International problems Journal Archive


International problems Vol. 66 No. 1-2/2014

Content

GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT ON GLOBAL TRADE TRENDS AND WTO
Pero PETROVIĆ, Dobrica VESIĆ
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):7-34
Abstract ▼
The modern economic and financial crisis has caused a significant reduction in trade flows for the first time since the Second World War, so it is often referred to as the trade crisis. Despite many benefits and disadvantages of liberalization as key contemporary features, the current crisis has led to re-examination of these attitudes affecting the introduction of protectionist measures and to strengthening of regional ties and numerous alliances. The question that arises is how trade flows will look like in the future and whether regional integration will prevail over multilateralism and the liberalized multilateral trading system. The financial crisis quickly became an economic crisis that hit all sectors. The first visible effects of the crisis were reflected in a sharp fall in trade flows that were conditioned by drop in demand, what led to fall in production and employment. The first reaction of many countries was to take protectionist measures in order to protect their national interests. This is again aroused a debate among proponents of liberalism and protectionism, where the effects of the emergence of the crisis favoured the latter. Economic decision makers are faced with the pressing economic problems and they tried to mitigate them (at least in a short term) turning to regional partners and less to the world market.
CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND EUROPEAN UNION
Nikola JOKANOVIĆ
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):35-50
Abstract ▼
This paper will discuss the economic relations between the European Union and the People’s Republic of China. The introductory part will make an insight into the position of China in the contemporary global economy. The following part of the paper will analyse China-EU trade relations. The topics included will be a general overview of these relations since their establishing in 1975 as well as the European Union’s attitude towards the Chinese WTO membership. The Sino-EU partnership and competition will also be described and it will be followed by an overview of the Sino-EU High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED). The concluding topics in this part of the paper will include Sino-EU trade flows, perceived obstacles to trade and investment as well as recent trade disputes between two trading partners. The third part of the paper will deal with Sino-EU investment flows (with an emphasis on Chinese investments in EU member states). After the introductory remarks concerning the EU investments originating from China, the paper will shed light on particular EU member states which are preferred for Chinese investment as well as the industries in which Chinese companies are willing to invest. The concluding part of this paper will offer possible development of relations between the EU and China in the near future.
A VIEW OF THE JUDGEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE IN THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR CASE
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):51-70
Abstract ▼
On 11th November 2013, the International Court of Justice issued a judgment regarding the request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15th June 1962 in the case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear, a border dispute between the Kingdoms of Cambodia and Thailand. In this article, the authors have elaborated both the original judgment and its recent interpretation. They begin by providing the historical context that led to the dispute before the Court. The main part of the article is dedicated to the legal analysis of the judgment and its interpretation. Special attention is given to the Court’s manner of reasoning and the implications which this manner has for the substantial settlement of the dispute and the clarification of several principles of international law that deal with territorial delimitation between states on natural borders, but also to the wider jurisprudence of the Court in similar instances.
RESPONSIBILITY OF A STATE TO PROTECT (R2P): GENESIS AND MEANING OF THE CONCEPT
Tijana N. ŠURLAN
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):71-100
Abstract ▼
The concept of responsibility to protect is a modern concept in international relations and international law. Its evolution started in 2001 within the Project of the International Committee for the Intervention and State Sovereignty. It was welcomed by the UN being elaborated and applied in several occasions. In the paper, the author explores the concept of responsibility to protect from two aspects. One aspect is a genesis of the concept and its normative framework. The author presents all documents on the R2P adopted by the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, UN Secretary General as well as the debates on the issue. The other is a critical and analytical elaboration of the issue concerned. The analysis is contemplated in terms of both theory of international relations and international public Law. Its practical aspect is elaborated by using the Syrian crisis as an example.
MISSILE DEFENSE AS AN ISSUE IN RUSSIA–UNITED STATES RELATIONS
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):101-136
Abstract ▼
The history of missile defense as an issue in Russia-U.S. relations is already several decades long. Its current phase began in 2007 with the U.S. decision to deploy its missile defense system in Central and Eastern Europe. In this paper, a summary of the most significant moments in missile defense development is offered being followed by the analysis of the issue regarding its technological and political aspects. The basic argument is that the absence of Russian-American deal on this issue is caused by the U.S. general policy that is aimed at depriving Russia of its independent great power status, which it does not want to give up. The U.S. missile defense, although technologically incapable of hurting Russia, is seen by the latter as part of a broader scope of Washington’s measures aimed against it. Meanwhile, as the means of the American “cleansing“ of the “rogue“ regimes missile defense indirectly threatens Russia accelerating its strategic encirclement. The possibility of overcoming this issue as well as the U.S.-Russian rapprochement is seen as a common threat which could be posed by the rising China.
PERONISM AS A MODEL OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT: THE MODERN ARGENTINIAN MYTH
Zoran KRSTIĆ
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):137-159
Abstract ▼
The subject of the analysis in this paper is the study of the emergence and evolution of the phenomenon of Peronism as the most important political movement and ideology in Argentina and perhaps in Latin America throughout the 20th century. The basic aim of this paper is to present Peronism as a political movement and model of development which emerged during the rule of Juan Domingo Perón in the mid-20th century. This movement continued to exist and last after Perón’s demission from the political scene. In recent history Peronism became something more significant than a political movement or a social development model. Because of that, Peronism can be characterized as a myth. Nowadays, Perosnism is one of the crucial factors in the socio-economic and cultural development in Argentina. The focus of research in this paper is on the presentation and explication of the notions/topics concerning Perón, his movement and rule. These ones are populism, presidentialism and personalisation of power. Also, this paper will analyse the conditions, facts and circumstances under which Peronism emerged and survived in spite of many critics and disputes in the scientific literature as well in the Argentinian politics and society.
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE POLICIES
Dragoljub TODIĆ, Vladimir GRBIĆ
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):160-182
Abstract ▼
The paper considers the question of the position and role of developing countries in the contemporary law and policy of climate change. The basic thesis in this paper is that the position of developing countries is defined in relevant international legal documents, but that significant differences between individual categories of developing countries are not clearly emphasized. In this sense, the first part of the paper is focused on the problems of defining of the notion of developing countries. The second part gives an overview of the specific rights and obligations of developing countries within the framework of the existing system established by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. In particular, it highlights the content and dilemmas in the interpretation of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The third part of the paper presents some common features of developing countries that are of relevance for climate change. It provides an overview of some features and elements of the policies of individual countries (members of non- Annex I, small island countries, least developed countries and developing countries which are the largest emitter of GHGs).
COOPERATION BETWEEN REPARIAN STATES ON ISSUES OF UTILISATION AND PROTECTION OF INTERNATIONAL WATERCOURSES WITH REFERENCE TO ACTIVITIES OF THE SAVA COMMISSION
Gordana PRERADOVIĆ
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):183-205
Abstract ▼
The paper analyses all forms of cooperation between states, which is essential when it comes to the matters of management, utilisation and protection of international watercourses. The most common way of cooperation is the establishment and action of international river commissions. Other forms of cooperation are manifested by holding of mutual consultations and providing notifications on relevant facts and circumstances for specific watercourse as well as by joint monitoring and evaluation of the conditions and data which are relevant for the prevention of causing damages to another state. In addition to the generalized presentation and analysis of the elements and forms of cooperation between countries on the matter of use and protection of international watercourses, the aim of the paper is to analyse the practical aspects of such cooperation, too. Therefore, the paper will analyse the work of the Sava Commission as an institutional framework within which the countries that signed the Framework Agreement for the Protection of the Sava River Basin cooperate with each other.

Book review

BASIC CONCEPTS OF PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW – MONISM & DUALISM
Marko NOVAKOVIĆ
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):207-210
THE LIMITS OF PARTNERSHIP: U.S.-RUSSIAN RELATIONS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Vladimir TRAPARA
International problems, 2014 66(1-2):207-210