Külpolitika - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet elméleti-politikai folyóirata - 1976 (3. évfolyam)

1976 / 1. szám - A tanulmányok orosz és angol nyelvű tartalmi kivonata

development between cooperating partners, as well as the basic principle that the sort of assistance given by an industrialized country is the most useful which can best and speediest mobilize the energy that lies dormant in the forces of production of developing countries.

László Valki: Economic integration as the integration of state institutional systems

One generally thinks of economic integrations in terms of intertwinings on the international plane, par excellence as something to do with economic phenomena, that is those relating to production, distribution and exchange. In truth however what is happening at present is an intertwining of state institutional systems which is only followed by integration in production, distribution and exchange when things are moving in a favourable direction. Integration of institutions therefore deserves greater attention since more often than not it depends on it whether the member states of the given region achieve their proper aim, that is intertwing on the economic micro-level.

Institutional integration has proved necessary since the institutional systems of states largely developed independently, exemplifying a large number of differing forms. Such differences handicapped, and still handicap, the extension of integration in production, and of the international division of labour as such. This recognition prompted the developed industrial countries of East and West Europe to do something about doing away with these differences, creating an integrated multinational institutional system within their regions.

Institutional integration is realized through the integration of the mechanisms regulating the economy, of economic policy, and of economic authorities. The tasks of integrated economic authorities is to take decisions on regional economic policies, and the introduction and administration of regional regulating mechanisms. National authorities naturally continue, the central authorities compliment them, and do not supersede them. Certain functions and operational forms, and part of their staff, are integrated into a new unit that is bigger and of a higher order.

The way in which this aspect of integration is effected is also important. Valki, in this paper, argues in favour of the further development of the international apparatus, and the extension of its sphere of activity.

Tibor Palánkai: Great Britain following EEC membership

The relationship of Great Britain to West-European integration underwent major changes in the course of time. The objective basis is increasing participation in the real processes of West European integration, and fundamental changes in the world balance of power, particularly the dissolution of the British Empire. British and West European interests still clashed in the early ’sixties and the first attempts to join proved a failure. By the end of the ’sixties the balance had tilted further against Britain, and the country’s economic problems had become much graver. Britain was therefore forced to make major concessions as the price of membership. Membership was to the advantage of the major British monopolies in the first place, as far as the working masses were concerned, increased food prices meant greater burdens for them. The question of membership became a major issue that made social conflicts more acute.

In the early years of membership Britain found herself in a serious economic and political crisis. The world economic crisis which started in 1973 was the chief cause of trouble, but the EEC was not without responsibility either. The 1972—73 boom was followed by recession and stagnation, and expectations connected with the dynamic effects of EEC membership proved vain. The rate of inflation was relatively high, and balance of payments deficits also grew alarmingly. Trade deficits with the EEC were as responsible as increased oil prices. Trade deficits derived from increased agricultural imports, and the growing trade deficits with Western Germany regarding processed goods (consumer goods). As a result Britain’s relationship to the Common Market found itself in a state of crisis, expressed by the renegotiation procedures and the referendum.

By early 1975 a number of new aspects, creating a relatively new situation, were in evidence. The results of the referendum reflected this. Given the smaller role in power politics, and economic weakness, Common Market membership appeared as the lesser evil. British monopoly capital continued to be interested in membership, following renegotiation the majority of the Labour Party’s leadership showed itself in favour of maintaining membership as well.

Common Market membership will not prove a solution to Britain’s problems in the future either, on the contrary, the possibility of increasing troubles is present. Great Britain is likely to continue as a focus of sharpened contradictions within the West European integration.

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Péter Rajcsányi: Some questions of principle in evaluating international power relations

The international class struggle which must at the same time serve as the explanation of the historical development of international power relations, serves as the starting point of their examination. The relative difference and unity of outside and inner factors of the class struggle is a basic principle of

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