Water as a Weapon of War in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin

The article’s scientific goal is to investigate the Weimar Triangle countries’ relations with the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, the author asks the research question. Are the Weimar Triangle states’ role and significance increasing in the external dimension of the European Union? Based on the example of the United Arab Emirates, the research adopted a hypothesis. It is the statement that after Brexit, the Weimar Triangle countries have a chance to improve their importance in the EU external activities. Apart from case studies, to revise the hypothesis, the author performed a meticulous comparative analysis. Moreover, the research implemented International Practice Theory as an appropriate tool to investigate the presented issue. This empirical research and its findings resulted from over ten years of the author’s direct observation, analysis, and participation in many initiatives, both in the European Union and in the United Arab Emirates. The Middle East for the Weimar Triangle countries is more significant than just from a trade potential perspective. The situation in this region is also affecting Europe, as well as global security architecture. For this reason, one should develop a coherent and comprehensive EU foreign and security policy towards the region, and the Weimar Triangle formula should be one of its pillars

The european union and the united arab emirates as civilian and soft powers engaged in sustainable development goals

© Foundation of International Studies, 2020 and CSR, 2020. The article analyses the European Union (EU) – as European international organisation and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – the only federal state in the Arab World as civilian and soft powers, strongly active to reach the UN 2030 Agenda. The ambitious projects, as well as actions, strategies, and visions of this international entity for reaching Sustainable Development Goals, should be analysed due to its impact on the international environment and emerging new international relations architecture. The author carried out research using primarily descriptive and analytical methods. To this end, rich source material, such as documents, strategies, and statements has been tested. In findings, the article presents the EU and the UAE as civilian and soft powers, its projects, and their implementation, including the green economy program, the energy strategies, and initiatives related to climate changes, humanitarian aid as well as in favour for peace, security, and tolerance. This research in conclusion demonstrates the role and significance of Sustainable Development Goals for the European Union as well as the United Arab Emirates strengthening power in the international arena

The Baltic states of the Three Seas Initiative: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in creative relations with the United Arab Emirates

The presented manuscript deals with three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) that are part of the Three Seas Initiative in the context of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates. The research’s goal is analysis the larger dimension of Three Seas Initiative and its creative role and importance in the international arena, including the Middle East. In this sense, this paper asks a research question of whether the relations between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United Arab Emirates have the potential for deeper and broader creative dynamics of their cooperation. The presented article is the first research work of this type. Thus, it fills a gap in the literature and analyses concerning relations between the Baltic states and the United Arab Emirates. This work is primarily base on empirical research conducted for ten years. In addition, the author used his own creative experience, including as an Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (2011–2015) or Senior advisor at Expo 2020 (2016–2018), responsible for strategies and creative development of relations the United Arab Emirates with all the Three Seas Initiative countries, including Baltic states. As a result of the research, the author argues that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as a part of the Three Seas Initiative, should make this concept more creative in its external dimension, with the United Arab Emirates. Expo 2020 (1 October, 2021–31 March, 2022) provides an opportunity for creative diplomacy. This event is an occasion to demonstrate joint projects, also in global aspects

The Three Seas Initiative and the Graz Triangle Relations Towards the United Arab Emirates

The presented research is the first such study on Austria, Croatia, Slovenia‎(Graz Triangle) as a part of the Three Seas Initiative from the perspective of‎the United Arab Emirates. After 2015, when the Three Seas Initiative was‎initiated, the United Arab Emirates greatly intensified its relations with this‎geographical area. In this study, the author relied on international practice‎and role theory, supported by the analytical and empirical case study method.‎Moreover, the researcher verified the study results through ten-year participation‎in many processes and phenomena of the investigated area, including‎as Ambassador, Senior Advisor to Dubai Expo 2020 responsible for strategies‎and dynamizing the Three Seas Initiative countries’ relations with the‎United Arab Emirates. The obtained findings indicate that the Graz Triangle‎states have the potential for further relations development with the United‎Arab Emirates. However, to give its strategic significance, the implementation‎project should be within a broader formula, i.e., the Three Seas Initiative.

Role and Significance of the United Arab Emirates Foreign Aid for Its Soft Power Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals

The main issue in the presented research is the United Arab Emirates’ foreign aid commitment, the development of its brand, and its position in international relations. The study’s purpose is to find an answer to a research question, specifically, what is the UAE foreign aid role and significance for the Soft Power Strategy implementation and the Sustainable Development Goals? The author adopted appropriate theories and research methods. Role theory has been applied, allowing for the combination of different tools. Moreover, there is a close connection between the state adapting to changes in its political environment and its position and role in international relations. Therefore, the theory of adaptation has also been included. To verify the theoretical assumptions, the author implemented a comparative analysis using empirical research and case studies. In addition, the author’s ten-year participation in many UAE international policy processes was useful. The paper shows United Arab Emirates foreign aid as a fundamental element of supporting branding, filling the Sustainable Development Goals, and influencing international relations. In the twenty-first century, UAE foreign aid became a pillar of state foreign policy, making it possible to shape the international environment

Energy Transformation and the UAE Green Economy: Trade Exchange and Relations with Three Seas Initiative Countries

In 2015, on the initiative of Poland and Croatia, the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) was adopted, combining economic and political cooperation between 12 countries of Central and Eastern Europe, located between the three seas of the Adriatic, the Baltic, and the Black Sea. Since then, there has been a dynamic relationship between these countries and the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, most 3SI states have signed economic cooperation agreements, establishing the Joint Economic Committees (JEC). Therefore, this manuscript aims to answer the research question to what extent the visits at the highest level support the trade exchange between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the 3SI countries. Another question is, what are the cooperation prospects related to the energy transformation and initiatives on the green economy for sustainable development? To find the answer, the author implemented quantitative methods together with case studies. The results show that regular top-level visits support trade. At the same time, the study demonstrates a strategic potential for energy transformation

The Significance of the Black Sea Countries of the Three Seas Initiative Relations With the United Arab Emirates

: The Black Sea region has strategic geopolitical importance where the routes of Europe, the Caucasus, Asia, and the Middle East intersect. Ensuring stability and security in the Black Sea area is essential for emerging new security architecture. In search of balance, the challenges are met by the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) and the deepening of strategic relations with the United Arab Emirates. The UAE, anchored in the Euro-Atlantic partnership and with extensive influence, emerges as an interesting strategic partner. When analysing the Three Seas Initiative, it should be noted that the United States of America joined the implementation of 3SI, seeing it as an opportunity to pursue American interests in LNG markets, and in a broader geopolitical dimension, combining this initiative with projects in the Middle East. This research paper is the first to analyse the foreign and security policy of the two Black Sea countries, Bulgaria, and Romania that participate in the Three Seas Initiative, from the geostrategic perspective and relations with the United Arab Emirates. The research work is based on empirical research, and the results of which are largely derived from 10 years of direct observation, as well as the participation of the author of the article in many initiatives related to cooperation between all 3SI countries with the United Arab Emirates, among others as an Ambassador, Senior Advisor at Dubai Expo 2020

The Weimar Triangle: France, Germany, Poland in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates Perspective

The article’s scientific goal is to investigate the Weimar Triangle countries’ relations with the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, the author asks the research question. Are the Weimar Triangle states’ role and significance increasing in the external dimension of the European Union? Based on the example of the United Arab Emirates, the research adopted a hypothesis. It is the statement that after Brexit, the Weimar Triangle countries have a chance to improve their importance in the EU external activities. Apart from case studies, to revise the hypothesis, the author performed a meticulous comparative analysis. Moreover, the research implemented International Practice Theory as an appropriate tool to investigate the presented issue. This empirical research and its findings resulted from over ten years of the author’s direct observation, analysis, and participation in many initiatives, both in the European Union and in the United Arab Emirates. The Middle East for the Weimar Triangle countries is more significant than just from a trade potential perspective. The situation in this region is also affecting Europe, as well as global security architecture. For this reason, one should develop a coherent and comprehensive EU foreign and security policy towards the region, and the Weimar Triangle formula should be one of its pillars

Strategic Significance of Joint Committees for Cooperation Between Three Seas Initiative’s Countries and the United Arab Emirates

The 21st century has brought many changes both in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and in the Middle East, where the United Arab Emirates demonstrates its will play the role of a leader in many initiatives in the international arena. In 2016, 12 CEE countries launched the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) for the implementation of strategic economic projects to adapt to new international challenges. This research paper aims to find an answer to the research question of what is the Joint Committees’ – J(E)C role and significance for relations between the United Arab Emirates and Three Seas Initiative countries? To achieve the set research goal, both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied, considering the quantitative potential of the analysed countries’ power to adapt to the international environment and influence its players. Then, a comparative analysis was used in terms of J(E)C sessions, top-level visits, and trade trends. The research findings show that the most important thing to achieve the strategic level of relations is the political will and the appropriate strategy. However, countries with high potential, and perceived power, do not need J(E)C for the stable development of economic cooperation. The research results indicate that in strategic partnership with the UAE, Austria has a role and position in energy and Romania in transport. On the other hand, Poland connecting both strategic routes appear as an economic hub

Difference in expression between AQP1 and AQP5 in porcine endometrium and myometrium in response to steroid hormones, oxytocin, arachidonic acid, forskolin and cAMP during the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle and luteolysis

BACKGROUND: Recently, we demonstrated in vitro that AQP1 and AQP5 in the porcine uterus are regulated by steroid hormones (P4, E2), arachidonic acid (AA), forskolin (FSK) and cAMP during the estrous cycle. However, the potential of the porcine separated uterine tissues, the endometrium and myometrium, to express these AQPs remains unknown. Thus, in this study, the responses of AQP1 and AQP5 to P4, E2 oxytocin (OT), AA, FSK and cAMP in the porcine endometrium and myometrium were examined during the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle and luteolysis.METHODS: Real-time PCR and western blot analysis.RESULTS: Progesterone up-regulated the expression of AQP1/AQP5 mRNAs and proteins in the endometrium and myometrium, especially during luteolysis. Similarly, E2 also stimulated the expression of both AQPs, but only in the endometrium. AA led to the upregulation of AQP1/AQP5 in the endometrium during luteolysis. In turn, OT increased the expression of AQP1/AQP5 mRNAs and proteins in the myometrium during mid-luteal phase. Moreover, a stimulatory effect of forskolin and cAMP on the expression of AQP1/AQP5 mRNAs and proteins in the endometrium and myometrium dominated during luteolysis, but during the mid-luteal phase their influence on the expression of these AQPs was differentiated depending on the type of tissue and the incubation duration.CONCLUSIONS: These results seem to indicate that uterine tissues; endometrium and myometrium, exhibit their own AQP expression profiles in response to examined factors. Moreover, the responses of AQP1/AQP5 at mRNA and protein levels to the studied factors in the endometrium and myometrium are more pronounced during luteolysis. This suggests that the above effects of the studied factors are connected with morphological and physiological changes taking place in the pig uterus during the estrous cycle.</p