Economic Association Research Articles

Features of the enterprises foreign economic activity strategy in crisis conditions

In the article, the author analyzed the dynamics of Ukraine's foreign trade indicators for the period 2021–2023 (exports, imports, trade balance). It was established that the volume of foreign trade in Ukraine changed significantly after the beginning of 2022 due to the introduction of martial law, the breakdown of economic ties and problems with logistics at sea and on land. It was determined that the situation in the export sphere of Ukraine in 2023 is critical, it has worsened even in comparison with 2022. It is noted that the rate of reduction in the export of goods exceeds the rate of reduction in their import, which increased the negative balance indicator (especially in 2023). This situation is caused by the need to increase the volume of procurement of strategically important military goods and the corresponding support. It has been established that the state of war in Ukraine as a specific legal regime has completely changed the conditions of conducting foreign economic activity, which has led to the negative dynamics of export-import trade in goods. At the same time, trade-in services became impossible. It was noted that the legislation does not contain direct restrictions or bans on export-import, and the main measures were the embargo and the actual suspension of customs clearance of the goods of the aggressor countries. This led to the reorientation of foreign economic activity to other countries, in particular EU countries, which became more promising. The peculiarities of the strategy of the enterprise's foreign economic activity in crisis conditions are determined, in particular: a personalized approach; paying more attention to the logistics component; the complex nature of making changes in all business components; quick adaptation to changes in the external environment of international business; functional orientation and connections with competitive, resource, product and other types of strategies; different from existing management approaches due to the need to ensure international (global) competitiveness; formation and use of the enterprise's export potential in the long term; the obligation to ensure the survival and stability of the operation of the enterprise; conformity of the quality of export products with international standards; a significant difference in the product range and models of export products from the domestic market; the need to change the organizational structure, take into account legislative and other restrictions on the company's entry into the market of another country, and others.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПОДХОДЫ К ФОРМИРОВАНИЮ ТОЧЕК РОСТА РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ

In the context of interregional socio-economic differentiation and the need for assigning limited financial resources, the most important issue for public administration and private investors is a competent choice of growth points in the regional economy. The article is devoted to the analysis of methodological approaches used for growth points formation of the regional economy. The aim of the article is to aggregate and systematize the available methods for identifying points (poles, centers) of regional economic growth. The author defines the mathematical and statistical methods group and the expert assessment methods group for determining growth points. Within the first group, the author considers examples of growth points searching based on the use of cluster analysis, spatial analysis, analysis of structural shifts in the economy, cyclical analysis (Kitchin waves), descriptive and comparative analysis. The possibility of use the economic, mathematical and econometric modeling is the main advantage of these methods group. Within the second group, the author identifies resource, criteria, innovation, spatial, cognitive (foresight) and directive approaches. The relative simplicity, practical orientation and the possibility of a creative approach in the search for growth points is the main advantage of these methods. The insufficient correlation of the growth points forming process with an increase of the life quality of the population is the common disadvantage of the both methods groups. According to the author, the optimal solution is a combination of mathematical and statistical methods and the expert assessment methods. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the aggregation of existing methods for growth points searching in the regional economy and the systematization of the tools used by researchers. The practical significance of the article lies in the fact that knowledge of approaches and tools aimed at identifying growth points provides state and municipal authorities with opportunities to structural transformation, increase the investment flows into the region, improve the life quality of its population, strengthen and develop interregional economic ties, etc. The following methods are used for the study: content analysis, comparative analysis and a systematic approach.

DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES OF THE AGRO-PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN THE REGIONS

The purpose of the research - to determine the main directions for ensuring the development of the regional agro-processing industry and to highlight the shortcomings of the state's current regulatory framework in this area, and to suggest improvements. The methodology of the research - observation, analysis, comparison, grouping techniques were used during the research. The practical importance of the research - the proposed methods and tools for the development of the regional economy can be used by state institutions and entrepreneurs. The results of the research – in the development of the regional economy, the significance of the development of mutual economic ties among the agricultural sectors have been studied. The originality and scientific novelty of the research - the analysis reveals that the agro-processing industry, which has an important role in the growth of agricultural sector in Azerbaijan, is unevenly distributed and mainly concentrated in the capital Baku also the cities and regions close to it. The state needs to actively encourage the development of the agricultural areas in the regions through targeted projects and initiatives. To ensure regional development, there is currently a greater demand for innovative regulatory strategies and frameworks. Therefore, the proposed mechanisms for administrative, economic, and institutional methods for economic regions are novel.

ЕКОНОМІЧНІ ЗВ’ЯЗКИ УКРАЇНИ ТА СКАНДИНАВСЬКИХ КРАЇН – НЕ РЕАЛІЗОВАНИЙ ПОТЕНЦІАЛ СТРАТЕГІЧНОЇ СПІВПРАЦІ ТА ПЛАН ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ УКРАЇНИ

The article examines the state of development of economic ties between Ukraine and Scandinavian countries in such areas as: trade, investment activity, security, humanitarian and financial support of Ukraine, cooperation in other areas. Ukraine imports a fairly wide range of goods from the Scandinavian countries (from land transport, pharmaceutical products, electronics to food and paper), investment activity is quite moderate, the most important thing for Ukraine is the support from the Scandinavian countries in terms of financial support for humanitarian and military projects. projects in the field of energy. The second chapter offers possible directions for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the Scandinavian countries for reconstruction in the post-war period. In our opinion, the formation of a new economic landscape in Ukraine, in the logic of state leadership (according to the Scandinavian principle), requires the development of a long-term Program for the development of the real sector of the economy (drawn up with the involvement of specialists from the countries of the Northern European Union), which should become a key guiding document for the development of the production activities of state and private enterprises in the post-war period. The following are the components that could become a support for the development of the economy of Ukraine, subject to the involvement of experience, technologies, finances and equipment received from the countries of the Northern European Union: development of the energy sector; development of elements of the closed cycle economy; development of agriculture, forestry and marine industry; infrastructure development; development of human capital. Taking into account the significant level of lag behind Ukraine from developed countries, in practically all spheres of the economy, the countries of the Northern European Union have the potential to provide a powerful scientific and resource base to provide not only consulting support on the formation of a socially-oriented advanced economic model, but also on issues related to economic development, subject to the preservation of the environment and the need to adapt to climate change.

Исторические аспекты и траектории развития российско-китайских отношений

The article examines the main stages of the 400-year development of Russian-Chinese relations, provides brief results of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of economics in 2023. The importance of holding in Shenyang, the capital of the Chinese province of Liaoning, the first festival-fair of Russian goods “Made in Russia” (January 27-February 5, 2024) and the VIII Russian-Chinese EXPO in Harbin (May 17, 2024), which contributed to the further strengthening of interstate economic ties, is noted. The article pays special attention to the prospects for the development of partnership relations between the People’s Republic of China and the regions of the Russian Federation, in particular, with the Vladimir region.

Халықаралық қатынастарда экономикалық дипломатияны жүзеге асырудағы оффтейк мәселелері

In the modern world, economic diplomacy is becoming an increasingly important tool in the foreign policy of states. One of the methods of its implementation is offtake, that is, an agreement to purchase a certain volume of goods or services under pre-agreed conditions. This is a tool of economic diplomacy that can be successfully implemented in modern society to achieve development goals and strengthen economic relations. One of the main advantages of an off-take is the reduction of risks for both parties. This allows the manufacturer to find out the exact demand for their products and ensure stable production volumes, and the consumer – long-term supplies at a low price. This also helps to establish trust between the parties, which is of great importance for expanding economic ties. Offtake is also an effective tool for attracting investment. By guaranteeing the purchase of a product or service, companies can attract financial resources to expand production and improve the quality of their products. This, in turn, contributes to economic growth and development of the country as a whole. In modern society, off-take stands out as one of the effective means of developing economic diplomacy. This is especially true for developing countries that are seeking to diversify their economies and attract foreign investment. Offtake can be a powerful incentive for investors because it provides stability and predictability in the need for a product or service. This article explores the role of off-take in the context of economic diplomacy, as well as its impact on international relations and economic cooperation. The article examines examples of off-take agreements in various sectors such as energy, agriculture, trade and investment, and also analyzes their contribution to the development of economic relations between countries and corporations.

METHOD OF TEACHING VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL CODES OF ADVERTISING DISCOURSE IN THE CROSS-CULTURAL CONTEXT

This article considers the problem of the methodology for training student majoring in advertisement in the context of the interculturalization of the advertising market. The modern world is an environment where different cultures are clashing and mixing constantly. Geopolitical or economic ties intricately link all nations and communities. Furthermore, this dynamic is intertwined with advertising, a phenomenon crafted as a part globalization. In this context, a country promotes its commodities to others, ventures into the global market, and engages in the import and export of its products. This underscores the practical significance of the research. Additionally, there is a discernible inclination towards creating advertisements for foreign products in alignment with the cultural nuances of the target audience. Both verbal and non-verbal elements of the local culture are used. Therefore, there is a need to modernize and modify student learning. To meet this need, the article proposes a model of teaching the verbal and non-verbal code of advertising discourse within the context of intercultural communication. The model focused on four-level qualitative indicators, contributed to the improvement of students' abilities to create advertising in the context of intercultural communication. The results of the study showed the specifics of students' language training, the importance of the ability to correctly use national cultural qualities, linguistic reality, mentality and acquired knowledge to create a successful and effective advertising company on the world market.

Russia/USSR – Türkiye/Turkey: Legacy of “Friendly Neutrality”.Goals of Soviet Policy towards Turkey

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the Soviet leadership’s approaches to the implementation of the goals of the Soviet foreign policy towards Turkey, legacy of which remains until nowadays. The Soviet-Turkish relations in the 1920-s were built up on the basis of common political interests shared between two neighboring states existing in a similar geopolitical environment. The common goal for the Republic of Turkey and the USSR was to overcome international isolation and ensure national security. The Soviet government’s approach to determining the role and place of Turkey in the security system near the borders of the USSR was outlined by People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs G.V. Chicherin, who saw the Soviet-Turkish cooperation as one of the tools for ensuring the security of the Soviet borders in the south and southwest. One of the key issues in the Soviet-Turkish relations was the issue of the Black Sea straits. Considering the straits a "gateway" for an attack on the southern borders of the USSR, the Soviet government tried to revise the regime of the straits in a more favorable way for the country. the resolution of which in 1936 at the conference in Montreux did not suit the Soviet government completely. It was assumed that strong economic ties with the USSR and mutually beneficial security cooperation would become an effective instrument for deterring the Turkish leaders. During the Great Patriotic War, the goals of the USSR’s policy towards Turkey were to prevent it from being drawn into the war on the side of the antagonistic alliance, as well as to further revise the Montreux Convention in a more favorable direction for the Soviet leaders. The 1939–1946 attempts to put pressure on Turkey on the straits issue caused Turkey to withdraw from the orbit of the Soviet influence and led to almost two decades of hostile and tense relations between the two countries. After the death of I.V. Stalin, particularly in Khruschev’s era, the Soviet approach was characterized by a search for ways to improve Soviet-Turkish relations. The main instrument of this was expansion of the Soviet-Turkish trade and economic cooperation, due to which the foundations of today's highly developed bilateral Russian-Turkish relations were laid.

China’s Geo-economic Hegemony in South Asia: An Analysis of Bangladesh’s Rapid Engagement and Consequence

China, as one of the influential states in South Asia, has recently proposed a new strategy known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This development, along with China's increasing presence in South Asia, requires critical analysis. China's rapid engagement with South Asian states, has a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the region. Bangladesh, being an important state in South Asia, attracts the attention of powerful nations seeking to assert their influence. Over the past few years, China has emerged as one of Bangladesh's major economic and development partners. However, it is crucial to recognize that Chinese involvement in Bangladesh goes beyond mere economic cooperation and encompasses broader geopolitical, geostrategic and geoeconomic interests. It seems China’s south Asia policy shift from earlier landscape. Consequently, China's engagement with Bangladesh has implications not only for the trade but also for the wider geopolitical dynamics of South Asia. This research seeks to elucidate the economic ties between Bangladesh and China and examine their impact, influence, and relevance. This research aims to explore China's new South Asian policy by using the China-Bangladesh relationship as an illustrative example.

Ключевые интересы Китая и Индии в Арктике и основные направления для сотрудничества с Россией

The article analyzes Russia’s prospects for interaction with China and India in the Arctic. Simultaneously with the process of competition between great powers for the Arctic, the interest of non-Arctic countries in the region grows. In the face of attempts to contain Russia and isolate it in the Arctic Council, Moscow has intensified interaction with non-Arctic friendly countries to promote projects for the development of its Arctic zone. At the same time, the question arises in what format and in what directions to do so. This paper analyzes the positions of Russia, China and India in the Arctic in order to find the most realistic cooperation formats based on the national interests of states, taking into account the specifics and inclusiveness of the Arctic region. The main attention is paid to the policy documents of states on the Arctic and key events in the development of cooperation between countries in the Arctic. The study was conducted through the prism of the neorealism paradigm, since the main emphasis is on the national interests and the influence of the modern international political environment on their behavior. The authors came to the conclusion that scientific research is the most promising and the least problematic area of cooperation in the Arctic for all parties. The Arctic zone of Russia is a huge laboratory for non-Arctic countries where they can study climate processes. Cooperation in energy and logistics is developing unevenly between countries, but its relevance for all parties continues to grow. A format of informal cooperation is of the highest relevance to Russia – it is flexible and makes it possible to diversify foreign economic ties.

중국법상 계열회사와 기업집단의 입법문제와 한국 경험의 의의

This article fist describes the relevant legal provisions on associated enterprises and enterprise groups in China, and discusses the application of associated enterprises, related relationships and enterprise groups in Chinese judicial practice. It then describes the Koreas experience, describing the designation of the same person system in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair-Trade Act of Korea and the regulation of enterprise groups through the regulation of circular and sequential capital contributions. Finally, the authorʼs opinion is given as to whether the Korean experience can be of relevance to China. Chinese enterprise groups have seen extremely rapid growth in recent decades, with the Chinese government developing its economy, controlling peopleʼs livelihoods and entering the international market through large enterprise groups. Chinses enterprise groups, especially state-owned enterprise groups, are basically formed by the government based on various needs and through administrative orders, and they have entered the market without any validation of rationality. Examining the legislation related to enterprise groups in China, it can be seen that the regulation of affiliated enterprises and related relationships in Chinese law is only for the purpose of regulating the internal governance structure of companies and tax collection, rather than for the purpose of planning the economic structure of the country and regulating monopolies. Chinaʼs enterprise groups have formed a huge enterprise system through economic ties and administrative orders, and this system will naturally have corresponding disadvantages in the process of development. However, at present, China only supports and promotes the rapid development of enterprise groups, and does not see a position to regulate them. In the South Korea, over the past few decades, family enterprise has formed large conglomerates through related enterprise and circular capital contribution, and such businesses have shaped the countryʼs economic development model. The shortcomings of Korean family enterprise were exposed in the 1997 economic crisis. Individual families at the top of such enterprises control the entire conglomerates with only a small number of shares, creating a minority shareholding system that has even shaped the countryʼs economy. In response to the shortcomings of this economic model, the Korean government established a regulatory system represented by the Monopoly Regulation and Fair-Trade Act, which is a system of designating the same person, i.e., family that controls a enterprise group with assets exceeding 5 trillion won, the Fair Trade Commission establishes and publishes a catalog of enterprise groups belonging to the same person. The enterprise groups designated as the same person are required to fulfill various reporting and submission obligation to prevent the special relations of the enterprise groups form seeking or obtaining undue benefits through the exercise of actual influence. This system has regulated the development of large Korean enterprise groups. Korean enterprise groups and Chinses enterprise groups are extremely similar in terms of corporate governance structure, especially in that the controlling shareholders have a stable position and exercise control over the enterprise largely unencumbered by external constraints, which in turn results in the controlling shareholders being arbitrary and domineering, which is almost entirely similar. The difference is that the controlling shareholder of Chinses state-owned enterprise groups is the government, while the controlling shareholder of Korean enterprise groups is the family. But the same is that, in the situation of controlling shareholders absolute control of the enterprise groups, if there is no constraint mechanism to restrain the controllers of the enterprise groups unilaterally expand the scale of the enterprise,

The Long Misunderstanding: Cuba's Economic Ties with the Soviet Bloc

Abstract This article examines the political and economic issues that arose in relations between the Soviet bloc and Cuba from 1959 through 1991, including the admission of Cuba into the Soviet-dominated Council for Economic Mutual Assistance (CMEA) in the early 1970s. The article breaks new ground by consulting previously unseen primary documents originating from the East European states and Cuba, which highlight the often contentious ties between the European CMEA states and Cuba. The East European governments were often dismayed by the egregious economic mismanagement of Fidel Castro's regime and tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to encourage better policies. The relationship that emerged was shaped in part by Cuba's ever-increasing demands, by the East European states’ own economic limitations, and by the Soviet Union's far-reaching political objectives.

The Impact of Regional and Global Dynamics on Pakistan-Iran Relations

The research explores the geopolitical significance of the "Goldsmith Line," a border between Iran and Pakistan. Serving as a strategic link between the Middle East and South Asia, the Goldsmith Line connects the Balochistan provinces on both sides, inhabited by the Baloch people. The study delves into historical shifts in Iran-Pakistan relations, highlighting the impact of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the potential for enhanced collaboration. Challenges, including security tensions, sectarian elements, and regional dynamics, are discussed. Furthermore, it emphasizes the shared cultural, ethnic, and economic ties between Baloch people on both sides, proposing measures for economic development and border security improvement. It also explores the evolving dynamics of Russia-Pakistan relations, addressing historical contexts and recent developments. The research concludes by examining obstacles and opportunities in current Iran-Pakistan ties, emphasizing the need for cautious navigation amid geopolitical complexities.

Chernihivshchyna is a Northern Advanced Post: Occupation, Liberation, Prospects of Living on the Borderland

The main events in the outlying villages of Chernihiv during the period of occupation / deoccupation are described in the article, based on the collected expeditionary materials. The interviews have been recorded in the villages of Ivanivka and Yahidne. They have been occupied by Russian regular troops for almost a month. Chernihivshchyna is one of the first regions to meet the hostile invasion of the northern neighbour. The rapid passing of Russian troops through the region, as well as their deployment among the housing stock of the population, which was a human shield for the invaders, led to catastrophic consequences in some settlements: damaged infrastructure (roads, schools), destroyed cultural heritage sites, polluted environment, and human lives were cut short. Thus, today it is important to record the state of development of the social, domestic, and cultural spheres of everyday life in the region. The attempt is made to describe the attitude of the local population to Russians in different periods of coexistence (Soviet times, independence, occupation), since the local population of the border region has always had close trade and economic ties. The testimonies recorded from the locals are extremely important not only for understanding the full consequences of the occupation of Chernihiv region, but also for Ukrainian society’s understanding of the trends in relations with its northern neighbour and for outlining an action plan to secure sovereign territories from both external invasion and internal destabilization. The communication of the local population with the occupiers through field evidences is considered in the published work. These are, in particular, illustrative aspects of the invaders’ inability to explain their own purpose of occupation, their lack of understanding of Ukrainian history and culture, the rejection of the local civic position by the military men of the RF, etc. The peculiarities of the life of villagers under occupation and during the period of deoccupation are also analysed in the article; the trends in the region’s reconstruction both at the expense of local and volunteer resources as well as through projects with Ukraine’s external European partners are considered.

Economic diplomacy as an incentive to the development of entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the context of economic diplomacy as a basis for the strengthening of the economic ties between countries. Entrepreneurs are key players in international business, and their innovation, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit can stimulate trade, investment and development. By supporting entrepreneurs, economic diplomacy helps create sustainable economic growth and development. Adaptation and full understanding of economic, global and historical circumstances and principles can lead to progress and stability not only in the internal organization of the state, but also in its relationship, business and contact with other actors on the global scene. This paper contains an overview of activities that are considered a direct link between economic diplomacy and the development of entrepreneurship, or rather, it explains how entrepreneurs are represented through economic diplomacy.

International Economic Cooperation and Geopolitical Changes under the Belt and Road Initiative

This paper comprehensively analyzes how China's Belt and Road Initiative reshapes international economic cooperation and geopolitical patterns on a global scale. Initially, the paper introduces the background, objectives, and key components of the Belt and Road Initiative, elucidating its role in promoting transnational infrastructure development, enhancing trade connections, and fostering regional economic integration. Subsequently, the article meticulously examines the direct impacts of the initiative on the economic development of participating countries, including increased infrastructure investment, trade facilitation, and industrial upgrading. Further, the paper delves into how the Belt and Road Initiative influences the global economic landscape, particularly its effects in Asia, Africa, and Europe. This includes promoting regional economic integration through infrastructure construction and economic cooperation, as well as strengthening China's economic ties with participating countries. Simultaneously, the paper explores how such economic cooperation deepens political relationships between China and participating nations and the impact of these relationships on the international political framework. Finally, the paper analyzes the responses of other major powers, especially the United States and the European Union, to the Belt and Road Initiative and their geopolitical considerations. This encompasses the reasons for their support or opposition to the initiative, and how these powers respond to China's expanding influence through their policies and initiatives. The article concludes with a projection of the future trends and potential international impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in the current international political and economic context.

THE IMPACT OF MIGRATION PROCESSES CAUSED BY THE WAR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLISH AND UKRAINIAN ECONOMIES

The outbreak of war in Ukraine has dramatically changed the migration situation in many countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Among them, the most important role is played by Poland, where the largest number of Ukrainians who fled the war zone after 24 February 2022 arrived. Citizens of Ukraine are leading in terms of statistics on entry, settlement, visas, people working and studying in Poland, and people applying for Polish citizenship. The social and economic ties that have been built over the years through economic migration, as well as the cultural and geographical proximity of our countries, make Poland a place where those fleeing war can count on safe haven, help and support. It is difficult to predict the future of Ukrainian refugees from russian aggression in Poland, as well as in Ukraine, when they return after the victory and to establish their role in the reconstruction of the country. Their number, as people returning to Ukraine, depends mainly on the events of the war, the EU's policy on Ukraine's accession to the Union, and living and working conditions during the reconstruction of the Ukrainian state. A significant proportion of refugees from Ukraine state that they may stay in Poland, which means that they will actively support the Polish labour market in the long term and ensure the development of the Polish national economy. All of this requires immediate, balanced action on the fate of refugees by state institutions in both Ukraine and Poland. Keywords: migration, economy, war, refugees, migration crisis, labour migration.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORK OF RUSSIAN ARCHITECTS IN THE CITY OF NIKŠIĆ IN MONTENEGRO, THE END OF THE 19th AND THE FIRST HALF OF THE 20th CENTURY

Introduction: During its long and dramatic history, Montenegro has had close political, economic, and cultural ties with Russia. However, in the context of architecture, the connections between these two countries are the least known and explored. Purpose of the study: The present study aims to present for the first time some of the most significant achievements made by Russian architects in the city of Nikšić in Montenegro in the period between the end of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century to a wider professional audience. We present two cases: the project of the Cathedral Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog, which was designed by the architect Mikhail Timofeevich Preobrazhensky, and the project of the Upper Ostrog Monastery, the most significant achievement of the architect Vladimir N. Sukurenko. Methods: The methodological approach required classification and comparison of archival materials through the processes of synthesis, analysis, and deduction. Based on the guidelines of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property of Montenegro, we formed criteria that were used to evaluate the work of the aforementioned architects. The criteria are sorted into three groups. The first group involves building characteristics, where we evaluate authenticity and integrity, degree of preservation, uniqueness, and rarity. In the second group, covering the significance of the building, we assess the historical and scientific significance, archaeological significance, architectural and artistic significance, and technical significance. Finally, in the third group of criteria, we study the age of the buildings, social and economic importance, environmental and landscape importance. Results: Based on our criteria, we find that the Cathedral Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog is a symbol and the most important spatial element of the identity of the city of Nikšić, while the Upper Ostrog Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries in orthodox Christianity, represents the pinnacle of the construction and architectural process.

Paradoxical Manifestations of Institutional Social Trust in Russian Regions: Corruption and Shadow Employment as Types of Social Trust

Introduction. The paradoxicality of which lies in the fact that with a lack of official institutional trust of the population in the authorities, it flows into informal, criminal and semi-criminal social spheres, into corrupt social ties and groups, and into the informal economy, shadow employment. The purpose of the article is to conduct a sociological theoretical and methodological analysis of the paradoxical forms of institutional social trust in Russian society in the form of corrupt and shadow economic ties. Materials and Methods. Empirical data on the shadow labor market in the Russian Federation were obtained in the course of mass and expert surveys conducted in 2021 in 10 regions of the Russian Federation and 2 megacities. In the course of preparing this publication, general scientific, logical methods were used, structural-functional, sociocultural, anthroposociocultural, projective approaches in modern sociology, the method of sociological imagination, the methodology of analysis and the formation of “we-groups”. Results. In the course of the authors’ research, it was found that such negative social phenomena as domestic and business corruption, shadow (informal) employment are a paradoxical form of expression of institutional trust in society. The paradox of the sociological correlation of corruption and shadow employment with institutional trust only at first glance seems illogical and contrary to sound scientific understanding. As a result of the analysis, the authors have revealed that with a lack of basic institutional trust of the Russian population in state and municipal authorities, social trust flows into informal, semi-criminal and criminal spheres. It has been proved that corruption and informal employment as forms of social practice become forms of expression of specific political trust based on strong social ties (blood related, kindred, friendly) in Russian regions. The authors’ team determined that corruption and informal employment are becoming a type of informal social self-organization of society, which close the gap between the political communications of the elite and the expectations of civil society. Discussion and Conclusion. Corruption and the informal economy are becoming a paradoxical form of manifestation of situational, horizontal, institutional trust based on strong (blood related, kindred, friendly) ties, on the social ties of “we-groups”, on the atomism of the Russian regional society. This research can be practically used by sociologists, lawyers, criminologists, social psychologists, law enforcement officers of the Russian Federation.

Pak-US Relations: An Overview in Historical Perspective (1947-2021)

This comprehensive analysis explores the history of relations between the United States and Pakistan from the country's founding in 1947 to the year 2021, providing valuable context for understanding the complex nature of this diplomatic alliance. Through the use of a historical lens, the study investigates the major occasions, turning moments, and thematic developments that have influenced the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US over time. Starting with the early years of diplomatic engagement, the examination looks at how Cold War dynamics affected Pakistan and the United States' alignment of interests in the early post-independence era. It explores the significance of Pakistan's role in enabling the U.S. and China to establish diplomatic relations in the 1970s and how it affected world geopolitics. The research also examines times of conflict and divergence, such as the 1960s military aid embargo, the 1980s nuclear proliferation worries, and the difficulties brought on by regional conflicts. A particular focus is placed on the period following 9/11, elucidating the intricacies of the strategic alliance established within the framework of the fight against terrorism and the consequent realignment of objectives. In addition, the abstract evaluates the relationship's economic aspects by looking at trade agreements, foreign aid, and how economic assistance shapes bilateral ties. It also takes into account how the internal political climates of both nations affect the ebb and flow of their interactions. This overview attempts to offer a comprehensive understanding of the persistent trends, difficulties, and opportunities that have shaped Pakistan-U.S. relations by utilizing a historical perspective. The study adds to a thorough examination of the diplomatic, geopolitical, economic, and sociocultural factors that have influenced the development of this important relationship over more than seven decades by using a multidimensional analysis.