ATLANTICISM AFTER THE COLD WAR – BETWEEN CHANGING STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT AND CONFLICTING THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

This research focuses on the role of Atlanticism in the changing post-Cold War international environment, taking note of the diversity of interests and postulating what shaped the world in that period of time. A broad trend of deregulation of international relations, and challenges it carries along with it, require a thorough strategic analysis. Two capital concepts of international relations theory, realism and constructivism, have been applied and empirically tested by the use of semi-structured interviews in order to adequately assess the position of the phenomena in focus and suggest viable recommendations for the period to come. The paper argues in favour of gradual modification of Atlanticism in accordance with its fundamental values and mindful of strategic challenges it faces in a very dynamic and unpredictable contemporary environment.