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Aus sowjetischer Sicht

Current and emerging developments in the polar regions entail an increased conflict- potential as well as an increased cooperation-potential. On this backdrop the author discusses the possibilities for international cooperation on conflict-preventive measures in the polar regions. A key assumption in this context is that international cooperation as such - independently of the object of cooperation - should be ascribed a positive conflict-preventive function. The discussion, however, is here limited to a few sub ject-areas where international cooperation in the polar regions is of particular interest; notably in scientific research/exploration, economic exploitation, regulatory measures of a practical/operative nature, and regulation of sovereignty- and jurisdiction-status. More particularly, the paper gives a comparative discussion of the Svalbard (Spits bergen) and Antarctic treaties as models for the regulation of so-called 'new terri tories' (a term which encompasses, inter alia, most of the polar regions). Finally, the author examines the aptness of such models to adapt to changing circumstances, and to cover the need for measures of regulation and control in regions where many parties are involved in the developments.

Global problems & strategies for resolving them are discussed, focusing on the greatly magnified consequences of "errors" in contemporary international relations. The potential contributions of Marxism to global analysis, particularly in the identification of humanity-nature coexistence & conflict, are reviewed, stressing the equal importance of scientific, technological, & sociopolitifical conditions in effectively forecasting & transforming global issues. Particular attention is given to the threat of nuclear war & the enormous drain of economic resources from all countries resulting from the arms buildup, & the greater involvement of Third World countries in arms manufacture & deployment. Additional obstacles to cooperation are identified in the growth of multinational corporations, the flow of private capital into former colonies, export of developing countries' profits to the West, & their growing debt. Several scenarios for further development in the Third World are outlined, stressing the ultimate importance of revised international economic relations. 1 Table, 3 Photographs. L. Whittemore.