"Asia and Africa today"
- is a scientificl monthly journal (in Russian)
of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Included in Russian Science Citation Index on
WoS platform, and EBSCO Publishing.
ISSN 0321-5075. Published since July 1957.

 

 "Asia and Africa today" № 1 2017

 

 

Azia&Afrika 01-2017

 

 Top Problem

NORTH KOREA: BOMBS, MISSILES, SANCTIONS by A.Z.Zhebin, PhD (Political Sciences), Institute for Far Eastern Studies, RAS
Keywords: North Korea, China, Russia, the United States, nuclear tests, missile launches, Korean Peninsula
In 2016 a sharp deterioration of the situation on the Korean peninsula took place. What caused such a situation? Was it another nuclear test of the DPRK and the launch of the carrier rocket which were the main irritants for abnormal ongoing situation in the peninsula for decades? Or may be it was aggressive arrogant superpower politics which provoked Pyongyang’s actions.

 

DEPLOYMENT OF THAAD IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA by O.V.Kiryanov, PhD (History), “Rossiyskaya gazeta” correspondent in Republic of Korea
Keywords: Republic of Korea, U.S., DPRK, China, Russia, missile defense, THAAD
The purpose of this article is to present view of various aspects of THAAD deployment in South Korea from military, technical and political points of view. The research presents a general overview of THAAD systems, makes estimates regarding their possible efficiency depending on different geographical locations and various scenarios of North Korean missile attacks. A considerable part of the research devoted to explaining conflicting views and positions of concerned states. At the end the author makes some predictions of future developments of the situation and countermeasures Russia, China and North Korea can undertake responding to the THAAD deployment in South Korea.

 

 Policy, Economy

REGIONAL SECURITY

«MALACCA DILEMMA» AND REGIONAL SECURITY IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA by I.V.Zeleneva, Dr.Sc. (History), Saint-Petersburg State University
Keywords: South-East Asia, the Strait of Malacca, regional cooperation and security, China’s foreign policy
The article is devoted to defining the role of the Strait of Malacca in the Regional Safety in the South-East Asia. The author analyzed the Strait’s importance for the global economic system, identified the challenges and threats, influencing the energy security not only in the region but also on a global scale. The role of regional cooperation in the combat against piracy has also been studied. The result of the study states that the situation in the Strait of Malacca affect the internal and external policies of the PRC, as well as all regional security in the region.

 

HINDUTVA IN INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY by E.M.Savicheva, PhD (History), V.V.Shikin, Post- graduate student. Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Keywords: India, foreign policy, nationalism, Hindutva, Bharatiya Janata Party, Narendra Modi
This article gives a brief overview of evolution of nationalist ideas in India. It considers the origins of Hindutva. The research is aimed, firstly, at comprehending the nature and features of the Hindu nationalism ideology and determining the degree of its correlation with the foreign policy problems. Secondly, the author makes an attempt to identify whether the coming to power of the nationalists in Delhi means a shift in Indian foreign policy paradigm.

 

SOUTH AFRICA: TIME FOR A CHANGE? by T.V.Samarova, applicant, Faculty of Global Studies, Moscow State University, V.G.Shubin, Dr.Sc. (History), Institute for African Studies, RAS
Keywords: South Africa, ANC, political situation, corruption scandals, local elections
The article discusses the developments in South Africa in connection with the August 3, 2016 local elections and analyses the election manifestos of six political parties: the ruling African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, United Democratic Movement, Inkatha Freedom Party and Congress of the People.
It shows that in a situation of political complications associated, in particular, with corruption scandals, these elections have gained national importance. The setback of the ANC that has lost control over the municipalities of several important cities, raises the question of changes in its leadership and in its policies.

 

HOW KEYNESIAN THEORY IS HELPING JAPAN by O.V.Orusova, PhD (Economics), Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Keywords: Keynesian theory, economy of Japan, “Abenomics”
In times of modern global economic crisis the high relevance of J.M.Keynes ideas is not in doubt. In this article, the main outlays of Keynesianism are summarized; the history of the spread of revolutionary theory in Japan is shown. Details considered prerequisites for an active role of the state in the economy, associated with deflation, crises, loss of previously conquered positions. The author analyzes the application of Keynesian ideas in the regulation of the Japanese economy, the purpose of which is to stimulate domestic demand.

 

GCC ON DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES by E.S.Biryukov, PhD (Economics), MGIMO University, O.V.Biryukova, PhD (Economics), National Research University Higher School of Economics
Keywords: Special economic zones, economic cities, industrial zones, GCC, Saudi Arabia, UAE
The policy of the GCC states on the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is considered. The article deals with industrial zones, financial centers and specialized zones. Particular attention is devoted to the economic cities of Saudi Arabia, industrial zones of Oman and Abu Dhabi, specialized zones of Dubai. Common features and differences in the GCC states` approach to SEZs, evolution of the policy on SEZ development, role and prospects for the development of these regions in the Arabian monarchies are shown.

 

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BEFORE AND AFTER THE COUP D’ETAT 2013 by N.V.Vinogradova, PhD (Еconomics), Institute for African Studies, RAS
Keywords: Central African Republic, military coup, interim government, the peacekeeping force, elections
Central African Republic is one of the most troubled countries in the world, whose history is a series of coups. The article presents a chronicle of events in the Central African Republic in 2012-2016, examines the factors which strengthen the political instability, shows the role of international organizations in the resolution of this situation, gives the country’s development forecast after completion of the transitional period and the election of a new President.

 

ULAANBAATAR AND THE POST-SOCIALIST SUBURBAN REVOLUTION by A.S.Breslavsky, PhD (History), Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science (Ulan-Ude)
Keywords: Ulaanbaatar, development patterns of suburbs, ger-settlements, post-socialist cities
The article examines the main directions, driving forces and consequences of demographical and territorial growth of Ulaanbaatar during the post socialist period. The population of the city has more than doubled over the last 25 years - from
500.000 to 1.300.000 people. Transition to market economy, withdrawal of strict control on national economic planning, decentralization of urban development management, housing historical legacy and massive rural-urban migration turned into the explosion of private housing construction on the city outskirts.

 

RADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE AFRICAN HEALTH SYSTEMO.B.Gromova, PhD (History), I.G.Rybalkina, PhD (History), Institute of African Studies, RAS
Keywords: WHO, African traditional medicine, healers, medicine men, traditions, herbs, health systems, primary health care services
Traditional healing was widely practiced among Africans long before the arrival of European colonizers. Nowadays the centuries-old experience of traditional healing is in demand by Africans. According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of developing countries population are turning to traditional medicine in search of primary health care facilities. One of the first places in the list are African countries: still an overwhelming number of Africans (80% of the population) use traditional medicine to meet primary health care needs. WHO supports homeopathic, naturopathic, and many other traditional methods, it is in favor of greater use of them in modern health care. Policies for official and folk medicines interaction and education programs for traditional healers are elaborating in a number of African countries. Now conventional medicine finds a "second wind".

 

 From Our Staff Correspondent

 IS TURKEY ON THE PATH OF A PRESIDENTIAL REPUBLIC? by V.S.Makhrovsky, our Staff correspondent in Turkey
Keywords: Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the AKP, a presidential republic
In 2016 the Turkish Republic has experienced a military coup attempt, found the internal enemy in the face of a Gulen terrorist organization, launched a military operation
«Shield Euphrates» in the north of Syria. Turkish authorities also found the strength to apologize to Russia for military aircraft shot down in November 2015, which was the beginning of the process of normalization of Russian- Turkish relations. Ankara has demonstrated the political will and commitment to the full restoration of multilateral contacts with Russia in all spheres, including the Syrian track.
However, the political situation in Turkey after the failed July 15 coup continues to be extremely tense and volatile.

 

«DEFENDERS OF FRIENDSHIP-2016» by D.R.Sitdikov, our Staff correspondent in Egypt
Keywords: Russia, Egypt, military exercises, military cooperation
The international anti-terrorist exercises «Defenders of friendship-2016» with the participation of soldiers of the Russian Airborne Troops (VDV) and Airborne troops of Egypt went from 15 to 26 October in the region of Alexandria, Egypt. During the maneuvers, paratroopers of the two countries worked out joint actions to locate and destroy illegal armed formations in a desert environment.

 

 Post-Graduate Column

ITALY - LIBYA: THE EVOLUTION OF RELATIONS (2008-2016) by D.V.Kochetov, Post-graduate Student, Institute for African Studies, RAS
Keywords: Italy, Libya, the treaty of Benghazi, international relations
The article describes Italian-Libyan relations in 2008-2016, characterizes Italian position in international relationship and its influence on Italian actions in Libya. In addition, article describes positions of Italian political parties on the Libyan issue. Author reviews reasons of Libyan fragmentation after fall of Gaddafi, and role of Italy in international efforts for a cease-fire in Libya and formation of government of national unity.

 

 Book Review

STUDYING SYRIA by G.V.Lukyanov, National Research University Higher School of Economics
The author is considering the key, in his opinion, scientific researches on Syria, published in 2015-2016 which represent the interest for both professional scientific community and practitioners of international relations and to a wider audience.

 

“IN THE TEAM TILL THE END”. Tribute to the memory of Academician Evgeny Primakov by L.I.Medvedko, Dr.Sc. (History), Institute of Oriental Studies, RAS
Leonid Medvedko has known Primakov since their student years. They have been true friends for 60 years. The author speaks about Primakov as a reliable friend, a competent colleague of Pravda newspaper. He characterizes him as a brave and honest man, a true citizen, an outstanding writer and poet. The author reveals to the readers the unknown aspects of Primakov’s personality which were known only to a very narrow circle of his true friends.

 

* Summary