Abstract In this article, the writer examines economic change and liberalization in Belarus and Poland, with Belarus, formerly part of the Soviet Union, selected as a country having continuing economic problems at the same time as the country is failing to achieve the democratic reforms that many see as necessary to serve the needs of the economy. Information on Belarus was gathered from the data provided on the website CIAO Atlas, which also includes an analysis of the political situation in the country as of 2003-2004, the most recent period for which data is available.
From the Paper "Belarus, formerly part of the Soviet Union, was selected as a country having continuing economic problems at the same time as the country is failing to achieve the democratic reforms that many see as necessary to serve the needs of the economy. Information on Belarus was gathered from the data provided on the website CIAO Atlas, which also includes an analysis of the political situation in the country as of 2003-2004, the most recent period for which data is available. The economy of the country has been growing, posting growth of 6.1 percent in 2003 and 6.4 percent in 2004. However, the country still faces problems because of high inflation, persistent trade deficits, and poor relations with Russia, the largest trading partner and energy supplier for the country. "
Abstract This paper examines the Republic of Belarus or Respublika Belarus, which is located in East Central Europe. It is bounded by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west and the Baltic republics of Latvia and Lithuania to the northwest.
Outline
The Land
The People
Culture
Economy
Government and History
Problems
Hints and Lesson
From the Paper "Before 1990, the Communist Party of and in Belarus monopolized power with the participation of a coalition of pro-reform groups in elections to the Supreme Soviet. The legislature then was hardly changed, with most of the seats won by Communist Party members. The Party was banned after an attempted take-over of the Soviet government in August 199, but the ban was lifted in February 1993, which restored and reconstituted in the Party of Communists of Belarus (PCB). Thereon, the Communists won a plurality seat in the 1995 election to the Supreme Soviet. There too were the Agrarian Party, the United Civic Party and the main opposition group since 1988, the Belarusian Popular front or BPF. These were only a few of the more than 20 active political parties in Belarus in 1996."
Abstract This paper states that each country---Hungary, Belarus and Ukraine--- has a long history of special internal concerns, foreign relations goals, and socio-political aims that make joining the European Union a difficult decision. The author feels that Hungary, which is more like the West, is more likely to join the EU. The paper contends that Belarus and Ukraine, whose economies and societies are intertwined with Russia, more likely will turn towards Russia. Several long quotations. End notes.
From the Paper "Diplomatic relations were opened between Hungary and the European West in August 1988. This was followed by the Europe Agreement which was signed on December 16, 1991. This gave Hungary the status of an associated state within the European Union. As a result, there began a steady flow of Western funds into the Hungarian economy. Hungary was one of the first beneficiaries of the European Union's new PHARE program, a program specifically designed to render financial assistance to countries seeking admission into the European Union. Since 1990, Hungary has received more than ?1 billion under this program. Importantly, these funds do not have to be repaid, and have contributed successfully to the reinvigoration of Hungary's infrastructure: economic development and restructuring, environmental investments, research and development, public administration, human resources development, and various other tasks deems necessary to prepare estate for membership in the European Union. Furthermore, Hungary also benefits from two additional programs, the Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession, and the Special Accession Program for Agriculture and Rural Development. Under these programs, Hungary expects to receive nearly ?140 million each year over the course of the next few years. This cooperation with the West has been an extremely positive experience for Hungary."
From the Paper "In the troubled aftermath of the Soviet collapse, newly independent, sovereign nations Belarus and Ukraine have sustained a similar array of political and economic woes. Decades of Soviet rule have rendered both Belarus and Ukraine ill-equipped to adopt stable, functioning, and least of all democratic, governments. Today, the political climate of these nations is ghastly; in Belarus, authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko is in his sixth year of a subversive, autocratic presidency (Time International, 1999, p. 42). In Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma won re-election to the presidency after a campaign rife with political violence, murder, and censorship of the media (The Economist, 1999, p. 19). On the economic front, each nation has endured wild inflation, lack of foreign investment, and declining standards of living. "
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of how the fall of the former Soviet Union has been responsible for growing terrorist actions and activities by a number of Eastern European nations.
From the Paper "The breakup of the Soviet Union has played a significant role informing world events over the past two decades. One of the biggest threats to peace and stability is the numerous nuclear biological chemical and information warfare ..."
This paper is an extensive literature review of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) of the European Union, especially with regard to the inclusion of Georgia.
Abstract This paper explains that European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) was developed to combat some of the European security issues that exist in Europe. Authorities believe that the ENP would enhance the European Union's ability to secure the region against terrorism and would help promote the economy and overall quality of life of the region. The author points out that originally the ENP applied to its direct neighbors: Algeria, Belarus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine. Later, however, it was extended to include the countries of the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) with whom the present candidate countries, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, share either a maritime or land border. The paper concludes that by eradicating terrorists or criminal activities and by strengthening the political and justice systems in the country, the ENP will be helpful to Georgia. The paper includes many quotations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to Study
Introduction
Background/ History
Theoretical Framework
European Integration Theory
Social Theory and International Negotiation Theory
Literature Review
Purpose of the EU
EU Pursues Two Main Types of Policies towards the Rest of the World
Economic Policies
Foreign and Security Policies through the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Defense Policy Cooperation
Enlargement
Development of ENP
ENP Framework: Objectives, Principles and Instrument
European Security Strategy as a Foundation of ENP
The European Neighborhood Policy
Trade and Competitiveness
Development
Strategic Relations, Political Dialogue and CFSP
EU-Georgia Relations
From Partnership to Neighborhood and beyond Neighborhood Policy
EU-Georgia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Analysis
Looking at the Neighborhood from Georgian Perspective
Why is ENP Important for EU and for Georgia?
The Military Sector
The Economic Sector
The Education Sector
The Environmental Sector
The Society Sector
The Political Sector
How Sectors are Synthesized
EU Interests towards Black Sea Region: Why Georgia Matters?
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the commission's report these agreements permit the expansion of cooperation and economic amalgamation across a variety of domains. The effects of these agreements have not been realized at the current time. In any case, the ENP provides a foundation for improved cooperation in many distinct domains so that the EU and its partners can realize the full benefit of the structures that are in place (European Neighborhood Policy). To this end, the Action Plans will establish key priorities to be tackled in the years to come."
