ABSTRACT
The significant growth of environmental problems and their political consequences have added a new dimension to East-West relations. In dealing with these problems, an ecological paradigm has evolved, the main characteristics of which – as apparent as they are difficult to analyze – include: global relevance; complexity and interdependence of ecological phenomena and their causes; and uncertainty of prognosis of possible long-term detrimental effects and their prevention. Potential areas of conflict have arisen between East and West. Due to the global magnitude of ecological issues, one superpower cannot remain indifferent to the manner in which the natural resources of the other are employed, nor to the damage ensued thereby. The perception of one side by the general public of the other will be formed in accordance with the degree to which the one side accepts the priorities of environmental protection.
