BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: FUNCTIONAL FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES

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International relations today require additional functional capabilities to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in various areas, from interactions between national political actors to intergovernmental cooperation. Due to its functional features, blockchain technology can improve and simplify international cooperation through decentralization and the absence of a central controlling body; transparency, which allows all network participants to have equal access to identical information; immutability and data security, as information cannot be changed or deleted without the consent of all network participants; and automation through smart contracts that automatically execute upon the agreed conditions. Improving blockchain understanding is possible through various international programs involving stakeholders, with international relations being one of the important areas. Coordination and alignment of political components between countries to create common standards will promote the global implementation of certain standards and norms for blockchain and international cooperation. This will create a clear environment for implementing information and communication technologies aimed at developing the potential of politicians, civil servants, international players, government institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders. However, the adoption of blockchain in many countries will require a review of the legal framework, the adoption of new norms, and the possible repeal of certain laws. The role of international organizations in the blockchain industry will grow, as most governments still lack clear policies on the technology, while the private sector is already actively promoting it. Ultimately, the widespread use of blockchain as a digital technology tool in modern international relations can lead to fundamental changes in various fields, from trade and finance to intellectual property protection and political stability. The article discusses the problems of using blockchain technology in international relations with the disclosure of its functional features and further opportunities for improving cooperation at the interstate level.