After summarizing various international relations crises in the 20th century, the article discusses how they helped change the worldview on economic conditions & international relations. The idea of globalization as a new perspective in the field of international relations is analyzed & conclusions drawn on its financial & political meanings. The article then comments on the importance of the growth in numbers of democratic countries & the prevention of armed conflict between nations. E. Miller
Following a brief overview of historical events leading up to the Irish revolt against the British & to the Peace Accords of Easter 1998, the article discusses the various characteristics that were integral parts of completing the accords as well as public reactions to the accords. Future scenarios conclude the paper, highlighting some of the lingering problems with peace in Ireland & steps to prevent more problems. E. Miller
The financial dimension of UN peace operations, status of contributions as at Nov. 30, 1993, prospects in the post-cold war context, and other issues. Summary in English p. 319.
Historically the Mediterranean has been crossed by civilizations, peoples and goods which interacted, not always peacefully, respecting pluralism and mutual acknowledgment. The colonial expansion was a rupture which introduced the European hegemony all over the basin denying the "other". France and Italy were the most relevant beneficiaries. Italian colonialism started in the Red Sea and founded the Empire in the Horn but landed in the Northern Africa with Libya's conquest in 1911-12. Not even decolonization, with the access to independence of the colonial possessions after the Second World War, entirely filled the gap between North and South opened by colonialism as such because of the asymmetry at the level of power and the economic and commercial dependence. Italy pursued its international alliances in a perspective focussed on the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the Cold War strains Rome tried to save a good neighbouring with the Arab states. Europe has its border -- as a place where the diverse actors meet -- in the Mediterranean. However, the united Europe failed in all the attempts to bring about a real cooperation with the South shore. The Euro-Mediterranean partnership setup in 1995 did not survive the evaluation Conference ten years later. Is the cooperation season over? Italy too has been involved in the coalition that waged a war to accelerate the collapse of Qadhafi's regime under attack from an internal upsurge covering the will of France to reaffirm a post-colonial influence after the liberty wave (Arab Spring) that is going to change the profile of North Africa. Adapted from the source document.
Plurality of cultures has always existed, but only in modern times of quick & easy communication has it become part of daily human experience, creating a new type of awareness. Diplomacy & intercultural dialogue gain a brand new value & responsibility when it is possible to access massive quantities of information through the Internet & citizens of a country come from all over the world. Diplomacy ensures peaceful relations ultimately affecting the overall well-being of a country even though it cannot rely on a system of rules & a criminal code. Diplomats' main instrument is a respectful & civil behavior even when facing pressing issues such as fundamentalism, nationalism, & war. M. Williamson
This article criticizes overly ambitious definitions of globalization both on theoretical & empirical grounds. Globalization seems to be a less universal & unprecedented process than often described. It also seems that its most important effects are limited to the economic sphere, while in the political one it has not destroyed the traditional organization of states or the heterogeneous nature of the international system. Its main political effects are twofold. On the one hand, in the more globalized areas, open economies demonstrate & reinforce more peaceful international relations. On the other hand, in the less globalized areas, conflicts may arise between those who want to integrate into the world economy & those who are opposed. The most important political issue arising from globalization may therefore be the future relationship between the more & the less globalized areas. 2 Tables, 4 Figures, 68 References. Adapted from the source document.