Abstract ▼

Recently, a growing number of countries in the world have been interested in the research of the so-called fourth dimension. Considering that conquering space provides numerous strategic benefits, as well as access to large reserves of untapped resources, some countries, particularly those with a high level of economic development, such as India and China, have demonstrated determination to join the prestigious ‘club of spacefaring nations’, which was reserved, until recently, for the United States, the Russian Federation, japan, Canada and the European Union. The paper analyzes the space strategy of the People’s Republic of China. After a brief account of the history of the development of China’s space activities, special attention in the paper is given to the importance of the Moon. Its conquest is substantial for acquiring prerequisites for further exploration of outer space, but is also relevant having considered the fact that it represents a very large and yet unused resource base. In addition, the author analyzes the military component of the realization of the cosmic ambitions of the most populous country in the world, i.e., investigates whether the actions of China contribute to the militarization of the cosmos or the development of the fourth dimension as a zone of peace and prosperity that the whole of humanity can benefit from. Subsequently, the paper analyzes the current geopolitical and economic effects of the development of China’s space strategy, with an overview of Beijing’s space plans for the forthcoming period. The author infers that China will make a major contribution to space exploration in the future, which, if it adheres to its current principles in international relations, may qualify it as a key player in the exploration of the space potential.

Abstract ▼

Given the particular historical, political and socioeconomic circumstances, the countries of the Western Balkans have met the necessary conditions for the integration of their national energy systems with the EU energy system to varying and often modest degrees. Recent changes in Europe’s energy strategy and trends additionally complicate the situation in the Western Balkans. The situation is substantially different in the oil, gas, electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency sectors. The fact that the processes are often stalled is also indicated by the measures that have been taken against some of the countries from the domain of the Energy Community sanctions. This paper analyses the situation in the energy systems of the Western Balkan countries in terms of fulfilment of the criteria for the EU accession and the system of measures taken by the EU towards future member states in the accession process, as well as the factors affecting this situation, especially the influence of forces outside the region.

Abstract ▼

Poland is the largest economic, trade and investment partner of China in Central and Eastern Europe. In recent years, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Poland has developed steadily and made positive progress. Still, some problems persist in economic and trade cooperation, such as the expansion of Poland’s trade deficit with China, the small scale of mutual investment, and the lack of awareness of China’s SMEs on the Polish economy, trade and investment environment. This article begins with an analysis of the economic performance of Poland since its accession to the EU, then evaluates the development of China-Poland cooperation from the perspective of economic interaction in the fields of trade and investment, and aims to provide a useful reference for strengthening economic and trade cooperation with bilateral states.

Abstract ▼

In this paper, the author uses the neoclassical geopolitical approach to analyse the power struggle in the Mediterranean as an echo of the changing world order by studying two war theatres in the Mediterranean, Libyan and Syrian. jankovic firstly explained the importance of the Mediterranean Sea for the world economy and politics and examined the political and geographical features important for understanding the wars in these two countries. In the second chapter, the author presents the Italian neoclassical geopolitical school. In the third part of the study, he overviews the geopolitical significance of the two mentioned countries. In the fourth chapter, the author argues that certain geographic elements and historical heritage account for understanding the political action of various actors in the Libyan and Syrian wars. Through the lens of the Italian neoclassical geopolitical school, he questions regional policies of the USA, Russia, France, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. Finally, the author has two conclusions: a) he argues that the traditional geopolitical school of the Apennines is valid for the analysis of Mediterranean power politics, and b) he indicates that the wars in Libya and Syria are clearly showing that multipolarity auspicated by the Russian president in 2007 has come to this part of the world.