http://hdl.handle.net/11089/1016 2026-04-05T19:05:25Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/57549 France’s bilateral relations: a quantitative analysis (1992–2023) Kobierecki, Michał This study evaluates the evolution of France’s bilateral relations with eleven major global and regional actors—China, India, Japan, the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Turkey—between 1992 and 2023. Using the Bilateral Relations Index (BRI), a multidimensional tool capturing conflictual and cooperative interactions, the article assesses long-term trajectories, fluctuations, and turning points in French foreign relations. The analysis reveals consistently strong ties with European NATO partners, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as unexpectedly stable cooperation with Turkey. Relations with Russia deteriorated markedly after 2014 and especially after 2022, mirrored by a substantial rise in France–Ukraine relations. Outside Europe, France’s partnerships with India and Japan improved significantly, while relations with China remained more volatile and never fully positive. Overall, the BRI captures both structural continuities in French foreign policy and the impact of major geopolitical shocks on specific dyads. This preprint has not undergone peer review or any post-submission improvements or corrections. The Version of Record of this article is published in French Politics, and is available online at https://doi.org/10.1057/s41253-026-00313-x 2026-02-26T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/57270 Determining the state of bilateral relations using quantitative indicators: A case study of USRussia relations Kobierecki, Michał Marcin; Czulda, Robert; Strożek, Piotr The aim of the research was to develop a tool for impartially evaluating the state of relations between two states over a specific period. It comprised several stages. Initially, a set of potential indicators of bilateral relations was prepared based on desk research. Following the initial selection based on data availability, these indicators were discussed with 32 practitioners of international relations (diplomats and foreign service officers from 22 countries) during semi-structured interviews. The aim of the interviews was to assign weights to the respective indicators, thus preparing for the quantitative segment of the study. Utilizing available datasets and self-generated data, a multidimensional comparative analysis was employed to generate the Bilateral Relations Index (BRI), which was then tested by the example of Russia-US relations between 1992 and 2022. The study revealed fluctuations and a gradual deterioration of US-Russia relations, aligning with qualitative observations from the recent history of the relations between the two states. The project aims to develop and apply a methodology for the quantitative measurement of bilateral relations between states. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/55767 On the Frontline of Solidarity. How Polish Cities Supported Ukraine Kamiński, Tomasz; Matiaszczyk, Natalia Arażny, Małgorzata On the Frontline of Solidarity documents the unprecedented response of 11 major Polish cities to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The report shows how, in the absence of clear national guidelines or dedicated funding, cities mobilized rapidly to support 74 Ukrainian partner municipalities. It explores three key roles played by cities: as donors (providing financial and material aid), as humanitarian hubs (coordinating logistics), and as intermediaries (connecting international partners with Ukrainian localities). Drawing on survey data and interviews, the report highlights the strategic importance of local networks in international crisis response and the emergence of cities as autonomous actors in foreign aid and diplomacy. This publication offers valuable insights into how municipal solidarity can shape global cooperation, especially in moments when speed, trust, and existing partnerships matter most. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/55136 German Multi-Level Relations with Superpowers. The Comparison of Subnational Cooperation with American and Chinese Partners Ciesielska-Klikowska, Joanna; Kamiński, Tomasz; Frenkel, Marcin The article explores the role of German cities in international relations, particularly focusing on their interactions with superpowers such as the United States and China. It highlights the increasing importance of sub-state actors in shaping foreign policy within the multiplex world order. Through a multi-level governance framework, the study examines how German cities engage in paradiplomacy and city diplomacy, addressing global challenges like climate change, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The research utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys and interviews with city officials and experts, to analyse the scope and nature of city-to-city partnerships. The results show the most important areas of cooperation, forms of cooperation, success factors and barriers to the development of city partnerships. The findings reveal a dynamic landscape where cities act as crucial players, complementing national and EU-level foreign policy efforts. The study also discusses the challenges of limited coordination between different levels of government and the unique roles cities play in international diplomacy. The article argues for the necessity of integrating cities into broader foreign policy strategies, emphasizing their potential to enhance Germany’s international influence and address transnational issues effectively. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z