No 4(37) (2014)
HISTORY: 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR
9-16 1098
Abstract
This article examines the position of the newspaper "Rech" during the July crisis of 1914. "Rech", founded in 1906 by the Constitutional Democratic Party (Kadets), was on the eve of the First World War one of the most important liberal organs of the Russian press. Traditionally the newspaper has paid great attention to questions of foreign policy, in detail informing its readers about the situation on the international arena. Reflecting the foreign policy program of the Kadet party, "Rech" supported the idea of the alliance with France and England and considered Germany and Austria-Hungary as the main rivals of Russia for influence on the Balkans and the Middle East. However, despite its pro-Entente position, in the days of the July crisis the newspaper opposed the intervention of Russia in the Austro-Serbian conflict. Fearing defeat of Russia and revolutionary upheavals in case of unsuccessful war, it condemned aggressive position of nationalists, Octobrists and Progressists. "Rech" urged to do everything to avoid war with the Austro-Germanic bloc. Thus, it clearly stood out against the background of the majority of Russian periodicals, which insisted on the active support of Serbia. After Germany declared war on Russia, this anti-militarist position of the main Kadet newspaper led to its temporary closing. Only after statements of the leaders of the Constitutional Democratic Party about its solidarity with the government in the conditions of the war, the newspaper was resumed.
17-25 5402
Abstract
In the present paper from the constructionist perspective is examined one of the most controversial issues of the modern western historiography of the First World War - the issue of patriotic enthusiasm of 1914, its scopes and nature. On the basis of a wide range of primary sources, including Russian and foreign archives, memoirs and letters of contemporaries the author carries out a comparative analysis of the response to the beginning of the war of urban and rural population of Great Britain, France and Russia. Against the backdrop of numerous patriotic demonstrations in large cities, the rural population's response looked much more constrained and passive. At the same time the latter attests rather to the peculiarities of rural culture than to the absence of patriotic upsurge. The author points out that besides apparent distinctions there was a lot of similarities in the urban and rural population's reaction to the beginning of the war. This refers to an immensely successful mobilization of continental armies, a rush of volunteers to the British army, and a drop of the labor movement in all European countries. The author comes to the conclusion that the patriotic upsurge in Europe in 1914 was not founded on a momentary outburst of chauvinism, but reflected a broad popular consensus on the war.
26-34 1565
Abstract
The article deals with an insufficiently studied problem, Spanish neutrality during the First World War. The author analyzes its historical significance in the international context, as well in the context of political, economical and social evolution of Spain. Spain was one of the few major European Powers that maintained its neutrality throughout the First World War. Although all Spanish governments during the conflict declared strict neutrality, it was, in actual fact, benevolent towards the Entente Powers, and by the end of hostilities Spain turned into "neutral ally" of Entente. This benevolence towards the future winners and a wide humanitarian campaign supported and headed by the King Alfonso XIII enabled Spain to improve her position in the postwar system of international relations; Spain became one of the non-permanent members of the League of Nations Council. Nevertheless the Spanish neutrality had a negative impact upon the social, political and economical evolution of Spain. The social stratification was increased, the public opinion was deeply divided and the social conflicts were aggravated, that considerably affected the further evolution of the Spanish society.
35-44 1861
Abstract
The central question of the article - how the long-term consequences of the First World War influenced the French foreign policy in relation to Germany in the 1920s. Basing on the archival and published French diplomatic sources the author analyses the French political course after 1918 and after 1945 in the comparative way with the attention to the elements of continuity and change in the Paris' conception relating to the over-Rhine neighbor.
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY POLICY FOR 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF MGIMO
45-53 896
Abstract
The article analyses the position of Gazprom on the key export market - the market of the European Union. Situation on the EU gas market changed considerably because of an imbalance between supply and demand. Gazprom had to make price concessions for almost all of the main consumers of Russian gas in Europe, and also had to allow European consumers to break one of the key provisions of long-term contracts - "take or pay" clause. Besides disputes at the corporate level significant differences still remain about the well-known Third energy package, which effectively prohibits Gazprom to own and operate gas pipelines on the territory of the EU, as well as binding it to provide a third party access to gas pipelines. The implementation of Third package provisions on function unbundling by some EU Member States in the most rigid version may contradict bilateral international agreements of Russia with the EU Member States, primarily agreements on investment protection. Possible reasons underlying the investigation initiated by the European Commission against Gazprom in connection with a possible violation ofEU competition rules are examined. The paper investigates legal, political and economic aspects of contemporary regime of gas cooperation, particularly restriction of reexport, linkage between gas and oil prices, pricing based on long-term contracts and spot markets. The paper concludes that Russia and the EU need to elaborate a comprehensive document that would ensure the stability of the regulatory environment of energy cooperation and would reflect the balance of interests of producers and consumers. This document should equally ensure highly competitive environment and guarantees of security of supply in the short and long term.
54-59 670
Abstract
AbstracUThe article reviews the problems caused by the conflict of interests between certain Southeast Asian countries and other states, China foremost, which aroused from oil and gas field development on disputable offshore sections. At the same time the positions of the region's leading transnational corporations in the field of oil and gas policy and their relationships with the countries-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) members are outlined. Separately are represented the foreign policy stands of Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, Philippines and Malaysia on territorial disputes over offshore oil and gas fields. These processes are pushing both European and American business to abandon the conventional schemes and accept the new conditions of their activity in Southeast Asia.
60-67 751
Abstract
When researching such a hot topic as development of oil and gas reserves in Artie it's crucial to answer 3 key questions. What is legal status of Artie reserves and Russian offshore zone in Arctic? Are there any gaps in international lawthatinhibits oil and gas development? How big are Arctic oil and gas reserves? Are they well-explored? What are production costs of oil and gas in Artie? Is it profitable to develop reserves in Artie? The article addresses these vital questions with the detailed analysis. 1982 UN Convention on the Law of Sea partially regulates Artie legal status but countries apply sectorial principal to Arctic territories to claim their rights. There are few border disputes left. The borders of Russian outer continental shelf are shaped by international law and bilateral agreements and undergoing final review within UN processes and mechanisms. Arctic reserves'estimates do vary significantly as the region is barely explored. According to with a high 2008 US Geological Survey and 2006 Wood Mackenzie and Fugro Robertson study Arctic reserves are about 10-15% of global reserves. Most of them are offshore (around 85%), and gas accounts for 80% of reserves. Russia has more than a half of Artie reserves. Under International Energy Agency it's profitable to develop Arctic oil reserves as production costs ($40-100 bbl) are below current and 2035 forecast oil price. On the contrary, gas production is questionable from costs point of view. Gas market is projected to remain regional. With Artie gas production cost of$ 4-12 million BTU, there is no business case to develop Artie gas in America and at the edge of profitability in Europe.
68-72 1558
Abstract
The author examines the problems and prospects of crude oil and petroleum products transportation market on the European continent. Particular attention is paid to the possibilities of the planned pipeline routes and new supplies of oil and petroleum products. European Union countries have large reserves of hydrocarbons, but it is not enough to fully satisfy domestic consumption. Improved pipeline infrastructure both within the EU and oil pipelines from other countries is an important economic and social factor. Recent developments of this year especially emphasize the importance of strengthening the energy security in the foreign policy of the state. For transporting fuel energy in Europe used the following types of transport: marine (sea and river), truck, railway, and pipeline. It seems necessary to mention the fact that the role of pipeline transport is particularly high in the oil and gas industry. Pipeline transport has an important impact on the formation and developmen t of the fuel and energy complex of the state, as well as regions, as its integral part. An effective system of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines is an important tool for the implementation of public policies, policies at the EU level, allowing the country to regulate the supply of crude oil and petroleum products to the overseas and domestic markets.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
73-81 1865
Abstract
In XXI century a new faze has begun in Russian-lndonesian relations which are based on pragmatism and supremacy of nations interests of both sides. Cooperation in the political, military, trade, investment, social and cultural spheres is strengthening, cooperation on international and regional arenas is widening. In relations with Indonesia, as well as with other Southeast Asian states Russia's main purpose is stability based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and benefit according to the international law. Indonesia's foreign policy maintains its free and active character. Russian-lndonesian relations in the 21 century are marked with intensive political dialogue. Political ties are developing steadily. Mutual presidential visits has become regular. Close cooperation has been established between state institutions on various levels. The most successful cooperation is developing in scientific, technological and military spheres. Thie cooperation is especially important for Indonesia in order to diminish its dependence on the West in these aspects. Relations in trade and economic spheres are not very intensive, but are stable and have a positive dynamics. Indonesia was always a good trade partner for Russia. Direct business con tacts are now developing between the two countries and this fact in very significant for the future economic cooperation. Nowadays Russian regions have begun to establish direct ties with Indonesian regions. Humanitarian sphere constitute an important aspect of Russian-lndonesian relations. Cooperation in education is going on successfully. A new phenomenon represents friendly contacts between religious leaders of both countries. In general mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation between Russia and Indonesia is steadily progressing and opening brilliant perspectives.
82-91 1908
Abstract
The importance of Korean Peninsula in Russian foreign strategy is based on the need to preserve peace and stability in the Russia's Far East "soft underbelly" and to be a part of international efforts to solve the Korean problem, as well as to promote regional economic cooperation. In 1990-s Russia's position on the peninsula weakened, mainly because of the rupture of ties with North Korea, while relations with South Korea were reactive in nature. Rebalancing relations with the two Koreas in 2000-s increased Russia's involvement into Korean settlement, including the 6- party format. Russia/s relations with North Korea are now based on good neighborhood principle, however, they are far from idyllic as Russia disapproves of Pyongyang's behavior, especially its nuclear and missile activities. However to influence the situation more Russia should deepen its ties with the current Pyongyang leadership regardless of how irritating its behavior might be. Relations with the ROK are aimed at becoming strategic, but in reality are limited due to ROK's alliance with the USA. However South Korea has become the third most important economic partner in Asia. Russia is especially interested in three- party projects, such as Trans-Korean railroad (linked to Transsiberan transit way), gas pipeline and electricity grid. However implementation of these project is negatively influenced by the tensions in Korean peninsula. It can be solved only by multilateral efforts for comprehensive solution combining security guarantees for North Korea and its abandonment of nuclear option.
92-100 2210
Abstract
The bilateral relations between Russia on the one hand, and the countries of the Southern Caucasus region on the other hand are examined in the article. The main directions of Russian policy in the Southern Caucasus region are examined there. The article focusses attention to the value of the Southern Caucasus region for Russia and also to the key role of Russia in the Southern Caucasus region. The overview of Russian-Azerbaijani, Russian-Armenian and Russian- Georgian relations is given in the article. Russian relations with unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and with partially recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia are examined in the context of above-mentioned bilateral relations. The Caucasian direction of Russian foreign policy is of great importance in questions of ensuring Russian national security. The Caucasian crisis of2008 showed potential conflictness of the region and safety hazard of Russia. Now other processes proceed already in the region. Armenian intention to join the Customs union, the change of Georgian leadership and signing of the agreement on association with EU by Georgia start new mechanisms of interaction between the region countries on the one hand and Russia on the other hand. The relation format between region republics can be changed. The main purpose of the article is to show Russian role in questions of the South Caucasus regional security. The region has the conflict territories, from which the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, the Abkhazian Republic and the South Ossetia Republic are distinguished especially. And Russia won't be able to keep aloof in case of escalation of the conflicts around above-mentioned subjects. The vital questions for the region are peace and stability. And Russia plays a key role in these questions.
101-108 1166
Abstract
After the reunification of Germany and the transition of some countries of central and Eastern Europe under the control of the West, radical changes in the European political system have occurred. Germany turned into a powerful state and began to provide the strategy for independent foreign policy, in which the regional policy in the Balkans, Caucasus and Middle East took the significant place. Germany tried to expand its influence to the countries of Balkan Peninsula, in alliance with Austria-Hungary against Russia, as well as in the beginning of 21st century. However, in the end of 20th century, after several failures in the foreign policy, Germany turned to Russia. Despite its expansionist policy, Germany had to coordinate every step with international organizations or even transfer them issues of conflict resolution in the region. Constantly competing with its allies (mainly the U.S. and UK), Germany was trying to build its foreign policy strategy in the way of increasing its influence in the strategically important region.
EUROPEAN ISSUES AT THE 8TH RAMI CONVENTION
109-115 944
Abstract
This article analyses methods of energy efficiency stimulation in the European Union. The author investigates basic areas of the EU activity; in particular, the author estimates results of implementation of the Energy Star program, new provisions of labeling of energy-using products, measures to increase energy efficiency in buildings. The paper also analyzes the provisions of the Directive 2012/27 that is the first EU document, providing for a comprehensive approach to energy saving at all stages: production, transformation and consumption. Today EU policy includes: 7) a general political and regulatory framework laid down by the European action plan on energy efficiency and Directive 2012/27; 2) national action plans on energy efficiency, which should be in line with indicative targets set at the EU level; 3) special EU documents in key areas of energy efficiency (buildings, energy-consuming equipment etc.); 4) accompanying instruments, such as target funding, information dissemination, support of specialized networks. The paper gives a comprehensive analysis of the key methods of implementation of EU policy in the area of energy saving. The author concludes that EU operates within the framework of the open method of coordination. The system of mandatory/voluntary technical standards has allowed to achieve significant success, but indicative planning and monitoring of national actions are not completely effective. In the long term EU policy in the area of energy efficiency is restrained by member states unwillingness to delegate to the European Union a more detailed powers in this field and to give the EU bodies facilities to execute more strict control. In the short term - in conditions of economic crisis, the EU countries are not ready to invest significant budget funds in projects with long payback period.
116-124 1086
Abstract
This paper proposes an idea of'values imperialism'as a helpful way of conceptualising the relationship between the EU and the states that came within its sphere of influence after the end of the Cold War, particularly its 'neighbours' in Eastern Europe. Values imperialism places its emphasis on the 'superstructure', including norms, laws and social practices. EU larger objective was that the assumptions about government and ownership that were favoured by the dominant powers (EU and the West in the broad term) should be absorbed and recapitulated by those countries that were subordinate. The broad framework ofsubordination was established by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements that began to be concluded from 1994 onwards. Patterns of'values imperialism'could also be discovered in the EU Common Strategies on Russia and Ukraine that were adopted in 1999. Article also points out several cases when the EU intervened directly in the domestic affairs of the Eastern Europe countries in a manner that was not always compatible with the provisions on state sovereignty: a 'European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights', launched in 2006, interventions ofEU representatives in the work of local courts and organisation of exit polls, which could be used to discredit the official election results and in this way to undermine the position of local governments. Finally, the author concludes that the EU used 'values imperialism'practices in order to extend its influence, particularly in the Eastern Europe.
125-132 1083
Abstract
The possibilities and prospects of building a Common Economic Space (CES) between Russia and the EU in accordance to the "Road map", signed by the parties in 2005, are analyzed in this article. It outlines the economic essence of the different measures being undertaken within the EU and the benefits for countries and companies with high level of competitiveness on the EU markets, being gained from participation in the EU integration processes. The main elements of the European Economic Area (EEA), which has been created by the agreement between EU and EFTA in 1993, are examined as well as the rights and obligations of the parties involved. The author considers the peculiarities and consequences of participation of Central and Eastern European countries in the EU that prompted the European Union to initiate the "neighborhood policy" and Eastern partnership project for the Eastern Europe countries, which are not members of the EU. The author analyses the main purposes of the "neighbourhood policy", as they are outlined by the EU Directorate General for external affairs, as well as the possible consequences of their implementation for the states, included by the EU in its "circle of friends". On this background the possibilities and perspectives for the creation ofaCES between the EU and Russia with particular regard to the peculiarities of integration processes within the post-Soviet space are considered. The author concludes that the creation of a CES between the EU and Russia is hardly feasible on the grounds, envisaged by the EU.
133-138 736
Abstract
The results of the Vilnius summit of the EaP project and the consequent Ukrainian crisis with major international effects make possible questioning about the eventual scenarios of the EU eastern politics and possible configurations ofinternational interactions. The article elaborates on the key elements and trends of the EU activities at the post-soviet space that are likely to frame the context of its further developments. The most visible trends analysed here are the extreme differentiation of bilateral relations within the EaP project alongside with the growing symbolism of official rhetoric and program practices of the European Union. As a result, we see the EU's intention to narrow the geographical and qualitative field of its activities on the eastern directionwith saving the shell of the EaP for nominal functioning. Such tactics is not likely to result in a drastic change of the model of conflict dependencies in the "shared neighbourhood". The article analyses key misperceptions of the actors involved in the complex of interactions in the region. The structure is complicated by the deepening and widening of Russia-lead Eurasian integration project. Current crisis of the EU eastern policy is considered to derive from the exaggeration of the value-based, normative aspect of the common foreign policy in general and will have the systemic consequences both for the European external actions and for its internal developments.
139-147 686
Abstract
The article analyses models and mechanisms of Russia's participation in integration processes in Post-Soviet space in recent years. The article examines the model of integration of Customs Union Common Economic Space Eurasian Economic Union and particular mechanisms of its realization. It also examines key challenges to further development of integration in the frameworks of Eurasian Economic Union including exhausting of short-term and medium-term integration effects against a background of low level of economic cooperation and the lack of effective mechanism of interest coordination and decisionmaking similar to qualified majority. It concludes that deterioration of mutual trade dynamics in Customs Union is determined by fundamental factors, first of all, exhausting of medium-term integration effects which lead to extension of mutual trade immediately after Customs Union creation but do not change its qualitative characteristics in long-term outlook. The author shows an absence of significant long-term integration effects which were based on increase of domestic market capacity due to a modification of economic structure. It is founded that appearance of such long-term integration effects is possible only in the context of coalescence of national economies at the microlevel based on development of system of communications between enterprises including intrasectoral industrial cooperation. The article also analyses results of realization of Russia's strategy of interaction with states beyond Eurasian Economic Union based on open regionalism concept. The paper presents recommendation on perfection of tools of integration in and outside Eurasian Economic Union. In particular, creation of system of decentralized organizations is proposed, for the implementation of specific cooperation projects in selected areas, taking into account the multiplier effect of such a "point-aimed" action/
148-154 1391
Abstract
The article is dedicated to implementation of the enhanced cooperation in the EU. Actually two such projects are шn progress (the law applicable to divorce and legal separation and unitary patent protection) and other two are under discussionffmandai transaction tax and European Public Prosecutor's Office). Active use of the enhanced cooperation recently shows that such kind of the promoting integration is more and more required in the EU. However its implementation can jeopardize the principles of the EU functioning and undermine the status of the institutions in the integration process. This mechanism can also be used in order to exclude the discordant states from integration process instead of traditional search of compromises. This argument is based on analysis of the implementation conditions of the project on the unitary patent protection. At the same time the projects of the enhanced cooperation obviously make the interaction in different spheres more efficient. In addition they can be used for testing the new types of cooperation. That's why the search for an optimal balance between promotion integration through the mechanism of enhanced cooperation and preserving the unity of the EU should be considered as main goal by participants of the integration process. Otherwise the gradual separation on the vanguard group may lead to EU division. Nevertheless taking into consideration enlargement of the EU and its diversity, the enhanced cooperation Should be used onlyas "extreme measure".
155-161 1088
Abstract
The article deals with financial system structures in the eurozone member states, linkages between banking sectors and fiscal solvency of states and EU initiatives towards improving frameworks to prevent and if necessary to deal with crises in the future. The global economic and financial crisis has revealed a close interrelation between banks problems and sovereigns in the EU. The instruments which were used by national governments in order to save systemically important banks forced the EU to revise approaches to bank supervision and establish new mechanisms for banks' restructuring. At the same time sovereign debt crises in a number of member-states, on the one hand, showed lack of an effective EU-wide system of control over a fiscal discipline and, on the other hand raised questions about lack of any system of fiscal transfers to countries hit by a negative shock. The New Banking and Fiscal unions have been designed to withshand those challenges. The author analyses problems which might be solved with the help of the new instruments established within theabove mentioned unions. At the same time far from all initiatives aimed at achieving greater fiscal consolidation might turn out to be effective when dealing with systemic problems in times of a crisis.
162-167 911
Abstract
The article analyses the manifestations of a market failure problem revealed during the economic crisis in the euro area, namely business cycles, market inability to ensure money circulation and avoid inflation. It is shown that the cyclicity of economic development has revealed in various degrees of economic contraction and different rates of its recovery. These differences have been exacerbated by the new procyclical factors emerged from the transition to a single currency. As for money circulation the crisis has almost no impact on the single currency functioning: the euro has maintained its position on the world market and properly performed money functions in the domestic. The goal to achieve economic development without inflation in the euro area generally has been solved successfully by the European Central Bank (ECB). However, due to the fact that the ECB in its monetary policy does not pay sufficient attention to the increased inflation in small and relatively poor countries, the crisis has been more acute in them than in large countries with low inflation. The goals of ensuring money circulation and avoiding inflation can be settled more effectively in the euro area in case of more tight coherence in economic policy and strengthening of supranational mechanisms of economic governance.
ECONOMICS
168-186 678
Abstract
The article reviews international debates on development problems of the resource-based economies. It draws atten tion to causes and mechanisms of the so-called "resource curse" and symptoms of systemic breakdowns and stagnant phenomena in resource-based economies named "Dutch disease". Specific attention is given to the role of national elites and institutions in the emergence of "Dutch disease", preservation of economic backwardness and/or de-industrialization of resource-rich countries. The author also considers new approaches to resolving the problem of'resource-curse", in particular, return to traditional instruments of economic diversification as industrialization and protectionism.
187-196 546
Abstract
After the October Revolution there was an urgent need for a new economic zoning of Russia. Under the leadership of the greatest scientists the Soviet Union was divided in to economic regions. After the collapse of the USSR and the emergence of a market economy, these regions have lost their meaning, and the new were not created. Therefore there was a need of a new zoning Russia, and not by economic regions, but by the complex geographical regions. This is a difficult task, but because of the author's opinion that geography should be a single, new geographical areas should reflect their historical, natural, economic, social, cultural view specifics. This approach will promote rational geographical division of labor in the country in a market economy. An attempt to new geographical zoning, with 10 allocated geographic regions: Capital, Central, European North, European South, North Caucasus, Volga-Urals, Western Siberia, Southern Siberia, Northern Siberia and the Far East. For each region area, population size and density, level of urbanization, natural, mechanical and overall population growth, GDP per capita, the structure of employment, Human Development Index were counted, and the appropriate analysis were made.
197-205 977
Abstract
In this article, performance of239 real estate investment trusts (REITs) from 15 developed countries is analyzed according to their regional specific characteristics. This investment vehicle is rapidly spreading all over the world due to high returns it offers while being of low risk, and since the governments create special legislation. In 2013, there were around 30 countries where REITs can be created, so regional specifics of REITs' performance can be studied. USA has the oldest REITs market in the world with 133 trusts operating there. Popularity of American REITs is explained by the fact that they usually hold well diversified portfolios of property with stable income. This helped them rather successfully survive through the global economic crisis of2008-2010, but after that attracted close attention of institutional investors which has led to the creation of new bubble on the market. European REITs market has appeared recently, its development being slowed down by the recent crisis. The debt crisis and liquidity strain caused REITs lack of funds; economic downturn led to the reduction of trusts' returns, resulting in the outflow of the investment to the USA. In 2012, the recovery of the debt capital market reanimated the REITs market. REITs in the Asia-Pacific region are very risky thus offering a high riskpremium. Their returns are unstable and fluctuate in line with the global economic situation. After the crisis, REITs have been the most attractive investment vehicle on the market offering high yield.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
206-213 806
Abstract
The article analyzes current state and mechanisms of geopolitical struggle in postmodern information age that has come. The author judges from assumption that entirely new postmodern society appeared with expansion of information technology, accompanied by cardinal changes in mechanisms of political power. Information technologies have become one of the most important factors contributing to the transformation of modern society from industrial to informational (post-industrial). In modern conditions, ensuring national and global security is a comprehensive process that includes not only measures to ensure information and economic security individually, but also such an integrated component as providing both information and economic security. The author suggests that modem geopolitical confrontation is carried out based on the synergetic paradigm. The main tool is information and energy influence on enemy system weaknesses using information space control, organizing negative information campaigns and applying economic sanctions. If the main focus of geopolitical struggle in modern era was forced expansion of the territory, in information postmodern age control over economic and information space has become priority among forms of geopolitical struggle. Military expansion of modern era becomes substituted by information and economic expansionism of postmodern using synergetic paradigm of geopolitical confrontation in order to control and capture the opponent's political space.
214-221 4333
Abstract
The article is devoted to an analysis of the role of the Commonwealth of Nations in British history and politics. Having emerged at the end of the XIX c. as an informal association of Britain and dominions within the British Empire it has developed into an independent institute that includes almost all former British territories. Even though nowadays the Commonwealth is a free association of countries and manifests democratic values, this distinctive representation of imperialists stood at its origins, and at times the term itself signified the empire, though in a more progressive, democratic and human form. The author argues that for many decades the main reason for this evolution was British politicians'desire to deter regions from breaking away from within the British sphere of influence. Indeed, the Commonwealth countries belonged to one of the three most important and traditional circles of British political and economic interests, as formulated by W. Churchill, while its importance has been constantly emphasized in numerous election manifestos and government statements. However, with the weakening of Britain and growing independence within the organization, as well as because of contradictions between British national interests and the Commonwealth's founding ideals and principles, Britain has become less and less capable of impacting the organization, and its significance has declined, while some British leaders have even openly sabotaged it. Nevertheless, voices that appeal to reanimate the institution, as well as Britain's role in it, are still heard in the British political arena.
LAW
231-243 999
Abstract
This article provides analysis of such elements of the legal status of diplomats as obligations, prohibitions, restrictions and responsibility. Elements of the legal status are evaluated through the lens of comparative research and include the experience of diplomatic service legal regulation in the former Soviet Union countries as well as in other foreign countries.
244-252 1120
Abstract
In the European Union combating insider violations and market manipulation is one of the key tasks in the domain of legal regulation of the finance market. The EU takes a systems approach to the solution of this problem, as the development of the legal regulation in this field goes the way of enhancing a respective complex of legal norms. In 7 989 the first stage of the development of the EU legal base in the area of combating insider violations was undertaken. In the mentioned year a Council Directive 89/592/EEC on insider dealing was adopted which created the basis for the legal regulation in this field. The document, despite its progressive nature for that time, soon became outdated and no longer could meet the demands of modern finance markets. In 2003 the European Union decided to enhance its legal base and adopted a new Directive 2003/6/ EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on insider dealing and market manipulation (market abuse). This secondary law act, which is still in force, has a much wider scope because its key notion "market abuse" comprises two forms of unlawful actions: insider dealing and market manipulation. In 20 7 7 drafts of new regulatory acts were elaborated - a regulation on insider dealing and market manipulation (market abuse) and a directive on criminal sanctions for insider dealing and market abuse. Should these acts be adopted, the third stage of development of the legal base in this area will begin. This article is aimed at analysing specific features of the second-stage development of the EU legal base and attempting to characterise the main directions of the upcoming reform.
253-263 622
Abstract
The present article focuses on corporate governance in Russia, as well as on the approval in 2014 of the Code of Corporate Governance by the Bank of Russia and by the Russian Government. The article also provides the concept of the famous foreign term Compliance. Compliance is a system based on binding rules of conduct contained in the regulations which are mandatory for the company. In order to fulfill best practices and implement local acts on the most important issues for the company, many foreign companies as well as large Russian companies have formed special Compliance departments. Taking into account such international experience and international corporate governance principles the Bank of Russia has elaborated the Corporate Governance Code, approved by the Russian Government in February 2014. Corporate Governance Code regulates a number of the most important issues of corporate governance such as shareholders'rights and fair treatment of shareholders; Board of Directors; Corporate Secretary of the Company; system of remuneration of members of the Board of Directors, executive bodies and other key executives of the company; system of risk management and internal control; disclosure of information about the company, the information policy of the company; major corporate actions. The most important issue which is analyzed by the author is the problem of the composition of the Board of Directors: the presence of independent directors in the company. According to the author the new Corporate Governance Code reflects the latest trends as well as the current situation with corporate governance in Russia today.
SOCIOLOGY
264-273 577
Abstract
Since the late 7 970s - early 1980s a large body of research has been under way to discern social manifestations of physical space and to perceive the social role of objects within - from familiar utility devices to frightening nature disasters. Recent decades of social change feature the transformation of initially non-social substance (material objects, virtual images, cyber-messages, as well as natural disasters) into active modulators of social processes. This results in the "postsocial relations", that is social enaction of various kinds of objects, which leads to the fact that non-human, non-living and even non-physical objects are increasingly replacing humans as partners to communicate with and deeply mediating social relations, making the latter dependent on them. Thus, the explosion-like expansion of object-centered milieu in the human world consistently fuels the intellectual interest in the analysis of поп-subjective dimension of the social. This trend in the social sciences and humanities may be defined as objectological turn. The proposed paper summarizes some developments in the social objectoiogy, a new research domain related to studying the practice of mixed (hybrid) communication of people with various material and non-material objects. The author highlights the relevant approaches and their contributors, and provides analysis of the "objectological thought" in the history of social theory. Also, in the paper there is the classification of social objects based on their spatial scale, forming object-centered environment from the micro to the macro level.
274-277 694
Abstract
The modem network and digitalized society is full of social changes in various accustomed spheres of our lives including transformation in food practices. The author gives an example of the easiest way how to book food virtually and get it home this day according to tastes of a customer. Moreover the article represents new forms of specific societies existed in the Internet called food-blogs. This, on the author's mind, changes the traditional mechanism of people's choice. Food-blogs are analyzed through the prism of multifunctionalism and dynamics of food and trust. When the process of food preparing and eating attains new communicative functions. Moreover the author notes some social reasons why one user choses this or that food-blog. For instance, the popularity of blogger and network users trust, mostly «blinded». Beside the point, the conception of «trust» used in the text is based on science works of contemporary sociologist P. Sztompka. Both socialized and communicative functions of food are described through theories of R. Bart and G. Simmel. It is underlined in the text that food transforms and gains new qualities notin traditional ways we used to think but in social and cultural construction in virtual space and through network communication.
SCIENCE STUDIES
278-286 1046
Abstract
Science communication is process of promotion of scientific ideas from a scientist through scientific community to muss public. Now this research area attracts a lot of attention from scientists. At the same time science communication suffers from the lack of theoretical framework, which can integrate it. In this article we try to contribute to the further theoretical integration of this area. Here we discuss a model of motion and transformation of ideas from the moment of their generation to the time of their appearance in public movies and literature. The model consists of 5 elements: phase of a scientist (generation of ideas); phase of scientific community (promotion of the ideas among scientists); phase of interested groups (communication with business and government, education of future scientists); phase of popular science (promotion of ideas into mass culture); phase of fiction (subject of communication becomes not scientific knowledge, but myth about science). Each phase is conceived as equal in value stage of existence of scientific ideas. There is a consistent interaction between all phases. The ideas can flow sequentially through all five phases. But independent communication among separate stages is also possible. Furthermore, the ideas can flow in both directions from scientific community to public and visa verse. As a result, scientific communication becomes a real dialogue with equal partners.
287-293 948
Abstract
The article is devoted to analyzing the difference between discourses about "concept". It is an attempt to reveal the features of these approaches to the problem of understanding and studying of "concept". This term is currently at its peak popularity in the human studies, which is connected with its universality and the process of globalization, which generates an interest to studying cultures though these keywords or concepts. Meanwhile, the discourse about "concept" firstly appeared in philosophical literature. Then at the early twentieth century an interest to "concept" arose in Russian linguistics. Afterwards, the term came from the field of pure linguistics to the fields of cognitive linguistics and cultural linguistics, and then in the first decade of XXI century it was rekindled thanks to philosophy. Nowadays in the modern humaninities there are the coexistence of different approaches to understanding, interpretation and investigation of concept. In terms of linguistics the concept constitutes the meaning of sign, and its investigation focused on the search of different means of representation of it in the language and on the basis on them structuring the concept. Linguocognitive science has its aim in building a cognitive model of representation this term in the linguistic consciousness of a native speaker. The feature of cultural linguistics approach is its orientation on the search of cultural component of concept. And the approach of cultural studies focused on the search of the features and the analysis of the essence of this phenomenon in the general context of culture
PHILOLOGY
300-305 734
Abstract
The article examines some peculiarities if grammatical properties of nominal word combinations based on the study of German-speaking Swiss press. The accumulated experience of linguists is analyzed and certain factors influencing the choice of syntactic relations in nominal word combinations with quantitative meaning are researched. It has been established that the choice of syntactic relations in such word combinations is determined by functional style, semantics and grammatical features of nouns - first or second components in a word combination. The aforementioned factors influencing the choice of syntactic relations in quantitative nominal word combinations are studied on the material of Germanspeaking Swiss press. The research revealed a number of peculiarities. First of all, German-speaking Swiss press uses such syntactic relation as genitive subordination quite often, not only on "special occasion" and unlike its use in Germany does not produce a magniloquent, pompous impression. Secondly, it has been established that the choice of syntactic relations in word combinations of the above-mentioned type of word combinations greatly depends on the semantic meaning of the noun - the first component of the word combination - and does not always coincide with the grammatical properties in nominal combinations in Germany. Thirdly, a clear dependence of syntactic relations choice is observed. Moreover, the article highlights the importance of grammatical features of the second component. These are such features as gender, number, case accompanied by noun declension. All the afore-mentioned features help to define the type of syntactic relations, which nominal quantitative word combinations may be connected by. The results of the comparisons of grammatical properties of quantitative nominal word combinations in German and Swiss press are demonstrated in a table below.
PEDAGOGY
312-316 761
Abstract
The article discusses the phenomenon of acculturation in the professional activities of international profile in terms of intercultural communication. The author emphasizes that acculturation problems related to intercultural communication have not only domestic but also international dimension. The article presents the theory and methodology of acculturation problems at different stages ofdevelopment of foreign and domestic scholars (specialists in cultural studies, ethnographers, ethnosociologists) and specifies the defference between the concepts of acculturation and assimilation of national and regional cultures. It further describes the strategy of acculturation (separation, marginalization, integration), emphasizes the role of integration strategy that makes it possible to preserve the cultural identity of a specialist in international relations along with an awareness of the regional culture of the host country. Special attention is given to the task of the university in preventing possible assimilation of future specialists in international relations and building "immunity" to the cultural (regional) adaptation and sustainable cultural identity as a representative the Russia. The article marks the mission of Russian culture as a medium of traditions, moral and spiritual values that built the Russian nation as a single community and state. The author writes that ethno-cultural component brings together many cultures, ethnic groups and nationalities of Russia, forms a common multicultural ground and brings about the need for cross-cultural awareness in international relations. That is confirmed by the State Federal Standard of Higher Education which describes specific competences that students of international relations are supposed to possess.
332-339 766
Abstract
The article considers the mechanism ofrepresenting the hidden curriculum in the discourse of EFL textbooks, i.e. the transmission ofsociocultural norms and values of native speakers to foreign students. To do this the authors make a brieftheoretical review of this problem and demonstrate the results of the comparative discourse analysis of two popular textbooks, the one of the pre-globalization age and the present-day one. The authors provide evidence for their idea of the dual role, which English plays today being simultaneously a national language of different English-speaking societies and the global lingua franca. The conducted discourse analysis is based on the analysis of semiotic means, which are used to nominate concepts basic to any society and culture. In the article, the authors demonstrate their own plan of analysis by the example of the "gender" concept. The gender concept shows social and cultural conditionality of distinctions in behavior and the identity of men and women. The comparative analysis of gender markers in the discourse of EFL textbooks reveals a global vector of transformation and distribution ofsociocultural values. Authors state that cultural expansion through English teaching is an instrument of smart power. It is suggested using the mechanism of transmission ofsociocultural norms and values, which is analyzed in the research, to create Russian textbooks for foreign students.
MGIMO GOLDEN FUND
BOOK REVIEWS
ISSN 2071-8160 (Print)
ISSN 2541-9099 (Online)
ISSN 2541-9099 (Online)