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Regionalization refers to the process of cooperation, integration, cohesion and identity creation in a regional space and involves state as well as non-state actors. Regionalization serves as a tool for settling conflicts and securing peace among nations. The conflicts and the spillovers they produce in regions such as the Middle East are acknowledged as being of paramount concern to international security. Building regional peace and security is a stepping stone to the construction of a more secure global order. Transforming regions into pluralistic security communities, moving from zones of war to stable zones of peace, has assumed increasing importance. The ongoing spatial formation is defined and explained as a gradual regional transformation movement from a Machiavellian-Keynesian geopolitical rationality toward a Porterian-Floridian one. These political rationalities are motivated by the perceived nature of the contemporary security environment in which a specific type of competitiveness (competitive regionalism/city-regionalism) has partly superseded military-based security issues. There is a growing emphasis on endogenous processes, utilizing regional assets, institutions and knowledge and promoting intra-regional links via cluster policies as the key to regional economic success in a global political economy. It is acknowledged that innovation, competitiveness, clusters, networks, and top quality are key shibboleths in the plans which present long-term future visions for the regions. The author is crafting a research that could measure regional performance in political, socio-economic, societal and environmental aspects with respect to regionalization processes, regional security and regional transformation. Rather than using European Union as the standard from which to explain all other cases of regionalization, or excluding European Union altogether in theorizing attempts, author emphasizes that it is important to enhance the comparative regional analysis. In order not to be restrained to the European Union model, the volume encompass multi-paradigmatic and eclectic analysis that could explain in detail why the European Union regionalization model cannot be replicated in the Middle East, in the core countries of the Levant in particular.

Regionalization refers to the process of cooperation, integration, cohesion and identity creation in a regional space and involves state as well as non-state actors. Regionalization serves as a tool for settling conflicts and securing peace among nations. The conflicts and the spillovers they produce in regions such as the Middle East are acknowledged as being of paramount concern to international security. Building regional peace and security is a stepping stone to the construction of a more secure global order. Transforming regions into pluralistic security communities, moving from zones of war to stable zones of peace, has assumed increasing importance. The ongoing spatial formation is defined and explained as a gradual regional transformation movement from a Machiavellian-Keynesian geopolitical rationality toward a Porterian-Floridian one. These political rationalities are motivated by the perceived nature of the contemporary security environment in which a specific type of competitiveness (competitive regionalism/city-regionalism) has partly superseded military-based security issues. There is a growing emphasis on endogenous processes, utilizing regional assets, institutions and knowledge and promoting intra-regional links via cluster policies as the key to regional economic success in a global political economy. It is acknowledged that innovation, competitiveness, clusters, networks, and top quality are key shibboleths in the plans which present long-term future visions for the regions. The author is crafting a research that could measure regional performance in political, socio-economic, societal and environmental aspects with respect to regionalization processes, regional security and regional transformation. Rather than using European Union as the standard from which to explain all other cases of regionalization, or excluding European Union altogether in theorizing attempts, author emphasizes that it is important to enhance the comparative regional analysis. In order not to be restrained to the European Union model, the volume encompass multi-paradigmatic and eclectic analysis that could explain in detail why the European Union regionalization model cannot be replicated in the Middle East, in the core countries of the Levant in particular.

Regionalization refers to the process of cooperation, integration, cohesion and identity creation in a regional space and involves state as well as non-state actors. Regionalization serves as a tool for settling conflicts and securing peace among nations. The conflicts and the spillovers they produce in regions such as the Middle East are acknowledged as being of paramount concern to international security. Building regional peace and security is a stepping stone to the construction of a more secure global order. Transforming regions into pluralistic security communities, moving from zones of war to stable zones of peace, has assumed increasing importance. The ongoing spatial formation is defined and explained as a gradual regional transformation movement from a Machiavellian-Keynesian geopolitical rationality toward a Porterian-Floridian one. These political rationalities are motivated by the perceived nature of the contemporary security environment in which a specific type of competitiveness (competitive regionalism/city-regionalism) has partly superseded military-based security issues. There is a growing emphasis on endogenous processes, utilizing regional assets, institutions and knowledge and promoting intra-regional links via cluster policies as the key to regional economic success in a global political economy. It is acknowledged that innovation, competitiveness, clusters, networks, and top quality are key shibboleths in the plans which present long-term future visions for the regions. The author is crafting a research that could measure regional performance in political, socio-economic, societal and environmental aspects with respect to regionalization processes, regional security and regional transformation. Rather than using European Union as the standard from which to explain all other cases of regionalization, or excluding European Union altogether in theorizing attempts, author emphasizes that it is important to enhance the comparative regional analysis. In order not to be restrained to the European Union model, the volume encompass multi-paradigmatic and eclectic analysis that could explain in detail why the European Union regionalization model cannot be replicated in the Middle East, in the core countries of the Levant in particular.

The thesis explores the postcolonial failures in the Middle East through a case study of Syria. Syria like the whole Middle East as we know it nowadays is a state and region of imagination drafted by the colonial Europe after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Author defines the concept of postcolonial state of Syria and argues that after the Arab upheaval, Syria as a postcolonial state does not exist anymore. Since the "Arab Spring" Syria got dragged into an ongoing civil war and the Assad regime has refused to go down peacefully. The conflict broke out in 2011 hence the developments in Syria through 2011-2015 are the key interest for the study, however in their analysis author has to take into account the historical context and certain vital developments in Syrian history. Currently, Syrian government is unable to deliver the basic services to its population and thus has been regarded as a failed state. Author analyzes the concept of the failed state, its application in Syrian case and attempts to understand what factors led to the failure of the postcolonial state of Syria. The study builds on an argument that postcolonial state of Syria has failed due to the foundational problems and the failure of the national identity, accompanied with the involvement of external actors, which are further prolonging the conflict. Author tries to examine to what extent have those actors promoted or undermined the failure of the postcolonial state of Syria and further sectarianization of the country. Theories of National identity failure and Constructivism are used as a theoretical framework to guide the whole research; with the former providing the explanation of the failure of the Syrian state and the latter addressing the logic behind the involvement of external actors and assists in generalizing the pattern detected in Syria over the whole Middle East, examining whether postcolonial Middle East has ended in light of Syrian case and given way to the emergence of New Middle East.

The thesis explores the postcolonial failures in the Middle East through a case study of Syria. Syria like the whole Middle East as we know it nowadays is a state and region of imagination drafted by the colonial Europe after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Author defines the concept of postcolonial state of Syria and argues that after the Arab upheaval, Syria as a postcolonial state does not exist anymore. Since the "Arab Spring" Syria got dragged into an ongoing civil war and the Assad regime has refused to go down peacefully. The conflict broke out in 2011 hence the developments in Syria through 2011-2015 are the key interest for the study, however in their analysis author has to take into account the historical context and certain vital developments in Syrian history. Currently, Syrian government is unable to deliver the basic services to its population and thus has been regarded as a failed state. Author analyzes the concept of the failed state, its application in Syrian case and attempts to understand what factors led to the failure of the postcolonial state of Syria. The study builds on an argument that postcolonial state of Syria has failed due to the foundational problems and the failure of the national identity, accompanied with the involvement of external actors, which are further prolonging the conflict. Author tries to examine to what extent have those actors promoted or undermined the failure of the postcolonial state of Syria and further sectarianization of the country. Theories of National identity failure and Constructivism are used as a theoretical framework to guide the whole research; with the former providing the explanation of the failure of the Syrian state and the latter addressing the logic behind the involvement of external actors and assists in generalizing the pattern detected in Syria over the whole Middle East, examining whether postcolonial Middle East has ended in light of Syrian case and given way to the emergence of New Middle East.

The thesis explores the postcolonial failures in the Middle East through a case study of Syria. Syria like the whole Middle East as we know it nowadays is a state and region of imagination drafted by the colonial Europe after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Author defines the concept of postcolonial state of Syria and argues that after the Arab upheaval, Syria as a postcolonial state does not exist anymore. Since the "Arab Spring" Syria got dragged into an ongoing civil war and the Assad regime has refused to go down peacefully. The conflict broke out in 2011 hence the developments in Syria through 2011-2015 are the key interest for the study, however in their analysis author has to take into account the historical context and certain vital developments in Syrian history. Currently, Syrian government is unable to deliver the basic services to its population and thus has been regarded as a failed state. Author analyzes the concept of the failed state, its application in Syrian case and attempts to understand what factors led to the failure of the postcolonial state of Syria. The study builds on an argument that postcolonial state of Syria has failed due to the foundational problems and the failure of the national identity, accompanied with the involvement of external actors, which are further prolonging the conflict. Author tries to examine to what extent have those actors promoted or undermined the failure of the postcolonial state of Syria and further sectarianization of the country. Theories of National identity failure and Constructivism are used as a theoretical framework to guide the whole research; with the former providing the explanation of the failure of the Syrian state and the latter addressing the logic behind the involvement of external actors and assists in generalizing the pattern detected in Syria over the whole Middle East, examining whether postcolonial Middle East has ended in light of Syrian case and given way to the emergence of New Middle East.

European Union legislation obliges Lithuania and other member states to accept refugees from the Middle East, which is why employers are increasingly faced with these refugee job-seekers. Refugees bring their own culture and mentality, therefore for employers it is becoming increasingly important to know the Middle East culture in order to effectively apply Human Resource Management (HRM). This work reveals that favouritism and Islam are the main source of problems when HRM is applied in the Middle East countries. HRM concept was originally developed in the West. This study found that when Western HRM is adapted for the employees with the Middle East cultural mentality, it results in distorted HRM, and highlights and amplifies the existing problems of the Middle East – corruption, non-transparency and favouritism. The differences between HRM in the West and the Middle East can be described as the opposition of fatalism and meritocracy – in the West employee is empowered to pursue a career, while in the Middle East the hierarchical place of employee is determined by his social background.

European Union legislation obliges Lithuania and other member states to accept refugees from the Middle East, which is why employers are increasingly faced with these refugee job-seekers. Refugees bring their own culture and mentality, therefore for employers it is becoming increasingly important to know the Middle East culture in order to effectively apply Human Resource Management (HRM). This work reveals that favouritism and Islam are the main source of problems when HRM is applied in the Middle East countries. HRM concept was originally developed in the West. This study found that when Western HRM is adapted for the employees with the Middle East cultural mentality, it results in distorted HRM, and highlights and amplifies the existing problems of the Middle East – corruption, non-transparency and favouritism. The differences between HRM in the West and the Middle East can be described as the opposition of fatalism and meritocracy – in the West employee is empowered to pursue a career, while in the Middle East the hierarchical place of employee is determined by his social background.

Relevance of the topic: For the last three decades Lithuania is part of global economy affected directly by world market movements. Rapidly improving economic conditions and Gross Domestic Product growth is strongly influenced by Lithuanian export to foreign markets. Small and Medium-sized enterprises are a driving force behind competitiveness and export increase in Lithuania. SME importance in the local and national arena is undeniable, but they are still bounded by trade barriers when entering new markets. Most countries in the world are promoting export activities by various programs and initiatives but not always these actions reflect the direct needs of SMEs. Most recently Middle East region has become an attractive destination for Lithuanian export. This market is quite strong economically because of its abundant oil resources. Also, citizen living, and income standard is another aspect that is attracting businesses to consider this region for trade. Middle East region is experiencing economic growth, for these reasons it is important to foster Lithuanian SMEs export to this market. Research object: Overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium-sized enterprises operating in the market of the Middle East. Research aim: Validate the solutions of overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium enterprises operating in the Middle East market. Research objectives: 1. To examine theoretical and practical trade barrier research assumptions; 2. To develop methodology of the research; 3. To execute the study and identify trade barriers; 4. To structure the solutions to overcome trade barriers. Findings of the research: It is important to study trade barriers affecting Lithuanian Small and Medium –sized enterprises while exporting to the Middle East because this region is becoming more important in the global trade. The region is attractive for businesses because of its political stability, economic and demographic growth and vast natural resources. As the time goes on the Middle East region becomes more Westernized because of the Globalization and International Trade. This makes it easier for Lithuanian SMEs to attract partners and trade in these states. Unfortunately, Lithuanian companies are affected by various trade barriers while doing business with these countries. This study identified 11 factors that could be considered trade barriers of various strength. The most powerful barriers experienced by Lithuanian SMEs were of political origin, lack of speed with political cooperation between regions and assistance for newly decided exporters. Secondly, the Lithuanian companies imply that the competition in the region is quite hard to deal with when your company is small. Also, the research has found that insurance and goods transportation is a trade barrier of reasonable strength. Despite the political and economic trade barriers, it was found that sociocultural differences, such as language, is a strong export barrier for SMEs trading in or providing services in the Middle East.

Relevance of the topic: For the last three decades Lithuania is part of global economy affected directly by world market movements. Rapidly improving economic conditions and Gross Domestic Product growth is strongly influenced by Lithuanian export to foreign markets. Small and Medium-sized enterprises are a driving force behind competitiveness and export increase in Lithuania. SME importance in the local and national arena is undeniable, but they are still bounded by trade barriers when entering new markets. Most countries in the world are promoting export activities by various programs and initiatives but not always these actions reflect the direct needs of SMEs. Most recently Middle East region has become an attractive destination for Lithuanian export. This market is quite strong economically because of its abundant oil resources. Also, citizen living, and income standard is another aspect that is attracting businesses to consider this region for trade. Middle East region is experiencing economic growth, for these reasons it is important to foster Lithuanian SMEs export to this market. Research object: Overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium-sized enterprises operating in the market of the Middle East. Research aim: Validate the solutions of overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium enterprises operating in the Middle East market. Research objectives: 1. To examine theoretical and practical trade barrier research assumptions; 2. To develop methodology of the research; 3. To execute the study and identify trade barriers; 4. To structure the solutions to overcome trade barriers. Findings of the research: It is important to study trade barriers affecting Lithuanian Small and Medium –sized enterprises while exporting to the Middle East because this region is becoming more important in the global trade. The region is attractive for businesses because of its political stability, economic and demographic growth and vast natural resources. As the time goes on the Middle East region becomes more Westernized because of the Globalization and International Trade. This makes it easier for Lithuanian SMEs to attract partners and trade in these states. Unfortunately, Lithuanian companies are affected by various trade barriers while doing business with these countries. This study identified 11 factors that could be considered trade barriers of various strength. The most powerful barriers experienced by Lithuanian SMEs were of political origin, lack of speed with political cooperation between regions and assistance for newly decided exporters. Secondly, the Lithuanian companies imply that the competition in the region is quite hard to deal with when your company is small. Also, the research has found that insurance and goods transportation is a trade barrier of reasonable strength. Despite the political and economic trade barriers, it was found that sociocultural differences, such as language, is a strong export barrier for SMEs trading in or providing services in the Middle East.

Relevance of the topic: For the last three decades Lithuania is part of global economy affected directly by world market movements. Rapidly improving economic conditions and Gross Domestic Product growth is strongly influenced by Lithuanian export to foreign markets. Small and Medium-sized enterprises are a driving force behind competitiveness and export increase in Lithuania. SME importance in the local and national arena is undeniable, but they are still bounded by trade barriers when entering new markets. Most countries in the world are promoting export activities by various programs and initiatives but not always these actions reflect the direct needs of SMEs. Most recently Middle East region has become an attractive destination for Lithuanian export. This market is quite strong economically because of its abundant oil resources. Also, citizen living, and income standard is another aspect that is attracting businesses to consider this region for trade. Middle East region is experiencing economic growth, for these reasons it is important to foster Lithuanian SMEs export to this market. Research object: Overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium-sized enterprises operating in the market of the Middle East. Research aim: Validate the solutions of overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium enterprises operating in the Middle East market. Research objectives: 1. To examine theoretical and practical trade barrier research assumptions; 2. To develop methodology of the research; 3. To execute the study and identify trade barriers; 4. To structure the solutions to overcome trade barriers. Findings of the research: It is important to study trade barriers affecting Lithuanian Small and Medium –sized enterprises while exporting to the Middle East because this region is becoming more important in the global trade. The region is attractive for businesses because of its political stability, economic and demographic growth and vast natural resources. As the time goes on the Middle East region becomes more Westernized because of the Globalization and International Trade. This makes it easier for Lithuanian SMEs to attract partners and trade in these states. Unfortunately, Lithuanian companies are affected by various trade barriers while doing business with these countries. This study identified 11 factors that could be considered trade barriers of various strength. The most powerful barriers experienced by Lithuanian SMEs were of political origin, lack of speed with political cooperation between regions and assistance for newly decided exporters. Secondly, the Lithuanian companies imply that the competition in the region is quite hard to deal with when your company is small. Also, the research has found that insurance and goods transportation is a trade barrier of reasonable strength. Despite the political and economic trade barriers, it was found that sociocultural differences, such as language, is a strong export barrier for SMEs trading in or providing services in the Middle East.

Relevance of the topic: For the last three decades Lithuania is part of global economy affected directly by world market movements. Rapidly improving economic conditions and Gross Domestic Product growth is strongly influenced by Lithuanian export to foreign markets. Small and Medium-sized enterprises are a driving force behind competitiveness and export increase in Lithuania. SME importance in the local and national arena is undeniable, but they are still bounded by trade barriers when entering new markets. Most countries in the world are promoting export activities by various programs and initiatives but not always these actions reflect the direct needs of SMEs. Most recently Middle East region has become an attractive destination for Lithuanian export. This market is quite strong economically because of its abundant oil resources. Also, citizen living, and income standard is another aspect that is attracting businesses to consider this region for trade. Middle East region is experiencing economic growth, for these reasons it is important to foster Lithuanian SMEs export to this market. Research object: Overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium-sized enterprises operating in the market of the Middle East. Research aim: Validate the solutions of overcoming trade barriers for the Lithuanian Small and Medium enterprises operating in the Middle East market. Research objectives: 1. To examine theoretical and practical trade barrier research assumptions; 2. To develop methodology of the research; 3. To execute the study and identify trade barriers; 4. To structure the solutions to overcome trade barriers. Findings of the research: It is important to study trade barriers affecting Lithuanian Small and Medium –sized enterprises while exporting to the Middle East because this region is becoming more important in the global trade. The region is attractive for businesses because of its political stability, economic and demographic growth and vast natural resources. As the time goes on the Middle East region becomes more Westernized because of the Globalization and International Trade. This makes it easier for Lithuanian SMEs to attract partners and trade in these states. Unfortunately, Lithuanian companies are affected by various trade barriers while doing business with these countries. This study identified 11 factors that could be considered trade barriers of various strength. The most powerful barriers experienced by Lithuanian SMEs were of political origin, lack of speed with political cooperation between regions and assistance for newly decided exporters. Secondly, the Lithuanian companies imply that the competition in the region is quite hard to deal with when your company is small. Also, the research has found that insurance and goods transportation is a trade barrier of reasonable strength. Despite the political and economic trade barriers, it was found that sociocultural differences, such as language, is a strong export barrier for SMEs trading in or providing services in the Middle East.

Middle and Eastern European region is both historically and politically complicated. The effect of this we can also detect in countries understanding security. In order to countries to collaborate and reach mutual relations, and not only via international agreements, but also in bilateral relations, security priorities should be as identical as possible. It seems reasonable that same region should have same or identical security strategies. Purpose of research – analyse four different Middle and Eastern European countries, in particular – Lithuanian, Latvian, Polish and Hungarian – national security strategies. Research countries are part of defensive alliances such as NATO, and on surface of it, this means same basic principles regarding making national security strategies. However, during research it was discovered that same region – Middle and Eastern European – countires prioritise different risks, main difference being identifying Russia, as a risk, between Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. In a meantime, Hungary prioritises risk coming from illegal migration, and Russia is left further down in priorities. More over, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland carefully sees possibility for relationship improvement with Russia, but Hungary is rather warm in that regard. This means that Hungary's different perspective may lead to diffucult relations in both format as bilateral and international, especially then topic changes to Russia.

Middle and Eastern European region is both historically and politically complicated. The effect of this we can also detect in countries understanding security. In order to countries to collaborate and reach mutual relations, and not only via international agreements, but also in bilateral relations, security priorities should be as identical as possible. It seems reasonable that same region should have same or identical security strategies. Purpose of research – analyse four different Middle and Eastern European countries, in particular – Lithuanian, Latvian, Polish and Hungarian – national security strategies. Research countries are part of defensive alliances such as NATO, and on surface of it, this means same basic principles regarding making national security strategies. However, during research it was discovered that same region – Middle and Eastern European – countires prioritise different risks, main difference being identifying Russia, as a risk, between Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. In a meantime, Hungary prioritises risk coming from illegal migration, and Russia is left further down in priorities. More over, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland carefully sees possibility for relationship improvement with Russia, but Hungary is rather warm in that regard. This means that Hungary's different perspective may lead to diffucult relations in both format as bilateral and international, especially then topic changes to Russia.

In the 12th century, the Curonians dwelt in the east Baltic region between the Rīga area in the north and Klaipėda in the south. They reached the peak of their economic, political and cultural achievements in the 11th century and the first half of the 12th century. The roots of piracy as a phenomenon have a social character. The most active period of the Curonian Vikings begins in around the mid-tenth century, and lasts until the arrival of the Germans in the 13th century. The well-organised piracy of the Curonians became dangerous to navigation on an important maritime trading route along the east Baltic coast. The Curonians attacked traders' boats, robbed coastal churches, devastated Danish and Swedish coastal areas, and even stayed for a while. In the times of the Teutonic Order, in periods of diplomatic and military conflict or trading competition, even officials did not avoid robbery at sea. The Palanga coastal population used to plunder shipwrecked boats, and went marauding in coastal waters until the middle of the 18th century.