Global and Lithuanian geopolitical situation: review of 2001-2003

ENThe authors present the geopolitical analysis of global, regional and local (in the Eastern Baltics) situation for the 2001-2003 period. It is asserted that during this period the United States, Israel and Russia (in some areas) have received the biggest gains, at least in geostrategic terms. In the course of the counter-terrorist global campaign, EU countries have been divided on the issue of the war against Iraq and that, which has prevented consolidation of the common EU foreign, security and defence policies. China has vigorously sought to entrench itself in the East Asia and the regions that attain less attention from the West by conducting a very rational strategy of co-operation with the USA as the only superpower. China has tried to secure its peaceful external setting, influx of foreign investments, and the arrival of innovative technologies that are necessary for the growth of its economy. While seeking to take hold of the borders of the continental geostrategic zone (heartland), Russia has only partially restored its influence in the CIS countries. Russia still can’t do that in the Baltic States, though it attempts to weaken their structural power. [From the publication]