NEUTRALITY IN THE 21st CENTURY –LESSONS FOR SERBIA - ESSAY COMPENDIUM -
NEUTRALITY IN THE 21st CENTURY –LESSONS FOR SERBIA - ESSAY COMPENDIUM -
Contributor(s): Igor Novaković (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade
Published by: ISAC - Centar za međunarodne i bezbednosne poslove
Keywords: neutrality; Serbia; international relations
Summary/Abstract: Excerpt from the review of Prof. Dr. Predrag Simic: Compendium “Neutrality in the XXI century – Lessons for Serbia” is the most ambitious attempt so far in Serbia to comprehensively and in-depth address the issue of neutrality in contemporary international relations, the question which is, in Serbia as well as in many other countries, a subject to scientific and political debates and conflicting interpretations. What characterized this project is a good selection of topics, a fine structure of the compendium and the expertise of authors. All of those contributed so that the readers of the book gets familiar with experiences and contemporary views of the old and the new neutral countries, but also with the main issues raised by the debates about neutrality which are now taking place and also the importance, or rather, unimportance, of neutrality in contemporary circumstances. Thus, the compilers of this compendium offered answers to many questions which are also relevant for Serbia. It can therefore be concluded that this compendium will be able to offer to the Serbian scientific and political public the answers to many questions that were the subject of a broad debate about its political and strategic decisions in the recent years.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-86-86383-16-7
- Page Count: 101
- Publication Year: 2013
- Language: English
Keynote Speech
Keynote Speech
(Keynote Speech)
- Author(s):Milan Pajević, Christer Asp, Tanja Miščević, Mette Kjuel Nielsen
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade
- Page Range:9-18
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:speech; neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:Keynote Speeches of Milan Pajević (Chairman of the International Advisory Board of ISAC Fund), H.E. Christer Asp (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Serbia), Tanja Miščević (the Chief Negotiator for Serbia’s EU Negotiating Team and a professor at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade), H.E. Mette Kjuel Nielsen (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro from 2007 until 2013).
The Concept of Neutrality: Origins and Challenges - From the Peace of Westphalia to the European Union
The Concept of Neutrality: Origins and Challenges - From the Peace of Westphalia to the European Union
(The Concept of Neutrality: Origins and Challenges - From the Peace of Westphalia to the European Union)
- Author(s):Ove Bring
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Diplomatic history, Political history, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:21-27
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:neutrality; European Union; Westphalia; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:Neutrality could be defined as a nation’s status of impartiality, and thus non-participation in hostilities, when other countries are at war. The position of neutrality is probably as old as war itself, but only in the sense that certain actors wanted to stay outside an armed conflict. The self-proclaimed neutrals had no rights in this context, no guarantees, no legal assurances. But during the Middle Ages and later, for example during the Thirty Years War in Europe, bilateral agreements were concluded that promised certain states respect for their position of neutrality during an ongoing armed conflict. The position of permanent neutrality, valid also in future wars, was more ambitious and was not, at this time, covered in international agreements. But to the extent that a concept of neutrality slowly was emerging, it was linked to the existence of an armed conflict. It was not a matter of neutrality or impartiality in a general political sense. Thus, the emerging legal position of neutrality did not exist in peace time, but only after the outbreak of war. That important point also corresponds to the position of modern international law.
European Neutrals in the Cold War
European Neutrals in the Cold War
(European Neutrals in the Cold War)
- Author(s):Thomas Fischer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Diplomatic history, Political history, Special Historiographies:, International relations/trade, Cold-War History, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:29-34
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Cold War; neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:I have been asked to present at this opening panel some historical background information on the European neutrals in the Cold War. As we will talk more specifically about the experiences of individual neutral states tomorrow, I will mainly focus here tonight on the ideological and systemic conflict between the superpowers and on what this meant for the practice of neutrality during the period from 1945 to 1989.
Yugoslavia and the Non-Aligned Movement
Yugoslavia and the Non-Aligned Movement
(Yugoslavia and the Non-Aligned Movement)
- Author(s):Dragan Bogetić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Diplomatic history, Political history, International relations/trade, Geopolitics, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:35-39
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Yugoslavia; neutrality; Yugoslav neutralism
- Summary/Abstract:I will make an attempt to briefly present the key determinants and content guidelines of the Yugoslavian non-aligned policy, but also to indirectly indicate the contact points and differences between this policy and the concept of neutrality itself. After a period of uncritical glorification, followed also by euphoric satanization of the non-aligned concept, finally the time has come, based on relevant archive material, to provide real answers, at least to some elementary questions in this field. Some of them are: if this policy was in fact desired or forced; how difficult was it to prompt sometimes unwilling partners who were not belonging to neither of political-military blocks to cooperate, and finally, why Yugoslavia distanced itself from Europe and connected to far away and unknown civilizations.
Switzerland: Invention of Permanent Neutrality
Switzerland: Invention of Permanent Neutrality
(Switzerland: Invention of Permanent Neutrality)
- Author(s):Thomas Fischer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Geopolitics, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:43-48
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Switzerland; Permanent Neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:Until today Switzerland is considered the prototype neutral state, and although new security challenges such as organized crime, international terrorism or pandemics cannot be met by means of a neutral foreign and security policy, 9 out of 10 Swiss citizens would not want to give up neutrality. This is what we regularly find in opinion polls since the end of the Cold War. Politicians from all directions regularly invoke the tradition of Switzerland’s permanent neutrality in international conflicts, dating back to at least the 16th century. The national legend sometimes even places the origins of Swiss neutrality in the late 13th century, when three cantons of what is today central Switzerland signed treaties of alliance protecting them from “the aggression of the wicked.” During my presentation today I would like to present the following: • to first take a brief look at how Switzerland historically arrived to adopt a position of permanent neutrality in international affairs in the 19th century; • then I will go on to discuss some of the experiences with neutrality Switzerland made in the 20th century; in particular I will explain Switzerland’s specific Cold War neutrality concept, which left a deep mark on the debates on neutrality in the country until today; • I will conclude with an outline of the conceptual changes in Swiss neutrality policy since the end of the Cold War and delineate with what questions Switzerland’s permanent neutrality is faced with today.
Sweden’s policy of neutrality
Sweden’s policy of neutrality
(Sweden’s policy of neutrality)
- Author(s):Jacob Westberg
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:49-54
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Sweden; neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:I have been invited to speak about Sweden’s experience of neutrality and the present relevance of this policy. During the Cold War the Swedish policy of neutrality was officially described as a policy of great consistency, resting on a long and successful historical track-record. Most Swedes believed that this tradition of military non-alignment and neutrality begun already in the early 19th century and that Sweden was to be considered as a permanent neutral state. The fact that Sweden had managed to stay outside the wars in Europe in the 19th and 20th century was also accredited to this policy.
Finland - From a Buffer Zone to an EU member state
Finland - From a Buffer Zone to an EU member state
(Finland - From a Buffer Zone to an EU member state)
- Author(s):Charly Salonius-Pasternak
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:55-58
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Finland; European Union; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:My presentation will be divided into three sections. In the beginning I will say a few words about the context for the development of the Finish concept of neutrality. Secondly, I will share some thoughts about the Finish experiences during the Cold War as they are relevant to today’s situation and the goal of this conference. And finally, I will speak about the Finnish experience in the last 20 years.
Austria´s “Permanent Neutrality” after 1955 – a Model for Serbia?
Austria´s “Permanent Neutrality” after 1955 – a Model for Serbia?
(Austria´s “Permanent Neutrality” after 1955 – a Model for Serbia?)
- Author(s):Friedhelm Frischenschlager
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:59-66
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Austria; Serbia; Permanent Neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:Austria´s permanent neutrality is a very specific case of neutrality, quite different from the other examples of neutrality introduced at this conference. Its origin, substance and political weight are linked mainly to the international developments after 1945 at European and global level and the Austrian reaction to them. Accordingly it has undergone some changes since its adoption in 1955. Formally Austria never abandoned permanent neutrality, today more for domestic reasons, as Austrian citizens grew extremely emotionally attached to it. Could Austria’s permanent neutrality serve as a model for Serbia? From the “original” Austrian permanent neutrality – as a product of the Cold War – more or less nothing is of relevance for a European state of today. Austria itself faces some difficulties with its permanent neutrality and tries to pass by “new interpretations”. But, how Austria dealt with its neutral status when approaching EU, the role it played for the EU in the accession process and today for Austria as an EU member state in a Union with a Common Security and Defence Policy, these experiences provide some interesting aspects, may well be relevant for Serbia’s EU accession process.
The ethos and elements of Irish neutrality: 18th – 21st Centuries
The ethos and elements of Irish neutrality: 18th – 21st Centuries
(The ethos and elements of Irish neutrality: 18th – 21st Centuries)
- Author(s):Karen Devine
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:67-80
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Ireland; neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:The ethos and elements of Irish neutrality can be traced across four centuries of discourse and practice. To understand Irish history is to understand the current of neutrality running through centuries of Irish foreign policy. This paper will outline the motivations and foundations of Irish neutrality in the context of Ireland’s historical narratives and security identities, using Irish leaders’ and successive governments’ speeches and policies. The research shows Irish neutrality was driven by ideas and norms that are constitutive of survival and material interests.
NATO and European (permanently) neutral states - Neutrality is not an issue for NATO
NATO and European (permanently) neutral states - Neutrality is not an issue for NATO
(NATO and European (permanently) neutral states - Neutrality is not an issue for NATO)
- Author(s):Jiri Kyrian
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:83-85
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:NATO; neutrality; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:NATO was founded as a political-military alliance with the core task of collective defence. As such, logically it could not be neutral. However, it has always respected the neutrality of partner countries. When we speak about NATO, I would like to underscore its first adjective – it is a political -military organisation. In the alliance’s history the relative weight of these two dimensions was not always the same. During the Cold War, the military dimension kept more visibility and importance. However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the radical changes that have occurred in the Eastern camp, the political dimensions perhaps did not take the primary role, but it got new content and meaning. Neutrality and cooperation do not exclude each other. That has been the principle approach of NATO towards other countries since early 1990s, regardless of their foreign and security policy lines. Therefore, the Alliance has decided to extend the “hand of partnership” to the countries of former Eastern bloc. The sole thing that mattered was their willingness to cooperate.
The Common EU Security and Defence Policy – a unique framework for cooperation in the field of security
The Common EU Security and Defence Policy – a unique framework for cooperation in the field of security
(The Common EU Security and Defence Policy – a unique framework for cooperation in the field of security)
- Author(s):Srđan Gligorijević
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:87-89
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:European Union; Security and Defence Policy; international relations
- Summary/Abstract:Without a doubt the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union represents a unique framework for security and defence cooperation, since it is based on a unique strategic culture, an amalgam that consists of European members of NATO, then of former Warsaw Pact members, and finally former non-aligned countries and current neutral countries. The Republic of Ireland, was the first neutral states to join the then EEC in 1973. Twenty one years later, the EU was joined by 3 other European neutral states Austria, Sweden and Finland. Two states that had belonged to the Non-Aligned Movement, Malta and Cyprus, joined the EU during the so-called “big bang” of the EU enlargement in 2004, while many authors consider that Slovenia, as a of the former part of Yugoslavia, can be also regarded as a non-aligned country.
Neutrality vs. Collective Security – Economic Dimension – A View from Croatia
Neutrality vs. Collective Security – Economic Dimension – A View from Croatia
(Neutrality vs. Collective Security – Economic Dimension – A View from Croatia)
- Author(s):Sandro Knezović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:91-94
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:neutrality; security; Croatia
- Summary/Abstract:Dilemmas about appropriate frameworks for national security of Croatia were part of a very important debate from the early 90s, for obvious reasons. In general, when one speaks about the collective security in Croatia, he/she speaks about NATO membership. The accession to NATO was definitely one of two main foreign policy goals of Croatia in past 20 years. With very complicated recent history and security environment, it was the issue that caused very important debates between the proponents of the opposed opinions. The question that was on the table was how is it possible for the small state with very limited strategic and economic capacities to insure the long lasting security and capability to find its place within international arena in a globalized world. There were two options – either to join the existing framework of collective security which is NATO, or to do something else. A very important issue in these debates was identity, due to strong feeling of belonging to the West, especially in the early and late 1990s. Neutrality as such was never a part of serious debate in Croatia, given the fact that there was certain amount of awareness that it requires certain capacities from the country in order to be able to claim neutrality. Also, the debates were conducted in, I would dare to say, very inappropriate way, since participants who were against the accession to NATO, were not offering any alternatives, while those who favoured joining NATO were not providing enough reliable evidence or information. Obviously, there was a significant lack of reliable sources of information and there was a need for a thoroughly research on the subject.
Post Cold War “neutral” states - Moldova, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Post Cold War “neutral” states - Moldova, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
(Post Cold War “neutral” states - Moldova, Turkmenistan, Ukraine)
- Author(s):Dragan Štavljanin
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Political history, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:97-104
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:neutrality; international relations; Moldova; Turkmenistan; Ukraine
Russia’s perception of Serbian neutrality
Russia’s perception of Serbian neutrality
(Russia’s perception of Serbian neutrality)
- Author(s):Žarko Petrović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:105-107
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:international relations; neutrality; Serbia; Russia
- Summary/Abstract:Russia looks differently at neutral states in the post-Soviet space and at the neutrality of Serbia. States in the post-Soviet area have understood one of NATO’s messages, that Jiří Kyrian reduced to the maxim “neutrality cannot be an excuse for noncooperation” in his presentation at the conference, and they behave in accordance with this position. For example, Turkmenistan is not a member, but actively participates in bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States, such as the Cooperation Council for Border Policy. Moldova is a CIS member state, and Ukraine is an associate member, therefore the neutrality of these states is balanced in a manner that does not mean their isolation from the fundamental trends pertaining to security in their regions. Namely, post-Soviet states cooperate with Russia as the dominant factor of security in the region.
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES
(BIOGRAPHIES)
- Author(s):Not Specified Author
- Language:English
- Subject(s):General Reference Works
- Page Range:109-111
- No. of Pages:3
