Geopolitical Aspects Research Articles

Geopolitics, Privacy, and User Trust: TikTok

The paper uses a thorough review of the current literature, governmental materials, and information available on ByteDance as the major source for analyzing the link between geopolitical aspects, privacy concerns, and user engagement with businesses. The study found that the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s data usage and the ongoing tensions between China and the United States leads to a decline in user trust. This is particularly evident in the e-commerce sector, where individual privacy concerns directly affect customers’ buying habits and commercial involvement. This phenomenon would directly impact TikTok’s international e-commerce expansion, as well as user engagement on the platform; ultimately affect the platform’s overall growth and revenue potential. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing data privacy on TikTok such as reducing data collection from minors, putting stricter regulations on third-party data access and being more transparent about their data policies.

The Conquest of Italy by the Ostrogoths in 488–493 ad as a Formal Restoration of the Power of the Eastern Roman Empire

The topic of Theodoric's campaign and its connection to the interests of Constantinople remains relevant and vital. Studying this topic helps provide a better understanding of geopolitical processes, the influence of the Eastern Roman Empire on the West, the political and legal aspects of the interaction between different regions of the empire, and the influence of "barbarian" peoples on the formation of medieval Europe. The focus is on studying the political, legal and geopolitical aspects of this transition period from antiquity to the Middle Ages. The paper academic deals with the legal characterisation of the Ostrogothic conquest of Italy at the end of the V century. The primary sources and different historiographical schools are analysed; the specifics of political and legal relations between the Roman Empire and the federate kings (commanders) are investigated. The personality of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Amal, who in 483 received the status of magister militum (commander-in-chief) and consul of the Roman Empire, is at the centre of attention

Geopolitical Aspects of Demographic Processes: Development of Scientific Ideas of L. L. Rybakovsky

Demographic processes play a key role in the formation of the geopolitical picture of the world. Population size, its age structure, growth rates and migration flows have a significant impact on the economic power of states, their military potential and their ability to project power in the international arena. This article examines contemporary and historical views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical competition of countries and the measurement of a state's national power. The study covers both contemporary and historical aspects of the issue. The paper provides a systematic review of the evolution of scientific views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical context. Particular attention is paid to modern methodological approaches to measuring the national power of a state considering demographic indicators. The article offers a critical analysis of existing models for assessing geopolitical influence based on demographic factors and considers their applicability in the context of global demographic transformations. The study also addresses topical issues of the impact of demographic trends on the geopolitical strategies of states in the 21st century, including the problems of population aging, migration processes and demographic imbalances between developed and developing countries. Special attention is paid to the analysis of geopolitical aspects of demographic processes in the works of the outstanding Russian demographer L.L.Rybakovsky. The paper considers the key concepts of the scientist, including demographic security, the geopolitical significance of migration processes, the relationship between demography and spatial development of Russia, as well as the role of demographic policy as an instrument of geopolitical influence.

Cybersecurity and geopolitical dimensions of external information interventions in Ukraine: Analysis of current trends

Introduction: From the year 2019, the country has experienced a series of cyber incidents affecting its key areas of infrastructure such as energy, finance, communication, government, healthcare, and technology. Purpose: This work aims to define and explain the contemporary threats in the sphere of cyber security, as well as the geopolitical aspect of external interference in Ukraine’s information space for the years 2019-2024. Method: Sources used to gather data for this research were government and cybersecurity firm reports, academic articles, news articles from reliable media houses, and social media listening tools. Quantitative data collected by statistical tools analyzed the trend as well as the intensity of cyber threats. They also included specific case exhibits as well as interviews with the experts to get more information. Results: The study indicated that there will be improved and more frequent attacks and that these will be more complex from 2019 to 2024 in Ukraine. It caused moderate disruption to the key sectors but the disruptions were especially noticed in sectors such as energy, finance, communication, government, healthcare, and technology. Conflict events in Donbas, the COVID-19 outbreak, the enhancement of military tensions, and the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 were associated with increases in the level of cyber efforts. Conclusion: The conclusion points out that Ukraine needs effective international cooperation, the highest level of technological protection, and profound geopolitical analysis to safeguard cyberspace and prevent conflicts in Eastern Europe

The Russian Arctic in the international economic and geopolitical agenda

The article considers the key economic and geopolitical aspects in the activities of states having strategic interests in the Arctic region. Attention is paid to potential challenges that Russia may face in terms of international cooperation, including militarization. The current development of the Northern Sea Route with the assessment of its integration prospects into the global logistics network is considered. The state of the infrastructure in the Arctic is evaluated, along with identification of possible development directions.

Synergistic Aspects Of The Transformation Of Energy Security Management Mechanisms In Conditions Of Geopolitical Instability

The article systematizes the basic provisions of the concept of energy security, in which the emphasis is placed on uninterrupted access to energy sources, their diversification, environmental friendliness, and ensuring resistance to external threats. The content of the concept of «energy security», which acts as a system-forming element of national (economic, ecological, technical) security, orienting this system to the goals of sustainable energy development thanks to the effective use of fuel and energy resources in the context of ensuring economic growth, social progress, and environmental well-being, has been studied. It is proved that for the interpretation of the logic of energy development, it is advisable to use the system-synergistic approach, which explains the transformation of a complex system by passing bifurcation points, the formation of order attractors, and the emergence of self-organization mechanisms. Among the factors that determine the level of energy security, the geopolitical aspect associated with a wide variety of fluctuating influences that can bring the system out of equilibrium is highlighted in the first place. Any imbalance in the energy system directly affects the economic and social spheres, the state of the environment, as well as the international competitiveness of the state. Therefore, special attention is focused on the development of effective institutions, their consolidation in the daily activities of business entities that are part of the fuel and energy complex, and timely adaptation to changes in the operating environment. For the formation of attractors of sustainable energy development, it is necessary to apply effective management mechanisms that combine institutional and market components. Energy security is defined as a management object in which certain functional units, regulatory mechanisms, and algorithms for making and implementing management decisions are distinguished. The trends considered in the course of the study confirm the high energy interdependence of states in the conditions of globalization and, accordingly, the need to develop international energy security management mechanisms. As a result of combining the principles of flexibility, adaptability to modern geopolitical trends, requirements for socio-economic efficiency and environmental standards, on the one hand, and the characteristics of resistance, stability (to ensure national stability), on the other hand, a special regime of sustainable energy development at the level of individual states, integration associations and in the global dimension.

Investigating the Role of Mixed Oxides for Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Iridium Oxide Electrocatalysts

Ongoing concerns over anthropogenic emissions, fossil fuel sustainability, and related geopolitical aspects point to an increasing need for cost-effective renewable fuel sources. A promising solution is the generation of hydrogen via the catalytic splitting of water, which can be achieved with the aid of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. Notably, the anode material in current commercially available PEM electrolyzers is typically iridium oxide. Despite its effectiveness in facilitating the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the use of iridium oxide poses challenges due to the scarcity and high cost associated with this precious metal. As the quest for sustainable energy intensifies, ongoing research explores innovative approaches, such as the incorporation of alternative materials and catalysts, to enhance efficiency while addressing the economic and environmental concerns associated with iridium oxide. Studies have shown that incorporating mixed oxides and switching the supports for iridium oxide catalysts help lower the iridium loading while enhancing the OER performance.1,2 In this study, we investigate a series of different sputtered, mixed iridium oxides (Ta, Ti, Ir). We use a rotating disk electrode system to benchmark the catalytic activity of different loadings of mixed oxides. To measure the intrinsic activity of each catalytic active site, we use a home-built operando UV-Vis system to quantify the populations of surface species as well as track the kinetics of different redox transitions during OER. We incorporate nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry to probe the migration of different mixed oxide species before and after electrochemical cycling and use kelvin probe force microscopy to estimate the conductivity through the different films. In this study, we show the importance of cooperative effects between neighboring iridium oxide species and the coordination of iridium that are responsible for enhanced OER performance. These results indicate that doping modulates coverage dependent interactions at the surface, which affects both the binding energetics and populations of rate limiting intermediates. We believe this study will serve as a steppingstone for future designs of more cost-efficient PEM electrolyzers.(1) Oh, Hyung-Suk, et al. "Electrochemical catalyst–support effects and their stabilizing role for IrO x nanoparticle catalysts during the oxygen evolution reaction." Journal of the American Chemical Society 138.38 (2016): 12552-12563.(2) Zheng, Ya-Rong, et al. "Monitoring oxygen production on mass-selected iridium–tantalum oxide electrocatalysts." Nature Energy 7.1 (2022): 55-64.

Preparation and implementation of the “Greater Albania” project: historical and geopolitical aspects (1944-1980s)

The Kosovo issue is currently “settled” by the actual functioning of the Republic of Kosovo and by providing it with all the attributes of statehood during the Belgrade-Pristina negotiations (completeness of territory, border, customs, army, independent telecommunications and electricity system, international telephone number, etc.). When studying the Kosovo problem, it is logical to raise the question: why and how it was resolved in this particular way, what were the internal and external factors that ensured the stunning success of the separatist Pristina, which achieved an unprecedented permission for the Albanians, bypassing international and domestic law, for another national self-determination in the form creation of a second state? Often, when talking about the Kosovo confl ict, the hot phase of which occurred in 1998–1999, the main focus is on the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and their Western and non-Western patrons. However, no paramilitary unit that is relatively small in number, extremely weak in military training, and has a sabotage and punitive nature, even with external support, is capable of achieving a goal of this level in such a short period of time. It would take decades to prepare for its implementation — and they were at the disposal of Albanian tribal leaders and socially signifi cant fi gures who managed to ensure their interests in this way (the issue was not caring for the Albanian people, only gaining infl uence and extracting specifi c material benefi ts). Albanian organizations of the interwar period (Kosovo Committee, 1918–1925) and the leaders of the bandits, who psychologically and emotionally consolidated the practice of terror against the Serbs of Kosmet, laid a “strong foundation”. However, post-war Albanian emigration played a key role in the Kosovo confl ict of the 1990s. Moreover, Albanian emigration is also not a random phenomenon; it has a consistent development and direct historical continuity from Albanian organizations since the end of the 19th century. The article analyzes the Albanian nationalist organizations created in Kosovo and Metohija at the fi nal stage of the Second World War, as well as the political organizations of the Albanian emigration of the post-war period, identifying the continuity of ideology and practice that laid a solid foundation and created the conditions for the emergence of the Kosovo Liberation Army and political movements that ensured the creation of the Republic of Kosovo.

Liminal logic: Peacebuilding and photovoice in Jerusalem

Photography and other visual methods have become invaluable tools in peacebuilding and urban studies, enabling citizens to explore their circumstances and voice grievances. These methods provide insights into spatial dynamics, aesthetics, and identity, crucial for understanding individual perspectives. While their role in capturing urban liminality is acknowledged, further investigation is needed, especially in contested cities affected by ongoing conflicts. In such cities, visual methods can offer significant insights into liminal spaces, narratives, and logic, shedding light on urban geopolitics. Focusing on Jerusalem as a case study, this research explores how visual methods, particularly photovoice, illuminate the liminal aspects of urban geopolitics. Through a comparative analysis of focus groups (Israelis, Palestinians, and bi-national) within a photovoice project, the research uncovers the complex nature of liminal logic, especially how city residents integrate and balance various rationalities such as urban and national, gender and religion, age and profession. However, the analysis also reveals constraints on applying liminal logic and potential change among disadvantaged groups, particularly Palestinians, highlighting the need for future examination.

The myths of Svalbard geopolitics: An Arctic case study

The Arctic has become a victim of popularised geopolitical analyses. Common conceptions of ‘geopolitical rivalry’ being caused or even accelerated by sea ice melting are too simplistic. They under-estimate the complexity of the political and legal dynamics at play and over-estimate the explanatory power of geophysical change. Instead, we must examine the specific cases of geopolitics in the North. One such location is the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Misconceptions and myths also concerning this archipelago abound in popular media and some academic scholarship – regarding everything from sovereignty disputes to its legal and military status. Such misconceptions are intertwined with the actual geopolitical issues that concern Svalbard or stem from different interpretations of the Svalbard Treaty from 1920. These include the (1) explicit challenges to Norwegian policies on land; the (2) disagreement over the geographic extension of the Svalbard Treaty to the archipelago’s maritime zones; and (3) the potential military use of Svalbard in a larger conflict with Russia. This article examines the geopolitical aspects of this Norwegian Arctic archipelago, in order to provide greater accuracy to the growing popular and academic discussion about Svalbard and the wider Arctic.

Ostrogothic Conquest of Italy (488-493) as a Formal Re-Establishment of the Dominion of the Eastern Roman Empire

The topic of Theodoric’s campaign and its connection to the interests of Constantinople remains relevant and important. Studying this topic helps provide a better understanding of geopolitical processes, the influence of the Eastern Roman Empire on the West, the political and legal aspects of the interaction between different regions of the empire, and the influence of “barbarian” peoples on the formation of medieval Europe.The focus is on studying the political, legal and geopolitical aspects of this period of transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages. The paper academic deals with the legal characterization of the Ostrogothic conquest of Italy at the end of the V century. The primary sources and different historiographical schools are analyzed; the specifics of political and legal relations between the Roman Empire and the federate kings (commanders) are investigated. The personality of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Amal, who in 483 received the status of magister militum (commander-in-chief) and consul of the Roman Empire, is in the center of attention.

The role of geopolitics in the analysis and interpretation of the contemporary world

In this article, the author examines the three distinct stages of the evolution of geopolitics, which are increasingly asserted in higher education institutions, but also in public and media discourse as an authentic method of expertizing the reality of international life and relations between states. Based on a vast theoretical material on the topic, the author distinguishes the characteristic aspects of geopolitics at each of the stages, aud determines, as a priority, its contribution in the investigation of the contemporary world in the conditions of the information society, in which an essential role in promoting national interests of the geostrategic issues of the state, of collaboration and peaceful coexistence between peoples is up to the mass media. Based on the examination of the theme, the article proposes solutions regarding the deepening of the conceptual-methodological research of geopolitics, and the development of a fruitful and lasting collaboration between geopolitics and the mass media, in order to bring geoinformation closer to the public.

Борьба за новый мировой порядок: технологическое измерение. Статья первая. Технологическое соперничество и гибридные войны

This research consists of two interrelated articles. The struggle for a new world order is currently becoming very relevant and popular topic. However, it is nearly as broad and multifaceted as the World System, within which there is the intensification of the struggle for the principles of coexistence and development, for what international life will be like in the context of a growing number of rapidly growing states and a declining role of the West. Usually, foreign policy and political aspects are explored within the framework of this topic; less frequently military and economic issues are explored. Recently, geopolitical aspects have been actively discussed. This scientific and political problem is also considered within the framework of global studies and globalization, cultural and ideological influence, sometimes within the framework of the study of the role of global forces (globalists). However, the technological aspects and dimensions of the struggle for a new world order become the object of scientific study much less frequently. Meanwhile, technologies are omnipresent, affecting literally everything, and largely determining who will become a leader, who will be able to become one of the forces determining the fundamental principles and institutions of the new world order. In general, in this work we sought to show the connection between the development of technological trends and their influence on the political and foreign policy course of leading and other powers, as well as on the directions of the struggle to maintain/change the world order and to change the balance of power. The first article “Technological Rivalry and Hybrid Warfare” will provide more information related to general ideas about how technology affects the balance of power and world order. The reader will see how many aspects of foreign policy activity and game are related to technology. The second article “Military-Space, Cybernetic and Other Aspects of Technological Rivalry” will consider this influence in terms of diverse and numerous technological and related areas.

Geopolitical aspects of Russian national security

The paper examines the transition of Russian foreign policy from a geopolitical orientation towards the countries of the West towards the East, understood not only as a geographical, but, above all, as a geopolitical factor. The reorientation of Russian foreign policy is an important feature of Russia’s national security.

Governmental Discussion on the Private Capital Participation in the Trans-Caspian Railway Construction in the Late XIX Century

The ambivalence of the approaches of Russian ministries at the end of the XIX century is demonstrated, in relation to public-private partnership in the framework of the implementation of the railway project in the Trans-Caspian General Government.There is presented a system of arguments in support of this approach and against it; the author clarifies the reason for the government’s rejection of the idea of public-private partnership in the construction of the Trans-Caspian railway. The source base of the study is the protocols of the meeting of the government commission, letters from government officials, statistical information on the turnover of commodities with Persia and other materials stored in the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Empire and in the Central State Archive of Moscow. The author concludes that the formal basis for rejecting the application of entrepreneurs for the implementation of this railway was the ineffectiveness of the financial model of their participation in the framework of this project. The real reason for this decision was the position of the officials of the government departments that opposed attracting private investors to the implementation of this transport project in the Central Asian region due to the military-strategic and geopolitical aspects.

Overseas background of executive and enterprises’ outward foreign direct investment: multi-level moderating model and heterogeneity research

ABSTRACT With the increasing uncertainty in trade, investment, and geopolitical aspects, considerable attention is paid to whether and how executives’ overseas backgrounds affect enterprises’ outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). This article is based on the data of Chinese listed companies from 2000 to 2020, and empirical analysis reveals that executive overseas background positively impacts enterprises’ OFDI. Analysis of the moderating effect shows that the executive pay gap and corporate cultural diversity play an inverted U-shape moderating role in the influence of executive overseas background on OFDI. The industrial agglomeration level positively moderates the influence of executive overseas background on OFDI. Mechanism analysis shows that the overseas background of executives can play a role through innovation-driven, digital transformation and utilizing the location advantage of the host country. The results also show that the effect of executives’ overseas backgrounds is significantly affected by the heterogeneity of OFDI and the heterogeneity of executives’ overseas backgrounds. The conclusion of this study substantiates the pivotal role of executives’ overseas backgrounds in propelling the OFDI activities of Chinese enterprises. It also provides empirical support for the policy of talent introduction and opening-up.

Assessment of the migration processes on the example of Kazakhstan

Today's migration is a rather complex and controversial process. Having a number of advantages and positive results for the development of the receiving and sending countries, it also leads to negative consequences. The more a country's population is involved in migration processes, the more acutely its consequences manifest. The situation is also aggravated by the increasing economic and political crises, which negatively affect the ability of third countries to maintain internal stability. The issue does not exclude the Central Asian region in the context of the intensification of local armed conflicts in adjacent territories and current geopolitical aspects. The study purpose is to assess migration processes and their impact on the Republic of Kazakhstan as the one of the ‘host’ countries in Central Asia. A chronology of key economic events regarding strategic opportunities in the migration processes was carried out. Taking into account the current regional and global challenges, it has been established that the current trends in migration processes have a positive effect on the development of the labor market as an important component of the national economy, contributing to an increase in the welfare of the country. At the same time, the policy of Kazakhstan is also trying to pursue a pragmatic immigration policy to prevent the negative impact of immigrants on the local population.

ENERGY SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY DURING THE WAR: BARRIERS AND PROSPECTS FOR OVERCOMING

The article unveils the stages of evolution of the concept of energy security from the early ХХ century to the present realities, taking into account the full-scale aggression on the territory of Ukraine. The authors emphasize that in the past, energy security was primarily associated with ensuring the supply and delivery of oil and gas, but now it has become complicated with the supply of fuel for military purposes. It is noted that the Russian aggression against Ukraine has underscored the importance of the energy security policies of the United States and European countries. The article analyzes research results revealing security threats associated with the energy sector in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of decision-making covering technical, political, and programmatic aspects. New strategies for the energy market, including alternative energy sources and high-efficiency technologies, are discussed. The article examines the link between international conflicts and energy security, including the Persian Gulf crisis of 1991 and the Iraq war of 2003. The results of political debates regarding the confrontation between Russia, the United States, and Europe are presented, highlighting the need for the development of alternative energy sources and energy efficiency. It is determined that the future of energy policy should consider global trends and international relations, not just economic and geopolitical aspects. Current trends in the energy sector and their impact on energy security in conflict conditions are discussed. The importance of transitioning to renewable and alternative energy sources is emphasized amid declining reserves of traditional fuels and rising prices. Problems associated with continued dependence on fossil fuels, such as resource depletion, global warming, environmental issues, and geopolitical conflicts, are mentioned. The article underscores the necessity of cooperation between energy-consuming countries' governments to reorient their energy sectors. The growing threat of global warming and other issues necessitates immediate action to transition to less polluting energy sources. The article analyzes the impact of the war in Ukraine on the region's energy security and demonstrates the necessity of developing alternative energy sources to ensure energy supply stability. It is noted that energy security is a crucial element of a country's economic stability and plays a key role in international relations. Efforts by EU member countries to reduce dependence on gas supplies from Russia and effective steps towards developing alternative energy sources are highlighted. However, difficulties in achieving this goal due to inadequate coordination and increasing gas prices in Europe are noted. The necessity of swift and effective measures to ensure energy security amid modern challenges and conflicts is underscored.

The escalation of military threats as a reality of modern geopolitics

The main goal of the study is to analyze the geopolitical dynamics of the modern polycentric world, and the geopolitical aspects of the problem of military threats and conflicts. A theoretical analysis of the concept of geopolitics and its transformation in the 21st century has been carried out. The article examines the influence of geopolitical factors on the global security system, including from a regional perspective. In particular, the features of the political situation in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region are considered. The theoretical and practical significance of the study consists, firstly, in generalizing and systematizing existing knowledge on political conflictology, in developing its geopolitical aspect, and secondly, in considering poorly studied aspects of the problem (in particular, network-centric wars), and thereby stimulating further scientific developments in this direction.

The EU Energy Transition in a Geopoliticizing World

ABSTRACT Amidst heightened global power rivalries, the geopolitical aspects of the energy transition are taking centre stage, with even liberal-minded countries growing wary about foreign investment in the energy sector and the dependencies created by global value chains of green technologies. Building on current debates on the ‘geopoliticization’ of foreign economic policies, this paper sets out a conceptual framework to assess the extent to which the energy transition is becoming geopoliticized in the European Union (EU) and its impact on international energy relations. Theoretically, the paper makes the case for considering geopoliticization as a missing link in the study of politicization and securitization in International Relations, allowing for a more fine-grained diagnosis of current trends and their likely evolution. Empirically, the analysis identifies structural geopoliticizing dynamics in the EU’s framing of the energy transition, although to different degrees depending on the concrete issue at hand. While demands for factoring in the geopolitical consequences of the energy transition are ever louder, normatively, the paper raises a note of caution against the adverse consequences geopoliticization may have for the global transition to low-carbon energy systems.