Vol 18, No 1 (2018): Great Powers: Perception Paradoxes

THEMATIC DOSSIER

Situational Anti-Americanism in the Republic of Korea: origins and causes of decline

Lantsova I.S.

Abstract

The article discusses main theoretical approaches to the concept of Anti-Americanism, including situational Anti-Americanism, i.e. critique of not America as such, but rather of its particular actions. It demonstrates that Anti-Americanism that has emerged in the Republic of Korea is of situational type. While in the first decades of the Cold War South Korea was one of the most pro-American states in the world, it started to change in 1980s. The article links emergence of Anti-Americanism in the country to U.S. support to the authoritarian political regime in South Korea in times, when ever greater part of the population started demanding democratization. A focus is given to 2000s, when Anti-Americanism gained significant popularity in the country. It demonstrates that situational Anti-Americanism is the dominant type of it also nowadays. In recent years declining popularity of Anti-Americanism has been characteristic to South Korea society. The article links this tendency to the failure of the six-party talks on North Korean nuclear program, to rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia in general, and, most importantly, to the progress that the Korean people’s Democratic Republic has achieved in development of its missile and nuclear technologies. At the same time, it concludes that as long as U.S. troops remain in South Korea, and as long as political and economic ties between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. remain as close as they are today, situational Anti-Americanism will remain characteristic to South Korean society.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):9-18
pages 9-18 views

Emergence and evolution of euroscepticism as a political phenomenon in Italy

Shibkova M.O.

Abstract

The article covers the main phases of the evolution of Eurosceptic sentiments in Italy since the very beginning of the country’s participation in the European integration. Although the current state of Euroscepticism is being much examined and discussed in academic circles, until now Russian political science has paid little attention to the analysis of the roots, sources and transformation of Eurosceptic ideas and examination of their main supporters in the historical perspective, especially when dealing with traditionally Europhile states such as Italy. The research is exploratory and its purpose is to trace back the history of the diffusion of Eurosceptic ideas, examine the main reasons for their rise and find the differences and similarities in the party-based Euroscepticism of the First and Second Republic. The author applies a historical method which traces the emergence and evolution of Euroscepticism as a political and social phenomenon in both political circles and society. Besides, the author makes use of comparative analysis in order to distinguish ideological Euroscepticism from strategic one. As a result of the research the author draws a number of important conclusions. Firstly, Euroscepticism as a political phenomenon in Italy dates back as far as the early 1950s, when Italy made a choice in favor of Atlantic and, therefore, European bloc. Secondly, the main advocates of Eurosceptic ideas during the First Republic were Italian communists and socialists whose Euroscepticism was ideological. Thirdly, the end of the First Republic paved the way for new parties which managed to make use of strategic Euroscepticism in order to woo the electorate. Finally, among the main reasons that contributed to the Italians’ disappointment with the EU there are the deepening of integration and at least two serious crises: the financial and the migration one. As for the practical relevance of the paper, its conclusions can be used in order to understand and explain similar processes in other EU member states, forecast further fate of Euroscepticism in Italy and build up relationship between Russian and Italian political parties if common interests are found.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):19-32
pages 19-32 views

Factor of external authority for small states and integration in the Post-Soviet space

Rtskhiladze G.V.

Abstract

The search for foreign policy guidelines for the newly independent states that emerged as a result of the collapse of the USSR, is closely linked to the recognition on their part of certain norms, values and attitudes as benchmarks in the international arena. In addition, the foreign policy orientation of a state that has gained independence implies its strategic orientation to individual states or a union of states that are its authority. This article considers the main cause-effect manifestations of this factor with reference to “transitional” post-Soviet states in the context of Russia’s integration initiatives. The article states the fact that Russia is striving to implement integration projects in the post-Soviet space, but there are barriers on this path that are caused by Russia’s objective (primarily economic) relative weakness in comparison with the cumulative West. However, there is another, very strong reason for the problematic integration under Russia’s leadership-the lack of a value system and ideological attraction in post-communist Russia, unlike the West, which has long understood itself as a single value system. This factor, in turn, hinders the strengthening of Russia’s image, which, despite its strong political and economic leverage, does not become a foreign policy authority for other post-Soviet states. Consequently, integration and cooperation within the structures dominated by Russia (CIS, CSTO, EAEC) has significant flaws, the spirit of partnership is often dominated by the rivalry and self-interest of individual state actors that perceive national interests in their own way; there is no ideological basis for cohesion and solidarity between these states-actors. Russia lacks not only pronounced positive value points that are attractive to its neighbors, but it also can’t justify the existence of a common external enemy or common challenges. Without this factor, the strength of alliances under the leadership of Russia becomes more problematic.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):33-48
pages 33-48 views

Japanese young people’ perceptions of Russia

Zhilina L.V.

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of changing perceptions of Russia by Japanese young generation. The aim of the paper is to examine attitude toward Russia among young Japanese people, and to investigate factors that affect their “distant neighbor” perceptions and attitudes, and how it has changed within five years. As relations between Japan and Russia grow more complex, the need for more knowledge for mutual understanding is getting great. It is based on a series of more detailed data analyses of the polls conducted at the Universities of Japan - as a part of research project “Student’s Representations of neighboring countries at the beginning of 21st century - Russia and Japan”. In the research author turned to a student’s audience, which is most perspective for acting with, on the way of creation of public opinion about foreign countries as well. Author address findings that obtained in 2007 and 2012 and use qualitative research methods, such as interviewing and discourse analysis. So, we provide an overview of findings from representative surveys and analyze findings from studies to draw conclusions about the drivers of changing public perceptions towards Russia. Presented research is an illustrative explanation - stereotyped images are long-lasting and durable. They are difficult to change and can be passed on as heritage from the past. Author concludes that although in general at the level of the University students’ perceptions towards Russia have not been changed, but in details we can see some quantitative changes. The results indicated that some Japanese students held quite optimistic opinions toward Russia, but there was also evidence that public opinions toward Russia differed across the students and sometimes not in positive way.
Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):49-65
pages 49-65 views

Perception psychology on social distance to different countries: Russian view

Pochebut L.G., Beznosov D.S.

Abstract

Intercultural communication in the modern world is becoming more intense, expanding psychological perception that people have about other peoples and their cultures. This article discusses the psychological characteristics of perception of the students of St. Petersburg social distance to different peoples of the world. The article emphasizes the difficulties of perception and inter-cultural interaction depending on the stereotypes of perception and causal attribution errors and discrimination. Authors state that assertiveness as the ability to protect their rights and interests is evident in the increasing social distance and is a constructive way of protection. The goal of the present empirical research is to study the amount of social distance students of Russian nationality in relation to the representatives of the different ethnic groups of the world. Objectives of the study were to assess the magnitude of social distance in relation to populations that are not part of the Russian Federation; and in determining the dynamics of social distance, depending on political and economic world trends. Method of research is the social distance scale of E. Bogardus. Based on the results of empirical research, the following conclusions were made. The value of social distance students of Russian nationality shows their normal ethnic identity and positive attitude to the different people of the world. Interviewed students realize themselves as a separate ethnic group, have the desire and willingness to cooperate with other peoples. Social distance in relation to European populations is in general closer than to Asian and African ethnicities. Social distance of the students towards the brotherly Slavic peoples (Ukrainians and Belarusians) is closer than to the representatives of other nations, but students are ready to build friendships and business relationships with the Belarusians, as for the citizens of Ukraine and the residents of Donbass they have shown interest in recent years only in business relations. This represents a slight increase in the length of social distance in relation to Ukrainians. People push social distance towards the residents of the country, where a civil war is, psychologically protect, try to be emotionally away from military conflict. Authors conclude that this is a normal psychological reaction. In a situation of a terrorist act, the value of social distance toward terrorists and their victims also sharply increases.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):66-84
pages 66-84 views

Coalition models of international communications in context of global governance (case of BRICS)

Sharkov F.I., Ponedelkov A.V.

Abstract

The article describes various aspects of implementation of international communication in context of global governance. There is a thesis about the expansion and blurring of lines of communication, which makes transnational communication networks. The authors consider global communication as a process and as a communication system. Analyzing models of global governance, it is noted that “global governance” describes the “soft model” of communications regulation. The article describes the process of formation of information and communication models in global governance, in which the functions of information and communication mechanisms of global governance are primarily associated with the development of regulations governing key areas of international cooperation (exchange of information) of state and non-state actors in world politics and economics. The authors conclude that the collaboration of the BRICS countries in the sphere of information and communication models in global governance is very dynamic. The authors analyzed the variety of the formats of communicative capacity through the dialogue, forums, summits, regular meetings of representatives of different areas. Communication activities in the framework of expert and working groups on cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies, international information security are analyzed. The conclusion was made about the necessity of BRICS interaction in the political, economic, scientific, cultural and youth spheres which would strengthen cross-border system to respond to information security threats.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):85-95
pages 85-95 views

The problem of the Russian Federation image formation by German think tanks in the context of the Syrian crisis (case of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung)

Ivkina N.V.

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic due to the ever-increasing role of the analytical institutions in the process of formation of Russia’s image in the public consciousness. In this context, the position of Germany represents the greatest interest. Germany is a state, on the one hand, a NATO member, on the other hand, represents one of the main European partners of Russia. This prevents it to form a clear-cut stance on issues directly related to Russia and Germany, on issues in solving which involved both countries. The aim of the study is to identify the role of think tanks of Germany in the process of forming the image of Russia, and also the degree of influence of research and analytical centers on the media. The subject of research was the problem of the Syrian crisis. For example, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation implemented a study to identify interest centers in shaping the image of Russia in the framework of solving the Syrian crisis. As research methods is to provide a description method used for studying the materials of the Fund, the method of comparison for the choice of the object of study, and to determine the effect of center content on various media. For wider exploration of topics in addition to the materials analytical centers were used for more of the Russian and foreign literature, as well as the materials of the statistical agencies. The results of the study represent a number of conclusions, which show the degree of interest of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in the process of formation of Russia’s image and prospects of implementing the ideas of the analytical center in the German news system.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):96-106
pages 96-106 views

PEACE AND SECURITY

Possible scenarios for the Ukrainian crisis

Sushentsov A.A., Silaev N.Y.

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the development of the Ukrainian crisis in the short term. It presents the analysis of four possible scenarios for the development of the crisis and its consequences. The forecast task is to help decision-makers mentally put themselves in a situation in which realized one of the scenarios for the future and to encourage them to calculate their possible actions. In the preparation of this forecast the scenario analysis tool was used: the allocation of two key variables, the ratio of which determines the spectrum of the analyzed scenarios. In this analysis authors selected the following variables: a measure of the West’s support of the current government of Ukraine and the domestic political stability of the government P. Poroshenko. Although support from the West plays an important role in strengthening the domestic political position of President Poroshenko, and the failure of the Ukrainian authorities in the future can weaken the West’s readiness to support them, the authors consider it possible to recognize these uncertainties as independent of each other. The ratio of the two variables gives four scenarios for the development of the situation. The described scenarios may not be implemented in a “pure” form. Political reality will be a result of combination of them, leaning towards one of it. The authors consider their task not as “predicting the future”, but in structuring it, presenting the range of its options. The authors give a list of event-markers, which will indicate the implementation of a particular scenario. The authors come to the conclusion that in the coming years the future of the Ukrainian crisis will be limited by two key constants - a big war and a deep political settlement are equally unlikely. A long-term solution to the Ukrainian crisis is not yet visible. Most of the external participants in the situation take a wait-and-see attitude, watching which faction will win in Kiev. It can be stated that the key process of the near future is the formation of stable status-quo frameworks, in which the crisis will freeze for one or two electoral cycles.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):107-123
pages 107-123 views

Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East: leadership and sectarianism (2011-2017)

Diansaei B.

Abstract

Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have never been at a desirable level. Iran’s 1979 revolution, the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and the Arab Spring in turn increased the disagreement between the two regional powers. This article examines the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East between 2011 and 2017. Both countries claim to have leadership over other Islamic Muslim countries in the Middle East, in which Iran as a Shia state and Saudi Arabia as a Sunni-Wahhabi state have multiple ideological and political conflicts that have drawn opposing interests for each other. As a result, new multifactor regional international situation involving Iran and Saudi Arabia arose, to analyze which it would make sense to apply the general scientific analytical methods (logical, typological, inductive-deductive methods, etc.), and a number of specific methods for direct study of international relations, including those based on a systemic approach. The author examines the two powerful Middle Eastern countries with an emphasis on instrumental sectarianism as an important component of the regional order transformation proсess, understanding Iran as one of the superior powers of the region in the context of Islamic discourse and the same role of Saudi Arabia with strong tendency in the framework of Arab discourse. It was concluded that Iran and Saudi Arabia have ambitions for a larger share of the new Middle East and from the viewpoint of religious perspective, are instrumental in expanding their influence in the Middle Eastern countries.
Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):124-134
pages 124-134 views

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS

The AIIB, multilateral and national development banks: potential for cooperation

Shelepov A.V.

Abstract

This article focuses on one of the new multilateral development banks (MDBs) dominated by emerging economies - Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The creation of this institution was stimulated, inter alia, by the growing demand for infrastructure financing. However, in most cases MDBs cannot finance large infrastructure projects without pooling their resources. To better understand the AIIB prospects in addressing infrastructure investment gap, this article analyzes the existing formats of its cooperation with other MDBs and co-financing mechanisms they use, and outlines possible directions for further cooperation. The author explores memoranda of understanding between the AIIB and other MDBs, examines practical aspects of engagement and makes a projection regarding their joint financial contribution growth in the coming years. The forecast includes two scenarios: basic and optimistic, and is based on the analysis of AIIB existing partnerships with other institutions and volumes of financing for joint projects. The methodology used for assessment takes into account potential developments in the bank in terms of capital growth, membership expansion and attracting resources in the financial market. Based on the forecast, the author concludes that in five years the new bank together with its partners will be able to provide infrastructure financing of up to US$ 165 billion. In order to develop cooperation in accordance with the optimistic scenario, the AIIB should start relying on its own environmental and social practices, acting as a main co-financier. However, the potential of AIIB interaction with national development banks that can also contribute to better infrastructure financing is currently underutilized. This article shows that in future, cooperation in this area can become a significant component of increasing the AIIB’s contribution to narrowing the global infrastructure gap.
Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):135-147
pages 135-147 views

BILATERIAL RELATIONS

Russia-India: new horizons of the strategic alliance

Akarashov I.S.

Abstract

The article examines the development of Russian-Indian trade and economic relations from 1992 to 2017. The relevance of the topic is that currently the economic sanctions of some Western countries and the USA against Russia forced to strengthen the Eastern vector of its foreign policy. India is a leading country in the South Asian region, has nuclear capabilities, has demonstrated high rates of socio-economic and military development, and it has all chances to be among the world powers. The rapid growth of India draws attention of politicians and scientists. Deeper cooperation with India may become a good stimulus for the development of the Russian economy and to deepen bilateral strategic relations, in the conditions of aggravation of competitive struggle in world politics and economy is extremely important for both countries. The study of the historical experience, its content, potential, problems and perspectives seem to be relevant and useful. In the study of this topic, the author has considered the formation of modern normative-legal base of Russian-Indian trade and economic relations, has studied the structure and dynamics of trade turnover, revealed the main causes of the existing problems and identified prospects. As a methodological basis of the present study, we used the historical descriptive method which allowed the author to analyze the history of Russian-Indian economic relations. The results of the analysis the author concludes that today, there are a number of external and internal factors that negatively affect economic relations between the two countries, but Indian and Russian governments are determined to strengthen relations in this area, creating a favorable environment for the development of business contacts between representatives of business circles of Russia and India, and the commitment to take economic relations to a level commensurate with the status of “privileged strategic partnership”.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):148-161
pages 148-161 views

APPLIED ANALYSYS

Comparative analysis of the Russian foreign policy priorities and research interests of the national academic community

Istomin I.A.

Abstract

Assessment of the correlation in priorities of the academic community and national foreign policy represents not only an intriguing research question by itself, but also an important practical task. As the governmental bodies remain the main source of demand for professionals and research in International Relations, such analysis could create a foundation for the status and material aspirations of scholars. Nevertheless, there were no systematic attempts to assess the abovementioned correlation on the basis of the sufficient empirical data. The current article is aimed to stimulate discussion regarding the connections between policy and academic priorities through providing comparative analysis of the major directions in Russian official documents and topics covered in PhD theses on International Politics. The analysis covers the period from the early 1990s until 2016. The use of PhD theses as an object for the current study is justified by their reflection of long-term research orientations, significant multiplying effect on higher education and academic publications, as well as define transition of young specialists from students to members of the professional community. The article proves that thematical preferences of the PhD theses, prepared in 2000s and 2010s, to a great extent correlate with the priorities defined by the Russian Concepts of foreign policy. However, they underrepresent several important policy directions, siuch as arms control, political aspects of global innovation system and international relations in the Post-Soviet space and in the Asia Pacific.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):162-185
pages 162-185 views

SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL

Psychological perception of great powers’ performance in the Globe. The origins of Russophobia. Interview with Andrey Pavlovich Tsygankov, Professor, Chair of International Relations and Political Science, San Francisco State University, PhD

- -.

Abstract

The interview includes following topics: the state and prospects of bilateral relations between the US and Russia, analysis of the factor of the Russophobia phenomenon’s influence on the perception of Russia’s image and its foreign policy in the US in the academic environment and circles of the political establishment. Scientist admitted that today there are no conditions for allied relations between Russia and the United States. In the near future, attempts to normalize bilateral relations on the part of Russia will not lead to counteractions. Political elites are not ready to build bilateral relations in the format of alliance. The society is either trapped in prejudices, or awaiting the appearance of leaders that capable to build qualitatively new relations between Moscow and Washington. Describing the presence of Russia in the global media space, A.P. Tsygankov emphasizes the need to actively promote the positive image of Russia, taking into account geopolitical realities.
Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):186-196
pages 186-196 views

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION

The role of humanitarian cooperation in contemporary foreign policy of Spain

Khimich G.A., Terentieva E.D.

Abstract

The article deals with the use of soft power in the foreign cultural policy of Spain in the following areas: the dissemination of language and culture and international cooperation in the field of education. The authors studied the factors that influenced the formation of the strategy of the cultural and educational cooperation in foreign policy of Spain, and main institutions for its implementation. In the era of globalization, culture and education are increasingly moving beyond national boundaries and transform into an instrument of interethnic dialogue and modern geopolitics. Cultural cooperation policy presents a powerful resource for foreign policy activity of a country with a large number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, the richest history and culture, but also of a country that develops constantly and dynamically, and it uses skillfully its competitive advantages. The activities aimed at expanding the educational model of Spain in other countries can be relatively divided into three components: cooperation in the field of higher education with universities in other countries, the spread of the language and culture of Spain abroad in the educational centers and institutions of culture, and teaching Spanish language for foreign citizens inside the country. In the first section, we consider the ways of attracting students to Spain through a number of programs taking into consideration Bologna educational system which Spain has joined. Second section is devoted to the analysis of diplomatic, informational and other types of assistance in the sphere of expansion of the Spanish language and culture, realized by Spanish state authorities in the Russian Federation. In the third subsection, we adduce the data about changes in policy of teaching foreign students on the territory of Spain. To form high quality and approachable teaching system, multiple steps were done both in the universities and private linguistic centers with high level of teaching guaranteed by Cervantes Institute. This study is aimed at all those who are interested in the issues of cultural and educational cooperation, foreign policy of Spain and relations between our countries.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):197-207
pages 197-207 views

RUDN University and Latin-Caribbean America: new directions of interaction in the educational sphere

Borzova A.J., Medina Xavier G.V.

Abstract

The article analyzes the international cooperation of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) in the field of higher education and science, shows its role in training highly qualified personnel from Latin America and the Caribbean, with a special focus on Ecuador. The purpose of the article is to show the cross-section of the Latin American contingent of pupils at the present stage on the basis of a comparative analysis, and for this purpose are set the following tasks: to identify new priorities in education that are in demand in modern society and are embodied in the PFUR, to show the importance of the internationalization of education as one of the factors ensuring educational cooperation for RUDN University. The task is also to show the cooperation of the Ecuadorian government and RUDN University in the preparation of competitive specialists for the implementation of ambitious plans for the country’s development, identify the features of the Yachai project for the development of Ecuador’s scientific potential, and outline the prospects for bilateral interaction in the training system. Conclusion: for 58 years of its activity PFUR has achieved significant results in the internationalization of education, developed interesting methods of teaching Russian and other subjects, introduced the study of a number of subjects in English, which made this university attractive for foreign, in particular, Latin American students.

Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):208-220
pages 208-220 views

REVIEWS

Review of the book: Hannah M. The Best “Worst President”: What the Right Gets Wrong About Barack Obama. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2016. - 324 p

Bubnova N.I.

Abstract

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Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):221-230
pages 221-230 views

Review of the book: The Politics and Complexities of Crisis Management in Ukraine: A Historical Perspective / Ed. by G. Simons, M. Kapitonenko, V. Lavrenyuk, V. Vlaeminck. London: Routledge, 2018. - 252 p

Butorov A.S.

Abstract

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Vestnik RUDN. International Relations. 2018;18(1):231-238
pages 231-238 views

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