Зовнішні фактори еволюції близькосхідної регіональної підсистеми міжнародних відносин

Abstract

Summary The relevance of the topic is determined by the need for a more in-depth and substantive analysis of the evolution of the Middle Eastern regional subsystem of international relations (the Greater Middle East), which is impossible without taking into account the policy of non-regional states, which largely determined the development of international relations in this region. For a long time, non-regional states acted as system-forming elements of inter- national relations in this regional system. This fact arises the study of the transformation of its (system's) borders, and at the current stage, the expansion of the regional space as a result of attracting adjacent territories, united by common problems, especially in the security field. International processes are considered by the authors through the prism of a systematic approach. The study of the evolution of the Middle Eastern regional subsystem in a broad, system-wide context involves taking into account such external factors as its special role and place in the global international system, global economy, geopolitics, civilizational and religious world view; non-regional actors policy; relations between the countries of the region and non-regional powers. Authors determine the etymology and specifics of the use of the concepts of “Near East” and “Middle East” by non-regional states, particularly by the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia and the People's Republic of China, the boundaries of the region are determined on the basis of a comparative analysis of “narrow-regional” and “extended” approaches. The authors also provide a periodization of the main stages of region's development. It is proved that the evolution of the international system after the end of the bipolar confronta- tion liberated the system-forming potential of the regional level of international relations. The states of the regional subsystem partake in complex and regular interconnections that have their own dynamics and are relatively independent of the global international system. The key factors in this regard are the factors of regional interdependence, factors of collective identity, the formation of regional order as a set of mechanisms for ensuring regional security and re- solving regional conflicts. The transfer of the main burden and liability in the design of regional spaces to the regional level also determines the transformation of regional processes. This leads to qualitative changes in the Middle Eastern regional space and to the reproduction of its own collective identity, which ensures the coherent perception by non-regional states and the need to create and formulate policies considering the consolidated space. The authors conclude that recent developments have put the Middle Eastern regional subsystem of international relations in front of radical changes that lead to the restructuring of regional relations, the creation of a new balance of power and the formation of new interconnections between the states of the region.