analysis of the measures taken in the Republic of Kazakhstan to clarify the borders of the country since 1991 and the optimal use of the existing experience of Kazakh diplomacy in defining the status of the Caspian Sea. We believe that some of the results of our research can be applied to the study of this topic.

Urgensi Integritas Nasional Sebagai Salah Satu Parameter Persatuan dan Kesatuan Bangsa

Indonesia, an archipelago with rich culture and diverse ethnic groups, is faced with the challenge of maintaining national unity. National integrity, defined as a state in which all people have a sense of unity and love for the country, is an important parameter to achieve this goal. This paper discusses the urgency of national integration as one of the parameters of national unity. First, national integration can strengthen the sense of unity by fostering a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the people. Second, national integration can increase national stability by reducing the potential for conflict and division between community groups. Third, national integration can spur national development by creating a conducive and safe atmosphere for the implementation of development. Fourth, national integration can increase the nation's competitiveness by creating a society that is united and has a common goal to achieve national progress. Fifth, national integration can maintain territorial integrity by preventing the disintegration of the nation that can result in the division of the country.

Operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria in the Official Russian Discourse

Abstract In this article, we analyze how the operation of the Russian Aerospace forces is presented in the official Russian discourse. The analysis is based on a collected database of statements made by the Russian authorities. Relying on social identity theory, we argue that the Russian operation in Syria became a key element in changing the Russian strategy in the Middle East. In other words, beginning in the mid-2010s, Russian policy in the Middle East moved from social competition to social creativity. Taking the Russian operation in Syria as an example, we assert that the second half of 2017 was a turning point because the military narration of the discourse was replaced at that point with the narration of the unique role of Russia in the regulation of the Syrian conflict. This narration included narratives related to ‘sovereignty’, ‘territorial integrity’, and the creation of alternative platforms to maintain stability.