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1001. International Relations and Comparative Politics: Cooperation or Conflict?

Author:
Jorge Schiavon
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas
Abstract:
This article concentrates in providing an answer to two deeply related questions: is the study of International Relations (IR) and Comparative Politics (CP), in methodological and theoretical terms, intrinsically different, essentially identical, or complementary?, and thus, should we see IR as an autonomous and isolated field of study, as a sub-field of CP, or are both IR and CP valid and deeply related areas of study of Political Science (PS)? To answer these questions, the article is divided in three sections. The first section concentrates on the validity of IR as a field of study. The second section is devoted to discuss the methodological compatibility (or not) between IR and CP, using one central theoretical issue as a case of study: the sources of origins of state motivations as explanatory variable of state actions (specifically cooperation or conflict. Finally, the third and last section to the article presents some insights on how IR theories can be linked, and to certain degree improved, taking into account CP theories, using the example of state preferences developed in the second section. The article concludes that IR and CP theories are very similar in methodological and theoretical terms, and thus, they can complement and cross-fertilize each other, "cooperating" to construct better explanations of the actions of political actors in the domestic and international systems.
Topic:
International Relations, Development, International Cooperation, and Politics

1002. Structure and Choice in Foreign Policy Analysis

Author:
Peter Trubowitz
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas
Abstract:
How do states choose their foreign policies? Most foreign policy analysis relies on structuralist reasoning to answer this question. Realist theory emphasizes a nation's position in the international distribution of power. A second approach focuses on domestic factors and stresses a country's political institutions. Both traditions focus on constraints on state behavior. The future of foreign policy analysis lies in finding ways to incorporate politics and choice into structuralist reasoning. Three main solutions have been proposed: theories that focus on how international pressures affect competing domestic coalitions, rational choices theories that analyze "two level games," and constructivism. This paper proposes an alternative model that views politicians as political entrepreneurs who seek to consolidate domestic power in national arenas that are conditioned by international constraints. The approach is developed and illustrated in a discussion of foreign policy choice in the United States.
Topic:
International Relations, Foreign Policy, Development, and Politics
Political Geography:
United States

1003. Church and State: Leaders and Legitimacy, A Theoretical Review

Author:
Blaire M. Harms
Publication Date:
08-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Department of Social Sciences at West Point, United States Military Academy
Abstract:
This paper represents an introductory and partial review of the literature on elite politics and their use of myths and symbols for legitimacy. My full project will explain the connection (or relationship) between religious elites and political elites, the use of religious myths, symbols or ritual to generate nationalism, and political legitimacy. This project requires that I bring together a number of different fields that examine elites and nationalism, as well as the literature on myths and symbols. This includes work in international relations, comparative politics, culture/ethnicity, and religion. The starting point of most of the literature that looks at elite politics and nationalism (whether this is stated or not) is that politics becomes problematic when political institutions are weak. I will provide an overview of this broad literature to start with; then I will give a condensed look at some other positions that examine why competitive elite politics may generate nationalism; where nationalist symbology comes from; and the different roles religious elites may play in nationalist conflict; and finish with a description of how I see the relationship between religion, politics, myths and nationalism. You will see that my position is unique, yet combines elements from the other fields of inquiry.
Topic:
Government, Politics, and Religion
Political Geography:
United States

1004. Strategic Culture and the English School: Conceptualising Strategic Adjustment in the Nordic Region

Author:
Henrikki Heikka
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
The Nordic region seems to be in the midst of a thorough transformation-process, involving all of the countries in the region as well as the key institutional players. The aim of this paper is to define some of the key concepts needed for understanding and explaining this process. In particular, the paper focuses on sketching a method for differentiating between structural and cultural sources of strategic adjustment. The concept of structure connects the discussion to structural realism, while the concept of culture is linked to the theoretical debates within IR about strategic culture and international society. The method outlined in the paper borrows from Max Weber's use of ideal types and scientific realists' use of iconic modeling. The paper argues for ontological clarity in dealing with causal mechanisms (at the level of the real) that are used to explain grand strategies (at the level of the actual) and their empirical referents such a military doctrine or alliance choices. Three ideal types of strategic culture – realist, liberal, and revolutionary – are suggested as a hermeneutical tool for evaluating the potential effects of causal powers of strategic cultures within strategic thinking.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, International Political Economy, Political Economy, and Politics

1005. National-Cultural Autonomies and Interethnic Relations in the Kaliningrad Oblast

Author:
Priit Järve
Publication Date:
03-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Centre for Minority Issues
Abstract:
This workshop was organized and fully sponsored by ECMI in collaboration with the Kaliningrad Oblast Duma as a follow-up of the ECMI Roundtable meeting “Migration and Forced Migration in the Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia”, which took place in Flensburg from 22 to 23 June 2001.
Topic:
Civil Society, Politics, and Regional Cooperation
Political Geography:
Europe

1006. Kosovo/a Standing Technical Working Group: The Establishment of Expert Committees, Expert Committee Constitutive Session

Author:
Robert Curis, Marc Weller, and Camille Monteux
Publication Date:
03-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Centre for Minority Issues
Abstract:
This project was established in the second half of 2000 to strengthen the development of civil society in Kosovo/a. It seeks to generate dialogue among the different ethnic and political communities in Kosovo/a and to enhance the sense of local ownership and democratic accountability of the emerging political structures in the territory. In particular, it seeks to create space for the participation of civil society and civil society organizations (NGOs) in those structures on a fully inter-ethnic basis.
Topic:
Civil Society, Non-Governmental Organization, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1007. Principles and Prerequisites of DCAF, Commonalities of the Best Practices in Established Democracies

Author:
Dr. Dietrich Genschel
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
The paper concentrates on the principles and prerequisites of DCAF as followed and applied in established (western) democracies. "Commonality" does not imply adherence to all principles to the same degree and in any detail. National history and tradition do condition the ways in which armed forces are structured and organized, educated, motivated and commanded. "Best practice" does not imply that there are no deviations from the principles and violations of their content. On the other hand the principles themselves take account of dangers of misuse und deviant behavior by providing corrective mechanisms. Overall the principles are guided by a vision of how best democratic and armed forces structures and behavioral features can be harmonized to the benefit of both with clear subordination of the armed forces under democratically legitimized political supremacy, without degrading efficiency and effectiveness.
Topic:
International Relations, Security, Democratization, and Politics

1008. Border Control Services and Security Sector Reform

Author:
Alice Hills
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
This paper provides a baseline of knowledge and reference materials to support future work on the role of border control services in security sector reform (SSR). It summarises the current state of research on border control services in the broader context of SSR, examines the discursive field, and identifies the relevance to border services of the concept of democratic control.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Civil Society, and Politics

1009. Civil-Military Relations Theory in the Post-Communist World

Author:
Daniel Zirker and Costas Danopoulos
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
The pivotal role of soldiers in warfare, empire building, and national security has been the subject of epic poets, historians, and other social scientists since time immemorial. By comparison, one finds precious little on the role military officers played in domestic politics, despite the fact the soldiers overthrew emperors and other office holders, installed new ones, and influenced government decisions in prehistoric, ancient, and modern societies. Yet, beginning with WWI, a series of major political, social, and economic developments, including the travails suffered by newly independent countries,stimulated empirically oriented social scientists to seek to understand the critically important role the armed forces played in the domestic politics of old and new societies alike. This gave birth to civil-military relations as subfield of comparative politics.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Civil Society, Democratization, and Politics

1010. The Relevance of Democratic Control of the Security Sector

Author:
Marina Caparini and Philipp Fluri
Publication Date:
06-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
When the Fourth International Security Forum was held in November 2000, the idea of security sector reform (SSR) was just beginning to spread through those policy and academic communities that deal with democratisation, development, defence and foreign assistance. The emergence of the concept suggested the growing acceptance of a broader definition of security than the traditional definition focused on military security of the state. According to this broader definition, security has nonmilitary elements as well, and the object of security is not only the state, but importantly includes individuals and society more broadly. Security sector reform expands the scope of security to include "public security", or the safety of the individual from threats of crime, disorder and violence. Because security sector reform is focused on the use of public resources to provide security for citizens, there is a necessary focus in security sector reform on state (often executive) institutions and public policy. Such institutions include military forces, policing structures, paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, border management services, the judicial system and penal institutions, as well as the state bureaucratic structures that exist to formulate policy and manage these institutions. SSR accordingly recommends a holistic approach to reforming state structures responsible for providing security. Although the policy and academic communities promoting the security sector reform concept favour a holistic approach, serious practical obstacles exist in achieving a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the enormously complex public policy domains relevant to security, and the multi-sectoral reform requirements that would inhere in a democratising state.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Civil Society, Democratization, and Politics

1011. Transformation of the Romanian Civil - Military Relations After 1989

Author:
Marian Zulean
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
After the end of the East-West-conflict the Eastern European countries have been struggling to build market economies and democratic institutions. An important issue of democratization is the reform of the armed forces and changing civil-military relations. No one can assess the level of democratization without taking into consideration civil-military relations. Thus, the civilian control of the military has been seen as an important indicator of democratization. Internal and international actors have required the transformation of this relationship as well. In the case of Romania, public opinion as well as NATO has been asking for such a radical change. Now, after 10 years, it is very challenging to see how Eastern European countries, and Romania in particular, have succeeded in changing civil-military relations.
Topic:
Democratization, National Security, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1012. Consolidating Democracy: Professionalism, Democratic Principles, and Border Services

Author:
Alice Hills
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
There now exists a broad agreement regarding appropriate standards of democratic border security within Europe. The relevance of professionalism to this convergence process is, however, problematic. Professionalism's meaning is contested and consensual trends cannot represent a 'principle of professionalism'. Yet the notion is valuable because it provides insight into what is distinctive about border services. There are, however, too many variables involved to allow for an easy linkage between professionalism, appropriate service standards, and fundamental democratic principles. The factors affecting transferability are equally complex.
Topic:
Democratization, National Security, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1013. Promoting Civil Society in Good Governance: Lessons for Security Sector

Author:
Johanna Mendelson Forman
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
Perhaps it is no coincidence that this workshop on civil society and civil-military relations is taking place in Prague. In the modern history of Europe Prague has become a symbol of how democracy and human rights drive a revolution. From the famous Prague Spring of 1968, where dissidents challenged the repression of the Soviet state, to the Velvet Revolution and Charter 77 that launched the breakdown of Communist rule, civil society has played a central role in challenging the state's arbitrary use of force against its own citizens. And Czech President Vaclev Havel has become a symbol of democratic dissent, not only in his own nation, but to all those who aspire to freedom and justice around the world.
Topic:
Civil Society, Democratization, National Security, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1014. The WSP International Experience and Security Sector Reform

Author:
David Whittlesey
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
There is broad consensus in the international development assistance community that two of the critical, interlocking building blocks in the foundation of sound democratic society are "good governance" and an engaged civil society. Though there may be quibbles as to the meaning of the concepts, there is common understanding that to arrive at the reality is damn difficult. This is especially true with societies emerging from the social, political and economic impacts of conflict, or attempting to transform from years of dictatorial and rigid governmental structures, be they communist or autocratic. It is particularly difficult in either case when addressing the issue of security sector reform. To address the transformation of military forces, policing structure, intelligence services and the judiciary in societies already struggling to overcome conflict is therefore doubly difficult.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Civil Society, Democratization, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1015. Democratic and Parliamentary Oversight of the Intelligence Services: Best Practices and Procedures

Author:
Hans Born
Publication Date:
05-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
Intelligence services are an instrument in the hands of the state institutions, which can be used both for the better and the worse. If the intelligence services are in the hands of responsible democratic leaders, then intelligence contributes to the democracy's ability to function well. This is can be learnt from the history of the 20th Century: intelligence played a crucial role in helping to defeat Hitler, it played a significant role in preventing the Cold War from turning into a nuclear war and intelligence kept the super power arms race from getting totally out of hand2. On the other hand, if intelligence services are in the hands of those who are interested in conflict and coercion, intelligence can be used for the worse. Therefore, it is essential to secure democratic and parliamentary oversight of the intelligence services.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Government, National Security, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1016. Security Sector Reform: an Opportunity for the Euro-Atlantic Integration of Romania

Author:
Liviu Muresan
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
From the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Romania had one of the most complex heritages of security structure becoming famous under the name of SECURITATE.
Topic:
Democratization, National Security, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1017. Assessing Success and Failure: Practical Needs and Theoretical Responses

Author:
Wilhelm Germann
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
This paper intends to contribute to a systematic consideration of what constitutes success and failure in the conduct of Security Sector Reform (SSR)1. Its purpose is of an introductory and methodological nature: to assist in preparing the grounds for an initial analysis of the potential of lessons learnt in this regard from the experience made by Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in establishing the principle of democratic control of armed forces within the overall reform of their respective security sectors. The paper deliberately refrains from commenting in detail on the substance of SSR in CEE countries and on the results achieved so far. This aspect remains the central subject of the presentations by participants/ witnesses from the respective countries.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Democratization, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1018. Intelligence Services and Democracy

Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
Intelligence is the collection, processing and dissemination of information according to the needs of a national government. Informed policymaking and decision making require adequate information and reliable analysis. Only if policymakers and decision makers are sufficiently informed about the state of the world and the likely developments, can they be expected to make sound judgments in the areas of internal and external security, national defense and foreign relations.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Democratization, and Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

1019. Armed Control of Civilian Forces in Hungary

Author:
Istvan Szikinger
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
This paper argues that instead of developments toward civilian control over armed forces, there is rather a tendency resulting in a growing role of armed organs in overseeing the life and all kinds of activities of the people and organisations of the civil society in Hungary. Although the country is far from being a military dictatorship, the role of the agencies empowered to use coercive means has been substantially increased.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Democratization, and Politics
Political Geography:
Hungary

1020. Establishing a National Security Council: Lessons for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Author:
John E. Tedstrom
Publication Date:
04-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
There are many precedents for establishing a National Security Council (NSC), but no strict rules to follow. Countries tend to develop their own models based on the pre-existing institutional structure of the government and the specific needs of top officials. In the United States, the NSC has evolved over a 50-year period; different presidents have assigned it different roles and different National Security Advisors have given the position different personalities.
Topic:
Defense Policy and Politics
Political Geography:
United States and Eastern Europe