45 години катедра „Международни отношения” в УНСС: приемственост и развитие в изучаването на международните отношения и процесите в Европа
45 Years of the Department of International Relations at UNWE: Succession and Development in the Study of International Relations and Processes in Europe
Conference Proceedings
Author(s): Georgy Genov, Dinko Dinkov, Yurii Tarkalanov, Antonina Habova, Veselina Uzunova, Ralitsa Vasileva, Michael Kozarski, Jivko Valkov, Svetoslav Velkov, Ivsun Chan, Kaloyan Simeonov, Elisabeth Yoneva, Monika Panayotova, Aglika Kaneva, Hristo Pantaleev, Izabela Lazova, Vladimir Slavenski, Iliyan Krumov
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Political Sciences, International relations/trade, History and theory of political science, Geopolitics
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: international relations; European studies; Southeast Europe
Summary/Abstract: This collection of papers includes papers presented at the scientific conference 45 YEARS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT UNWE: SUCCESSION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND PROCESSES IN EUROPE, organized by the Department of International Relations at UNWE and held in Sofia on October 29, 2021. More than eighty scholars and researchers from different universities and research institutions participated in the scientific forum. The present volume includes the texts of those of the conference participants who sent their presentations in written form. The volume is structured in four parts. The first one contains the keynote speeches delivered at the conference. The second one includes research papers that address the following question: After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan - are the contours of the new global order clearer? The third part is focused on European collisions, centrifugal forces and prospects for development. The papers in the fourth part deals with problems and projects in Southest Europe and the role of Bulgaria.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-619-232-620-3
- Page Count: 281
- Publication Year: 2022
- Language: Bulgarian
Контурите на нова епоха в борбата за нов глобален ред. Пак преход
Контурите на нова епоха в борбата за нов глобален ред. Пак преход
(The Contours of a New Epoch in the Contest for a New Global Order. Transition Again)
- Author(s):Georgy Genov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Geopolitics
- Page Range:5-14
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:balance of power; hegemony; international security; system; world order; strategic stability
- Summary/Abstract:The passing Yalta system of international relations is founded on the premise of combining a whole of two ideologically incompatible subjects or power poles. As a system it is dependent, dynamic, relatively stable and dominated by the subsystem of interstate relations; for its structure important is the approximate balance of powers of the two competing centers. As a system it is adaptive and surviving till its bipolarity is intact. After 1991 attempt is made to substitute bipolarity with uni-polarity (military, political, values) - a system of hegemonic stability. As evidence tells it will fail mainly due to military disbalance and security complications. So a prolonged transition period is needed to form through cooperation a viable international multi-polar system. Most probably it will be with a diversified and complex structure at different levels and in different forms.
Издигна ли се професионализмът във външната политика на България през последните 45 години?
Издигна ли се професионализмът във външната политика на България през последните 45 години?
(Has Professionalism Increased in Bulgaria's Foreign Policy over the Last 45 Years?)
- Author(s):Dinko Dinkov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Education, International relations/trade, Higher Education
- Page Range:15-20
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Bulgaria; diplomacy; Department of International Relations; UNWE
- Summary/Abstract:The creation of International Relations program at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) laid the foundations for a Bulgarian school for the study of processes around the world and for the training of staff for Bulgarian foreign policy and diplomacy. Many enthusiasts contributed to the establishment of the Department of International Relations as a serious research center and as a unit that played an important role in the training of thousands of specialists in the field of international relations. The Department of International Relations has a great merit for the development of scientific research in the field of international relations and foreign policy, for the understanding of international relations, the processes in the world. The creation of such a university program contributes to rising professionalism in the development and implementation of the foreign policy of the Republic of Bulgaria. At the same time, some problems remain unsolved. The main one is that our scientific thought, our expertise is still running away from the big problems of world development. We still demonstrate lack of self-confidence and inability to navigate complex processes in the modern world. The international system is changing very dynamically and the foreign policy of a country should work to create the most favorable external conditions that enable the achievement of its foreign policy goals.
Афганистан и Фридрих Енгелс: 160 години по-късно (за историческата аналогия)
Афганистан и Фридрих Енгелс: 160 години по-късно (за историческата аналогия)
(Friedrich Engels and Afghanistan: 160 Years Later (for Historical Analogy))
- Author(s):Yurii Tarkalanov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Inter-Ethnic Relations
- Page Range:23-32
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:analogy; ethnic and social structure; power
- Summary/Abstract:The report examines the historical analogy based on an article on Afghanistan written by Friedrich Engels in 1857 and published in the New American Cyclopedia, Vol. I, 1858. Important elements of the analysis of Afghan society and the state in the 19th century are emphasized. The comparison with the current situation shows the preservation of a number of basic features in the ethnic and social structure and the structure of power, which largely explains the failure of attempts to exercise external control over the territory of the country.
Китай: различната глобална сила
Китай: различната глобална сила
(China: a Different Kind of Global Power)
- Author(s):Antonina Habova
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Sociology, International relations/trade, Economic development, Geopolitics
- Page Range:33-57
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:China; economic transformation; global power; “One Belt, One Road”; world order; FDI; technology
- Summary/Abstract:China has returned peacefully to the international scene as a global power. This has been made possible thanks to the significant transformation and progress made by China in a relatively short period of time in a number of important dimensions of global power: economic power, dimplomatic and military power, political system that delivers outcomes, technological progress, its own vision of world order. The aim of this report is to present some of the main elements of this transformation, to analyze their potential to further increase China’s strategic opportunities and the ensuing challenges to status quo in the international system.
Факторът Иран във войната в Афганистан ‒ исторически анализ 1979-2021 г.
Факторът Иран във войната в Афганистан ‒ исторически анализ 1979-2021 г.
(The Iranian Factor in the Afghanistan War – a Historical Analysis)
- Author(s):Veselina Uzunova
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, International relations/trade
- Page Range:58-72
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Iran; Afghanistan; world order
- Summary/Abstract:In the modern history of Afghanistan, there are two known occupations and two withdrawals of superpowers from its territories - that of the USSR in 1989 and that of the United States in 2021. These significant events has shaped the modern meaning of the "Afghan question". concerning the place of Afghanistan in the spheres of influence of five major countries: the USSR, the USA, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The proposed study examines Iran's perspective on Tehran's policy in Afghanistan from 1979 to 2021 in the context of changes in the system of international relations that led to the depletion of the Bipolar Model and the emergence of the Post-Bipolar Model.
Ролята на Иран в Южен Кавказ – между традиционните интереси и новите реалности
Ролята на Иран в Южен Кавказ – между традиционните интереси и новите реалности
(Iran’s Role in the South Caucasus – Between Traditional Interests and New Realities)
- Author(s):Ralitsa Vassileva
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:73-88
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Iran; Caucasus; Azerbaijan; Nagorno – Karabakh; Armenia; Georgia
- Summary/Abstract:The paper examines Iran's policy over the years towards the South Caucasus region, focusing on Tehran's relations with each of the three countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. The Iranian approach during the recent military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh is analysed, as well as Turkey's role in the region and the conflict of interests between these two countries in the context of recent events. Furthermore, the author goes into detail on the support for Armenia and the threats to Iran's national security stemming from various factors, including the country's Azerbaijani minority, as well as deepening Azerbaijani-Israeli security ties and recent military exercises near the Azerbaijani-Iranian border a year after the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh war. The article finds common ground between Tehran and Tblisi, despite the differences in the two countries' foreign policy orientations. In conclusion, it is pointed that Iran adheres to a balanced approach of minimal interference in the domestic political life of the countries in the South Caucasus region, and its efforts are focused on an active strategic partnership to counter Euro-Atlantic influence.
Иранското „лято“ в персийската вселена на Евразия – новата геостратегическа и геополитическа трансформация на Хартленда или началото на новата голяма игра след полета на Ламасу от 1400 година
Иранското „лято“ в персийската вселена на Евразия – новата геостратегическа и геополитическа трансформация на Хартленда или началото на новата голяма игра след полета на Ламасу от 1400 година
(The Iranian “Summer” in the Persian Universe of Eurasia – the New Geostrategic and Geoplitical Transformation of the Hearthland or The Beginning of the New Great Game after The Flight of Lamasu in 1400 Sh.)
- Author(s):Michael Kozarski
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Geopolitics
- Page Range:89-109
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:geopolitics; geopolitical knot; Iran; Lamasu; Hartland; geostrategic; Great powers; poles of power
- Summary/Abstract:The global pandemic situation and the super-realistic experience of a forgotten Karel-Chapek reality from the White Disease, as well as the daily threat of state lock-downs in the eyes of Steven Sodeberg, refracted through the prism of the two-year-old coronavirus disease - called COVID-19 - marks our "Normal" reality. The redistribution of power by regional and global players in the Middle East is also no less significant, which is mostly felt by the events in the Persian universe in 2021. Iran's final turn to the east and its even greater involvement in the One Belt, One Road project suggest even more tension and conflict along the Washington-Beijing axis. In the third decade of the 21st century, the need to reformulate the current world order is becoming more and more important. The old geopolitical notion of the Heartland needs to be revised, and hence a re-examination of a culture unconsciously forgotten in recent decades, and its perception of geopolitics - namely Persian - most tentatively represented by the core of its bearer, the Islamic Republic of Iran as the successor to the former Persian Empire.
Регионалната интеграция в Западна Африка: предизвикателства и перспективи пред ЕКОВАС
Регионалната интеграция в Западна Африка: предизвикателства и перспективи пред ЕКОВАС
(Regional Integration in West Africa: Challenges and Prospects for ECOWAS)
- Author(s):Jivko Valkov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Geopolitics
- Page Range:110-130
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:ECOWAS; West Africa; regional integration; ethnic conflicts; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:In the current system of international relations, reshaped by new forms of cooperation and coordination, conflicts continue to be an integral part of the world configuration. Despite the effects of globalization, shrinking the “size and distance”, specific zones such as West Africa, plagued by suchlike collisions remain rather on the periphery of international attention. The countries are characterized by their rich natural resources and their struggle to overcome poverty and economic backwardness.The colonial past still resonates in the region and its legacy is the cause of some ethnic conflicts as well as at the heart of the integration processes. In recent years, West Africa has experienced a specific dynamism in economic, social, and political transformations, stimulating the progress of regionalization. The last decades marked a period of growing interest in international partnerships and regional cooperation which even in some cases call into question the prevailing political concept of sovereignty enshrined in the Westphalian system of international relations. The paper focuses on the design and evolution of ECOWAS and its advances. As main obstacles are identified the financial difficulties and the fragile democratic governance in several countries. The analysis uses a complex methodology, to understand the ongoing events in West Africa and to try to clarify if the integrational course will prevail over the conflict mindset.
Информационната война в международните отношения
Информационната война в международните отношения
(The Information War in International Relations)
- Author(s):Svetoslav Velkov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Geopolitics
- Page Range:131-139
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:information; information and communication technology; information warfare; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:Modern international relations are developing in the context of the rapid progress of computer technology and globalization processes. The advance of the civilized world into the information age has increased the role of information and information technology in all spheres of public life and contributed to the development and implementation of new tools for positioning countries in the international arena, as well as new ways and means to achieve the strategic goals of global players. Informatization and information technology are becoming weapons of information warfare and are a determining factor in the development of ongoing processes in the modern world, becoming a resource that easily overcomes all obstacles and influences world events and international relations.
Политиката на „Дой Мой“ и реформирането на Виетнам: икономически и политически аспекти
Политиката на „Дой Мой“ и реформирането на Виетнам: икономически и политически аспекти
(The Doi Moi Policy and Reforms in Vietnam: Economic and Political Aspects)
- Author(s):Ivsun Chan
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Economic policy, International relations/trade
- Page Range:140-161
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:Vietnam; Doi Moi; economy; trade; ASEAN; reforms; FDI
- Summary/Abstract:From the standpoint of economic transformations, Vietnam‘s development has been described by experts as a real miracle, which gives grounds for the country to be qualified in the modern scientific literature as a „Southeast Asian tiger of transition“. In this respect, the paper explores the processes of reforming of the state through the lens of their historical, economic and political aspects. As a key element is identified the policy of „Doi Moi“, which is the basis for renewal and progress. The research also discusses the formed specific „system of market socialism“ that has an impact on the explicit measures that are being implemented so as to accelerate not only the domestic economic development but also the intensification of external economic relations. The author looks also at Vietnam‘s accession to important international organizations such as ASEAN and the WTO, and the creation of favorable business climate of welcoming tax policies, assisting the country to stand out among the areas of high attractiveness to foreign investors.
Перспективи за разширяване на еврозоната в условията на икономическа и здравна криза
Перспективи за разширяване на еврозоната в условията на икономическа и здравна криза
(Perspectives for Euro Area Enlargement in the Context of an Economic and Health Crisis)
- Author(s):Kaloyan Simeonov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:165-174
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:economic and health crisis; euro area; ERM II; enlargement
- Summary/Abstract:Enlargement of the euro area seems illogical, especially in the context of the economic and health crisis that the European Union is still in. But the EU has proven that when there is a crisis, it can create “more Europe”. The Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – joined the euro area in 2011, 2014 and 2015, respectively, when the previous global economic and financial crisis was still in force or slightly fading. Bulgaria and Croatia joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II), called the forefront of the euro area, and the EU Banking Union, respectively, in the summer and early autumn of 2020. This happened precisely in the midst of the current economic and health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This may lead other non-euro area Member States to think more seriously about the prospects of preparing for the adoption of the euro. The Brexit crisis also raises important questions about the future of the single currency. The current analysis aims to determine whether it is possible in the context of the economic and health crisis to work on enlarging the euro area.
Европейският енергиен сектор – от пандемични сътресения към устойчиво възстановяване
Европейският енергиен сектор – от пандемични сътресения към устойчиво възстановяване
(The European Energy Sector – from Pandemic Shocks to Sustainable Recovery)
- Author(s):Elisabeth Yoneva
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:175-194
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:energy; pandemic; EU; fossil fuels; renewables
- Summary/Abstract:Тhe aim of the study is to outline the specific challenges and complications the EU is facing in the energy sector as a result of the start of the pandemic crisis. The paper explores Europe’s positions in the various energy dimensions by applying a comparative perspective with the world pattern. The author discusses the principal elements of the debate, to what extent the pandemic shocks are perceived and used as opportunities to generate “green growth” and how this issue is rooted in the controversy over the proposed recovery measures to overcome the economic collapse. In the context of the research topic, the analysis showcases the main vectors of EU energy metamorphoses, in order to reveal its potential for transition towards a new energy paradigm.
Бъдещето на европейската отбрана – споделена или обща политика за сигурност и отбрана на ЕС?
Бъдещето на европейската отбрана – споделена или обща политика за сигурност и отбрана на ЕС?
(The Future of European Defence – Shared or Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the EU)
- Author(s):Monika Panayotova
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:195-207
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:CSDP; European sovereignty; European defence; strategic independence; the future of Europe
- Summary/Abstract:The paper aims to focus the attention on two key processes:*the unprecedented pan European exercise in deliberative democracy called the „Conference on the Future of Europe“, and *the strategic rethinking of the security environment in the face of new threats and geopolitical changes through the development of the so-called „Strategic Compass“. Outlining the three key words as a departure point of the analysis-debate, future and sovereignty – the author attempts to answer the question of what the future of European defence is and how member states should not only share but also delegate their sovereignty in order to have a workable CSDP.
Мерки на европейските институции за ограничаване на въздействието на пандемията от COVID-19 върху икономиките на страните членки на Европейския съюз
Мерки на европейските институции за ограничаване на въздействието на пандемията от COVID-19 върху икономиките на страните членки на Европейския съюз
(European Institutions’ Measures for Limiting the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the EU Member States’ Economies)
- Author(s):Aglika Kaneva
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:208-223
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:COVID-19; European institutions; European Commission; European Union’s economy; member states
- Summary/Abstract:In this paper, the measures of the European Commission and other European institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the ECB for limiting the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU Member States’ economies have been examined. An analysis has been made of the actions at the European level in various fields, such as State aid, the EU budget, funding from the EU cohesion policy, fiscal policy, support for the sectors most affected by the pandemic – agriculture and fisheries and transport, monetary policy and the EU prudential rules for banks.
Споразуменията за стабилизиране и асоцииране на Европейския съюз и българският принос за Западните Балкани
Споразуменията за стабилизиране и асоцииране на Европейския съюз и българският принос за Западните Балкани
(Stabilisation and Association Agreement between European Union and the States of Western Balkans and Bulgatian Contribution to the Process)
- Author(s):Hristo Pantaleev
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:227-243
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Western Balkans; Stabilisation and Association Agreement; EU membership; economy of the Western Balkans; transport connectivity
- Summary/Abstract:The article aims to review the Stabilisation and Association Agreements between European Union and the countries of Western Balkans and to outline the Bulgarian contribution to the process of integration of the states from the region in the EU. The review has considered two main aspects – implementation of political and economic reforms – according to official reports and statistics of EU. The following conclusions were drawn: the Stability and Association Agreements have a beneficial impact on the countries from the Western Balkans and two states are effectively implementing political and economic reforms – Albania and North Macedonia. The Bulgarian contribution to the integration of the states from the region is political, but Bulgarian policy is not consistent especially in the transport connectivity and the attitude towards EU membership of Republic of North Macedonia.
Ролята и позицията на България в процеса по присъединяване на Република Северна Македония към Европейския съюз
Ролята и позицията на България в процеса по присъединяване на Република Северна Македония към Европейския съюз
(The Role and Position of Bulgaria in The Process of Accession of the Republic of Northern Macedonia to the European Union)
- Author(s):Izabela Lazova
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
- Page Range:244-253
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Bulgaria; Republic of Northern Macedonia; Balkans; bilateral relations; EU
- Summary/Abstract:The article discusses the issue of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of Northern Macedonia and especially Bulgaria’s position on the possible membership of our western neighbor in the EU. At present, Bulgaria is blocking the negotiation process due to unresolved historical issues. The relations between the two Balkan countries bring a lot of negatives to everyone and for this reason it is necessary to find a long-term strategic solution that satisfies both countries as soon as possible. The study analyzes the benefits and losses for Bulgaria depending on the chosen position, as well as proposes a slightly different, pan-European consolidated approach, according to which all current EU member states to unite and defend their full membership, thus demonstrating unity.
Политическата криза в България и отношенията с Република Северна Македония. Перспективи за задълбочаване на кризата в двустранните отношения
Политическата криза в България и отношенията с Република Северна Македония. Перспективи за задълбочаване на кризата в двустранните отношения
(The Political Crisis in Bulgaria and The Relations with the Republic of Northern Macedonia. Prospects for Deepening the Crisis in Bilateral Relations)
- Author(s):Vladimir Slavenski
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:254-267
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:crisis; risks; bilateral relations; deteriorated perspective; positions; hardening; disputes; Macedonia; Bulgaria
- Summary/Abstract:The impossibility of forming a government in Bulgaria does not allow solving urgent problems with Skopje. Although Bulgaria‘s position remains unchanged, it is evolving and the tone is sharpening. Macedonian leaders, for their part, are also not acting to cheer. European pressure on the issue is unilaterally directed against Bulgaria and has a destructive effect on bilateral relations. The prospects are unclear, and the current factors in the relations between the two countries can lead to a negative trend.
Хибридни рискове и заплахи за страните от Западните Балкани: влиянието на Русия в региона
Хибридни рискове и заплахи за страните от Западните Балкани: влиянието на Русия в региона
(Hybrid Risks and Threats to the Western Balkans: Russia‘s Influence in the Region)
- Author(s):Iliyan Krumov
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense
- Page Range:268-281
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Russia; hybrid war; Western Balkans; politics; religion
- Summary/Abstract:The article examines Russia‘s foreign policy towards some countries in the Western Balkans (WB). In order to realize its interests and to project its influence, Moscow is taking a number of different measures and activities, which in modern analysis in the field of defense and security are called hybrid threats. At the very beginning of the article, the various concepts of the concept of hybrid warfare are discussed, and after analyzing its characteristics, a working definition is derived. Subsequently, various aspects of Russia‘s bilateral relations with the WB countries of interest to their foreign policy were examined. The exhibition presents the main forms, methods and tools for projecting Moscow‘s influence in the countries under consideration.