2013. vol. 8. No. 2

Pier Carlo Padoan - Chief Economist and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; OECD, 2, André Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France; E-mail:oecdmoscow@oecdmoscow.org  

The author argues that both national and international economic policy will be successful in overcoming the crisis if it manages to solve effectively both short-term and long-term problems.

Milo Vandemoortele- PhD student at the London School of Economics (LSE), ex-Research Officer in the Growth, Poverty and Inequality Programme at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), London School of Economics and Political Science, WC2A 2AE, Houghton St., London, United Kingdom; E-mail: M.Vandemoortele@lse.ac.uk

Kate Bird - Research Associate with ODI, formerly Head of ODI’s Growth and Equity Programme, Overseas Development Institute, SE1 8NJ, 203 Blackfriars Rd, London, United Kingdom; E-mail: k.bird.ra@odi.org.uk

Andries Du Toit - Director of the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) and Professor at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, 7535, X17, Private Bag, Bellville, South Africa; E-mail:adutoit@plaas.org.za

Liu Minquan- Senior Research Fellow at the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), former Professor and Chair of the Department of Development Economics at Peking University, Founding Director of the Center for Human and Economic Development Studies; Asian Development Bank Institute, 100-6008, 8F, 3-2-5, Kasumigaseki Building Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; E-mail: minquanliu@pku.edu.cn

Kunal Sen - Professor of Development Economics and Policy at the Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM) at the University of Manchester, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, Oxford Rd, Manchester, United Kingdom; E-mail: Kunal.Sen@manchester.ac.uk

Fábio Veras Soares - Research Coordinator on Cash Transfers at the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) in Brasilia; International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth, 70052-900, 7 andar, Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco O, Brasilia-DF, Brazil; E-mail:fabio.veras@undp-povertycentre.org

Abstract

Five key emerging market economies, commonly termed the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), have been lauded for their stellar economic growth and resilience through the 2008/09 financial crisis. They are becoming models of development for development practitioners, researchers and other emerging economies. Scratch beneath the surface, however, and you will notice that not all people in these countries have benefited equally from growth. Some countries have seen enormous increases in income inequality – specifically China, India and South Africa; while Brazil has enjoyed a reduction. What can be learnt, in terms of the challenges and successes of reconciling growth and equity, from the BRICS’ recent growth? The article provides the definition of equitable growth, discusses instrumental and intrinsic arguments for equitable growth. It examines the experiences of four of the BRICS – Brazil, China, India and South Africa and identifies four key factors shaping the countries’ pattern of growth: people having access to assets (especially to skills and land in agrarian societies); investment in productive activities that generate jobs and opportunities for the majority; social transfers to guarantee minimum incomes to those who cannot work or cannot find work; and a political economic context where inclusion is a priority.

Mikhail Sherstnev - PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Institute for Theoretical and International Economics of the Samara State Economic University; 141, Sovetskoj Armii, 443090, Samara, Russian Federation; E-mail: sherstnev@sseu.ru.

Abstract

Millennium Development Declaration, adopted in 2000, stated new ambitious goals in international development policy. It reaffirmed the international community commitmens to alleviate poverty and create conditions for further development in the third world, particularly in the poorest countries. To achieve these goals new sources of funding are required as according to an initial assessment the costs of attaining the goals amount to about 50 billion dollars per year.  It is obvious that most financial tools created in cooperation of developed countries with more advanced countries of the third world are not relevant for the least developed countries. Therefore, international organizations experts and some governments started formulating proposals for developing new financial tools for development assistance.  These proposals include both traditional and innovative ideas that may be useful for further fund mobilization.  According to the author direct foreign investments, migrant remittances and various forms of official assistance to development have significant potential for leveraging resources.  Their practical implementation demands consistent efforts on the part of the developed and developing countries through private investment, public-private partnerships, state guarantees for investments and other instruments.

The article presents an overview of these ideas for financing international development which were widely discussed by international community before the global crisis. The crisis and its aftermath present serious obstacles to international development assistance. However, the ideas remain a good starting point for further discussions and search for viable policy decisions in the post-crisis world.

Denis Degterev- PhD in Economics, Assistant Professor at the Department of World Economy of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of MFA, 119454, 76, Vernadskogo, Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail: degterev@mgimo.ru

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the major identity dilemmas that the Russian Federation faces as a new donor of international aid programs. The Russian Federation is positioned as one of the leading international donors. Russia shares common grounds with the G8 countries on certain aspects of international assistance, and with the BRICS countries – on some other aspects. The paper analyzes the Russian Federation position on the development paradigm and distribution of international aid.

Quantitative analysis, carried out by the author, suggests a correlation between the position of a country on development assistance issues, its GDP per capita and membership in various international organizations. According to the analysis the Russian Federation shares some features with the "Global North", and others with the "Global South".

At present the Russian Federation as an international donor is focused more upon the paradigm of redistribution, as evidenced by its participation in a number of in international development assistance initiatives implemented by the UN, as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance. Apparently, with the increasing capacity of the Russian Federation as an international donor, the focus will be shifted to corrective justice.  The author asserts  that the Russian Federation will be more active in financing infrastructure programs (including industrial) in the least developed countries. The Ministry of Economic Development promotes this position, encouraging the allocation of concessional loans (corrective justice) rather than grant aid (distributive justice).

Dmitry Birichevsky -PhD in Political Science, Deputy Head, Third Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; 119200, 32/34, Smolenskaya-Sennaya, Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail:ministry@mid.ru

Ivan Safranchuk- PhD in Political Science, Deputy Head at the Institute of Contemporary International Studies of Diplomatic Academy, Lecturer at the Department of International Relations of Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; 119992, 53/2/1, Ostozhenka, Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail:latuk.info@gmail.com

Abstract

The presented article discusses Russian policy on international development assistance.

Russia has emerged as a new donor of international development over the last ten years. Russian allocations to international aid grew steadily and reached 500 million USD per year. In spite of a relatively modest budget for international development, compared to major established or new donors (such as China and India), Russia can play a significant role in international development projects, especially on a regional scale. It should be noted that Russia increased the development allocations in 2008-2009, when major donors reduced their development assistance budgets due to pressures of the global financial crisis. However, mechanisms of the allocated budgets efficient use ought to be improved. Expert and interagency debates on these issues are in progress.

The article also analyses statistics on Russian development aid programs, summarizes main characteristics of the Russian international development policies and provides recommendations on enhancing the policy efficiency.  The authors point out that only strategic thinking and consistent implementation of the international development assistance programs will yield significant results.It is also highlighted  the interests of various stakeholders groups within the implementation of international development assistance programmes should be taken into account.

Dinara Gershinkova - Chief Assistant at the Department of Advisers to the President of the Russian Federation, Administration of the President of the Russian Federation; 103132, 4, Staraya sq., Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail:gdinara@list.ru,.

Abstract

The article analyses the precedent of a breach of procedures that took place at the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC / 8th Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol: the decision on the 2nd commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol was adopted by “consensus” in spite of an explicit objection of Russia, Belorussia and Ukraine. The final stage of the Conference took place in flagrant violation of the procedure’s regulations, which causes serious damage to the multilateral efforts to secure a just and lasting solution to the problem of global climate change. At the final plenary session the Russian Federation and Ukraine signaled their intention to make a statement on the content of the draft amendment (a statement on behalf of a group of countries - Russia, Ukraine and Belarus). But the request was ignored by the chairman. The Russian delegation was given a permission to speak only after the decision was taken.

The author discusses various definitions of the term “consensus” used in international law, including the comments of the UN Secretariat Office for Legal Affairs on the term “consensus”. The paper presents an analysis of possible counteractions of the countries which interests were affected. According to the author procedural violations in Doha may delay the Doha amendments ratification by member states and reduce the number of potential participants with quantitative commitments  in the second period of the protocol.

Olga Biryukova - PhD in Economics, Lecturer at the Department of International Economic Organisations and European Integration, Research Fellow at the Institute for Trade Policy of the National Research University Higher School of Economics; 101000, 20, Myasnitskaya, Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail:obiryukova@hse.ru

Abstract

Expanding access to international services market has become a priority for trade policies of the developed countries-members of the WTO. However, the majority of developing countries do not support this approach. The article analyzes the factors impeding the services trade negotiations under the Doha Round, examines interconnections between countries trade policy interests and  possible options for a new International Services Agreement on Trade in Services both in the framework of  the WTO and beyond its mandate.

Barriers in international services trade lead to decrease of the services sectors and increase costs for service providers. This has a negative impact on productivity and competitiveness, given their dependence onthe scale of costs, quality of transport, distributional, communication and financial services.Productivity, in its turn, has a significant impact on economic growth.

The author demonstrates that it is difficult to overestimate the importance of current trade in services negotiations in the Doha Round for Russia, as the services sector itself has exceptional importance for national economic security. And the growth of the supply of services in the next few years is almost the only opportunity for diversification of Russian exports which is currently dominated by energy and raw materials.

The author asserts that Russia’s presidency in the G20 provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the new architecture of international trade in services. Russia should agree a shared approach with the other BRICS countries on a new trade agreement in services defining the principles of the services trade instruments regulation rational use to enhance the economies openness while minimizing the negative consequences of petition with foreign providers. The author concludes that the BRICS members need to develop a road map for the Agreement on trade in services, which would allow take into account their national development policy objectives countries and the regulatory and institutional capabilities for liberalization.

Evgenia Klevakina - Postgraduate student of the Russian History Department of the  North-Caucasian Federal University; 355029, 2, Kulakova Ave., Stavropol, Russian Federation; E-mail: eklevakina@yandex.ru

Abstract

The article analyzes national interests of the Collective Security Treaty member states. In spite of stated common goals, the state-members pursue ambiguous and sometimes controversial policies which hinder functioning of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. In this context the author defines the role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in ensuring national interests of the member states. The paper includes analysis of the member states interpretation of the CSTO strategy and tactics. The author identifies key tendencies in the CSTO main activities and its influence on the post-soviet area. Analysis of the national interests of the CSTO member states identified that the national interests of the CSTO member states are very similar. The countries cooperation is focused on common challenges:the preservation of the sovereignty, integrity and stability, opposition to contemporary challenges and threats to international and regional security, e.g. international terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking. This fact contributes to the integration of the region’s countries within the military and political structure. Its main activities are formed in accordance with the member states’ interests.

However, despite the common challenges, the member states conduct inconsistent foreign policy, which does not always comply with the interests of the organization members, moreover is sometimes contradictory to it. The so called multi-vector policy, often defined by the actor’s wish to obtain maximum benefits from the regional and non-regional powers, often becomes an irritant in the neighbors’ relations. It contradicts the organization principles and hinders effective cooperation.

Ales’ Klyunya- postgraduate student of the International Law Department of Peoples` Friendship University of Russia; 117198, 6, Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail: klunya.alesj@gmail.com

Аleksandr Solntsev- PhD in Legal Science, Assistant Professor, Deputy Head of International Law Department of Peoples' Friendship University of Russia; 117198, 6, Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, Russian Federation; E-mail: a.solntsew@gmail.com

Abstract

International intergovernmental organizations represent one of the main organizational legal forms of interstate cooperation. Their number is increasing and the role is expanding. The terms on which these subjects of international law should bear responsibility for violations of international legal norms and what regulations are applicable in this case become crucial issues.

The purpose of this paper is to present the analysis of the international organizations responsibility concept within contemporary international relations.

The concept of international organizations responsibility is analysed on the basis of the regulations developed by the International Law Commission, international judicial institutions practice and recent research in this area. Serious violations occurring under a peremptory norm of international law, are related to the gross and systematic failure of international intergovernmental organizations to comply with their commitments. The authors argue that states and international organizations should cooperate through lawful means to prevent such violations of international law. 

The concept of international organizations responsibility is under development, and  judicial practice is only being formed. In this context  the issue of international organizations accountability is acute. Therefore, it can be stated that the integrity of the international law system is directly related to the improvement of regulations on international intergovernmental organizations responsibility for breach of their commitments.

Dmitry Malov- Postgraduate student of the International Relations Department of the Saint Petersburg State University; 199034, 7-9, Universitetskaya Embankment, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; E-mail: dimalow@mail.ru

Abstract

The article discusses the principle of equal rights and peoples’ self-determination in international law context. It is proved that international law norms, integrated in the “principle of territorial integrity”, do not contradict the principle of equal rights and peoples’ self-determination. A typology of the subjects to principle of equal rights and peoples’ self-determination on the basis of the UN documents analysis is proposed. The author examines special features of the principle content and interpretation in relation to ingenious people, nations, colonial-dependent peoples, people who live under alien rule or in occupied territories. In the first two cases the UN defends peoples against all kind of discrimination policies (internal self-determination); in other cases the UN concedes the right to form an independent state (external self-determination).

The essence and rules of application of the principles of equal right and self-determination with regard to peoples who live under alien domination or foreign occupation are identical to its application with regard to the colonially dependent peoples.  The primary form of its implementation is self-determination. The right to self-determination is linked to less contentious human rights such as the right to life, choice of residency etc. Thus the right to self-determination in the form of establishment of their own state is regarded by international community, as an indispensable condition for elimination of  the key human rights violation.

The article asserts that in order to stabilize the present system of international relations the UN tends to reduce the number of situations when the application of the equal rights and peoples self-determination principle ensures the right to form an independent state. According to the author, nowadays the mechanism of self-determination of the colonial and dependent peoples has a historical rather than an operational significance, as classical colonialism is absent in the contemporary world. The mechanism of recognition of the people who live under alien domination or foreign occupation is not transparent and consistent.