Policy Course Research Articles

Silences in Canadian Foreign Policy Textbooks and Course Outlines

In this article, I examine one book, seven edited volumes, and twenty-four Canadian Foreign Policy course outlines to assess the inclusion of women scholars, feminist research, Indigenous scholars, and Indigenous-themed research. As we will see, the degree to which “silences have been broken” is strikingly uneven. Indigenous scholars are rare in the field and the inclusion of work by Indigenous scholars is also rare. The extent of inclusion of women scholars in edited volumes is varied, as is the representation of women scholars in readings found in course outlines. Some texts and course outlines show that the silences have been broken. However, through whose work they include, some textbooks and course outlines suggest that the work of women scholars remains marginal to the field, that Indigenous content is of little relevance, and in some cases, the work of Indigenous and female scholars is neither heard nor seen.

Субрегиональная асимметрия и мезоэкономическое моделирование эволюционной динамики отраслей обрабатывающей промышленности США в условиях реиндустриализации

The key element in the modernization of the US economy, which implies re-industrial qualitative development and quantitative growth in industrial production within the country, is the manufacturing industry. The use of evolutionary-genetic, systemic and territorial approaches to the study of American industry as an open meso-level economic system made it possible to identify the dynamics of the US manufacturing industry spatio-temporal development, one of the results of which is subregional asymmetry. Based on traditional methods of economic and statistical analysis and conditional mapping, a holistic “ ‘geographical’ picture” of the asymmetry of the spatial development of the US manufacturing industry according to the characteristic “center-periphery” principle is presented. The use of mathematical modeling techniques made it possible to identify the stages of the studied industries evolutionary development over the past two decades, quantitatively and qualitatively reflecting the essence of the US economy transition from the deindustrial to the initial stage of the reindustrial development paradigm. The results of the study made it possible to fully confirm the hypothesis put forward about the existence of a relationship between the uneven development of US manufacturing industry over time and heterogeneity in the geo-economic space, on the one hand, and their evolutionary dynamics, on the other. In addition, on the basis of mesoeconomic modeling, empirical results were obtained indicating signs of the initial sustainable formation of the re-industrial direction of development of the US industrial mesosystem. Thus, empirical evidence has been obtained that in the advanced economic system of the modern capitalist world, on the wave of an objective change in technological and world economic structures, a steady trend towards Industrialization 4.0 based on NBIC convergence has formed. The conclusion is made not only about the objective process of the need to rely on one’s own resources in the conditions of the world economy deglobalization, but also about the change in the course of the United States national policy in terms of the formation of a competitive basis of the neo-industrial type.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Latvia in 1920: Premises, key issues, and outcomes

The conclusion of the Peace Treaty between Latvia and the RSFSR on August 11, 1920 marked an important stage both in the process of international recognition of Latvia and in the normalization of international relations in the region in general, and charted a new course of the foreign policy of the Soviet state. On the basis of a wide range of archival sources (transcripts of the plenary meetings of the RSFSR and Latvia delegations, the meetings minutes of the Soviet-Latvian boundary commission, etc.), as well as recent Russian and foreign historical researches, the paper examines a set of issues related to the conclusion of the Treaty. The key issues that predetermined the agenda of the Soviet-Latvian peace negotiations included border demarcation, the exchange of war prisoners, the return of property evacuated to Russia, the return of refugees and the establishment of procedures for citizenship option. The author notes that the issue of border delimitation and demarcation was one of the most controversial and painful during the negotiations. The ethnographic principle for future borders was inextricably linked with economic and military-strategic considerations. The author examines territorial concessions made by the RSFSR to Latvia and concludes that they served as a demonstration of the Soviet Russia readiness to take into account the territorial claims of the Baltic republics, which allowed it to achieve peace in the region and fix new borders, as well as to establish trade relations indispensable for the survival of a young Soviet state during the Civil War. At the same time, the Soviet representatives took a hard line on compensations for the damage caused during hostilities and the return of property evacuated from Latvia. The author concludes that the Soviet-Latvian treaty and similar treaties with other Baltic states not only enabled the establishment of a new balance of power in the East Baltic region for the interwar period and laid the foundation for the Soviet foreign policy towards the Baltic republics, but also served as a vivid example of realization of ‘the right of self-determination of peoples up to secession’. Finally, these treaties became one of the means to break the diplomatic isolation of Soviet Russia.

Neutrality of Switzerland in the Light of the Contemporary Security Challenges: Realistic, Neoliberal, and Constructive Approaches

In the article, the author analyzes how the understanding of the concept of neutrality of European states and its implementation in their foreign policy strategies changes at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries, along with the change in the international system of relations. The interesting case of a truly neutral country is Switzerland, whose foreign policy behavior is a challenge to the negative expectations of observers regarding the pessimistic prospects of neutrality as an option for the implementation of the foreign policy course. In this article, the author considers the neutrality of Switzerland from the point of view of three conceptual approaches to the understanding of neutrality: realist, neoliberal and constructivist. From the point of view of realism, Switzerland has long been aware of its status as a “small” state and, respectively, uses it as an important mean of self-preservation in a territory surrounded by “big” states. From a neoliberal point of view, the key trend today is Switzerland's increasing attention to bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation. And from the standpoint of constructivism, neutrality is an important “symbol” of the common identity of the diverse population of Switzerland. Therefore, the author concludes that Switzerland was able to maintain a controversial foreign policy of neutrality, emphasizing its national identity and independence, while at the same time benefiting from international economic interdependence. Switzerland's neutrality allows it to develop and deepen international economic relations very well.

ІРАНСЬКИЙ ВЕКТОР В ЗОВНІШНЬОПОЛІТИЧНІЙ СТРАТЕГІЇ США У ПЕРІОД 1960-Х РР.

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the formation of the US foreign policy strategy in the Near and Middle East in the 1950s and 1960s. The authors consider the key aspects of the study to be the peculiarities of the cooperation between the United States of America and Iran in the period of the 1950s and 1960s. 20th century. The policy of the USA in the given period is defined as that which was aimed at maintaining stability and supporting the independence of the countries of the above-mentioned area. In addition, the American leadership predicted the possibility of an "Islamic problem". The production of minerals in the region, as well as the need to prevent interference in the plans of the USA by the USSR, caused the United States to make efforts to maintain the role of the main suppliers of weapons, since it was impossible to allow a weakening of the influence on strategic interests, on the course of Iran's domestic and foreign policy. Despite the transitional period of the 1960s, intensive cooperation between Washington and Tehran continued. The USA was provided with assistance in the economic sphere, there were changes in the provision of military support from subsidies to the possibility of selling on credit. The aggressive reform program called the "White Revolution" of the early 1960s was an attempt to westernize Iran and strengthen its global status, which was also carried out with the active support of the United States. The authors identify nuclear programs as another direction of direct interaction between Tehran and Washington, the development course of which in Iran began in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Iran has cooperated with a number of allies of the Washington administration and has successfully developed its nuclear program within existing international restrictions. In 1963, Iran joined the Convention on the Prohibition of Nuclear Tests in Air, Space and Submarines, and in 1968 signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. All this contributed to the country's integration into global world processes.

Analyzing and Measuring the Relation between the Golden Rule of Financial Discipline and the Federal Budget Deficit in Iraq for the Period (2004-2020)

This study aims to reduce the deficit in the public budget through the policy of fiscal discipline in Iraq for the period 2004-2020, as the expansionist policy results in an increase in the fiscal deficit in the public budget, which results in the exacerbation of financial burdens and the accumulation of government debts, both on the external or internal level, and if this financial deficit continues, the expansion of government debt will negatively affect the performance of economic activity in general and the management of financial policy in particular; so this research found a relationship between the application of the golden rule of financial discipline and the deficit in the public budget, as the application of this rule works to reduce the deficit in the general budget, and thus achieve financial surpluses in the general budget, and all of this would achieve the objectives of the economic and financial policy that the government seeks to achieve. To achieve this goal, an annual time series was used that extends from 2004 -2020, through the use of a standard model on the statistical program E-views12; the main conclusion reached by the study is the existence of a relationship between the rules of financial discipline and the public budget deficit during the two periods age and depression in Iraq during the study period. The study concluded that the application of the golden rule of financial discipline would correct the course of fiscal policy and then the possibility of employing it to meet the challenges facing fiscal policy in Iraq through rationalizing investment spending, developing infrastructure, and improving education and health.

Spectrum Reassignment Policy in South Korea and Its Implications

This paper introduces the details of the recent South Korean spectrum reassignment policy in 2020 and opens the discussion on its implication of the policy. In October 2021, the Ministry of Science and ICT(MSIT), a South Korean telecommunication regulation body, presented a spectrum reassignment plan (MSIT (2020)). The plan included 410MHz width of mobile spectrum used for the 2G, 3G, and LTE services in South Korea. It was the largest reassignment plan in terms of the width and the total price of the entire spectrum. As well as its scale, the decisions on reassignment policy showed noticeable features in several aspects. First, the Authority partially allowed operators to have flexibility in the usage term for spectrum, which could be seen as being diverted from the Authority’s previous course of policies. Second, the Authority associated the final reassignment price for LTE licenses with the operators’ future deployment of 5G base stations.

Historical Memory in the Context of U.S. Foreign Policy: The Case of the Presidency of Joseph Biden

Modern day politicians often refer to historical memory in order to construct and/or adjust foreign policy. The analysis of historical memory as one of the tools for constructing foreign policy narratives is attracting increasing scientific interest in the study of international relations. Under conditions of deep socio-political split in the USA and fragmentation of American identity, representatives of the Democratic administration actively turn to historical memory, trying to explain the changing international realities and justify the implemented foreign policy course. The article attempts to identify the key historical narratives of the Biden Administration and analyze how their use influences the foreign policy of the U.S. at the present stage. To achieve this goal, the authors used the method of narrative interpretation to conduct a qualitative analysis of a broad source base (speeches, interviews, press conferences of key representatives of the U.S. executive branch). As a result, a number of foreign policy narratives with the most characteristic historical subjects for the current administration were identified. It has been established that U.S. leaders address historical memory as part of discourses on the promotion of liberal democracy in the world; the limits of “hard power” and the fight against international terrorism; human rights and freedoms; relations with Russia; and the defense of a liberal world order. It is determined that historical narratives are often used by the United States to legitimize its unilateral and discriminatory foreign policy actions. The authors conclude that for the current administration the construction of foreign policy narratives through selective reference to the subjects of American historical memory becomes one of the key tools of adaptation to the development of international multipolarity, mobilization of its resources and consolidation of allies to defend the “free world” from “illiberal” opponents.

State regulation as a factor of social significance of China’s modern culture industry

The article is based on the study of state-party normative documents, such as the National Cultural Development Plan, The Cultural Industries Reinvigoration Plan, the National Economic and Social Development Plans China’s National Economic and Social Development Plans for the Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth FiveYear Plan periods. The focus on cultural projects is understood as an instrument of China’s soft power in its foreign policy course. In addition, national projects of educational and cultural nature are given the importance of state branding in the system of global reforms undertaken in the country. The article considers such reasons for the authorities to address cultural issues as the inadequate system of services provided in the field of education and culture; the predominance of small-scale commodity production in the cultural industry. The lack of professionalism of the management of the cultural institutions has negative consequences for the cultural ecology. The tasks of state regulation are: improvement of general cultural characteristics of the population and society as a whole, economic growth, preservation of the environment, increase of material level of the population.

Exploring Complex Concepts Through Storytelling: A Synchronous Online Health Policy Course Case Study and Recommendations for Implementing Across Disciplines

Educational experts advocate for storytelling’s community building aspects; it is also a valuable tool for deepening students’ cognitive engagement. Indigenous pedagogy has long emphasized the centrality of storytelling to knowledge production and transmission (Neeganagwedgin, 2020). This article offers a case study analyzing an upper-division undergraduate health policy course transformation to foreground storytelling in a synchronous online format. Consistent with the “watch one, do one, teach one” model, students heard narrative descriptions of guest storytellers’ policy experiences, constructed narrative stories describing a population health problem in written assignments, and shared a policy proposal story about why policy matters and how it can be changed to improve population health. This approach improved student engagement, fostered knowledge creation, and – despite the distance inherent in online education – improved students’ sense of self-efficacy and membership in a professional community. The article concludes with recommendations for integrating storytelling into other disciplines and modalities.

The place of the international parliamentary union in the process of evolution of parliamentarism

The article examines the formation of the institution of parliamentarism in the world, establishes the factors that influenced the process of evolution. Examples of legislative bodies of different countries are given, their structure is compared, normative legal acts that influenced the development and establishment of parliamentarism are analyzed. The article confirms the importance of the parliament in the process of functioning of the state, taking into account the historical aspect and the future perspective and direction of the institute's activity, considering the decision-making of this institute depends on the legal system of the entire country, and sometimes the foreign policy course. This body clearly follows the norms of the basic law of the state, and is the guarantor of human rights and freedoms. Parliament is the highest legislative and representative body in the states, it includes representatives who are elected from the entire population and all regions. In modern times, the parliament is a legislative body, that is, it is empowered to pass laws, as well as to form and control the executive power and establish inter-parliamentary cooperation. This scientific work clarifies the place and role of international organizations in the process of evolution of the institution of parliamentarism through the prism of the activities of the international parliamentary union, analyzes its legal framework, and considers the structure of the organization. The main directions of the Union's activity, the result of rule-making activities in the organization of adopted resolutions, are being worked out. The article examines the main declarations of the International Parliamentary Union, namely the Declaration on the Criteria of Free and Fair Voters and the General Declaration on Democracy. The genesis of the union is revealed, taking into account the historical component, influencing factors, and the future perspective is outlined with the help of further parliamentary dialogue on the basis of a unique forum. The created multilateral parliamentary dialogue projects the experience and perspective on the solution of the crisis situation, develops new ways of resolving and preventing conflicts. On the basis of the International Parliamentary Union, a large program for the promotion of democracy has been created, and the organization itself is a powerful and effective source for parliaments.

Correction of the course of agricultural policy of the European Union based on the example of the Federal Republic of Germany

The purpose is an analytical study of the issues related to the changing of the course of agricultural policy of the European Union on the example of the Federal Republic of Germany. Methods – monographic, comparative analysis, abstract-logical. The dynamics of the structure of the EU budget for 1993-2027 is considered. Since 1993 to 2006 the share of agriculture on average accounted for about 40% of budget funds, in 2006-2020 – about 30%, and for 2021-2027 – 23.6% is provided. Results – the authors note that in the European Union there are two components of state support for agricultural sector of economy. The first one implies direct payments to commodity producers, which are provided for one hectare of agricultural land if farmers meet the relevant conditions. This also includes general market mechanisms applied to certain types of agricultural products. For example, reimbursement of export costs and storage costs. The second component is used as an additional tool for solving AIC problems. Since 1999 it includes targeted programs for financing sustainable and environmentally friendly production and development of rural areas. Conclusions – in recent years, the bulk of government subsidies (up to 70%) directed to support the income of agricultural producers accounted for direct payments. In the earlier period, the structure was radically opposite. For example, in the early 1990, market expansion measures were 91%, direct contributions were 9%, and there was no cash allocation for improving rural infrastructure. The reverse side of this process is that agro-industrial complex is largely dependent on direct payments.

Western Policy toward Ukraine: Outcomes and Challenges for Russia

The change in the balance of power in Ukraine in February 2014 not only changed Ukraine’s foreign policy course, but also marked the beginning of a new Western policy toward Kiev. Political support for the Ukrainian authorities was expanded. Ukraine’s involvement in the sphere of Western interests intensified. Western countries used multilateral mechanisms to form new interstate relations with Ukraine. The Ukrainian army was actively modernized. The West supplied Western equipment. The U.S. and the EU have been closely following the conflict in Donbass. While publicly supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict, the West did not take real steps to resolve it. Advocating a violent solution to the conflict, nationalist forces became actively involved in the country’s domestic politics. Kiev was encouraged to take steps to curtail trade and economic cooperation with Russia and to sever ties between businesses. The IMF was actively pursuing programs and consistently demanding reforms in the social and economic spheres. In the political sphere, the West supported Ukraine’s policy, which led to the aggravation of political relations between the countries. After Vladimir Zelensky came to power in 2019, the West intensified its support for Kiev. Western authorities bet on a forceful solution to the conflict and provoked conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In February 2022, anticipating Ukraine’s actions, Russia launched a special military operation. It called into question the further development of Ukraine and, at the same time, led to an adjustment of Western policy. The U.S. and EU stepped up military support for Kiev and significantly expanded financial aid. This policy of the West has created certain risks for Russia, which has entered the phase of acute geopolitical confrontation with the U.S. and the EU.

Среднеазиатские страницы биографии митрополита Арсения (Стадницкого): 1924–1936 гг.

The article reconstructs the last period of the life of the outstanding bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church Arseny (Stadnitsky). As Metropolitan of Novgorod, he was sent into exile in Central Asia, where he eventually spent 12 years. The data found in the letters of Metropolitan Arseny to the lawyer A.F. Koni and in the writings of Bishop Andrei (Ukhtomsky), for the first time made it possible to determine the dates and places of residence of Metropolitan Arseny in Central Asia: he lived in Krasnovodsk from mid-1924 until the summer of 1925; in Poltoratsk (Ashgabat) – from August 28, 1925 until the spring of 1927, and then in Tashkent.There was a change in the course of church policy pursued by the Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens Metropolitan Sergius (Stargorodsky) in 1927. The attitude of Metropolitan Arseny to the new church policy was ambiguous. There are diametrically opposite opinions in the writings of church historians on this subject, therefore, it seemed important to determine the church-political views of Metropolitan Arseny on the basis of analysis of a large body of narrative sources (letters and memoirs). At first, this attitude was sharply negative. He did not break off communication with Metropolitan Sergius, did not criticize him publicly, but he fell into disgrace and was left in exile after its end. In 1933, Metropolitan Arseny, having accepted the appointment to the Turkestan department, returned to episcopal ministry and church administrative activities. He visited Moscow at least three times to participate in the sessions of the Provisional Patriarchal Synod. During this period, Metropolitan Arseny also had a negative attitude towards some actions of the highest church authorities, in particular, measures to exalt Metropolitan Sergius. Metropolitan Arseny did not hide this, but he did not publicly denounce anyone, fearing to strengthen the schism.The article makes a number of assumptions concerning the role played by the figure of Metropolitan Arseny in the question of the succession of the supreme church authority and in the plans of the OGPU, which sought the liquidation of the Russian Church. These hypotheses require further study on the basis of new documentary sources.

Criminal-legal counteraction to special organized forms of extremist activity: legislative and interpretive aspects

Subject of research: special organized forms of extremist activity, enshrined in Art. 282.1 and Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (hereinafter the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
 The purpose of the study: the formulation of legal, technical and interpretative proposals aimed at modernizing the course of criminal policy in the field of countering special organized forms of extremist activity, enshrined in Art. 282.1 and Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
 List of methods and objects of research. In order to obtain reliable and reasonable research results, general scientific and particular scientific methods of cognition used in the humanities (legal) sciences were used. Research Art. 35, 205.5, 210, 282.1, 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, was carried out using the content analysis method. Logical and system-structural in the correlation of signs of an extremist community, a terrorist community and a criminal community. On the basis of the deduction method, particular, conceptually legally significant features of an extremist community are identified. The method of induction made it possible to determine the level of danger of special organized forms of extremist activity. The dialectical method was used when considering doctrinal criminal law positions that determine the direction of countering special organized forms of extremist activity. Conclusions based on the results of the study: 1) the need for legal differentiation of responsibility for committing crimes in the composition of special organized crimes, depending on the form of complicity, is substantiated; 2) it is proposed to include in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation an article providing for liability for organizing an extremist group; 3) the need to supplement Art. 35 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, part 41, with the consolidation in it of a new form of complicity "Extremist community"; 4) the author's version of Part 1 of Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation; 5) the strengthening of the level of criminal-legal repression for members of international extremist organizations is justified.

Japan’s Approach towards Quadrilateral Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region

The article highlights the peculiarities of Japan’s approach to the Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue, the Quad , in the Indo-Pacific region. Tokyo initiated this framework in 2007, when Abe Shinzō proposed establishing permanent cooperation between Japan, the USA, Australia, and India. For several reasons, including the resignation of Abe Shinzō from the post of Prime Minister, the Quad ceased to exist. In 2017, Tokyo returned to the idea of reviving the quadrilateral dialogue, seeing this as one of the ways to keep the US focused on the region and balance China’s influence. The resumption of quadrilateral cooperation in 2017, in the face of more pronounced contradictions between the members of the Quad and China, marked new priorities for Tokyo’s regional agenda. Interest in quadrilateral cooperation is closely related to the strategy of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, put forward by Abe Shinzō in 2016, which provides for close political interaction with key players in the region and active infrastructure construction. Government of Suga Yoshihide continued the foreign policy course proclaimed by Abe, and the attention of the Biden administration to the Quad gives reason to believe that this area will become a key one in Japan-US cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Participation in the Quad is a logical continuation of Japan’s close bilateral and trilateral dialogue with the United States, as well as with India and Australia, relations with which are reaching a level that can be characterized as quasi-alliances. At the same time, Japan is interested in the Quad not being perceived as an exclusive format that reduces the establishment of the rules of conduct in the region to the will of the four players. Regarding the Quad as a tool to contain China, Tokyo emphasizes the open nature of this framework and seeks to expand the format of interaction that would include the ASEAN countries and European partners.

KPIs for Sustainable Development: The Greek Experience

After the Olympic Games of 2004, Greece was at the center of dramatic situations and faced serious economic and social problems, especially at the beginning of the 2010s. Initially, the economic and social crisis along with the memorandums and then the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic affected the development of the Greek economy at both macro and micro levels. In recent years, many efforts have been made for the overall recovery and growth of the Greek economy. Seven sub-categories have been formulated by the Greek Ministry of Development and Investment, including multiple modules of modules and actions for the development of the economy. One of these sub-categories refers to sustainable development. Public policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change, Adaptation Planning and others are regarded as key formative actions for any country, let alone Greece. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are applied to monitor policies relating to sustainable development. These targets are the monitoring and key performance indicators of the development strategy for public policies, whose targets monitor and attest to the development strategy course of public policies. The aim of this article is to present, through literature review, the KPIs that are applied domestically and show how they will contribute to the dynamic growth of the Greek economy. The results have turned out to be significantly important and could contribute to the further integration of specialized KPIs in the country's development via the use and exploitation of the natural environment. The development of such secondary KPIs could prove to be a challenge for the environment and climate change disciplines. The topic is crucial and the context of Critical Success Factors (CSF) and KPIs can be used by public and private sector employees, the academic community, and every researcher/theorist working on the specific topic.

FINANSIJSKA POLITIKA SAVEZA KOMUNISTA JUGOSLAVIJE PREMA KOMUNISTIČKIM PARTIJAMA ITALIJE, FRANCUSKE, ŠPANIJE I GRČKE KRAJEM ŠEZDESETIH GODINA 20. VEKA

Adoption of the early forms of the new Eurocommunist ideology by the communist parties of Italy, Spain and partially, Greece in the late 1960s (1967–1969) made the conflict of these parties with CP of USSR inevitable. This was the deciding factor of forming the new course of financial policies of LCY towards the previously mentioned parties. The main events leading to this outcome were the establishment of military dictatorship in Greece in 1967 and Czechoslovakian Crises of 1968. The process of forming the official standing of the party on the military intervention in Czechoslovakia marked the crucial turning point in the way the party ideologies of CPI, CPS and eventually CPF were defined and understood. In the aftermath of these events, Eurocommunist fractions gained power in CPI, CPS and in the interior CPG. It was exactly during this troublesome and turbulent period for CPI, CPS and interior CPG that LCY formed the policies of providing the regular financial aid to CPI, and irregular but significant financial aid to CPS and CPG interior. Such financial policy had the goal of easing the financial consequences of braking relations with the CP of USSR, who was the main sponsor of the previously mentioned parties until then, and thus contributing in making the victory of the LCY friendly Eurocommunist fractions in the ensuing power struggle within CPI, CPS and CPG permanent. In the case of CPF, financial policies of LCY were focused on financing the research-vacations in Yugoslavia of those members of CPF that belong to the opposition within the party. Eventually, the relationships of the CPI, CPS and CPG with the CP of USSR recovered, as was also already many times the case in complex relations between USSR and SFRY, but CP of USSR never regained the influence it once held within the communist parties of Europe.

China's Geopolitical Role in the Modern Globalized World

The article examines the strengthening of China’s foreign policy activity in the conditions of the activation of modern challenges. It is pointed out that today China is increasing its political, economic, and cultural influence in the world. It is noted that China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, it has become the largest exporter in the world, while also increasing imports. Thus, the average growth of Chinese exports in recent decades has increased by 5 times, and the growth of imports - by 4.7 times. It is emphasized that in response to China's economic growth in the West and some Asian countries, including Japan, the concept of the "Chinese threat" has emerged, the founders of which, believe that China has a negative impact on the Asian security system because of its increased economic growth and its desire to play a dominant role in the region, while not always taking into account the interests of other Asian countries. The peculiarities of the current foreign policy course of China are determined, in particular, it is noted that, as before, serious attention is paid to relations with the great states. Thus, Xi Jin Ping is in active contact with the United States, the European Union, and India. Significant emphasis is placed on a balanced foreign policy course. Much attention is paid to the BRICS countries, including Russia, India, and South Africa. China is also strengthening relations with developing countries. This is evidenced by Xi Jinping's visit to South Africa and the Countries of the Caribbean. Particular attention is paid to the Russian vector, which is aimed at jointly confronting the United States and NATO. It is emphasized that China's economic and geopolitical growth is also holding back several issues that need to be addressed. These are, first of all: incomplete transition to a market economy, excessive state intervention in the economy, in the banking sector, lack of rule of law, violation of human rights and freedoms, high dependence on exports, strong excess credit and growing debt, environmental problems.

Social work self-care education informed during the pandemic: Experience, reflection, and suggestion

During the coronavirus pandemic, self-care practice was more than ever underscored for social work students as they have encountered increasing stress in their personal life, schoolwork, and professional practice. These stressors have been interweaved with social problems, further increasing the pressure on them. For social work educators, this situation highlights the necessity of developing students’ self-care competency. This brief note reflects upon the challenges we face in integrating self-care components in social policy courses since the outbreak of the pandemic and suggests that social work self-care education can be broadened in terms of purpose, scope, and content in the future.