S/P/376. 'Only a broad conception of "security" can adequately grasp the nature of contemporary conflict and international security'. Critically evaluate this claim

The paper examines the concept of security in the context of International Relations arguing that it should be adjusted to the new threats that have developed in the international system since the end of the Cold War. The contemporary causes of intrastate conflicts are considered; the notion of 'human security' is discussed.

C/P/56. Who caused the Cold War? Critically assess different claims made for the culpability of the USA and USSR

The paper reviews the roots of the Cold War. The discussion starts with the review of orthodox, revisionist and post-revisionist views of the war origins. Additionally, the paper considers realist view on a war as inevitable outcome of the relations between the states. Referring to theories of superpower competition, balance of interests and security concerns it views the Cold War as the evolutionary process.

S/P/111. The Fruits of Arctic Climate Change: Sweet or Sour, Adapt or Decide

Presently the Arctic contains over four million people and boasts cultural, political, economical and demographical diversity in its populace. The dilemma posed by climate change for the people of the Arctic is that because their way of life is so inextricably linked to the environment, to survive, they are required to adapt to the alterations being forced upon them. The question is how they can adapt so thoroughly and successfully, or perhaps should they morally be required to? A conclusion must be drawn as to whether adaptation is the answer or should a drastic course of action be implemented to revert or decelerate the process?

S/P/100. The Iraqi conflict

This essay looks at the reasons that Iraq was invaded by America. Secondly, it looks at the reasons why people are against the conflict on Iraq. Then, it discusses the reasons used to justify the conflict. Next it discusses the consequences of the Iraqi conflict. Finally, it concludes that the American president was right to fight against the terrorism, but wrong in blaming Saddam Hussein of possessing weapons of mass destruction.

P/P/352. International community and the problem of nuclear proliferation

The paper addresses the problem of nuclear proliferation (NP) reviewing the theory of international relations related to the issues of the balance of power, the policy of the international community towards NP, the reasons behind IranÌs interest in nuclear weaponsÌ acquisition, the policy of the US, the UK and Russia towards IranÌs nuclear power, etc.

P/P/317. Political role of Japan in international context

The paper reports on the historical background of the Japanese economic and political system from the Meiji Restoration of 1868 focusing on their post-war relation with the USA and the present day government policy. The role of Prime Minister Koizumi is evaluated; the concept of "responsible international actor" is discussed with reference to Japan.

P/P/316. Strategic position of Central Asia

The paper examines the changes in the strategic landscape of Central Asia brought about by the war against terrorism. A brief politico-economic history of Central Asia is presented highlighting its strategic significance and commenting on its role in the international relations. The interests of the USA, Russia and China in the region are described discussing the changing patters of their influence in Central Asia.

P/P/306. Lobbying and democratic deficit in EU

The paper examines the influence of lobbying on EU policy-makers discussing the democratic deficit within the EU system, the existence of the ‘pressure groups’, the need for the interests’ integration at the regional, national and European levels, the issue of transparency, etc.

P/H/90. Dissertation. Impact of American defeat in Vietnam on US foreign policy

The dissertation investigates the impact of the Vietnam War on the history of the USA discussing the key aspects of the US foreign policy and arguing that its development is influenced by the defeat in Vietnam. Literature is reviewed on the concept of ‘American exceptionalism’, the political situation in Vietnam in the 1950s, the role of the media in shaping public opinion towards the Vietnam War, the economic and moral damage of the USA, the events of the Gulf War in 1991, the political involvement in Haiti, Sarajevo, Kosovo, the US war against terror after 9/11, the current war with Iraq, etc. Conclusions are made about the influence of the Vietnam War on the American national conscience.

P/P/297. Israeli – Palestinian conflict and Middle East Road Map

The paper examines the role of the Middle East Road Map in the resolution of the conflict between Palestine and Israel describing the political context behind the project and reviewing UN reports related to its implementation.

P/P/267. Relations between Spain and European Union

The paper examines the relations between Spain and the European Union (EU) reviewing their history, outlining the main sources of conflict between the Spanish authorities and the EU, the changes in attitudes towards the EU membership in Spain, etc.

P/P/255. Role of regional organisations in humanitarian intervention

The paper examines the role of regional organisations in promoting peace and security reviewing the mission of the international organisations, i.e. UNO, NATO, ECOWAS, etc., their problems in conducting humanitarian interventions and the ways in which regional organisations can support these operations. The benefits of using local troops in a crisis are discussed. The legitimacy of the ECOWAS intervention in Liberia and the Australian intervention in East Timor is argued.

P/P/251. Rwandan genocide: why international community did not prevent it

The paper looks at the Rwandan genocide in 1994 seeking to identify why it was not prevented by the international community. The reasons for the apathy among the US and European policymakers and the failure of the UN Secretariat to act on their intelligence are discussed.

P/P/250. Risks and effects of US-Visit program

The paper examines the US government’s security policies, focusing on the US-Visit program. The fundamental principles of open society are discussed highlighting European Union’s (EU) decision to implement its own Visit program. An overview of the US-visit program is provided outlining its functions and risks, e.g. the risk of the access to “sensitive” information and biometric data, etc. Reliability of US-Visit technology and US-Visit effectiveness are discussed on the basis of GAO (General Accountability Office) reports.

S/P/44. How do Core International Political Theories Interpret the Cold War?

This paper examines the Cold War and various explanations of it from the point of view of core international political theories. Using Liberal, Marxist, Realist and Constructivist approaches the paper offers some explanations for the emergence of the Cold War and uses the Cold War as a way of criticising these approaches.

C/P/43. Asia Pacific: assessing regional security in the region

The paper provides the assessment of the regional security in Asia Pacific. The assessment is made along the following dimensions of security: military presence, territorial disputes and power ambitions; economic dimension and cultural dimension. The paper views security issues as affecting all the parties of region: both internal and external due to the presumption that potential sources of disruption might violate the current status-quo in the region.

P/P/230. Nuclear proliferation issues in Iran

The paper reviews Iranian nuclear programme identifying the motivations for Iran to seek a nuclear capability. The policies of the USA toward their own nuclear weapons are discussed in the context of the current international situation, Irans reliance on outside foreign assistance and the use of military force to address Iranian nuclear proliferation issues.

P/P/220. Chinese-Japanese relations: history and present

The paper traces the changes in the relations between China and Japan presenting a historical overview from the Japanese colonisation of Taiwan in 1895 to the present day, and arguing that in spite of the periods of hostility and rivalry the ties between the two countries are very close.

P/P/210. Reasons behind stability of monarchies in the Middle East

The paper examines the cultural, economic and political roots of monarchy in the Middle East seeking to explain the reason behind the survival of the Arabian monarchies to the present day. The types of monarchies are discussed focusing on the concept of ‘Rentier state.

P/P/200. Conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon

The paper investigates the dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon over the Bakassi Islands describing the geo-political situation in the region, the history of the conflict, British and German involvement, negotiations and treaties attempting to solve the conflict, the tactics of both parties involved, etc.

P/P/199. Euroscepticism: roots and practices

The paper looks at the implications of the European integration discussing the phenomenon of public Euroscepticism along the lines of its history, sources, and relation to political parties in Central and Eastern Europe. The activities of Eurosceptic parties in the old EU member states are reviewed.

P/P/197. Role of security institutions after the cold war

The paper argues the importance of security institutions in the post-Cold war world reviewing the history of ideological tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union; political theories of international relationships; the changing roles of NATO, the EU and the WEU (Western European Union).

P/P/177. Were there legitimate reasons to invade Iraq?

The paper seeks to define whether the invasion of Iraq by British and American troops in 2003 was a breach or international law. The situation following September 11 attack is described reviewing the policy of President Bush and Prime Minister Blair, the position of the Security Council, the activities of al Qaeda, the provisions of the UN Charter, etc.

P/P/167. Russias transition from communism: regularities and peculiarities

The paper examines the process of political and economic transition from the communism regime applying the general laws of transitology developed in the context of South Europe and Latin America, to post-Soviet Russia. The issues of leadership, contingency and cultural context are addressed to identify the nature of Russian transition from communism.

P/P/158. Power politics in contemporary world

The paper analyses the current stage of the world history looking at the international political system and the shifts in the balance of power after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The author argues the decline of state power discussing its implications reflected in the First Gulf War, Kosovo conflict, etc. The issues of globalisation and security are discussed.

P/P/148. Modern China: political and economic issues

The paper looks at the economic development in East Asia at the turn of the century focusing on the post-war economic growth of China and its implications for the wider region. The contradictions between Chinese foreign policy and security policy are highlighted; Chinas relations with Japan, Taiwan and Korea are discussed.

P/P/130. Middle East and the weapons of mass destruction

The paper addresses the problems facing the Middle East focusing on the implications of the proliferation of mass destruction weapons. The nature of the process is analysed in relation to the nature of potential proliferators. The paper argues that the maintenance of stability in the region provides for the relaxation of tensions and outlines the reasons why proliferation of weapons can have a destabilising effect on the Middle East countries.

P/P/115. Relations between Great Britain and Europe

The paper looks at the history of the relations between Great Britain and other European countries focusing on British attitude towards euro as single currency. Political, cultural and economic reasons for Britain's non-involvement in some of the major European projects are outlined. An overview of Britain's present day policy is given.

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