International Arena Research Articles

Climate Diplomacy of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Where Do They Compare in Climate Action, Based on Their Involvement in the UN Climate Conferences

The study compares how Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia address global climate change internationally. Even though the institutions of the European Union play a pivotal role in setting the climate change mitigation goals, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) are submitted collectively, the ambition and involvement vary significantly between different EU member states. Each country has diplomatic tools to negotiate, particularly during the Conference of Parties (COP), the climate conferences held annually in the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 1995, and through external action. Successful climate diplomacy in this study is understood as proactive participation in the above-mentioned conferences, including delivering high-level segment national statements, delegation size and the involvement of different stakeholders in the process, memberships and propositions in Climate clubs aiming at quicker decarbonisation, and contribution to the international climate finance by assisting developing countries. Climate diplomacy is evaluated by analysing the documents available on the UNFCCC website regarding participation, statements, and pledges to climate finance. The study finds that although no Baltic State stands out as a clear frontrunner in climate action, Estonia has become more outspoken in the international arena, particularly since COP26 in Glasgow. Meanwhile, Latvia and Lithuania can be considered more as bystanders. At COP28, Estonia became the first and, so far, the only Baltic State to have ever built its pavilion to present itself as ‘a consistent advocate for environmental stewardship and climate action’. Estonian participation record is also notable for the participation of academicians and researchers, while Latvian participation can be praised for the highest share of the civil society attending the conferences. Estonia and Latvia have involved various stakeholders other than the government representatives in the climate negotiation process. Meanwhile, the size of Parties (government and its agencies) is the biggest in Lithuania; Lithuanian and Latvian delegations tend to be the most diverse at the ministerial level – seven ministries have sent their delegates to the COPs, which may signify the political involvement is not limited to the ministry in charge of energy. However, Estonia remains more carbon-intense than Latvia and Lithuania, and none of the three have joined the most ambitious Climate clubs. This case study helps understand the role and negotiating potential of the EU member states in climate change talks, where each can become frontrunners, passive bystanders or obstacles in implementing the common EU position and contributing to global decarbonisation.

Organization of sports selection in the system of children's, youth and professional football in Austria

The current stage of development of Ukrainian football requires a programmatic solution to a number of complex problems that are related to improving the quality of the game and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian teams in the international arena. In this context, it is essential to solve topical issues of sports selection, selection and game orientation of football players. We believe that the study of advanced European, in particular, Austrian experience in building and organizing a well-thought-out system of sports selection and game orientation of football players can fill a significant gap in understanding the deep processes of success and planning a strategy of high achievements in modern professional sports. The turning point in Austrian football came in the 1990s. A detailed analysis of the current situation by specialists from the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) has prompted all Austrian football to make drastic changes. It was decided to reform the system of education and sports training of football players, like the whole of Austrian football. Important steps were investments in youth football academies, the involvement of foreign coaches and the introduction of modern methods of teaching, upbringing, training, improvement and development of football players. Austrian football is developing quite rapidly, and if this trend continues, then Austria has favorable prospects for the development of football in the future. Therefore, the purpose of this scientific study is to determine the features of the organization and conduct of the process of sports selection and game orientation of Austrian football players.

The impact of the conflict between theUnited States and BRICS countries on the dollar's dominance in the global financial system - a quantitative study for the period 2000-2023

The international arena is witnessing a series of changes in the international system that have led to the emergence of global blocs such as the G7 and BRICS countries. This study aims to analyze the impact of the conflict between the United States and BRICS countries on the dominance of the dollar and the prevailing global financial system. The study found an effect of both gross domestic product and the volume of foreign trade of BRICS countries on the proportion of international reserves in dollars, but these countries have not provided possible alternatives to the dollar. Removing the dollar requires strong financial tools, such as alternative payment systems and mature capital markets.

Empirical Comparison of BRICS Manufacturing Outputs with North America

Unwinding dynamics of global social, political and economic developments in the wake of the 21st Century, almost created pandemonium in the international arena. At this point, the Global North lost focus on all fronts, thereby failing to provide leadership to the rest of the world. In the midst of this stampede, a group of five third world countries comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) together as an economic bloc to serve as a ‘stop-gap’ and an invaluable alternative to the hegemony of the Northern hemisphere for the rest of the 21st Century. This the BRICS did by leading in the areas of industrialization, manufacturing, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction, Gross Domestic Product(GDP) growth, refining of crude petroleum oil and general rise in trade and merchandise. This leads to current moveby many countries to join the already expanding BRICS. The western retreat in the areas of industrialization,manufacturing, technology and merchandise; and their reluctance to accept this unwinding reality of BRICS ascendancy to the apex of global economic and political prominence, forms the motivation for this study. The study is a qualitative one where data was generated through secondary sources such as academic journals, bulletins, textbooks, scholarly papers, and internet materials. The generated data was analyzed through critical discourse method.

Angola in the international arena – Foreigners’ “energy security” first?

In the context of the research project “Sociedade Civil e Política em Angola”, this article considers forces at work from outside Angola, whose governance and economy have been “de-nationalised” for a long time. The authors first look back at their contributions to project’s initial phases. They then focus on the ensuing period until 2023, which saw Angola pushed yet more deeply into a corporate-led world system, chiefly in the name of outsiders’ “energy security”. The results are yet deeper disadvantages, and discontent, among most Angolans. Looking ahead the authors note ways by which civil activists, journalists and scholars within and outside Angola can build on earlier advances to renounce economic dead-ends and disabled democracy where fossil fuel extraction dominates under the ever-larger shadow of climate catastrophe.

INVESTIGATING MULTICOLLINEARITY BETWEEN COUNTRY’S LEVEL OF DIGITAL COMPETITIVENESS AND INFLUENCING VARIABLES

The purpose of scientific research is to identify and argue the connection between the level of digital competitiveness of countries and variable factors, and to propose solutions for its improvement. The object of the research is the level of digital competitiveness of countries in 2023 and the variables that affect it (GDP per capita, population in the country, Digital Quality of Life Index). The subject of the study is the digital capabilities and innovative solutions of countries to strengthen their competitive position in the world in the context of globalisation. Methodology. The study is based on the method of multicollinearity according to the Farrar-Glauber algorithm, which makes it possible to understand the dependence of the level of digital competitiveness on three variable factors (GDP per capita, the number of people in the country and the Digital Quality of Life Index). The method of generalisation made it possible, on the basis of a multicollinear study, to provide recommendations for strengthening the country's digital competitiveness in the international arena, taking into account the potential of human resources, the degree of technological progress and the level of economic development. Results. The research revealed an insignificant relationship between the level of a country's digital competitiveness and GDP per capita. However, it was found that the more economically strong the state, the faster and larger the implementation of digital technologies. It has been posited that there exists a negligible relationship between a nation's digital competitiveness and its population size. Nevertheless, it is evident that as a nation's population increases, there is a concomitant rise in the number of individuals engaged in the production and implementation of innovative solutions and digital technologies. The multicollinearity study demonstrated that there is no multicollinear relationship between the level of the country's digital competitiveness and variable factors. However, it was determined that a country can acquire competitive advantages under the condition of contributing to the increase of the economic well-being of the nation and its accessibility to digital goods and services. Practical implications. The value of the publication is determined by the breadth of the author's recommendations for enhancing the Digital Quality of Life Index of the population, which, in the long term, will ensure the country's competitive position in the digital era and contribute to sustainable economic development. Value/Originality. The contribution of the article to the scientific value consists in the study of multicollinearity using the Farrar-Glauber algorithm to assess the impact on the level of digital competitiveness of such variable factors as GDP per capita (a macroeconomic indicator that indicates the well-being of the nation), the number of inhabitants of the country (an indicator that determines the intellectual potential of the country) and the Digital Quality of Life Index (characterises the accessibility and penetration of digital technologies in the life of society).

INFORMATION TRANSFORMATION OF LOGISTICS IN KAZAKHSTAN

In the modern world, digitalization of logistics plays a key role in improving the efficiency and competitiveness of national economies. The article analyzes the processes and results of the introduction of digital technologies into the logistics system of Kazakhstan, a country striving to become an important transit hub at the international level. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data on freight transportation, investments in transport infrastructure and technological innovations, as well as data from major research agencies and national authorities. The problem is relevant in the light of the need to integrate into international trade networks and create competitive advantages in the international arena. The study uses quantitative and qualitative analyses to process statistical data and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented technologies. The study confirmed the hypothesis that the introduction of modern information technologies significantly increases the efficiency of logistics operations. The main obstacles to digitalization have been identified, such as insufficient integration with international systems and a shortage of qualified specialists. The results of the study can be used to adjust the national strategy for the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, planning educational programs in the field of digital technologies and logistics, as well as to stimulate investments in the development of digital infrastructure. This will strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a key transit hub and improve the quality of logistics services in the region. The challenges faced by Kazakhstan in the process of digital transformation of logistics, including problems of integration with international systems, infrastructure constraints and a shortage of qualified personnel, are also discussed. The results of the study show that despite these problems, digitalization contributes to a significant improvement in operational efficiency and creates prerequisites for strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a key player in international logistics.

Navigating corporate social responsibility in the realms of Indian knowledge system

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a fundamental aspect of current corporate operations, emphasizing the need for businesses to balance economic objectives with ethical and social responsibilities. While CSR frameworks are often grounded in Western ideologies, this paper explores the relevance of ancient Indian philosophical principles to CSR. Drawing on key texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Arthaśāstra, it examines core concepts such as dharma (righteousness), karma (cause and effect), ahimsa (non-violence), seva (service), and sarvalokhitam (welfare of all). These teachings provide a profound foundation for business practices prioritizing societal welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance. The paper argues that by integrating these values into contemporary CSR, businesses can move beyond profit maximization to foster holistic stakeholder engagement, ensuring positive social and environmental impacts. The objective of the research is to integrate ancient Indian values with modern CSR practices, offering insights into how Indian philosophy can enhance contemporary corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for Indian philosophies to enrich global CSR practices, particularly in India's growing role in the international arena. Through a comprehensive literature review, this paper presents a framework for aligning CSR with ethical imperatives and sustainable development, offering new perspectives for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of global corporate responsibility.

The Ukraine War and Russia’s Soft Power in Africa

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has attracted widespread international attention and condemnation, especially from Western countries. While Ukraine has received waves of assistance, Russia has been sanctioned and isolated by Western countries and their allies. Nevertheless, most countries in Africa have neither supported nor condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine. A growing number of literatures has explained the drivers of this and other related behaviours by African countries, but such attempts remain inadequate and incoherent. This article examines the influence of Russia in Africa within the analytical framework of soft power and employs some enduring historical bounds and contemporary dynamics to explain the dispositions of many African states towards Russia, sometimes against Western pressure on the Ukraine War, especially at the United Nations (UN). Embedded in these complex historical and emerging relationships are variables that qualify as ingredients of soft power, which keeps Russia attractive to some African countries, thereby influencing their positions on issues concerning the country in the international arena.

Management of Food Security and Transport Services of Agricultural Enterprises of the Grain Market

The article presents the results of a study of the state of transport support for agricultural producers as a basis for ensuring food security both within the country and in the international arena. The main types of transport involved in organizing transport services for various groups of agricultural products are described. The main directions for ensuring the high-quality and timely export of finished products from the places of their production are considered, especially grain crops and milling products, which play an important role in fulfilling the guarantees provided by Ukraine in the global food security mechanism. The methodology of statistical research is used as a tool for assessing the effectiveness of the analysis since the demand for transport services depends on the efficiency of agricultural enterprises, which, in turn, are very sensitive to natural and climatic influences. According to the results of the study, only 4% of the total number of road transports was carried out on orders from livestock producers, which means not only a low level of development of the transport service system for this group of agricultural producers, but may also be a consequence of imbalances in the development of this sector of agricultural production. The results obtained can be used to identify internal reserves for increasing the coverage of agricultural producers with transport services to meet domestic demand for food and reduce food imports due to the inability to provide domestic producers with reliable logistics services. Ensuring food security is a complex process that requires high-quality interaction between many industries and effective management by state authorities. Transport services for agricultural producers should become an effective tool for ensuring food security both in the domestic market of Ukraine and in fulfilling Ukraine's international obligations.

Homegrown Internationalism? Challenging Epistemic Dialogue in Africa's Development Cooperation

Homegrown concepts are increasingly viewed as indigenous alternatives to challenge long-standing Western hegemony in development co-operation and insert non-Western agency. Drawing on two African cases from Ghana and Rwanda, this article develops a framework to demonstrate the strategic ambiguity as Global South states seek influence in their international encounters. While the two countries closely follow the existing logic of development co-operation, they subtly challenge its dominant epistemology. Rwanda's Imihigo -driven donor self-assessment forum and Ghana's Sankofa -informed diaspora investment forum are two cases of similar but different concepts that typify the simultaneous coupling of indigenous and co-operation norms for international leverage. Together, they highlight the power and limits of homegrown concepts to drive the South's agency in the international arena of co-operation.

Innovation Strategy of the Tilawatul Qur'an Development Institute (LPTQ) of Semarang City in Boosting Achievements in the Qur'an Tilawatil Musabaqah (MTQ)

Achievement is one form of the existence of a person's visible potential. Everyone has their own potential and competence. However, not everyone is able to find their own potential and competence. There needs to be a driving force and strategic innovation that can provide a strong impetus so that a person's potential is visible. A person's potential that is visible can be through participating in various competition events and becoming a champion. An institution must pay attention to its students so that they explore their potential to the maximum. The purpose of this study is to provide new innovative knowledge about how a student or member of an institution is able to achieve brilliant achievements, both in the regional, national and international arenas. The research method used is a qualitative research method. The data collected is then analyzed by reducing data, displaying data, and verifying. The results of this study are that LPTQ Semarang City carries out strategic innovation through routine and scheduled training, re-selecting previous MTQ champions, carrying out coaching intensity by inviting national and international level trainers, forming studios in each sub-district and providing funding injections in each sub-district.

دور الدبلوماسية الموازية في تعزيز المكانة الدولية للأقاليم الفيدرالية (دراسة تحليلية لإقليم كوردستان العراق)

In keeping with the changes that have occurred in the international political arena and due to globalization, new non-state actors have emerged in international relations, among them sub-national units that have come to play an influential role in the international system. Accordingly, parallel diplomacy has emerged to work side by side with traditional diplomacy adopted by states with a federal system. The federal regions, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, employ parallel diplomacy as a means to gain international legitimacy and serve their interests at the local, regional and international levels, thus strengthening their position in the international community. In order to achieve the goal of this study, the researcher used the analytical method and the historical method, and employed the descriptive analytical tool in order to achieve an accurate analysis of the role of parallel diplomacy in strengthening the position of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in the international environment. Keywords: Iraqi Kurdistan; parallel diplomacy; International relations; International society; Federal regions.

Anxieties of a Self-Claimed Middle Power: Ruptures and Continuities in Turkish Foreign Policy in the New Millennium and the Puzzle of Ontological (in) Security

This article examines the transformation of Turkey’s foreign policy under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) through the lens of ontological security. While Turkey has historically been engaged with the European ideal as the manifestation of the ontological security, the AKP era has witnessed significant shifts driven by a multi-layered activism stemming from the self-claimed middle powerhood. The study argues that ontological security provides a crucial framework for understanding these changes, particularly Turkey’s pursuit of a stable state identity amid shifting foreign policy priorities. This study explores the ruptures and continuities in Turkey’s foreign policy and assesses how identity-based concerns shape its strategic actions. In doing so, it contributes to the broader discourse on ontological security and middle power dynamics, offering a nuanced perspective on Turkey’s evolving foreign policy and self-positioning in the international arena.

An Analytical Study of Brexit as a Turning Point in the UK's Economic Policies in the European Region

Brexit, a major event in the 21st-century international political and economic arena, has transformed the UK-EU relationship and significantly influenced the UK's domestic economic policies. This study aims to analyze the specific effects of Brexit on the UK's economic policies and how these policy changes affect its economic performance. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is employed. Economic data, policy documents, and academic articles before and after Brexit are analyzed to assess the direct and long-term impacts on trade, financial markets, and macro-economic policies. This research finds that Brexit led to major adjustments in the UK's trade policy, with increased trade costs due to losing access to the EU single market. The financial sector also faced challenges to London's status. Domestic economic needs, changes in the European economic landscape, and the global economic environment contributed to these policy changes. Brexit brought both challenges and opportunities, and the UK needs to make prudent policy decisions to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness.

Specifics of the Use of “Soft Power” in the Foreign Policy of France

This article presents a multifaceted analysis of the concept of “soft power” within the framework of world politics; it attempts to break it into components by exploring its evolution and significance within global politics. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the French soft power model, its theoretical foundations, instruments of implementation, and effect on the international arena. The author analyzes the major elements of “soft power” of France — cultural diplomacy, promotion of Francophonie, research and academic cooperation, tourist appeal, and media policy. The comparison between the French and the American model is drawn, and the role of the historical context in the shaping of France's foreign policy strategy is discussed. The study's aim is to clarify the specifics of France's “soft power” and how effective it is today in the face of the realities of international relations. The methods of comparative analysis, studying historical sources, and international ratings are used in the work. The results of the study indicate that “soft power” remains a controversial concept due to its ambiguity and complexity in practical application. Emphasis is placed on the pivotal stages in the development of the conception – from J. Nye's ideas to modern research in the sphere of international relations. However, an analysis of the French experience shows that France successfully uses cultural and diplomatic tools to enhance its influence — based on historical heritage, language, and institutional mechanisms. The research expands on the theory of “soft power,” illustrating its value as a practical tool in foreign policy strategy. The theoretical value of the work is the critical understanding of the phenomenon, which helps contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of influence within international processes. The practical value of the study is to justify the possibility of using the conclusions for formation of foreign policy measures focused on the enhancement of international prestige and influence of the states. Key words: soft power, France, cultural policy, country image, Francophonie

Training of International Relations Specialists in Kazakhstan

In the article the authors analyze the process of training specialists in the field of international relations on the basis of the history of the formation and development of the diplomatic service of the Kazakh SSR and the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the initial stage, this training was fully subject to the logic and relevance of the problems that the Soviet diplomatic service was solving in the international arena in the 1940s. As the world situation changed and new trends in the internal development of the Soviet Union emerged, the attitude towards the training of national personnel in the field of diplomacy, including for the MFA of the Kazakh SSR, changed in a positive direction. After gaining independence, the Republic of Kazakhstan, setting the course for a multi-vector foreign policy, began a complex process of independent training of specialists in the field of international relations, drawing on the traditions of the Soviet-Russian school of diplomacy. In today’s conditions of a rapidly changing balance of power in the international arena, the collapse of the unipolar world, the Republic of Kazakhstan faces new problems that require solutions. Based on this, the authors conclude that it is necessary to make some adjustments in the system of professional training of diplomatic personnel, who will have to further protect the interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is striving to promote its position in the international arena.

A mid-level perspective on the ethics of immigration policies

ABSTRACT This paper considers various aspects of Joseph Carens’s argument in The Ethics of Immigration. It discusses, first, his analogy between internal and international free movement. I argue that it does not sufficiently take into account the different conditions for self-government of municipalities and provinces nested within independent states and those of states within the international political system. Second, the paper argues for expanding international free movement as a citizenship right (through international agreements, regional unions and acceptance of multiple citizenship), whereas the claims of economic migrants on grounds of global distributive justice should instead be addressed through regular migration that is subject to immigration control. The common denominator of these policies is a strategy of ‘internalizing’ claims to territorial admission in democracies so that they can also be perceived as promoting a liberal conception of the common good. Third, a similar approach can also be applied to the liberal international order. Here, I take issue with Carens’s analogy between citizenship in the global order and membership in feudal estates and propose instead to build on egalitarian, pluralistic and cooperative norms that are already enshrined in international law when promoting progressive reforms in the international arena. The paper concludes with a discussion of Carens’s distinction between real-world and ideal-world presuppositions. As an alternative to Carens’s ‘shifting presuppositions’ strategy, I suggest that action-guiding normative approaches should position themselves at a mid-level where they promote transformations of liberal democracies and the international order towards more open borders.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR MANAGING SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND CAREER GROWTH OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Modern trends in the digitalization of education and science require the implementation of efficient information systems for managing scientific achievements and career development of academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs). The lack of a unified automated solution complicates the tracking of publication activity, participation in research projects, international collaboration, and other key indicators of scientific performance. This article explores the development of an information system that ensures centralized storage, processing, and analysis of data on research and teaching activities in HEIs. An analysis of existing systems used for academic activity management was conducted, including international scientometric databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ResearchGate) and internal administrative information systems. It was found that most existing solutions do not provide a comprehensive approach to managing academic information, making it difficult to integrate scientific data into the overall educational management system. The choice of technological stack is justified, particularly the use of the Yii2 framework for the backend, MySQL database for data storage, and MVC architecture for an efficient distribution of system functionality. The key functional capabilities of the system are identified, including automated tracking of scientific activity, faculty profile management, generation of analytical reports, and integration with scientometric platforms. Issues of data security and confidentiality are considered, including authentication mechanisms, access control, and protection against unauthorized use. The proposed information system significantly reduces administrative workload, improves human resource management efficiency, and enhances the transparency of scientific achievement evaluation in HEIs. It can also be integrated into nationwide initiatives for the digital transformation of the educational environment, contributing to the competitiveness of Ukrainian research institutions in the international arena. The developed system can be implemented both at the level of individual universities and at the state level to create a unified information platform encompassing all aspects of scientific activity management. This will enable effective monitoring of research productivity, foster inter-university collaboration, and facilitate the integration of Ukrainian science into the global academic space.

Арктическая стратегия Китая: внешняя политика при Си Цзиньпине (в период с 2013 по 2024 гг.)

In this scientific work, the author examines China’s policy in the Arctic in the sphere of international politics un-der the statesman and political figure, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping (from 2013 to 2024). The relevance of the study lies in the growing interest in the international arena to the Arctic latitudes, which are an important object of geopolitical confrontation and economic expan-sion. The purpose of the scientific work is to study the foreign policy of the PRC in the Arctic zone under the leadership of the Chinese statesman, including the analysis of the impact on international cooperation and security. Objectives of the study: to analyze the key elements of the Arctic policy of the PRC; to study the impact of the domestic policy and foreign policy of the PRC, as well as the strategy in the Arctic region; to analyze the reaction of various states to the strengthening of the Chinese strategy in the Arctic region; to explore further prospects for international cooperation, as well as a possible conflict in the Arctic zone with the participation of China. The materials of the study were state acts of the Government of the PRC, analytical reports of interna-tional structures, scientific publications in the framework of international cooperation. The results of the study revealed that China is vigorously expanding both its economic and strategic interests in the Arctic region. China seeks to strengthen its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, which combines the land and sea route. Conclusion: The work determined that China’s Arctic policy is a key element of the country’s foreign policy, and also has important implications for global security, including economic cooperation.