Regional Integration in the East and West: Challenges and Responses
Regional Integration in the East and West: Challenges and Responses
Contributor(s): Alexander Duleba (Editor), Tadayuki Hayashi (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics, Energy and Environmental Studies, Civil Society, Governance, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Geopolitics
Published by: Research Center of the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (RC SFPA)
Keywords: Slovakia; EU; enlargement; integration; foreign policy; economic policy; security; Central Europe; Eastern Europe; Ukraine; NGO;
Summary/Abstract: The conference entitled Regional Integration in the East and West: Challenges and Responses was held in Bratislava on September 16-19,2004 as the second international conference of the program entitled Central and Eastern Europe - Japan Forum for the 21st Century. The conference in Bratislava was possible thanks to the generous support provided by the Japan Foundation through its Japan-Europe Support Program for Conferences and Symposiums for the 2004-2005 fiscal year. It was a great honor for the Slovak Foreign Policy Association to organize the conference in cooperation with the Slavic Research Center of Hokkaido University. My sincere thanks go to Professor Tadayuki Hayashi from the Slavic Research Center of Hokkaido University and Professor Takayuki Ito from the School of Political Sciences and Economics of Waseda University in Tokyo. Both of them are initiators as well as leaders of the Central and Eastern Europe - Japan Forum for the 21st Century Program. Prof. Tadayuki Hayashi is also co-editor of this conference publication and the Slavic Research Center of Hokkaido University shared a substantial part of its publishing costs.
- E-ISBN-10: 80-969186-3-X
- Print-ISBN-10: 80-969186-3-X
- Page Count: 250
- Publication Year: 2005
- Language: English
Systems, Identities, Interests, and Institutions: Regionalism in Comparative Perspective
Systems, Identities, Interests, and Institutions: Regionalism in Comparative Perspective
(Systems, Identities, Interests, and Institutions: Regionalism in Comparative Perspective)
- Author(s):Takayuki Ito
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Regional Geography, Governance, International relations/trade
- Page Range:13-31
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:region; integration; east; west; systems; identities; institutions;
- Summary/Abstract:There are two significant processes going on in the world today: globalization and democratization. Capital, labor, and goods flow freely across national borders. New international players that are mostly beyond the control of national governments are also pushing their way onto the domestic scene. On the other hand, there is a great tide of democratization, a “Third Wave of Democratization” according to Samuel Huntington.1 Are they compatible?
Post-Cold War International Security System and Europe
Post-Cold War International Security System and Europe
(Post-Cold War International Security System and Europe)
- Author(s):Petr Vančura
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Military history, Political history, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today)
- Page Range:33-40
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Post-Cold War; international situation; security; Europe;
- Summary/Abstract:In what is now considered the Cold War period, the main security positioning was between the aggression of the Soviet Union and the barriers put up around it by the democratic world through the various security agreements. Of these, the agreement relevant for Europe was NATO. To refresh our memory, the European partners in NATO had to be dragged kicking and screaming by President Reagan into the final confrontation with the Soviet Union, after the policies of entente had been put firmly in place by the Europeans and President Reagan’s predecessors. The Helsinki accord of 1976 secured the borders of the Soviet-dominated realm - for ever, in the minds of Moscow strategists.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and an Emerging Security System in Eurasia
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and an Emerging Security System in Eurasia
(The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and an Emerging Security System in Eurasia)
- Author(s):Akihiro Iwashita
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Energy and Environmental Studies, Economic policy, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade
- Page Range:41-49
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Shanghai Cooperation Organization; Eurasia; economy; policy; security;
- Summary/Abstract:The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), consisting of China and the Former Soviet Republics (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) was formed in June o f2001. The SCO, as well as the Russo-Chinese “Strategic Partnership”, have been sometimes described as tools to foster the concept of a “multi-polar world” intended to offset perceived U.S. global domination.39 However, this viewpoint lacks persuasive reasons and shows an adherence to the stereotype of the “Cold War.” The SCO should be seen in a different angle after a more realistic review.
ESDP and Autonomous European Defense
ESDP and Autonomous European Defense
(ESDP and Autonomous European Defense)
- Author(s):Ivo Samson
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:51-61
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:ESDP: NATO; defense; security; policy;
- Summary/Abstract:NATO has surely developed into the main criterion of Transatlantic development as measured by its significance for the transatlantic link. It is still the Alliance that serves as a test of Euro-American relationships in the field of foreign and security policy. Despite preliminary conclusions, however, the question must be raised, if the cooperation between the US and Western allies will survive in the future and if it will continue to be supervised under the coverage of NATO.
The Role of the New NATO Allies in the Eastern Balkans
The Role of the New NATO Allies in the Eastern Balkans
(The Role of the New NATO Allies in the Eastern Balkans)
- Author(s):Blagovest Tashev
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Regional Geography, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy
- Page Range:63-71
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:NATO; allies; members; Eastern Balkans;
- Summary/Abstract:In a speech before the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Cincinnati on August 16th, President Bush formally revealed his administration’s plan over the next decade to bring back home up to 70,000 military personnel and about 100,000 family members and civilian employees from their current bases in Europe and Asia, mainly in Germany and South Korea. Some of the troops and installations will be moved to “new locations so that they can quickly deal with unexpected threats.” hundreds of installations will be closed down and new ones will be built in places, which until 15 years ago, deemed America to be the enemy.
EU Enlargement and Euroscepticism in Central and Eastern Europe: The ODS in the Czech Party System
EU Enlargement and Euroscepticism in Central and Eastern Europe: The ODS in the Czech Party System
(EU Enlargement and Euroscepticism in Central and Eastern Europe: The ODS in the Czech Party System)
- Author(s):Tadayuki Hayashi
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Regional Geography, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:75-84
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:EU; enlargement; euroscepticism; Central Europe; Eastern Europe; ODS; Czech party system;
- Summary/Abstract:The eight former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, joined the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004. These countries attained the immediate goal of a ‘return to Europe’, after they had undergone painful multiple transformations since the collapse of their communist regimes. However, the enlarging and deepening of European integration are causing negative reactions in the domestic politics of the new, as well as old, member countries. Party-based Euroscepticism, one of these reactions, is recently attracting the attention of specialists in comparative politics, who argue over theoretical problems, including the problem of its definition, and who accumulate case studies of the old and new member countries. I would like to analyze the Czech case of Euroscepticism according to my observations, as well as with reference to preceding theoretical studies and case studies.701 believe that details about not only the bright side but also the dark side will allow us to better understand today’s European integration.
The Role of the Visegrad Four in the Enlarged European Union: A View from Slovakia
The Role of the Visegrad Four in the Enlarged European Union: A View from Slovakia
(The Role of the Visegrad Four in the Enlarged European Union: A View from Slovakia)
- Author(s):Tomáš Strážay
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Governance, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:85-91
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:EU; Visegrad Four; role; Slovakia;
- Summary/Abstract:The integration of the Visegrad Group countries to the European Union was a very important milestone on their post-communist transformation paths. By their accession to the EU, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia fulfilled one of their most important foreign policy objectives, which were set up in the early 1990s. At the same time, political elites in the V4 countries had to start looking for new priorities and goals for Visegrad cooperation in the so-called post-integration period.
The Hungarian Status Law and Slovak Acceptance
The Hungarian Status Law and Slovak Acceptance
(The Hungarian Status Law and Slovak Acceptance)
- Author(s):Osamu Ieda
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:93-105
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Hungarian status law; Slovak acceptance; regional integration;
- Summary/Abstract:Three years have passed since the Hungarian Parliament established the highly controversial Status Law on June 19, 2001 under the initiation of the Orbán government. The law was barely accepted, or simply rejected by the neighbouring countries and the European community. The situation deteriorated further when the new Hungarian government (from 2002), led by the socialist party, rejected the compromise negotiated between the Orbán government and the Romanian government in December 2001. It was not until June 23, 2003 when the Hungarian Parliament could adopt the new Act on the amendment to the status law under the Medgyessy cabinet after long negotiations with the concerned partners. However, the fate of the status law remained unclear due to the on-going controversy between Hungary and Slovakia. As a result, Hungarian public opinion has maintained suspicion over the effectiveness of the status .law, which was officially rejected by the Slovakian government. The Hungarian media commented to the Minister of Foreign Affairs at a press conference just after the establishment of the amendment law in July 2003, that ‘This weekend we were informed that there was a neighbouring country, Slovakia, where the benefit law could not assist the Hungarian minorities.
A New Agenda for the Visegrad Four after the EU and NATO Enlargement
A New Agenda for the Visegrad Four after the EU and NATO Enlargement
(A New Agenda for the Visegrad Four after the EU and NATO Enlargement)
- Author(s):Przemysław Żurawski vel Grajewski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:107-116
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Visegrad Four; EU; NATO; enlargement; new agenda;
- Summary/Abstract:The original goals the Visegrad group were formed in 1991 - the co-operation for the entrance of the Four into NATO and the European Union - has been achieved. What are the new main areas of the future co-ordination of the policies of the countries in question? The first and fundamental circumstance we are forced to act on is the fact that the international situation is still dynamic. The most dramatic period of the changes that began in 1989 is probably already over115 (we should not expect the birth of new states in the region). Still, the evolution of the internal systems of the neighbouring CIS states and the final westward or eastward orientation of the Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova has not been decided. The same may be said about the future of transatlantic relations (US-EU) and the perspectives of the future NATO and the EU enlargements and neighbourhood policies. The main purpose of this text therefore, is to examine the core issues that should be addressed by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in the realm of the foreign and security policy in the years to come in the context of the fact that all four countries are already NATO and the EU member states, which gives them some new tools of influence in the international game. The main questions to be answered are as follows: 1. What are the fundamental common interests of the Visegrad countries? 2. What are the expected events in the foreseeable future that the Four should define their positions on? 3. What are the instruments at the disposal of the Visegrad countries and what can they do to raise the efficacy of their influence in international relations?
Germany and the Visegrad Countries between Dependence and Symmetric Partnership?
Germany and the Visegrad Countries between Dependence and Symmetric Partnership?
(Germany and the Visegrad Countries between Dependence and Symmetric Partnership?)
- Author(s):Vladimír Handl
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Governance, International relations/trade, Geopolitics
- Page Range:117-126
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Visegrad; Germany; cooperation; partnership; policy;
- Summary/Abstract:When Germany turns to the East, others are not sure whether to cheer or to tremble, the British Economist argued in February 1992. Indeed, German foreign policy after 1990 has attracted considerable attention. Germany has been equally blamed for a lack of commitment (see the abstention from the Gulf War in 1991 and from the more recent invasion in Iraq) as well as for its activism (recognition of the independence of Croatia and Slovenia in 1991).
EU Policy Towards the Ukraine: What Can/Should be Improved?
EU Policy Towards the Ukraine: What Can/Should be Improved?
(EU Policy Towards the Ukraine: What Can/Should be Improved?)
- Author(s):Grzegorz Gromadzki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:129-130
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:EU; Ukraine; foreign policy; improvements;
- Summary/Abstract:The EU policy towards the Ukraine is built on the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), which was accepted this summer by the European Council. Geographically, the ENP covers Belarus, the Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, the Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and the Southern Mediterranean countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia as well as the Palestinian Authority). It is, in sum, 17 very different countries. ENP discussions began in 2002 because of the planned enlargement. Originally, the EU wanted to create a new policy towards its new neighbors, namely the Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. But the December 2002 Copenhagen European Council added Russia and the Southern Mediterranean countries and in 2004 the EU decided to include the Caucasus countries.
From Zero to the Spaces: The European Union and Putin’s Russia - a Visegrad Perspective
From Zero to the Spaces: The European Union and Putin’s Russia - a Visegrad Perspective
(From Zero to the Spaces: The European Union and Putin’s Russia - a Visegrad Perspective)
- Author(s):László Póti
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Geopolitics
- Page Range:131-138
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:EU; Russia; Visegrad; perspective;
- Summary/Abstract:Since it appeared as an independent state, Russia has faced a major foreign policy dilemma in Europe, which might be called the dilemma of the “missing middle”. This means, that while at the global level - through its veto power on the Security Council - and at the regional level - through the traditional bi- and multilateral mechanisms in the post-Soviet space, Russia has managed to assert its basic interests; in Europe - at the “middle” level - it completely lacked anything like this. Consequently, Russia had to try to solve this dilemma by creating a satisfactory level of power assertion in Europe. In the second half of the nineties, the solution to Russia’s European dilemma seemed to be brought about not by catching up in Europe to the global or regional level of power assertion, but rather, by the erosion of Russia’s position both in the UN SC (the Kosovo and Iraq crises) and in the post-Soviet space (the lack of substance in Russian integration efforts). At the same time, Russia has, indeed improved in its power assertion in European affairs by signing the Founding Act with NATO and later by achieving the “dvatsatka”, (format of twenty) with NATO in 2002.
The Republic of Moldova between the EU and Russia
The Republic of Moldova between the EU and Russia
(The Republic of Moldova between the EU and Russia)
- Author(s):Shigeo Mutsushika
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:139-147
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Moldova; EU; Russia; foreign policy;
- Summary/Abstract:EU enlargement has brought about three phenomena. Firstly, together with NATO conditionality, it has produced conditionality effects which have kept Central and Eastern Europe relatively stable in comparison with their inter-war situations. Secondly, it made reform of the EU’s internal structure inevitable, and the EU has moved towards the adoption of an EU Constitution. Thirdly, it has caused a great geo-political transformation. Owing to the fifth EU enlargement, the Union’s membership has increased from 15 to 25 states, making the EU an economic, social and political entity with a population of more than 450 million and a GDP of almost 10,000 billion Euros. As a result of this expansion, it has common borders with Western CIS states in addition to the Mediterranean states. It faces new neighbours with a total population 385 million.
Impact of the Schengen Regime on Slovak-Ukrainian Relations
Impact of the Schengen Regime on Slovak-Ukrainian Relations
(Impact of the Schengen Regime on Slovak-Ukrainian Relations)
- Author(s):Alexander Duleba
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:149-161
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Slovakia; Ukraine; foreign policy; relations; Schengen regime; impact;
- Summary/Abstract:Strategic planning and the consequent reforms that have been undertaken in Slovakia within the EU accession process in the field of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) over the last three years - including approximation of the EU acquis, adjusting foreign migration policies, allocation of various financial sources, improving the maintenance and supply of border service and building new administrative capacities have been following a strategic priority that results from the very fact that the Slovak - Ukrainian border became an external border of the enlarged EU whereas the Slovak borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary became inner borders within the EU. As to the Schengen Action Plan of the Slovak Republic adopted in August 2001, Slovak authorities expect that Slovakia will fully cope with the Schengen acquis - including implementation of the Schengen information system - by 2007, which is the year when Slovakia is supposed to be fully integrated into the Schengen area and join the Schengen Treaty.
Prospects for the Entry of Slovakia into the Euro Area
Prospects for the Entry of Slovakia into the Euro Area
(Prospects for the Entry of Slovakia into the Euro Area)
- Author(s):Marián Nemec
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:165-171
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Euro area; Slovakia; entry; policy; prospects;
- Summary/Abstract:Slovakia’s integration into the European structures has not ended with European Union accession. The next step, which is connected with the Treaty of Accession to the EU and is therefore binding for the SR, is entry into the euro area. Although Slovakia has been granted a temporary postponement for the adoption of the euro, the country is expected to become a full member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and to introduce the single currency as soon as the Maastricht criteria are met. However, the adoption of the euro is to be seen first and foremost as an advantage, rather than an obligation, since it represents a chance that all the positive effects of integration will be achieved fon the Slovak economy.
Central and Eastern Europe under the Globalization of the International Financial Market
Central and Eastern Europe under the Globalization of the International Financial Market
(Central and Eastern Europe under the Globalization of the International Financial Market)
- Author(s):Akira Uegaki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, Financial Markets, Globalization
- Page Range:173-199
- No. of Pages:27
- Keywords:international relations; financial market; globalization; Central Europe; Eastern Europe;
- Summary/Abstract:The purpose of this paper is to present a clear picture of the status of Central and Eastern Europe in the international financial market. The emphasis will be on the quantitative structure of the market. For example, recently, the amount of Japan’s current account surplus has been about USD 100 billion per year, whereas the USA’s current account deficit is close to USD 400 billion per year. From a macroeconomic point of view, the current account surplus of a country indicates the net outflow of financial resources from the country, and the deficit indicates the net inflow of financial resources into the country. Therefore, these figures suggest a bold, financial stream from Japan to the USA.194 In fact, American treasury bills are purchased by Japanese institutional investors on a massive scale. Apart of the current account deficit of the USA is supported by the Japanese surplus from the point of view of a net basis, although the USA is also a big capital provider on a gross basis. As for Eastern Asia, including mainland China, it is one of the most active capital-receiving areas in the world. For example, the annual average of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) for mainland China was about USD 43 billion (on a gross basis).195 In Central and Eastern Europe, on the other hand, there are not such big flows of financial resources. For example, in 2000, the total current account deficit of six Central and Eastern European countries196 was only USD 18.3 billion. As for Germany, which is a key player in the financial movement in Europe, the current account was in deficit from 1991 through 2000. Until the late 1990s, Germany was a receiver of capital instead of a provider, although it was and still remains a large capital provider on a gross basis.
The Economic Dimension of Croatia’s EU Integration
The Economic Dimension of Croatia’s EU Integration
(The Economic Dimension of Croatia’s EU Integration)
- Author(s):Mia Mikić, Ivo Šlaus
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:201-215
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:EU; Croatia; integration; economy; policy;
- Summary/Abstract:This paper selectively reviews the economic implications of Croatia’s entry in the EU by treating accession as part of the long-term development strategy of the country. Most of the static economic impacts are drawn from the trade liberalization effects. To ascertain long-term dynamic gains, it is necessary to improve the competitive capacity of Croatia’s economy which cannot be done without changing the current production structure. This in turn is not possible without creating new products, new technologies and new materials. To do this, Croatia must focus on becoming a knowledge-based society. The last section of the paper offers the authors’ views on negotiating Croatia’s position in accession to the EU.
The Mainstreaming of Gender and Democratization in Southeast Asia. The Role of NGO’s
The Mainstreaming of Gender and Democratization in Southeast Asia. The Role of NGO’s
(The Mainstreaming of Gender and Democratization in Southeast Asia. The Role of NGO’s)
- Author(s):Keiko T. Tamura
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Gender Studies, Civil Society
- Page Range:217-226
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:NGO; Southeast Asia; gender; democratization;
- Summary/Abstract:When the Asian countries with successful economic growth records, such as South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia, became democratized in the 1980s and 90s, a new hypothesis gained wide circulation. The hypothesis asserts that the intention to pursue modernization led to economic growth, giving rise in turn to the middle class, which spearheaded the democratization movement. This view, which tries to understand the rise of the “middle class” in Asia in a unilinear way is becoming an influential one.
The Dynamism of the New European Union Member Countries. The Case of Slovakia
The Dynamism of the New European Union Member Countries. The Case of Slovakia
(The Dynamism of the New European Union Member Countries. The Case of Slovakia)
- Author(s):Ingrid Brocková
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Government/Political systems, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:227-238
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:EU; new members; dynamism; Slovakia;
- Summary/Abstract:Nearly all the new member states have introduced far-reaching and necessary economic reforms. They have undergone the most radical fiscal reforms and abolished most of their subsidies. They have privatized their economies and opened them to foreign investment. Social-security networks and pension systems have been overhauled. The role of agriculture in the GDP has been dramatically decreased. The business climate in new member states is open, the labor market is not over-regulated, the tax burden is low. Slovakia, according to Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles to Growth - a report co-sponsored by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, was the world’s top reformer in improving its investment climate over the past year, allowing it to join the top 20 economies in the world regarding ease of doing business. The report also finds that new entrants into the European Union were also among the top investment climate reformers. The report finds that such reforms, while often simple, can help create job opportunities for women and young people, encourage businesses to move into the formal economy, and promote economic growth. The report benchmarks regulatory performance and reforms in 145 nations.
Japanese Investments in Central and Eastern Europe
Japanese Investments in Central and Eastern Europe
(Japanese Investments in Central and Eastern Europe)
- Author(s):Shuichi Ikemoto
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Economic development, Geopolitics
- Page Range:239-250
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Japan; investments; Central Europe; Eastern Europe;
- Summary/Abstract:In May 2004, the AC-10 (the 10 acceding countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Cyprus) finally joined the European Union. The EU now consists of 25 member states with a total population of 453 million. The total GDP of the EU is about USD 6 trillion, almost the same as the USA. A comparison between the EU15 and EU25 reveals a 23.1% increase in total area and a 19.5% increase in total population, yet only a 4.8% increase in total GDP.
