Which Rules for the Global Order? The Global Dimension of the Russian-EU Relationship – The Case of International Crises
Both the European Union and Russia have demonstrated aspirations to shape the international order on a global level. The EU has been the most prominent exponent and promoter of a solidarist vision of the International Society (IS), whereas the Russian Federation has belonged to the proponents of a pluralist international order. This article therefore analyses how both actors have attempted to reconcile their respective visions of the IS and what the consequences for the global order have been. It argues that rules and norms have formed the core of the IS and have directly influenced the international order. Three major international crises (Iranian, Middle Eastern and Kosovo) have been chosen as case studies. The selected crises have touch upon crucial rules and norms: the use of force, the scope of non-military coercion, the non-intervention principle, human rights and the inclusion-exclusion issue. The extent of cooperation between Russia and the EU in particular crises has varied. Both actors have been able to overcome some of their differences and reconcile their positions. However, it seems that the differences between Russia and the EU regarding the rules and norms of the IS have been too broad to allow for a common normative base of an emerging global order. Despite general agreement on common interests, the detailed content of norms and rules has remained the source of disputes and has slowed down (or has even made impossible) the practical application of a common approach. Therefore, Russian-EU relations in a global dimension should be expected to prolong the process of emergence of a post-unilateral international order, rather than provide a basis for it.
The Influence of the Russian Federation on Poland’s Energy Security
11 Energy security is a key element of national security. It is difficult to formulate a proper 12 structure for strategic culture or political strategy without considering this key ele13 ment. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss particularly important factors shaping the 14 Polish security policy: diversification of energy ties, adaptation of the national tech15 nical infrastructure to contemporary requirements of the raw materials market, and 16 bilateral and multilateral agreements on energy security problems. The influence of the 17 Russian Federation plays an important role in Poland’s energy security policy. Bilateral 18 relations in the energy sector affect Poland's energy security and foreign policy. They 19 also affect Poland's internal policy and, therefore, should be regarded as crucial for the 20 Polish national interest. 21 The research problem of the paper used by the author is: How and by what means, 22 methods, techniques, and forms does the Russian Federation influence Poland's en23 ergy security and what consequences does this have for our country? The aim of the 24 paper is to present the state of Poland's energy security and the desirable prospects in 25 the relations with the Russian Federation in the context of natural gas and crude oil 26 supplies. This paper uses such research tools as analysis, synthesis, comparison, and 27 inference to determine Poland’s current energy. 28
Of BRICs and Brains: Comparing Russia with China, India, and Other Populous Emerging Economies
A noted British economic analyst and observer of current developments in Russia compares that country's emerging economy with those of China, India, eight other populous emerging states, and the United States. The focus of the comparison is on the extent to which these countries exhibit potential for functioning as "knowledge-based" economies. The four pillars of such economies are identified as: (1) an educated and skilled population; (2) a network of R&D institutions; (3) a dynamic information infrastructure; and (4) a regime promoting the development of knowledge. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: L86, O30, O57. 1 figure, 19 tables, 91 references.