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Technological development in the field of genetics led to the creation of the notion of the new eugenics, which aroused numerous discussions, primarily regarding the continuity or discontinuity of the new eugenics with the old eugenics. The usefulness of this notion in protecting the fundamental human rights can be examined. Establishing the differences or similarities with the old eugenics and different definitions of the new eugenics, do not provide a clear roadmap about what behaviors are contrary to the basic values, which should be protected at an international level. The focus should rather be shifted to specific controversial technologies, perhaps primarily on practices that already have or are about to have broader application, like in the case of noninvasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT). Additionally, reproductive tourism and the development of technology require a quick response. On the other hand, in an ethically complex area, reaching consensus is a difficult task.

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This paper examines the development of relations between the EU and Serbia, which have been subjected to evaluation in both the Copenhagen criteria and the high-political conditions in the domains of post-conflictrecovery, statehood-challenges and territorial integrity. The research question is: how has the EU focus on high-political challenges reflected on the deepening of relations with Serbia and the country’s membership credibility? The author aims to show that the focus on high-political challenges correlates with the fact that the EU’s approach-towards the WB has remained primarily aimed at stabilization, rather than democratization. Through the Europeanization theoretical approach, comparisons in applying the conditionality principles through the “eastern” EU enlargements, as well as the realist paradigm, the author intends to explain the European focus on the high political domain additionally. As a result of largely prioritizing the high-political challenges and stability aspects over the fundamentally important areas such as the rule of law, the judiciary, etc., the transformation process in Serbia has been insufficiently deep and has remained incomplete in those domains. Likewise, the successful overcoming of some high-political-challenges has not speeded up the lengthy European path but has largely resulted in less negative conditionality. In conclusion, the author considers that the overcoming of the specifically demanding and high-risk challenges in the political domain should be more proportionally compensated, which would be beneficial for maintaining progress in reforms, especially in case the EU’s focus in the upcoming years turns from stabilization towards democratization.

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The purpose of this paper is to understand the process of the internationalization of Chinese companies with a special focus on their energy and transport investment projects in the Balkan countries through an analysis of two periods: before and after the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By using data from the American Enterprise Institute through descriptive statistics approach, the authors will test their hypotheses through 54 investment project examples whose individual value exceeds 100 million US$ in a period from January 2008 to December 2018. The research aims to describe the trends of Chinese investment projects in the Balkans in terms of investment volume, the sectors in which they are placed and the investment pattern. The foreign investment process is one of the crucial things for any global firm to get better results in the international business market. Through the BRI, Chinese companies have achieved this aim so far. Nevertheless, this paper will offer initial findings of those claims that can be used in the future as the primary database for upcoming research to see if types, level and field of Chinese investments remained the same in the Balkans. This research is among the first studies dealing with the analysis of Chinese investment projects in the Balkans. From a theoretical standpoint, it will fill the gaps in the literature and also show the importance and impact of Chinese investments on the Balkan’s economy, especially in sectors such as energy and transportation.

Abstract ▼

In this less-predictable multipolar world, China and the United States are perceived as two superpowers with vested interests in the value of the East Africa region. The region is a key node in the Chinese project “One Belt, One Road,” with Chinese economic and political presence most prominent in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kenya, as an apparent geopolitical point of tension, is the main state stronghold for China in the region. At the same time, it maintained its attachment to the Western Block in the course of the Cold War even since its independence. In neighbouring Somalia, the United States influence is most marked, with presence through military operations and NGOs. States in the East Africa region are attempting to gain ‘the best of two worlds’, between Chinese expansionism and the continued enticement of US economic power. The paper explores how identities are shaped or influenced by major international economic realignments. It asks, what are the responses in the states of the region to the newly established circumstances and potential for (re)colonization of the economy and the mind in an era of indeterminacy.