scholarly journals Lebanon: An Ordinary “Consociational Democracy” in the Regional Context

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 89-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Sarabiev
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Civil War ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
World Politics ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Consociational Democracy ◽  
Direct Pressure ◽  
Democratic Systems ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Economic Ties

Lebanon has a number of features that determine its special position in the region and its importance in the system of relations between the Middle East states. An important role in this is played by the ideological and strategic aspects of world politics in the region in which Lebanon is organically inscribed in both the historical and geopolitical plans. The stability of a country that has passed through a long civil war makes it stand out from a number of states in the region. The author's hypothesis is that the reason for the extraordinary stability — of Lebanese society, the system of state power, political elites, economic ties and foreign policy contacts, despite all the negative regional factors — can be rooted in the consociational principle of making key decisions based, paradoxically, on the notorious political confessionalism. The peculiarities of the Lebanese political model (although they are subject to well-deserved criticism) distinguish it from the multitude of “customary” democracies, bringing together with examples of the unique democratic systems of Europe and other continents. The motley confessional composition of society, along with the historically determined foreign policy guidelines of individual communities, suggested a special informal decision-making mechanism throughout the country — not on the basis of majority power, but on a contractual, compromise principle. Leading theorists of consociationalism often had in mind the Lebanese pattern of democracy in their political studies, and many of their developments are still well applicable for analyzing the functioning of the main state institutions of Lebanon. A theoretical study, along with an analysis of the current regional situation, convince the author of the correctness of the hypothesis put forward. Both in Lebanese history and now, it is the inveterate forms of external influences that forced Lebanese society to balance on the verge of aggravated intercommunal clashes. The combination of external factors served as the beginning and further warmed up the civil war. Heightened relations with Syria by 2005, the Israeli attack in 2006, the gravest threat from jihadi-caliphatists – all these factors have negatively affected intra-civil and inter-group relations. Stereotypical forms of use of religious communities (Shiites, Sunnis, Christians of different denominations, etc.) from the outside and even direct pressure from abroad continue to confront them, imposing ideas on social relations and political participation that are alien to Lebanese. Diversification of political and business contacts of Russia with representatives of different Lebanese communities can serve as a good example of Lebanon’s perception of all the features of its political system as a full subject of international relations.

scholarly journals Retrospective of using the US universities and the Foreign Policy Association as elements of public diplomacy in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 286-291
Author(s):  
Alexey Vitalievich Danilov
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Public Diplomacy ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Information Support ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
The Creation

The article covers the period of implemetation of the leading US universities and the Foreign Policy Association as elements of US public diplomacy wchich their impact in economic, political and cultural influence all over the world. The author methodically and consistently cites analytical, historical facts proving an indirect and direct impact on the foreign policy of countries. The relevance of the article is due to the high significance and influence of non-state actors on world politics nowdays. The author points out that the political course of the leadership of the United States from the second half of the 20th century was focused on more active inclusion of the country in international politics and the rejection of isolationism, which was primarily reflected in the departure from the postulates of the Monroe Doctrine and the entry of the United States into the First World War. This, in turn, had a great influence on the development of public diplomacy in the United States as a tool to promote the interests of the country, the creation of the necessary information support for foreign policy actions of the state, as well as a favorable image of the United States in other countries. Thus it required the active involvement of the leading US universities in US public diplomacy, as well as the creation of new non-state institutions.

The “Mood Theory”: A Study of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

1970 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 536-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Caspary
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Public Support ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Foreign Affairs ◽  
American People ◽  
International Programs ◽  
International Commitments ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Relationship Of

This paper is concerned with assessing the stability of the American public's attention to foreign affairs, and the relationship of this to public support of international programs and commitments. In particular, the paper presents an empirical investigation of the evidence for the “mood theory” proposed by Gabriel Almond as one element of his classic study, The American People and Foreign Policy.The mood theory contends, first of all, that attention to or interest in foreign policy is generally low and subject to major fluctuations in times of crisis.The characteristic response to questions of foreign policy is one of indifference. A foreign policy crisis, short of the immediate threat of war may transform indifference to vague apprehension, to fatalism, to anger; but the reaction is still a mood.On the basis of this premise about attention, Almond predicts that the public will not provide stable support for international commitments undertaken by the U.S. Government.Because of the superficial character of American attitudes toward world politics … a temporary Russian tactical withdrawal may produce strong tendencies toward demobilization and the reassertion of the primacy of private and domestic values.The acceptance of this view by scholars is evidenced by its presentation in important textbooks and treatises. As far as I have been able to determine it has not been challenged.The empirical investigation in this paper considers evidence on both of these variables—attention=interest, and support for foreign policy commitments.

scholarly journals Cultural paradiplomacy as a component of the «soft power» of subnational actors

2019 ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Ivan Holovko
Keyword(s):  
International Relations ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Soft Power ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Interstate Relations ◽  
Basic Set ◽  
Cultural Component ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Political Economic

The article deals with the interpretation of cultural paradiplomacy as one of the key tools for deepening the interaction of regions and the interpretation of this type of paradiplomacy as a component of the «soft power» of subnational actors. This kind of paradiplomacy is realized in the instrumental and symbolic aspects. The main goal of these aspects is the new quality of interactions through motivation of actors for economic cooperation, support of ethnic diasporas abroad and thereby, building the stability of the international relations in perspective. It is substantiated that culture plays one of the most important roles of modern politics and creates a positive image abroad. The cultural component of subnational regions does not rank first in a number of priorities in international relations, but despite this, the establishment of cultural ties is extremely important for them. It has been established that culture as a strategic resource conceals a tremendous potential for long-term strengthening of its international positions without the use of violent methods or unconventional methods of pressure on social relations. It is proved that the factor of culture as a component of «soft power» in world politics has recently acquired a new meaning, its influence on world social and economic processes and interstate relations is seriously increasing. It is determined that, in general, regions that implement paradiplomacy have a basic set of motives for this activity, which are in political, economic and cultural contexts. Keywords: paradiplomacy, region, cultural diplomacy, «soft power», subnational actor, tourism, cultural paradiplomacy.

scholarly journals PRIORITY DIRECTIONS OF THE CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE ECONOMIC SECURITY

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Ol'ga Repushevskaya ◽  
Tatiana Skudalova
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
State Policy ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
World Politics ◽  
The State ◽  
National Interests ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Economic Ties

The state policy in the field of ensuring the socio-economic development and national security of the Russian Federation should contribute to the implementation of effective protection of national interests and strategic national priorities. At the moment, a stable basis has been created for building up the political, economic, spiritual and military potential of Russia, strengthening its positions in the formation of a polycentric world. The modern market economy, in a rapidly changing environment, poses solutions to important issues related to economic security, the importance of which is important to underestimate. This is due to the fact that the economy is the basis of the existence of the public, its social relations, as well as world politics. Therefore, the state policy is based on economic security. The complexity of the structure of international relations, the redistribution of resources in the world economy and changes in the development model have determined the changes in the customs sector. Thus, an assessment was made of the contribution of customs authorities to the situation associated with the possibility of economic threats in Russia, and the strengthening of foreign economic ties. In order to ensure economic security, the priorities of the customs authorities in the external environment and the need for their improvement by the customs service of the Russian Federation in all areas of its activity were determined.

scholarly journals DYNAMICS OF UKRAINIAN-GERMAN RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHANGES IN GERMAN POLITICS

2019 ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Valeriy Kravchenko ◽  
Iryna Stasiukevych
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Atlantic Region ◽  
German Politics ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
Defence Spending ◽  
Angela Merkel ◽  
Nord Stream ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Economic Ties

The article analyzes the current foreign policy of Germany and how it is influenced by domestic political developments as well as changes in the international arena. Germany, as a key player in Europe, remains declaratively consistent in its support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russian revisionism. However, a deeper analysis of the geopolitical and domestic position of Germany demonstrates certain risks to the stability of Ukraine-Germany relations.Attention is given to the dependence of Ukraine-Germany relations of Russia-Germany relations. Traditionally active economic ties between Berlin and Moscow have been increasing despite European and American sanctions against Russia. This leads to the strengthening of the pro-Russian lobby in German political circles. It is highlighted that the planned completion of the construction of Nord Stream-2, the dependence of Germany on the supplies of Russian hydrocarbons and the augmentation of net direct investments of German companies in Russian economy illustrates German endeavor, primarily in its geopolitical interests, to normalize relations with Russian Federation. Moreover, the article emphasizes the crisis of German political leadership which is connected with the end of the 4th mandate of the chancellor Angela Merkel in 2021 and the rise of anti-system and populist movements in Germany that may shatter political support of Ukraine. The changes in the Euro-Atlantic region are mentioned separately, namely the issue of defence spending of Germany in the framework of NATO and the consequences of Brexit.In the context of the mentioned elements of German politics, several challenges for Ukraine, that may significantly weaken its position in the international arena, are determined. A complex foreign and domestic situation can remove Ukrainian issue from the agenda and encourage Berlin to take quick «comfortable» measures in the context of the war in the East of Ukraine. On this basis, the article suggests recommendations on ways of reacting to the current developments in Germany from the side of Ukraine as well as on adjusting foreign policy towards this state with due regard to the mentioned tendencies.

Metamorphoses of memory of the the Russian-Serbian Brotherhood of War in Modern Serbia

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-156
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Timofeev
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Civil War ◽  
Party System ◽  
Historical Memory ◽  
Civil Conflict ◽  
Second World War ◽  
World War ◽  
Post War ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Second World

The article considers the perception of World War II in modern Serbian society. Despite the stability of Serbian-Russian shared historical memory, the attitudes of both countries towards World wars differ. There is a huge contrast in the perception of the First and Second World War in Russian and Serbian societies. For the Serbs the events of World War II are obscured by the memories of the Civil War, which broke out in the country immediately after the occupation in 1941 and continued several years after 1945. Over 70% of Yugoslavs killed during the Second World War were slaughtered by the citizens of former Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The terror unleashed by Tito in the first postwar decade in 1944-1954 was proportionally bloodier than Stalin repressions in the postwar USSR. The number of emigrants from Yugoslavia after the establishment of the Tito's dictatorship was proportionally equal to the number of refugees from Russia after the Civil War (1,5-2% of prewar population). In the post-war years, open manipulations with the obvious facts of World War II took place in Tito's Yugoslavia. In the 1990s the memories repressed during the communist years were set free and publicly debated. After the fall of the one-party system the memory of World War II was devalued. The memory of the Russian-Serbian military fraternity forged during the World War II began to revive in Serbia due to the foreign policy changes in 2008. In October 2008 the President of Russia paid a visit to Serbia which began the process of (re) construction of World War II in Serbian historical memory. According to the public opinion surveys, a positive attitude towards Russia and Russians in Serbia strengthens the memories on general resistance to Nazism with memories of fratricide during the civil conflict events of 1941-1945 still dominating in Serbian society.

Dangerous Harvest

2004 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Landscapes ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
External Demand ◽  
Military Conflicts ◽  
Global Problems ◽  
Foreign Policies ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Economic Ties

The global drug trade and its associated violence, corruption, and human suffering create global problems that include political and military conflicts, ethnic minority human rights violations, and stresses on economic development. Drug production and eradication affects the stability of many states, shaping and sometimes distorting their foreign policies. External demand for drugs has transformed many indigenous cultures from using local agricultural activity to being enmeshed in complex global problems. Dangerous Harvest presents a global overview of indigenous peoples' relations with drugs. It presents case studies from various cultural landscapes that are involved in drug plant production, trade, and use, and examines historical uses of illicit plant substances. It continues with coverage of eradication efforts, and the environmental impact of drug plant production. In its final chapter, it synthesizes the major points made and forecasts future directions of crop substitution programs, international eradication efforts, and changes in indigenous landscapes. The book helps unveil the farmer, not to glamorize those who grow drug plants but to show the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between farmer and crop.

scholarly journals The Stability and Consolidation of the Francoist Regime. The Case of Eastern Andalusia, 1936–1950

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-59
Author(s):  
FRANCISCO COBO ROMERO ◽  
MIGUEL ÁNGEL DEL ARCO BLANCO ◽  
TERESA MARÍA ORTEGA LÓPEZ
Keyword(s):  
Civil War ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Economic Sphere ◽  
Shared Culture ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Personal Interests

AbstractThe stabilisation and longevity of Franco's regime can be explained by the interpenetration of society and the institutions of the ‘New State’ in three overlapping areas: firstly, in the sphere of the shared culture of the community of civil war victors; secondly, through repression, based on the decisive collaboration of those supporting Francoism, which cut short any possible opposition; thirdly, in the socio-economic sphere, where those making up the groups supporting the ‘New State’ would see their personal interests fulfilled. At the same time, the defeated would be ensnared in a maze of misery and silence, abandoning any political concerns and concentrating instead on survival. Accordingly, the regime proved able to win support from a broad range of social groups while also eliminating any signs of opposition.

Kuwait's foreign policy: city-state in world politics

1991 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-188
Author(s):  
Glen Balfour-Paul
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
World Politics ◽  
City State

The Social Relations of Business Representation and Devolved Governance in the United Kingdom

2003 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1853-1876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Raco
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Cooperative Networks ◽  
Regional Governance ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Business Interests ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Social ◽  
Policymaking And Implementation ◽  
And Performance

The reform of regional governance in the United Kingdom has been, in part, premised on the notion that regions provide new territories of action in which cooperative networks between business communities and state agencies can be established. Promoting business interests is seen as one mechanism for enhancing the economic competitiveness and performance of ‘laggard’ regions. Yet, within this context of change, business agendas and capacities are often assumed to exist ‘out there’, as a resource waiting to be tapped by state institutions. There is little recognition that business organisations' involvement in networks of governance owes much to historical patterns and practices of business representation, to the types of activities that exist within the business sector, and to interpretations of their own role and position within wider policymaking and implementation networks. This paper, drawing on a study of business agendas in post-devolution Scotland, demonstrates that in practice business agendas are highly complex. Their formation in any particular place depends on the actions of reflexive agents, whose perspectives and capacities are shaped by the social, economic, and political contexts within which they are operating. As such, any understanding of business agendas needs to identify the social relations of business as a whole, rather than assuming away such complexities.

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