Russian Policy Research Articles

Islamic Factor in Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation

In the contemporary international arena, religion plays an increasingly pivotal role in shaping diplomatic strategies. This paper investigated the growing significance of Islam in shaping the foreign policy of the Russian Federation, aiming to examine the ways in which the religious factor is included in Russia's foreign policy and the tools the Russian Federation uses to defend its interests abroad through Islam. Our study, structured into three chapters, provided insights into the multifaceted role of religion in Russian foreign policy, as well as the specific ways in which the Islamic dimension influences it. Additionally, it presented selected activities carried out by Islamic religious organizations with the aim of supporting the country’s foreign policy. We found that Russia integrates religious considerations into its diplomatic initiatives and employs Islam as a tool to advance its interests globally. Russian religious leaders, aligning with the country's rhetoric of patriotism, traditional values, and antagonism towards the West, play a crucial role in legitimizing domestic and foreign policy agendas and effectively complement state authorities involved in Russia’s foreign policy. While the impact of Islam on Russia's foreign policy is significant, its evolving potential remains subject to ongoing developments and challenges. The compatibility of religious imperatives with the complexities of multi-religiosity and political elites within the Russian Federation continues to be a topic of exploration.

The turning point: new foreign policy concept of Russia

The avalanche processes in the world have clearly confirmed the need for a holistic inventory, significant correction and, in many cases, a radical reassessment of the previous version of the 2016 Foreign Policy Concept of Russia. The dynamics of world politics is so rapid that many of them, no longer fit into the previous schemes. A fundamentally significant matrix in understanding and rethinking the doctrinal and practical-political experience of Russian diplomacy has become the approval by President V.V. Putin on March 31, 2023 of the new Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation (hereinafter: FPC-2023). FPC-2023 marks an unprecedented turning point in the conceptualization of attitudes of Russian diplomacy. A clearly defined continuity has been preserved with respect to the fundamental principles of Russia's foreign policy. FPC-2023 is a new geopolitical premises for the positioning of Russia in the global space and in its relations with the world. The basic system components of Russia's national-state interests have been elaborated in a comprehensive integrity and linkage. FPC-2023 is a convincing answer to those Western politicians who stubbornly consider Russia a semi-peripheral zone in the global space. From FPC-2023 it clearly follows that the strategically “unprofitable” search for a balance between the possible and the impossible has ended. It fully takes into account the negativism of the predominant part of the Western political establishment towards Russia, which has sharply increased in connection with the special military operation in Ukraine. The new Concept takes into account the destructive features of today's crisis geopolitics, but does not block constructive paths to a more optimistic future of international relations.

Methodology for assessing demographic well-being of the Northern regions of the resource type

In today’s macroeconomic and political conditions, demographic trends in the Russian Federation, which are characterized by population decline, it is necessary to identify positive directions and targets of demographic policy, which will raise the level of well-being of the population and improve its quality of life, and therefore, to expand accordingly the use of the concept of «demographic well-being» in monitoring and analysis. Demographic science does not yet use the concept of «well-being», although certain signs of its implementation from psychology and sociology are noted [1]. Demographic development of regions is an important aspect of the study, since it is directly related to the socio-economic state and prospects for further development of the Northern territories that will improve the demographic well-being and cope with the challenges facing modern society. At the state level, demographic processes are considered primarily in terms of national security by such domestic researchers as V.A. Iontsev, L.L. Rybakovsky, S.V. Soboleva, A. G. Vishnevsky and others. The purpose of the study is to present methodological tools for analyzing modern trends in the demographic development of the Northern regions based on complex indicators that allow assessing «demographic well-being» by qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the population. As a result of the work, a typology of Russian regions has been developed with the account of their demographic characteristics and differences. Groups of regions with similar trends and demographic characteristics are identified, that makes it possible to assess more accurately the level of demographic development and compare it by regions. The article is addressed to representatives of government authorities, researchers, teachers and students of higher and secondary specialized educational institutions who are interested in various aspects of the development and implementation of the state demographic policy in Russia.

Trends in population mobility in the constituent entities of the Central Federal District

Subject. This article discusses the problems of employment, migration policy of Russia and spatial development of the country. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the processes of displacement of the urban and rural population of the Orel Oblast and the Central Federal District, as well as rank the regions of the Central Federal District by level of economic development. Methods. For the study, we used a statistical analysis. Results. Based on the analysis of the absolute indicators of migration of the urban and rural population of the region, the article determines the factors of population decline in the Orel Oblast and the direction of people's movement. Conclusions. State migration policy should be aimed at reducing interregional migration. This goal can be achieved by reducing the differentiation of regions according to the level of socio-economic development.

Reproductive attitudes of childhood and birth control among young people

In the conditions of modern society, there is a transformation of reproductive cultural norms that determine the consciousness of the younger generation. The study of young’s reproductive attitudes is becoming especially relevant in the context of Russia's demographic policy aimed at expanded reproduction of the population and the preservation of traditional family values. The purpose of the article was to study the peculiarities of the reproductive attitudes of young people, first of all, the attitudes of childhood and birth control (through abortions and Childfree ideas). According to the results of a survey of 400 people aged 18-35 years, it is shown that the content of the reproductive attitudes of the younger generation is rather positive. Young people are focused, at least, on building a two-child family, under favorable conditions - a large one. The implementation of reproductive plans significantly depends on the situation in private life and the country, is flexible, involves the use of various methods of reproductive control, including abortion and unplanned birth. The attitude to Childfree's ideas in the minds of young people is largely neutral and clearly not differentiated. The authors conclude that young people reflect the trends existing in society and implement a compromise version of reproductive behavior: the attitudes of childhood correspond to the traditional value type, and the attitude to abortion and childfree ideas correspond to the hedonistic-feminist type.

Образовательная политика Российской Федерации постсоветского периода в отношении трудностей в обучении и равенства образовательных возможностей

<p>The article examines the educational policy of Russia of the post-Soviet period in relation to the problem of learning difficulties, disadvantaged students, equity in education. Changes in the relevance of tasks and the content of the proposed solutions are analyzed in legislation and strategic documents at different stages in the period from 1992 to 2022. The prospects of keeping the topic on the agenda of educational policy in the current conditions are discussed. <strong><em> </em></strong></p>

Anti-sanction and sanction economic policy of Russia in 2022–2025. Part 1: Analysis and forecast of managing sanctions against Russia

Objective: to study the packages of anti-Russian sanctions, to analyze measures to counteract sanctions, and to formalize the current and future sanctions policy of Great Britain, the USA, and the EU.Methods: the author uses such techniques of abstract-logical method as analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, analogy, formalization, and forecasting.Results: based on the analysis of scientific literature, as well as opinions of experts and officials, three main approaches to the assessment of Russia’s sanctions policy were identified: macroeconomic, sectoral and regional. The packages of anti-Russian sanctions and counter-sanctions by Russia in chronological order were assessed. The effectiveness of anti-Russian sanctions in terms of their impact on the Russian economy was assessed. Current trends in the sanctions policy of the UK, the US and the EU were revealed. The following questions were answered: who is the main objective of the sanctions (Russia or the EU); whether China will be drawn into the sanctions war; whether the official objectives of anti-Russian sanctions will be achieved; and whether the strengthening of sanctions will lead to a hot geopolitical conflict. The prerequisites and motives for the EU entry into the sanctions war were determined; the influence of the EU economic problems on the duration of the sanctions war was revealed. Scenarios for the development of the EU relations with Russia were constructed and the terms of the sanctions war unleashed by the United States were predicted.Scientific novelty: it was determined that the anti-Russian sanctions after their fifth package became in many respects demonstrative. The situational response of the Russian authorities to the sanctions was large-scale, corresponded to the current situation, was carried out thoughtfully and effectively. It was revealed that the focus of the UK and the US sanctions shifted to the EU, as well as the prerequisites of the EU-China conflict. It was found that if the sanctions policy intensity is maintained, the EU economy may significantly degrade in the next 10-15 years.Practical significance: the given data and conclusions may help in formalization and correction of sanctions and antisanctions economic policy of Russia.

The End of the Energy War in Europe

The article traces the development of the confrontation and economic war between European countries and Russia in the energy sector following the start of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The main actions taken by Russia are outlined, which created an energy deficit in the energy markets and posed a significant risk to the energy security of European countries. The specific steps taken to stabilize the energy supply system and counter Russian policies are mentioned. Important instruments in energy policy are presented, including the “REPowerEU” plan and the decisions of the “Price Cap Coalition”. The effects of imposed sanctions on the Russian financial and economic system are analyzed, highlighting the low capacity of the Russian economy to compensate for the created deficits and limited opportunities for organizing alternative energy supplies. In conclusion, the main mistakes in Russia's energy strategy and energy policy are defined, leading to Russia's sustainable exclusion from the energy markets of Europe.

Pension Provision for Muslim Clergy in Asian Part of Russian Empire (19th — Early 20th Century)

The issue of granting pension benefits to Muslim clergy and their families in the Russian Empire is considered, as well as the characteristics of state-confessional policy in Russia both in the historical past and at the present stage. The aim of this study was to identify similarities and differences in the pension provision of Orthodox and Muslim clergy. Attention is paid to the socio-cultural status and material situation of clerics in border regions and national autonomies of the Asian part of Russia. Previously unstudied materials from the archives of the Russian State Historical Archive, the Russian State Historical Archive of the Far East, and the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan are introduced into circulation. The novelty of the study lies in both the topic itself and the previously unexplored source base. Comparative, comparative-historical, and analytical research methods contributed to the realization of the research plan. The results obtained in the process of analyzing documents testify to a balanced approach and tolerant attitude towards clerics — representatives of “recognized” religions in the Russian Empire. The conclusion is formulated that the size of the pension depends on the length of service, but not on the religious affiliation of the clergy.

Russia’s “Turn to the East” Policy: Evolution and Assessment

Abstract Russia’s “Turn to the East” policy emerged after the 2014 Ukraine crisis, making pro-Eastern and anti-Western orientations integral and interconnected components of Russian foreign policy. This policy has gone through two developmental stages: from March 2014 to February 2022, Russia strengthened its political and economic cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries; from February 2022 to the present, Russia has turned comprehensively towards Asia, Africa and Latin America, with an emphasis on China. The implementation of Russia’s “Turn to the East” policy for nearly a decade has had limited effectiveness, mainly reflected in the economic aspect. While the East, in some specific sectors like trade, may be on par with the West, it still cannot replace the West in terms of investments and technology. Furthermore, the policy faces several challenges, including a significant gap between national strength and policy objectives, the need to improve certain internal and external conditions that hinder the development of Russian relations with Eastern countries, and the necessity to enhance Russia’s presence in Eastern nations. Despite its limited efficacy, Russia is likely to continue implementing its pivot to the East in the medium term due to factors such as the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia’s ongoing confrontation with the West, and Putin’s expected continuation in power beyond 2024.

The Russo-Ukrainian War: a Worldsystem Theoretical Approach

The article follows the perspective of the World-system and aims to reveal the factors determining Russian foreign policy. In response to the neo-realistic interpretation of Russia’s behaviour in the international system, based on the logic of maintaining the balance of powers, an alternative interpretation is formulated: Russia’s foreign policy is influenced by structural geo-economic factors – belonging to the ‘semi-peripheral’ geo-economic zone. It leads to socio-economic tensions and political instability within the state and forces the Russian regime to use various domestic and foreign policy instruments to mobilize the society. One such instrument is military aggression in foreign countries, including Ukraine.

Countering Extremist Ideology and Media Security of the State

National security in the media sphere is becoming a multifaceted task related to the implementation of Russia’s cultural sovereignty in the context of digital transformation. Strategic planning for the development of the national media space involves domestic political and diplomatic decisions of a conceptual nature that can ensure the unity of the international information space while countering threats: (1) propaganda of violent extremism, (2) popularization of destructive ideology, (3) reduction of cultural capital level of the party in power and opposition. Operational plans for ensuring media security quite often follow the logic of situational response to threats posed by enemies and implement protective measures in relation to the media space at the national level. In methodological terms, the media security of the state is characterized by systemic practices of ensuring information security (in formal legal analysis), and analysis of threats to cognitive and noospheric security (in the natural science study of communication processes). The research methodology involves the use of the method of participant observation inherent in noxology to classify threats emanating from the mass media. Among the main objectives of the article: analysis of modern Russian political and legal documents aimed at ensuring media security and countering extremism, characterizing the Russian policy of securitization of social problems in the media sphere, delimiting legal political struggle from criminal (extremist and destructive) practices of political communication. The objectives of the study include the analysis of foreign experience in ensuring national media security in the context of digitalization and the growing threat of violent extremism. The logic of competition in the digital cultural space practically excludes the use of secrecy, censorship and forcing the audience to watch propaganda in the process of ensuring media security. Public relations in the media sphere involves the choice of media content by the audience of the global information space, which means that the protection of national spiritual and moral values is implemented in the liberal paradigm and demands open dialogue between the party in power and the opposition on topical issues of national security.

Migration and soft power: the EU’s visa and refugee policy response to the war in Ukraine

ABSTRACT The article examines the European Union’s response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine in the field of migration, arguing that EU visa and refugee policies encompassed a distinctive foreign policy and soft power dimension. On one hand, by restricting visa policy for Russia, the EU signalled the delegitimization and isolation of the Kremlin. On the other hand, by adopting temporary protection for Ukrainians, it sent a clear message of support to Ukraine, while also portraying the EU as the defender of freedom and democracy. Through an analysis of EU documents released in the first month of the war, the article thus posits that both visa and refugee measures were employed as soft power tools, contributing to the juxtaposition of an aggressive and isolated Russia, against a responsible and united EU.

National Policy of Russia at Different Stages of State Development: Historical and Legal Aspect

National Policy of Russia at Different Stages of State Development: Historical and Legal Aspect

Kierunki akulturacji w warunkach modernizacji społeczeństwa Królestwa Polskiego pod presją rusyfikacyjną

Modernization is a very difficult concept to define objectively. Since the 19th century, it has been understood primarily as the development of industry and technology, which involves urbanization and improvement of the material conditions of life. This slogan took on a political meaning. It has undoubtedly become a permanent part of everyday culture as a positive feature of ongoing - and more often planned - changes. The article is an attempt to capture modernization in Russian policy in the Kingdom of Poland. The author concludes, firstly, that Russian policy was imperial in nature, secondly, that the society of the Kingdom perceived the empire as backward and, somewhat against the pressure of Russification, created its own paths of modernization, which undoubtedly showed the vitality and effectiveness of Polish culture, and ultimately thwarted Russian plans of denationalization.

Risk management system as a tool of Customs Protectionism in the context of changing Economic policy of Russia

Subject/topic. This article examines the development of the risk management system used in customs control by the customs authorities of Russia as an instrument of customs protectionism. Goals/tasks. The purpose of the study is to determine the importance of the risk management system in ensuring the protection of national economic interests in the context of changes in Russia's economic policy. The objectives of the work include: identifying the impact of the risk management system on the transparency of foreign trade operations and economic sustainability; establishing the adaptability of its application for the purposes of economic policy; identifying promising areas for its improvement. Methodology. The work uses general scientific methods (collection, analysis, synthesis) of information. To obtain intermediate conclusions, the method of structural-dynamic analysis, structural analysis, and analysis of the source base was applied. The conclusions obtained in the results are due to the use of logical research methods. Results. It has been established that customs risk management is carried out in accordance with international standards involving the reduction of administrative barriers in the implementation of foreign economic activity and ensuring trade security, as well as national standards in the field of risk management. The effectiveness and expediency of applying a modern risk management system in order to increase the transparency of foreign trade operations and the stability of the economy is proved. It is revealed that the risk management system is effectively used as a tool to protect Russian foreign trade participants under international restrictions. The expediency of modernizing the risk management system in terms of expanding and unifying its application within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as through the introduction of artificial intelligence methods into its algorithms, is argued. Conclusions/significance. The authors conclude that the risk management system is of significant importance as a tool of customs protectionism in the context of changes in Russia's economic policy. The results obtained on the adaptability of the risk management system to modern goals and objectives of economic policy can be taken into account when developing mechanisms for implementing state regulation of economic processes both in the aspect of domestic economy and in the aspect of international economic interaction.

Saving the population in the paradigm of state legal sovereignty: norms, deviations, challenges, solutions

The study examines the content of demographic policy, the impact of the state of the population on ensuring state and legal sovereignty, reveals the role of such factors as natural population growth, its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the country's ability to strengthen national cohesion and maintain independence in the conditions of aggravating interstate relations and the beginning of digitalization era. Russia's policy of reviving competitiveness and influencing the political world order relies not only on diplomatic, but also on other components of state sovereignty, which can be qualified as territorial, industrial, technological, legal, educational, cultural, informational, as well as other components, among which demographic sovereignty plays an important role. It is ensured by a strong social policy in the field of population conservation, its quantitative and qualitative condition, as well as responsible regulation of migration processes.

Diplomaticheskaya politika Rossii v otnoshenii Turcii v 2014–2023 gg.

The article analyzes the current aspects of Russia's diplomatic policy towards Turkey, considered in the historical context of the development of the interaction between the two states in 2014-2023. The content of the article reveals both positive factors of the development of foreign policy cooperation and negative circumstances complicating the building of Russia's diplomatic course towards Turkey.

The Idea of a Social State as a Basis for the Legal Regulation of the Social Sphere in the Russian Federation

The object of the study in this article is the idea of a social state and the potential in it from the perspective of legal regulation of the social sphere in Russia. The aim of the study is to identify the directions of implementation of the idea of a social State in the framework of the social policy of Russia and to develop theoretical and practical recommendations. To achieve the goal, the article studies: the essence of the idea of a social state, including the relationship between the concepts of «social state» and «constitutional state »; stages of formation and development of the social state; social rights and freedoms of the person and the citizen as a component of the system of constitutional values; evaluation concepts « decent life», « free human development ». The methodology of the study is based on a system, complex and specific historical approaches, includes a set of general scientific and private scientific methods of research, including analysis, synthesis, logical, system-structural, formal-legal, historical-legal, etc. The following main results were obtained: the main approaches to the interpretation of the concept of «social state» were systematized, which allowed to clarify its essence and reveal the relationship with the concept of «constitutional state»; the stages of formation and development of the social state in relation to the peculiarities of fixing this concept in the legislation have been analyzed; the approaches to determine the place of social rights and freedoms of man and citizen in the hierarchy of constitutional values were systematized; formal criteria for the definition of the concept of «decent life» and the author’s interpretation of the concept of «free human development» have been proposed. The findings and results obtained can be used in further legal studies, as well as in public authorities.

Substantiation of industry priorities for import substitution of technologies and products (the polymer industry case)

Subject. The article considers the results and prospects for implementation of import substitution policy in the polymer industry. Objectives. The purpose is to develop conceptual provisions for implementation of import substitution policy in the polymer industry, based on the process periodization and imported product evaluation. Methods. The first stage of the study rests on methods of content analysis and periodization to feature the characteristics and form a vision of main stages of the import substitution policy implementation in Russia. The second stage is associated with adaptation and application of methods of ABC/XYZ analysis and calculation of apparent consumption to study the product lines of polymer imports based on indicators characterizing the structure and dynamics of polymer imports. Results. The paper highlights factors determining the effectiveness of import substitution policy implementation in Russia’s polymer industry in modern conditions. It presents the main stages of the policy implementation, including the vision of future stages in terms of development of competitiveness of domestic technologies and products at the global level. We investigated product lines of polymer imports, defined priority segments, identified criteria and key actions for effective implementation of import substitution policy in Russia. Conclusions. The formulated conceptual provisions may become a guideline in elaboration of strategic and program documents for the chemical industry development, serve as additional justification for investment decisions and government support allocation.