AUTARKY AS A POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE GUARANTEE FOR THE INTERMARIUM STATES

It seems that the process of integration of the Intermarium states has been started. However, now there are is a number of issues that remains under a question mark, such as the Ukrainian (and not only Ukrainian) authorities utter readiness to be involved to the process at all levels, or, at least the ultimate success of the integration process itself. In addition, there are some ideological nuances of the potential geopolitical bloc, that have to be resolved in nearest future. Nevertheless, the developing of a "perfect" ideological concept for the future Intermarium Union makes sense. because, despite the fact that the polity is "an art of the possible," far horizons have great importance for it since they serve as a motion vector and a source of motivation.

One of the Intermarium's open questions is development of ideology of an economic life of the whole union and every its particular member country. THe development of this ideology must follow two guidelines. First of them is quite pragmatic - it has to meet the economical needs of members states of the potential geopolitical union. The second one has to be aimed to overcome the destructive tendencies of modern global economy. Without the first point the Intermarium project will simply be non-viable, while it will be meaningless without the second one. 

The region of Intermarium is characterized with high level of natural resources required to transform it into a powerful and a self-sufficient economic integrity. The region's total population is 170 millions people. According to the IMF its total GDP in relative prices for 2014 amounted to almost $ 3.3 trillion. 

Under such conditions, this would be a real crime to neglect the attempt to build autarky.  After all, a high level of economic self-sufficiency ia a guarantee of political independence, especiallt taking into account that the Intermarium project has many opponents, such as: the EU (especially Berlin), Moscow and Washington (depending on the specific situational nuances).

Thus it is necessary to remember, that not only an import is a tool of political control, but an export too. In other words, self-sufficient policy, provided by the Intermarium member states could face the counteractions launched by other geopolitical players in the form of closing markets. And this means, that the union states should not just seek for maximum independence from imports, but for building a system which would eliminates the negative impact of a possible decline in exports on the economy as a whole.

Another principle, that has to be a basic for building of a self-sustaining economy of the Intermarium Union is respect for national and even regional self-sufficiency of its nations. This refers, first of all, to the consistent application of the principle of relocalization of economy. In general the relocalization is a wide theme and its "Lowest" levels is a theme of a separate publication. In this article I would note that we should avoid of transformation the Intermarium into a unified market with free competition. In contrary, national economics of the union states must rather to complement each other, not to compete with each other. It would be quite fear to specialize the member countries' national economics in accordance with regional differences. However, this process should not jump in unwarranted extremes, when highly developed industry sector in one country wouldn't allow to develop the same industry in another country. The Intermarium's economic self-sufficiency should be based on a system of relative national autarky, on harmonious and equitable specialization of national economies and on close cooperation in strategic areas, which is extremely important. This refers to areas, associated with scientific-technological development and significant investment.

Joint innovative development must necessarily cover a wide sector of  production from home appliances to technologies used in the military sphere. The forms of cooperation may be different: cooperation among already existing state or non-state design bureaus; establishment of new research and development centers, etc. The main principle of high-tech production must be ensuring of a closed cycle within the union.

Special attention should be drawn at the energy sector. Obviously that would be impossible to completely abandon the import of energy in a short period of time. Therefore a strategy has to be developed, that would minimize political risks, which could be caused by the import of energy resources. 

Considering the above, cooperation with Iran looks very promising. At the present moment this state remains a powerful geopolitical player minded opposition to globalism. In addition, Iran is looking for new markets for its oil. Furthermore, establishing of close cooperation with Iran in the one hand will help this state to loosen ties with Russia (which is its competitor in the energy market), and the in the other - to avoid unwanted compromises in favor of the US. Energy transportation from Iran to Europe involves close cooperation with the countries of the South Caucasus - Georgia, Azerbaijan and/or Armenia. Regarding the latter dilemma, it can be solved depending on the conjunctural points (the nature of Russian-Armenian, Russian-Azerbaijani and Russian-Turkish relations). However, the best option for the Intermarium is promotion to overcoming the tension between Yerevan and Baku.

For the Intermarium states cooperation in the energy sector will mean solidarity in the search for an importer, as well as addressing the issue of energy transportation. Another area of cooperation is the development of alternative energy sector. Here we are talking about a joint research and development, and the further mass introduction of alternative energy technologies.

By Igor Zagrebelny, Source: Liga.net