Croatian International Relations Review

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Radovan Vukadinović

The relations within the big-power triangle: USA, Russia and China will determine to a high degree both global and regional trends, the issues of peace and security, as well as the character of international cooperation. Russia is certain to occupy a prominent place in American politics. NATO eastward expansion, closer links with the Baltic states, and the American economic-political incursions into the former Soviet republics in Central Asia should be regarded as a kind of post-cold-war response to this still impressive Russian military potential. It is, at the same time, a concrete expression of the existing opposing geostrategic interests, and the Balkan region can expect a similar fate. America has continued its constructive political involvement regarding relations with China which is regarded by the USA as a country that might seriously jeopardise American global leadership accompanied by calls to China to become an equal and responsible member of the international community and part of the new global order. Human rights issues in China have been raised and clear warnings given that America would oppose any attempt at a forcible incorporation of Taiwan into the People’s Republic of China. Croatia, as a small country should look for some scope for action within the triangle of great powers, aware of the place it occupies as a country situated in Central Europe, on the Mediterranean and in Southeastern Europe.