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Begin New Search Journal International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs

31. (RE)DISCOVERING CENTRAL ASIA

Author:
Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh
Publication Date:
02-2009
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs
Institution:
Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:
The article discusses the issues of unitary and multiple polarities in relation to state inter-dependency in the Central Asian region. The author makes the case that regionalism among nation states will be the determining factor in implementing long term policies for human security and cooperation. The article proposes that regional associations, such as the UNRCCA, can act as a structural arbitrator setting norms, organizing collective actions, sharing information, assessing risk and spreading interlinkages. Examples from Central Asia are offered throughout the article.
Political Geography:
Central Asia

32. TOWARDS A CENTRAL EUROPEAN SECURITY IDENTITY

Author:
Ivo Samson
Publication Date:
04-2009
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs
Institution:
Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:
The author defines that institutionalization through the construction of the Visegrad Group identity has aided in this region's rise to prevalence in areas such as trade and security; and contends that in order to have even stronger influence in Europe, the Group must continue to define its relevance as a unified faction. The author concludes that the building up of a common Visegrad identity must be necessarily based on a common language, in which one addresses common security threats, positions toward Russia, toward the transatlantic relations and a common vision of one geographically and culturally shared political view of European and Euro- Atlantic affairs.
Topic:
Security
Political Geography:
Russia and Europe

33. THE NEXT EU ENLARGEMENT(S)

Author:
Hedvig Morvai-Horvát
Publication Date:
01-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs
Institution:
Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:
It is often said humorously that there were three kinds of states in the Western Balkans in EU context: candidates, potential candidates and Serbia. The largest country of the region, which has significant economic and social potential, satisfactory administrative capacities and over 70% of public support for EU accession remains unable to strengthen and improve its process of integration in the great European family. Contrary to the situation in other countries, there was no broad social consensus on the need for EU membership in Serbia. Moreover, a new turn on the Serbian political scene becomes more and more obvious. The Democratic Party of Serbia conducts political and qualitative distancing from Europe and European values. Another important moment is the strengthening of the Socialist Party of Serbia. On the other hand, the prospects for the creation of a minority government of democratic forces are not very optimistic. Therefore, Serbia is threatened to continue to remain a 'one issue' state if European minded politicians do not stay strong in insisting on the difficult job which has to be undertaken in spite of their promise for a parallel fight for Kosovo. This will, however be impossible without a clear and true support of the EU, even if it means taking some 'risky steps' for that.
Political Geography:
Europe, Kosovo, and Serbia

34. EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY: INTRODUCING NEW VISIONS

Author:
Iris Kempe
Publication Date:
04-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs
Institution:
Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:
Learning from its experience with the eastern enlargement, the European Union developed a neighborhood policy aware of the need to avoid the creation of a new dividing line in Europe that might put a strain on the relations between the new member states and other countries of the Central and Eastern Europe that would border the new EU. In the light of changes that occurred over time, especially Russia's resurgence as not only a regional, but a global power, the author points out the obvious shortcomings of the EU's policy and why it failed to meet the expectations of both the countries encompassed by the policy, and the EU. In addition, the author gives an overview of the changes to the neighborhood policy proposed by the EU member states and, finally, points out the importance of devising a coherent strategy towards the region that would yield long-term results.
Political Geography:
Russia and Europe

35. NORTH KOREA: THE ART OF SURVIVAL

Author:
Peter Brezán
Publication Date:
02-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs
Institution:
Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:
The very frequent downs of North Korean domestic socio-economic and political development determine the political and security situation, not only in the region of Northeast Asia, but also globally. Despite the effort of the international community, most of the issues regarding North Korea have not been solved and some have not even been addressed, largely due to the uncooperative and 'stubborn' attitude of DPRK leadership. This article argues that as long as the current leader, Kim Jong Il, is in power in North Korea promoting the ideology and realizing the policy that his late father imposed, the internal affairs and foreign policy of this isolated country will not mark any positive progress in the years to come.
Political Geography:
Asia and North Korea

36. SLOVAKIA AND HUNGARY: WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS?

Author:
Imre Szilágyi
Publication Date:
03-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Issues: Slovak Foreign Policy Affairs
Institution:
Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Abstract:
The author argues that during the period of the second Gyurcsánygovernment Hungary continued its previous policies vis-à-vis the Western Balkans and managed to preserve good relations with all of the countries of the region. He reflects on the government's policies with respect to the entire Western Balkans – more precisely the countries of the former Yugoslavia, except Slovenia – as well as its guiding principles and activities supporting the Euro-Atlantic integration of the region; policies vis-à-vis the individual countries; efforts to improve the situation of the minorities and the enhancement of the Hungarian economic role in the region. He concludes that due to the fact that the greatest aspiration of Western Balkan countries is to join the Euro-Atlantic integration processes and because Hungary – as an EU and NATO member state – is an important partner country in regional relations will ostensibly become more dynamic in the years to come.
Topic:
NATO
Political Geography:
Yugoslavia, Balkans, Hungary, and Slovenia