Italy is one of the European countries which have relatively good trade and investment relations with Russia. These two countries have historic links especially in the fields of trade and...Show moreItaly is one of the European countries which have relatively good trade and investment relations with Russia. These two countries have historic links especially in the fields of trade and investments, and after the fall of the Communism but especially in the last decade their relations have been greatly improving and several new business deals are planned. Italy represents one of Russia's most important trading partners in the world. Nowadays Italy is the 4th largest foreign trade partner and the 3rd among European Union countries. During recent years several political meetings between the two countries' authorities have been organized, helping to develop a special, broad, strong and strategic Italian- Russian collaboration based on mutual trust and support.Show less
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has seen less conflict than initially expected. One of the anticipated sources of conflict has been the uneven distribution of natural...Show moreSince the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has seen less conflict than initially expected. One of the anticipated sources of conflict has been the uneven distribution of natural resources between the five states. The theory of the relationship between resource abundance and scarcity and conflict are examined here and applied to the distribution of hydrocarbon and water resources in the region. Though especially water has become a serious issue in the region, it is concluded that it is as yet not acute enough to spark interstate conflict and dependence management policies that might spark internal conflict is largely not followed. However, should the situation continue to worsen or be compounded with other causes for conflict, this status quo may change.Show less
