International Commodities Market as an Operational Environment for Geopolitical Rivalry: Classification of Goals and Historical Illustrations

Abstract

Aim. In this article the international commoditi es market is considered as an operational environment for geopolitical rivalry, the goals pursued by governments in this field are studied and classified, as well as some relevant examples from modern and contemporary history are offered for consideration. Methods. This study adopts interdisciplinary approach, uses the method of comparative analysis, statistical and empirical methods and attracts some expert assessments. Results. The market of basic commodities has been presented as a specific sphere of cooperation and competitive rivalry of actors in international affairs. On the basis of vast historical material the publication has offered a complex approach to analyze states policies in the sphere under consideration, four key criteria for identification of actors motivations, and preliminary classification of their goals. Conclusions. Resource sovereignty represents a critical condition for carrying out self-sufficient internal and external policy of every state, as it is a key to bring a national budget, energy and food security, industrial sustainability, as well as it is an important factor for combat capability of the armed forces. Those governments which have strong positions in the international market of commodities use a wide spectrum of non-economic tools for build-up and preservation of their own capabilities to manage global flows of commodities and thus increase and support their own national resource sovereignty. The same countries widely use their advantages in this sphere as a political instrument to motivate and push on their allies, neutral states, and opponents in various questions of international interactions. Doing so, they urge them to look for a compromise in negotiations or carry out a deliberate policy to shake undesired regimes. Those countries which have weak positions in the international market of commodities have to choose among two ‘bad alternatives’. The first one implies moving towards political compromises for the sake of resource sustainability of these states. The second one leads to problems with maintaining their target budget indicators, energy and food security, industrial sustainability and combat capacity of the armed forces.