Külpolitika - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet elméleti-politikai folyóirata - 1978 (5. évfolyam)
1978 / 3. szám - KÖNYVEKRŐL - Biondi, Jean-Pierre: A harmadik szocializmus. Esszé a szocializmusról és a "harmadik világról"
FRIGYES PÚJA: African experiences Far-reaching changes are taking place on the continent of Africa. The endeavours to consolidate the independence of forty-two countries that emerged from a state of political dependence, and to establish it economically;. the successful revolutions in Angola, Mozambique and Ethiopia; the defence of Angola and Ethiopia against armed intervention and the growing striggle in southern. Africa for independence and against apartheid have all combined to focus international attention on the continent. Certain conclusions can be drawn from recent events and experience so far. Increased polarization must be expected in the first place. Social and economic differences between countries emerging from tribalism and feudalism are likely to grow dependent on whether they preserve ancient tribal structures, and on whether they chose capitalist, or non-capitalist ways of development. It is certain that further countries will take the socialist road in the future. The imperialist powers and the multinationals, using a broad range of methods, are making great efforts to erect barriers in the way of the spread of socialism in Africa, forcing development onto the capitalist road, in order to ensurtheir profits. A growing number of African countries now un derstands that the consolidation of peace and security is an essential precondition of their social and economic progress. This leads them to conclude that foreign policy of the socialist countries, and the comming true of peaceful coexistence serve the interests of the nations of Africa. This recognition also implies that progressive African countries are becoming more active in their support for foreign policy initiatives taken by the socialist countries. JÁNOS TÓTH: The drawing together of the socialist countries The process described in the title of this articlen is of universal validity, and can be described as an objective law of history. The article surveys a number of interpretations which define the process more closely, spatielly, and temporarily. The 25th Congress of the Soviet Communist Party, and the programmatic statement issued by the Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party in 1975 are referred to in an exposition of the concrete substance of the process. It is based on a fundamental identity of intrests shared by the socialist countries which is furthered in a conscious and deliberate way under the leadership of the respective Communist Parties. In its course differences in social, economic and political development gradually lessen, as do those in the options open to the self-fulfillment of the socialist nations. This drawing together must not be hastened, or artificially retarded, but it cannot take place spontaneously either. The rhyrthm is basically dictated by the development o the interests of the states of the socialist community, the strengthening of their interest in coming closer to each other, and the degree to which the leading forces of society are aware of this, as well as by joint efforts made to implement th' regularity of the approach. The article throws light on the nature of the existing differences between the socialist countries, on their objective causes, and on the relationship between national and international interests. Finally it discussed why a scientific approach to the question is particularily timely in the present world political situation. ANDRÁS INOTAI: New aspects in the special relationship between the US and West Germany The way the relationship between the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany has shaped in recent years in one of the clearest manifestations of trends of cooperation, and of confrontation, in the capitalist world. It can be said, at the same time, to point to a certain shift in power. West Germany is the most important ally of the US in Western Europe. Close military, political and economic ties link it to the US. Changes in the relative weight of these elements influence the nature of the special Relationship as such. In the seventies the most important changes took place in the economic field. This was largely due to the growing strength of German capitalists who made their presence felt in a growing number of international economic fields, but also to a world-wide trend increasing the relative importance of economic aspects as against politocal and security ones, or rather an intertwining of the three, allowing economics to exercise an essential influence on politics and security in particular cases. For the above reasons the article gives pride of place to a discussion of changes in economic relations. It is true the relative weight of trade between the two countries has declined, but R&D cooperation has grown stronger unarnbiguosly, and financial relations have turned bilateral thanks to potentiated West German exports of capital. The elaboration of certain ideas that allot a special place to West Germany in American global foreign policy and foreign trade policy was prompted partially by the growth in the political and economic strength of the Federal Republic, and in part by the failure to use this increased strength within the framework of the West-European integration, in order to strengthen the latter. What the Americans are after is on the one hand using a stronger West Germany as an agent for the transmission of certain American aims ans intentions, and on the other hand they wish to put a break on, or else abort, certain West German endeavours that cannot be harmonized with American ideas. The contradictory present and future of the Special Relationship, follows from the above. In y
