Regional Balance Research Articles

TÜRKİYE’S FOOTHOLD IN THE BASIN EXTENDING FROM THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN TO THE ARABIAN SEA: SCRATCHING AN AD-HOC REGIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX

Türkiye pursues an effective and assertive foreign policy as a decisive power in the transformations in the regional security architecture in its immediate basin. It is a generally accepted idea today that foreign policy moves are parts of an interconnected and systemic strategy rather than individual initiatives. Recently, the basin extending from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea have brought substantial threats, risks and advantages for Turkish foreign policy. Türkiye has resorted to using bilateral cooperation instruments against these challenges. At a time of evolving global and regional dynamics, a set of foreign policy moves and bilateral cooperations established with certain states in the region has served the common purpose of increasing Türkiye’s political presence and leverage in this basin, leading to the formation of an ad-hoc regional security complex. The study deals with the regional security complex theory with a qualitative approach, analyzes Türkiye's recent engagement with the subject basin in the light of this theory, and puts forward general implications regarding the regional balance of power. The study is assessed to make a unique contribution to the literature as it considers Türkiye's foreign policy moves related to the subject basin as connected and systematic initiatives.

Variables and Dynamics of the Middle Eastern System

Background This study explores the transformative impact of three significant events on the Middle Eastern regional system: the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Arab Spring of 2011, and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. These events have altered the regional balance, leading to an evolving, complex, and multi-polar system. This research assesses the role of both state and non-state actors, examining their influence on the region’s stability and overall structure. Methods Employing a mixed-method approach that combines area studies and international relations (IR) theory, this study examines the regional power dynamics using twelve indicators to assess hard and soft power, including economic, military, and socio-political metrics. The analysis positions regional actors within a multi-tiered structure, evaluating the interplay between internal and external influences to explain the current distribution of power. Results The study finds that the Middle Eastern system has developed into a hierarchical yet anarchic structure, characterized by a competitive and multi-polar power distribution. Although external actors, such as the United States, continue to play pivotal roles, regional powers – including Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and Iran – exert significant influence, leading to an inherently unstable system. This dynamic interplay fosters competition and limits cooperative stability. Conclusion The findings suggest that the Middle Eastern regional system’s volatility is rooted in this unique distribution of power, where continuous struggles among actors contribute to persistent instability. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing future developments and potential stability within the region.

The new arms race: analyzing Sino-US geo-strategic dynamics and implications for global security

ABSTRACT The term ‘Arms Race’ describes the Cold War’s intricate geostrategic landscape, wherein the United States and Soviet Union were the principal contenders. The New Arms Race, in which China and the USA are major players, demonstrates the shifting dynamics of the global geostrategic landscape and symbolizes the current global geostrategic environment. This study, therefore, investigates the intricacies of the emerging Sino-U.S. arms race and how Xi Jinping's foreign policy and the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation influence China's military modernization. Considering China's recent military modernization, how has the US adapted its military modernization and strategic outlook to contain China? Furthermore, this study assesses President Trump's and Biden's diverse strategic outlooks in their approaches to China's military advancement and the geopolitical implications of the Sino-US Arms Race for global security and strategic stability. Moreover, this study highlights that a new bipolar world order analogous to the Cold War is emerging. The escalating New Arms Race will not only alter the regional balance of power but also encourage higher defense spending and strategic partnerships among like-minded nations, with consequences for the global arms control architecture.

A Relationship of Monoamine Oxidase-A with Serotonin in Violent Antisocial Behavior in Iraqi Prisoners

It is thought that the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) enzyme, which catalyzes key brain signaling chemicals like serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, indirectly influences antisocial behavior by disrupting the neurotransmitter balance in brain regions and neural networks. This study aims to assess the MAOA enzyme level in serum and serotonin linked to antisocial behavior in cases in the prison of Baghdad City, Iraq. Blood samples were collected from (63) prisoners and (27) control groups, ages 18 years to 65 years, with a mean ± SD of 37.8 ± 8.8, all males, with different prison terms and different crimes for prisoners in the prison at Baghdad City, Iraq. MAOA and serotonin levels were measured in serum in prisoners and healthy men, and the results showed the serum levels of MAOA enzyme and serotonin were decreased in prisoners compared to the healthy (11.5 IU/ml vs. 19.5 IU/ml) and (79 IU/ml vs. 439 IU/ml), respectively, with the observed difference being significant (P < 0.001(. The results of the relationship between education and social violence were: illiterate 11.1%, primary school 27%, secondary 52.4%, and university 9.5%. The median serum level of MAOA and serotonin in the age group 18–39 years was (11.3 IU/ml, 68.3 ng/ml), respectively, and in the age group 40–65 years was (13 IU/ml, 139 ng/ml), respectively.

Study on the Value of Ecosystem Services and Land Use Change in the Area North of the Tianshan Mountains from 2000 to 2020

The northern Tianshans region in the arid zone of northwestern China plays a key role in promoting high-quality development of the ecological environment. In recent years, ecological environmental protection in this region has encountered major challenges due to the dual impacts of human activities and natural changes. In order to accurately assess the current status of the ecological environment in the northern Tianshans, this study analyzed the spatial and temporal changes in land use and ecological and environmental effects using land use data from 2000 to 2020 and explored the current status of land use, land use dynamic process, and ecosystem service value (ESV) in the region. Two-factor spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed the spatio-temporal characteristics of the value changes over the 20-year period as well as their spatial heterogeneity. The results show that: (1) land use changes are dominated by increases in cultivated land, forest land, watershed, and wetland, and decreases in grassland, glacier snow, and bare land. Of these changes, the expansion of cultivated land area is the most significant, showing a total increase of 1136.13 × 103 hm2. (2) The ESV increased and then decreased, reaching the highest value in 2005 and the lowest in 2020. The value of individual ecosystem services is dominated by regulating services, accounting for about 67% of the total value. (3) The overall regional balance of ecological environment quality and the contribution rate of the conversion from bare land to other land types is as high as 82.7986%, constituting the main factor in regional ecological environment improvement. The spatial distribution pattern exhibits the characteristic of “high in the northeast and low in the southwest”. (4) There is a positive correlation between the ESV, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the Anthropogenic Impact Composite Index, with the NDVI being the main cause of spatial heterogeneity in the ESV. The research results provide a scientific basis for ecological protection, land management, and policy formulation in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and are of great significance for promoting regional sustainable development.

Determinants of Youth Unemployment in Nepal

Both developed and developing countries are facing youth unemployed problems. The main objective of the study is to identify the determinants of youth unemployment in Nepal, using secondary data. For empirical analysis, the study uses multivariate Logit regression model to identify the determinants of youth unemployment. The logistic model shows that the sample variables like time spend in farm, ever-married, communication, completed school year, training have positive relationship with probability of being youth unemployed whereas urban, house ownership, male, household size, Koshi Pradesh, Bagmati Pradesh, Gandaki Pradesh, Lumbini Pradesh, Karnali Pradesh and Sudurpaschim Pradesh have negative relationship with proability of being youth unemployed. The sample variables like as time spend in farm, completed school year, Koshi Pradesh, Bagmati Pradesh, Gandaki Pradesh, Lumbini Pradesh, Karnali Pradesh and Sudurpaschim Pradesh are significant at 1 percent level and other explanatory variable like urban, ever-married, house ownership, communication, male, training, household size are not significant but they are important determinants of youth unemployment. This study suggests that more investment on education, improve agriculture sector, emphasis on regional balance and consider the determinant factors.

Analyzing China's Global Influence Through the Belt and Road Initiative: A Case Study of the Pakistan-China Energy and Economic Corridor

This article attempts to explain how China has used the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) to increase its economic power and geopolitical influence by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the Pakistan-China Energy and Economic Corridor (PCEEC). During this process, China has gained actual control over these countries' strategic resources and transportation hubs by providing debt and building infrastructure. This control not only improves Chinas international trade volume and economic development, but also enables it to influence the policy formulation and sovereign decision-making of these countries. The expansion of its economic and political influence has given China a greater voice in regional and international affairs in order to more effectively promote international agendas and rule-making that are in line with its own interests. Therefore, China has successfully improved its global influence and leadership through a combination of economic investment and political strategies, but has also aroused international attention and discussion on sovereign independence and regional balance.

Comprehensive biodiversity assessment of flora and fauna along the Kedah coastline: Implications for conservation and sustainable management

Preserving the unique ecosystems of specific coastal areas is crucial for environmental health and the welfare of local communities. This study explores the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna along the Kedah state coastline, a 440 km stretch along the Strait of Malacca. Through meticulous site surveys and comprehensive data collection across multiple locations, followed by laboratory analyses, this research reveals a vibrant tapestry of life. The Kedah coastal area boasts a remarkable diversity, with 60 fish species identified, predominantly from the Carangidae (12 %) and Mugilidae (10 %) families. Additionally, five marine mammal species were documented, though turtles and terrapins were notably absent. The condition of coral reefs varied, with "fair" conditions observed at stations St-1 and St-2 (31.67 % and 35.67 % live coral, respectively), and "poor" conditions at St-3 (10.67 % live coral). High densities of phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrobenthos, and seaweed were recorded, whereas seagrass vegetation was absent. The study on Kedah’s coastal flora and fauna revealed a diverse range of species, including fish, marine mammals, corals, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrobenthos, and seaweed. Coral reefs were found to be in varying conditions, with some needing restoration. The study recommends long-term monitoring, seasonal surveys, and focused research on key species. Habitat protection, community awareness, and sustainable practices are also emphasized to preserve the ecological balance of these marine environments. Moreover, the findings of this study provide a critical understanding of the Kedah coastal ecosystem and offer valuable insights for local authorities to develop effective conservation strategies. This research underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecological balance and support sustainable development in coastal regions.

Watershed-scale spatial prediction of agricultural land phosphorus mass balance and soil phosphorus metrics: A bottom-up approach.

Analysis of nutrient balance at the watershed scale, including for phosphorus (P), is typically accomplished using aggregate input datasets, resulting in an inability to capture the variability of P status across the study region. This study presents a set of methods to predict and visualize partial P mass balance, soil P saturation ratio (PSR), and soil test P for agricultural parcels across a watershed in the Lake Champlain Basin (Vermont, USA) using granular, field-level data. K-means cluster analyses were used to group agricultural parcels by soil texture, average slope, and crop type. Using a set of parcels accounting for ∼21% of the watershed's agricultural land and having known soil test and nutrient management parameters, predictions of partial P mass balance, PSR, and soil test P for agricultural land across the watershed were made by cluster, incorporating uncertainty. This resulted in an average partial P balance of 5.5±0.2kg P ha-1year-1 and an average PSR of 0.0399±0.0002. Furthermore, approximately 30% of agricultural land had predicted soil test P values above optimum levels. Results were used to visualize areas with high P loss potential. Such data and visualizations can inform watershed P modeling and assist practitioners in nutrient management decision making. These techniques can also serve as a framework for bottom-up modeling of nutrient mass balance and soil metrics in other regions.

An Evaluation of The Importance of Regional Balanced Development Projects in Response to Local Extinction in Small and Medium-Sized Cities - Focusing on the Jinju City

An Evaluation of The Importance of Regional Balanced Development Projects in Response to Local Extinction in Small and Medium-Sized Cities - Focusing on the Jinju City

Performance analysis of a solar-assisted ground source heat pump with a single vertical U-tube ground heat exchanger

Owing to higher heat loads than cooling loads in cold climates, the performance of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) can significantly degrade over time, leading to eventual system failure for systems not properly sized or when there is insufficient regeneration. Solar-assisted ground source heat pump (SAGSHP) systems are receiving increasing interest as a means of enhancing heating performance and maintaining ground thermal balance in cold regions. However, a critical gap remains in the literature: no study has comprehensively analyzed configurations of SAGSHP systems to enhance their overall performance considering long-term performance and realistic operating conditions. For this purpose, a comprehensive investigation of the long-term performance of single U-tube and double U-tube ground heat exchangers (GHEs) for solar-assisted ground source heat pump systems (SAGSHPs) was carried out and compared with the conventional GSHP. The effect of collector tilt angles (0–90°) on the performance of the single U-tube SAGSHP was also examined. A finite volume computational fluid dynamic model was developed and coupled with an actual building energy load profile and a solar irradiation profile based on Calgary’s weather conditions using a novel custom-coded thermodynamic model. Results show that the yearly average heating coefficient of performance (COP) increases by a factor of 1.21 and 1.18 for the single U-tube SAGSHP and double U-tube SAGSHP, respectively, when compared with the conventional GSHP. However, the average annual cooling COP reduces by 0.65 for the single U-tube and 0.72 for the double U-tube SAGSHPs. Moreover, considering the effect of tilt angle on the single U-tube SAGSHP, it is possible to improve the cooling COP when the collector tilt angle is 90°, at the expense of lower heating COP. However, the highest heating COP and annual energy savings are achieved with a tilt angle of 45°. This study provides practical insight into SAGSHP performance enhancements in cold climates.

Acute stress differently modulates interneurons excitability and synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex of wild-type and SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.

Primary motor cortex (M1) network stability depends on activity of inhibitory interneurons, for which susceptibility to stress was previously demonstrated in limbic regions. Hyperexcitability in M1 following changes in the excitatory/inhibitory balance is a key pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using electrophysiological approaches, we assessed the impact of acute restraint stress on inhibitory interneurons excitability and global synaptic plasticity in M1 of the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model at a late pre-symptomatic stage (10-12.5weeks). Based on their firing type (continuous, discontinuous, with accommodation or not) and electrophysiological characteristics (resting potential, rheobase, firing frequency), interneurons from M1slices were separated into four clusters, labelled from 1 to 4. Among them, only interneurons from the first cluster, presenting continuous firing with few accommodations, tended to show increased excitability in wild-type (WT) and decreased excitability in SOD1G93A animals following stress. In vivo analyses of evoked field potentials showed that stress suppressed the theta burst-induced plasticity of an excitatory component (N1) recorded in the superficial layers of M1 in WT, with no impact on an inhibitory complex (N2-P1) from the deeper layers. In SOD1G93A mice, stress did not affect N1 but suppressed the N2-P1 plasticity. These data suggest that stress can alter M1 network functioning in a different manner in WT and SOD1G93A mice, possibly through changes of inhibitory interneurons excitability and synaptic plasticity. This suggests that stress-induced activity changes in M1may therefore influence ALS outcomes. KEY POINTS: Disruption of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the primary motor cortex (M1) has been linked to cortical hyperexcitability development, a key pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Psychological stress was reported to influence excitatory/inhibitory balance in limbic regions, but very little is known about its influence on the M1 functioning under physiological or pathological conditions. Our study revealed that acute stress influences the excitatory/inhibitory balance within the M1, through changes in interneurons excitability along with network plasticity. Such changes were different in pathological (SOD1G93A ALS mouse model) vs. physiological (wild-type) conditions. The results of our study help us to better understand how stress modulates the M1 and highlight the need to further characterize stress-induced motor cortex changes because it may be of importance when evaluating ALS outcomes.

Assessment of the current state and temporal changes of glacial-moraine lakes in the Central and Eastern part of the northern slope of the Ile Alatau, Kazakhstan

Retreat of glaciers and partial melting of permafrost moraines recorded since the 1970s, led to the formation and rapid accumulation of glacial-moraine lakes in Ile Alatau, Kazakhstan. For its part, there was a necessity to analyse hydrometeorological and morphometric data on the current state and temporal changes of moraine lakes. Maps provided comprehensive information about the state of moraine-glacial lakes to prevent and protect objects from the negative effects of mudflow hazards. In this regard, the purpose of the article is to prepare a systematic inventory as a result of the study, compare and analyse the changes and evolution of the lakes. The findings of this study show that the total number of moraine lakes increased over the study period from 20 in 1978 to 77 in 2021. It is visible that the glacial-moraine lakes are increasing in number and area, thereby posing possible mudflow hazards to the densely populated downstream land. The study on glacial-moraine lakes in the Ile Alatau region has practical value in several areas: it helps assess the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and enables authorities to develop effective strategies for disaster management; it informs planners and developers about potential hazards; it provides valuable information for protecting sensitive ecosystems and maintaining the ecological balance of mountainous regions.

GAP43 Located on Corticostriatal Terminals Restrains Novelty-Induced Hyperactivity in Mice.

Growth-associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP43) is a key cytoskeleton-associated component of the presynaptic terminal that facilitates neuroplasticity. Downregulation of GAP43 expression has been associated to various psychiatric conditions in humans and evokes hippocampus-dependent memory impairments in mice. Despite the extensive studies conducted on hippocampal GAP43 in past decades, however, very little is known about its roles in modulating the excitatory versus inhibitory balance in other brain regions. We recently generated conditional knock-out mice in which the Gap43 gene was selectively inactivated in either telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Gap43fl/fl ;Nex1Cre mice, hereafter Glu-GAP43-/- mice) or forebrain GABAergic neurons (Gap43fl/fl ;Dlx5/6Cre mice, hereafter GABA-GAP43-/- mice). Here, we show that Glu-GAP43-/- but not GABA-GAP43-/- mice of either sex show a striking hyperactive phenotype when exposed to a novel environment. This behavioral alteration of Glu-GAP43-/- mice was linked to a selective activation of dorsal-striatum neurons, as well as to an enhanced corticostriatal glutamatergic transmission and an abrogation of corticostriatal endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression. In line with these observations, GAP43 was abundantly expressed in corticostriatal glutamatergic terminals of wild-type mice. The novelty-induced hyperactive phenotype of Glu-GAP43-/- mice was abrogated by chemogenetically inhibiting corticostriatal afferences with a Gi-coupled "designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs" (DREADDs), thus further supporting that novelty-induced activity is controlled by GAP43 at corticostriatal excitatory projections. Taken together, these findings show an unprecedented regulatory role of GAP43 in the corticostriatal circuitry and provide a new mouse model with a delimited neuronal-circuit alteration for studying novelty-induced hyperactivity, a phenotypic shortfall that occurs in diverse psychiatric diseases.

Geopolitical Kingmakers: South Korea and the Philippines as Linchpins amid the China–US Competition

Abstract South Korea and the Philippines hold pivotal geopolitical positions amidst escalating tensions between the USA and China. Both Seoul and Manila find themselves ensnared in the expanding rivalry between these great powers, subjecting them to numerous strategic challenges amid the prevailing regional status quo of instability. Despite their efforts to maintain a delicate balance, often characterized as hedging behavior, the space available for such maneuvering is diminishing, compelling them toward perilous geopolitical alignments. Therefore, this paper seeks to address the following questions: How does the shrinking space to hedge influence the alignment strategies of South Korea and the Philippines? How do their alignment choices impact the geopolitical dynamics of the China–US strategic competition? It argues that as this space contracts, they possess the capability to significantly influence the regional balance of power through their alignment, which we frame as the kingmaker’s role and the power of the weak paradox. Seoul, navigating the complex dynamics of the Korean Peninsula, must carefully weigh its commitments to both Washington and Beijing, particularly in light of ongoing developments with North Korea. Meanwhile, Manila, in the aftermath of the Duterte administration’s alignment oscillations, has sought to establish a clearer strategic direction largely influenced by tensions in the South China Sea. Both are now increasingly tacking hard toward Washington for security assurances and have acknowledged economic security anxieties concerning their links with Beijing. Furthermore, they are placing greater emphasis on upholding the rules-based international order amid growing global uncertainties.

Moisture Transport during Anomalous Climate Events in the La Plata Basin

This paper examines the linear relationship between climate events in the La Plata Basin (LP) from 1980 to 2018 and atmospheric moisture transport from major sources using a Lagrangian approach. The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI-1) was utilized to assess climate events, as monthly water balance variations may be related to changes in atmospheric moisture transport. A total of 49 dry and 46 wet events were identified through sequences of negative and positive SPEI-1 values, respectively. Lagrangian analysis tracked changes in moisture uptake and supply from sources to the LP during these events. Simple linear regression analysis revealed a relationship between moisture transport from the Amazonas (AM), North Atlantic (NA), and Tocantins (TO) basins and the severity and duration of climate events. Increased moisture supply from the São Francisco basin (SF) and Eastern Brazil oceanic (EBO) sources intensified the duration and severity of wet events. Peak wet events were linked to increased moisture supply from the northern South America basins (AM, NA, and TO), while peak droughts were related to decreased moisture uptake from eastern sources (TO, SF, and EBO). Our findings highlight how the water balance in distant regions affects the LP via moisture transport, emphasizing the need for interconnected adaptive strategies.

Bridging the gap between high-speed rail transport studies and cluster economics through social knowledge exchange: future research potential

ABSTRACT Within the high-speed rail debate (HSR) there has been lacking in-depth theoretical and evidential research on the role HSR has on tacit knowledge flows between industrial clusters or regions of economic productivity. The research that has begun to emerge has focused on knowledge indicators such as patents for social/tacit knowledge exchange, which this paper raises concerns over. This review aims to discover new links for HSR with cluster economics through social knowledge theory and aims to create a conceptual framework that will provide a new perspective for future research in the HSR debate concerning social knowledge exchange. Potential implications are presented for future transport policy decision-making, based on the relationship HSR may have with inter-regional tacit knowledge flows and accessibility benefits in regional balancing. Future research considerations are pointed out that argue to measure the flow of knowledge from HSR, research needs to go in-depth to the social aspect of interactions and relationship buildings, as quantitative data will struggle to capture tacit knowledge flow itself, due to the tacit nature of such information. The presented framework highlights the tacit nature of interactions facilitated by HSR connectivity.

Defence Spending, Economic Growth and Regional Balance: Evidence from Azerbaijan and Armenia

Military expenditures have a significant impact not only on the socioeconomic condition of a state but also on the regional balance of power. In this study it will be examined the relationship between military expenditures and economic conditions in Azerbaijan and Armenia and impacts of military expeditures on the regional balance. In the context of the diplomatic history from the First Karabakh War to the Second Karabakh War, the regional balance between the two states is clarified. Then the complex relationship between military expenditures and economic conditions is empirically analyzed via using non-linear ARDL and ARDL limited test methods. The empirical findings indicate that in Azerbaijan, military spending aligns with the Military-led Standard of Living Improvement Hypothesis, whereas its positive effect on well-being in Armenia is minimal. Specifically, military expenditure positively influences the standard of living and well-being in Azerbaijan, as evidenced by both the ARDL Bound and multiplier effect. Conversely, according to the Military Burden Hypothesis, military spending poses a burden on the budgets of both countries. Nevertheless, this burden is more pronounced for Azerbaijan compared to Armenia, where the adverse impact of military expenditure is comparatively lesser.

THE HELMAND RIVER WATER DISPUTE BETWEEN IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, POTENTIAL RISKS AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

The dispute over the allocation of water in the Helmand River has been ongoing between Iran and Afghanistan for many years. Despite various steps taken and the agreement reached in 1973, the issue remains unresolved, causing tensions between the two countries, especially during drought periods. The prepared study aims to provide answers to why river water is so important and why the issue has not yet been resolved through historical and strategic analyses. However, beyond this, the main focus and therefore the purpose of this study is to identify the potential risks that may arise if the problem remains unresolved and to propose solutions. In this context, the study attempts to provide some concrete suggestions through the benefit-sharing theory categorized into four headings by Claudia W. Sadoff and David Grey, thereby offering an alternative perspective for a solution. This study argues that if the water issue persists, certain developments may emerge in both countries, but particularly in Iran, which could affect both internal and regional balances.

Война дронов как пример влияния самоуправляемых систем на изменение баланса сил

According to our forecasts a new, very powerful technological wave will begin, in the next 10–15 years, which we call the Cybernetic Revolution. Its final phase will begin in the 2030s. The main technological breakthroughs of the Cybernetic Revolution will lead to the emergence and widespread implementation of self-regulating systems, that is, systems capable of functioning not only in the absence (or with minimal participation) of humans, but also independently (using artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies) to accept complex solutions. Such systems already exist, but in the future we will see the emergence of many new and more advanced self-regulating systems that will be in demand in a wide range of areas of life: from medicine to the management of “smart cities.” However, in the context of the topic of the article, we are especially interested in self-regulating systems used for military purposes: drones of various types (water, land, and air), but especially UAVs, as well as robots and self-driving vehicles. The article will show how the special military operation in Ukraine accelerated the development and expanded the use of these self-regulating systems; how and why UAVs have a major impact on military tactical and strategic decisions and practices. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of drones and other self-regulating military systems on the global and regional balance of power, and to predictions of how future wars may be shaped by the development of self-regulating systems.