On November 29-30, 2005, a Russian-Nigerian conference on globalization was held in Lagos (Nigeria), organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Problems (NINA) and the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In addition to the staff of the Institute, the Nigerian delegation included representatives of other research centers and various organizations. Director NINA Professor Joy Ogwu led the delegation from Nigeria. The head of the Russian delegation was the Director of the Institute of Africa, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.M. Vasiliev.

These conferences have been held regularly for almost 25 years. At the same time, it is interesting that both Institutes emerged almost simultaneously (NIIA in 1961, Institute of Africa in 1959) in the wake of a huge interest in the Black continent, when at the turn of the 1960s the African countries were becoming independent from the colonial metropolises. Both institutes were created with the aim of comprehensively studying the problems of African countries. Over time, it became more and more obvious that the constant interaction of both institutions and the ideas they jointly developed become an important tool for making concrete decisions by the state bodies of the two states.

It should also be noted that the scientific events organized by these Institutes were attended by the President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo (he began working with scientists from both countries many years ago, not yet being the head of the executive branch, but a specialist in international relations), the former director of the NIIA, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, from 1983 to 1985. was the Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and then served as the UN Under-Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Africa. Another former head of NIIA, Professor George Obiozor, is currently serving as the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States. His successor as Director, Professor Joy Ogwu, is also an adviser to the President of Nigeria on foreign policy issues. Director of the Institute of Africa, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.M. Vasiliev - Special Representative of the President of Russia for relations with African leaders.

At joint scientific events of both institutes, the most pressing problems of modern international relations, in particular, the processes of globalization, are discussed. Opening the conference on this topic, Joy Ogwu stressed its importance for finding mutually beneficial comprehensive cooperation between Russia and Nigeria. She noted that our countries face largely identical problems generated by globalization processes, and this inevitably encourages them to look for ways to strengthen mutual understanding.

Joy Ogwu noted that at the present time, when such global problems as the fight for the preservation of the environment, the fight against terrorism, and the elimination of the gap between poverty and wealth are becoming particularly acute, the desire to find consensus on issues that pose a threat to all of humanity is becoming particularly urgent. Among such threats, in particular, it named: the widespread spread of small arms and light weapons after the elimination of armed conflicts in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, etc.; the spread of the HIV epidemic; destructive natural phenomena: earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and marine disasters.

During the dialogue between Russian and Nigerian scientists, the following blocks of problems were discussed::

- prospects for globalization;

- Globalization and economic reforms in Nigeria and Russia;

- The impact of globalization on armed conflicts, strengthening security both in Africa and around the world;

- globalization and cultural issues;

- governance in the era of globalization.

The main reports on the first block were presented by Professor Varissou Alli and Doctor of Historical Sciences M. Vishnevsky. In his speech, V. Alli stressed that the desire for globalization, which has engulfed the modern world, is not something unique, which has emerged only in our days. The first attempts of this kind were made in ancient times. It is enough to recall the wars of Alexander the Great, the ancient Greek civilization, the Roman Empire. Then there were the Arab conquests, the great geographical discoveries (especially of America), the transatlantic slave trade, the colonial division of the world, the Great October Socialist Revolution, the creation of the United Nations, etc.

According to V. Alli, modern historical science has not yet developed a unified understanding of the essence of globalizing processes. At the same time, it is widely believed that globa-

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Globalization is a global triumph of the capitalist economy with all its attributes, starting from the initial accumulation of capital and ending with the uneven development of individual countries and their economies.

In this regard, V. Alli believes that African countries are on the sidelines of global globalization processes, as they are not able to resist the harmful accumulation of wealth in highly developed countries of the world: this phenomenon becomes possible only on the basis of widespread uneven trade and economic exchange between the leading world powers and developing countries.

Nigeria seeks to overcome this pernicious situation by attracting foreign direct investment in the country's economy. As a co-developer of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), she has embraced the idea that the international community in general and major foreign donors in particular are called upon to provide substantial economic assistance to African countries, including in the form of debt relief or reduction.

However, the practical implementation of this idea is met with resistance from these donors, who are not ready to invest up to $ 100 billion in the economy of African states in the shortest possible time, although some of them (Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco) are included in the list of potentially attractive countries for foreign investment, which was developed at the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) back in 2001.

In addition, according to Alli, Nigeria is not ready to part with its state sovereignty, which is gradually being eroded by the country's participation in the implementation of the goals and objectives of globalization. At the same time, he warns that such dilution will inevitably lead to Nigeria's complete dependence on foreign donors and investors who use market mechanisms to the detriment of the policy of creating a socially oriented economy, to which the Government of President O. Obasanjo is committed.

In his speech, M. Vishnevsky noted that, in his opinion, there is no single model of globalization adopted by all subjects of international law. The processes occurring in its bowels are divided as if in two leading directions: American and European. The rest of the world's countries occupy an intermediate position between them, although it can be assumed that the rapid development of the Chinese economy by the middle of the XXI century will lead to the emergence of another pole of integration processes on a global scale.

However, other integration scenarios are also possible.

Thus, some large countries of the world (for example, Russia) can already play a role in these processes at the regional level. In particular, the broad development of trade, economic and political cooperation with countries such as Nigeria and South Africa in Africa, India and China in Asia, could potentially lead to the creation of another model of integration under the conditional name "middle", in which two already existing competing globalization flows (American and Chinese) would be connected together. European) based on the perception and further development of the positive experience of the United States and European countries. As a result, a truly global, universally accepted model of globalization can emerge.

Many Nigerian scientists and media representatives participated in the discussion on the first block of problems. At the same time, it should be noted that they mostly criticized the American model of globalization, defining it as the desire of official Washington to create a kind of "American Empire" at the expense of the interests of other countries and peoples, to dictate their point of view to them. In particular, Professor Ogundowole (University of Lagos) said that the "cold war" continues-in the form of imposing the American model of globalization on the whole world. The Nigerian government should show political wisdom and, without putting aside the idea of full cooperation with the United States, not agree to include the country in the" American world " when the main decisions are made overseas.

At the same time, this Nigerian scientist touched upon a still poorly studied, but, in his opinion, very urgent problem - the fate of multinational or multi-ethnic state entities in the era of globalization and international integration. Such as Russia and Nigeria. He argues that these processes are developing simultaneously with the tendency of such states to break up into separate independent entities, which are created by virtue of their "ethnic" nature by the individual.-

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and the peoples inhabiting them. For Russia, we are talking about all non-traditional Russian territories; for Nigeria, we are talking about such peoples striving for "national identity" as Hausa and Fula (Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Yagawa, part of Kaduna State), ig-bo (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi-Enugu, Imo and part of Delta State territories), Yoruba (Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo districts, part of Delta, Edo and Niger State territories), Kanuri (Borno and Yobe districts), Yja (Bayelsa State and part of Delta State), tiv (Benue District and part of Taraba State), nupe (Kebbi District, part of Borgu and Gbaji States), edo (Edo State and part of Delta State), ogoni (part of Rivers State), idoma (part of Benue State) and Urobo and isoko (Urobo and Isoko districts, part of Delta State).

According to Ogundovole, the self-determination of these peoples will not necessarily take the form of the creation of independent States. Rather, it may be a confederate phase of unification, especially for residents of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamaua, Plateau, Niger and Rivers states. The process of creating such unions will take some time, but it is inevitable, Professor Ogundowole points out with conviction in his report presented to the participants of the dialogue. The Government of Nigeria should keep this possibility in mind when developing its domestic policy strategy for the future.

The point of view of the Nigerian scientist was so unusual that it did not cause an immediate reaction in the audience. The dialogue participants took note of it and recommended that the author continue working on this issue.

As for Russia, the participants of the discussion did not address the issue of possible self-determination of its individual regions where national minorities live. The Russians themselves should solve such problems in a democratic and civilized way if they arise. Of course, we are not talking about the collapse of Russia, or Nigeria, in the foreseeable future. On the contrary, many participants in the discussion expressed the view that Russia should restore its former presence in Africa. In this regard, it can be assumed that such a statement of the question was inspired by two circumstances. First, a clearly expressed dissatisfaction with the imperial tendencies in US foreign policy, which, in particular, manifest themselves in the form of political and economic pressure on other countries. Secondly, memories of the active positive role of the USSR in the world, including in Africa. The results of the discussion on this issue showed that, in general, Nigerian academic circles and the public would welcome the activation of Russian policy in Africa.

Professor Peter Egom and Candidate of Historical Sciences Lev Rytov made key presentations on the second block of problems. In his speech, P. Egom emphasized that globalization is a two-level process of macro-and microeconomic regulation. The first phenomenon appeared in 1819, when the British pound sterling became a convertible currency. Then it was joined by the French franc, the US dollar, etc.

Microeconomic globalization arises as a particular manifestation of macroeconomic regulation and manifests itself in the fact that countries with non-convertible currencies (for example, Russia and Nigeria) are either included in the global financial system or pushed out of it in accordance with the laws of the market economy. As a result, Russia and Nigeria become directly dependent on the global financial environment, which does not allow them to properly use their level of development and economic potential to protect their interests in the global commodity markets.

In the report "Globalization and problems of sustainable development on the example of South Africa", L. Rytov noted that the inclusion of African countries in the processes of globalization does not solve the problem of "sustainable development", which is considered by its ideologists as the most important condition for the integration of "third world" states into the world community and for improving the efficiency of using the assistance provided to them.

The example of South Africa - the most developed country in Africa - shows that even it is not able to quickly solve such problems as poverty of the majority of the population, unemployment, without which, based on the criteria adopted by the UN, it is simply not necessary to talk about reasonable prospects for sustainable development.

Describing two models of economic strategy in developing countries after World War II, L. Rytov noted that the policy of socio-economic development adopted by the Government of South Africa could not provide significant progress in easing the sharp contradictions inherited from the apartheid regime, in particular, closing the gap between poverty and wealth, and the problem of unemployment even worsened. At the same time, the South African Government cannot use the rigid development model successfully implemented in Southeast Asia, because of the danger of a social explosion.

A significant drawback in the work of such financial instruments of globalization as the IMF and the World Bank is the disregard for the peculiarities of social structures in African countries.

Participants in the discussion on this issue expressed the opinion that the current globalization is being carried out in the interests of preserving the global position of the dollar as the leading currency of international settlements.

At the same time, as stated by P. Egom, Nigeria still should not be tied to the dollar as a reserve world currency, since its fluctuations directly depend on the conjuncture of world hydrocarbon markets. Nigeria, which has its own large reserves of this kind, should strengthen the national currency "nair", which will protect the country's economy from collapse in crisis or force majeure circumstances.

Professor Ochaba Oche and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexey Vasiliev delivered keynote speeches on the third group of questions. The Nigerian scientist stressed that the widespread use of light and light weapons in the world is a key factor in the development of the world's health system.

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Small arms are a direct consequence of the policies of the world's leading Powers, which compete with each other for influence over small and weak States that are of interest to the great Powers in terms of the availability of valuable mineral resources or their strategic position in the region.

As a rule, light and small arms enter these countries during various conflicts, primarily civil wars. After their completion, it usually ends up in the hands of criminal groups or criminal authorities and is used by them for their own selfish interests, which is a direct threat not only to the peace process in these countries, but also to neighboring States. For example, weapons used during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone were then smuggled into Nigeria, which threatened its internal security, O. Oche emphasized.

This kind of practice has already been discussed in the UN. We are talking about the possible development and adoption of an international convention on this issue.

Another global problem that affects stability and security in the world, according to O. Oche, is the HIV pandemic. For example, a report issued in 2002 by the U.S. Embassy in Angola noted that in such densely populated countries as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, India, and China, the AIDS prevalence rate will rise from the current 14-23 million people to 50-75 million by 2010. Of these, between 30 and 35 million people will be infected in Central and Southern Africa alone. As for other countries, by this time China will have 10 to 15 million people infected with AIDS, India-from 20 to 25 million, Nigeria-from 10 to 15 million, Ethiopia-from 7 to 10 million and Russia - from 5 to 8 million people. Therefore, Russia and Nigeria should join forces in the fight against this pandemic.

In his speech, A. Vasiliev expressed himself in the same vein as O. Oche, but added that the issue of restoring Russia's influence in Africa to the level of Soviet times is already on the agenda of the Russian government. It will not be solved at once, but gradually as the economic and political potential of the Russian state develops.

During the general discussion on this block of problems, the participants of the dialogue agreed that African countries, including Nigeria, will not be able to solve their problems without the active help and participation of Russia, since the Western dictatorial policy drains their free resources in a fruitless struggle against the dominance of transnational corporations( TNCs), and the USSR at one time, he actively helped African countries to counteract this policy of Western monopolies.

Professor Fred Agwu and Doctor of Historical Sciences Dmitry Bondarenko made key presentations on the fourth block of issues - "Globalization and culture". F. Agwu noted that the American model of globalization, when the United States dominates the global traffic of information and ideas, allows them to directly influence and often determine the tastes, everyday life and aspirations of almost all peoples the world. Such a situation cannot be tolerated from the point of view of the interests of a "nation-State", for example, Nigeria. Global culture is unrealistic in the American way. There should be a pluralism of trends in this area, which together constitute a "treasury of world culture", from which everyone can learn something useful for themselves.

The UN and its body, UNESCO, which deals with cultural and educational issues, can become the regulator of such processes.

In the report "Globalization and culture: theoretical approaches and conclusions for Africa" D. Bondarenko considered two approaches that play a significant role in theoretical constructions concerning the current state and prospects of world culture and are often perceived as mutually exclusive: the globalist world - systemic and the particularist civilizational. The speaker showed that in reality these approaches are complementary, since globalization can take place not as a "historical project" that totally universalizes local cultures, but only as a kind of "federation of civilizations". Thus, globalization, firstly, is not an irreversible process at the moment (in this connection, attention was drawn to the failures of previous attempts to implement it since ancient times), and secondly, its success is impossible in the form of imposing on all mankind any one (including the West-

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a civilizational model that is passed off as "global" or "universal". Globalization can take place only on the basis of preserving local civilizations, while absolutely all of them acquire new, universal, "synthesis" features. According to D. Bondarenko, it is particularly important for understanding the process of globalization to abandon the view of it as a purely economic and political process, while shifting the focus to cultural and civilizational aspects. With such a problem statement, in his opinion, despite the fact that Africa is now on the periphery of the world economy and politics, it has a real chance of entering the global civilization with dignity by introducing a number of its cultural and civilizational characteristics. Moreover, globalization, if properly understood and followed by current trends (in which the role of African Governments should be particularly important), gives the countries and peoples of the continent a chance to improve their economic situation and increase their role in world politics.

On the fifth block of problems, Professor Daniil Omove and Candidate of Historical Sciences N. Grishina delivered the main reports. According to D. Omove, the modern understanding of public administration in the era of globalization is based on the concept of" good governance". It was proposed by the US administration after President George W. Bush came to power. Currently, it is being offered to other countries of the world as the only panacea for solving all the problems that arise in this area.

This concept is also being implemented in African countries, which are required to accurately and scrupulously fulfill all its destinies in exchange for providing American economic and technical assistance.

In her turn, N. Grishina focused on such an important aspect of public administration in the era of globalization as the role of women in this process. In particular, Russia still pays little attention to the tender factor in state governance. So, in the State Duma, only 7.6% of deputies are women. Leading positions in the Russian leadership are held exclusively by men, and only at the level of local administrations 88% of employees are women. This practice cannot be tolerated in an era of globalization, when the Russian leadership is clearly violating democratic principles and the rights of women who can contribute to public administration in accordance with international standards by seeking to participate in it.

Participants in the general discussion on this issue were divided into two groups. The former sharply criticized the American concept of" good governance " and the policy of active pressure and interference in the internal affairs of African states by the American administration based on it. In particular, Professor Alabu Ogusanwo of the University of Lagos said that Washington has assumed the right to determine who and what corresponds to the concept of "good governance" in a particular sovereign country. This cannot be tolerated from the point of view of modern international law and the UN Charter, which proclaims all countries of the world equal.

Nigerian international relations researcher Okwudili Ojukwu-Enendu supported the idea that African countries should independently find ways to participate in globalization, ways to use its fruits for their own purposes.

The second group of participants in the discussion on "Public administration in the era of globalization" expressed surprise at the facts outlined by N. Grishina in her report "Tender aspects of public administration in the era of globalization", and bewilderment about the insufficiently active, in their opinion, position of Russian women in defending their democratic and civil rights, including: rights to participate in government. At the same time, as Joy Ogwu stated, unlike Russian women, Nigerian women not only take an active part in the political life of their country. They are part of various government structures. In particular, Professor Ogwu is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Foreign Relations, whose task is to develop recommendations to the President of Nigeria, O. Obasanjo, on the country's foreign policy and on a wide range of world problems.

The Nigerian side plans to publish the materials of the dialogue in the form of a separate booklet.

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