Russian Policy Research Articles

Migration agenda of the Kaliningrad region in the context of socio-economic development of Russia

Relevance. The socio-economic context of the importance of migration policy is represented by a wide range of areas. First of all, the intensity of migration processes significantly correlates with the state of the labor market, influencing the balance of supply and demand. The relevance of the research topic is due to the importance of migration policy, both for the socio-economic development of the state and for ensuring national security in the strategic management horizon. The importance of building an effective migration policy has a significant level of importance for modern Russia. Taking into account the author’s position, the geopolitical situation and the retrospective history of international communications make Russia the center of gravity of migration flows, which requires the establishment of high-quality control not only over their intensity, but also over their structural content.The purpose is to determine the most effective tools for improving migration policy, taking into account territorial specifics.Objectives: to clarify the theoretical and methodological aspects of the implementation of state migration policy in Russia; reveal the features, analytical indicators and organizational mechanisms for implementing migration policy in Russia, taking into account the territorial specifics of the Kaliningrad region.Methodology. The methodological “portfolio” of the study is built on the basis of the provisions of socioeconomic theories of migration process management using quantitative methods of data collection and analysis.Results. A targeted analysis was carried out, as a result of which effective tools were identified for improving migration policy in the Kaliningrad region based on the adaptation of the universal migration project in the Kaliningrad city management system, creating the prerequisites for increasing its effectiveness and achieving target indicators.Conclusion. Improving migration policy is an objective necessity in order to solve a number of socio-economic problems and minimize risks to national security.

Анализ динамики численности постоянного населения России: вызовы и перспективы

The article analyzes the dynamics of the permanent population of Russia in the period from 2018 to 2024 based on data from the Federal State Statistics Service. The main demographic challenges, such as population decline, increased emigration and population aging, as well as their impact on the economy and social sphere of the country are considered. The study pays attention to regional differences in the demographic situation, as well as factors influencing the population decline. Particular attention is paid to government support measures aimed at stabilizing the demographic situation, including measures to stimulate the birth rate, reduce emigration and support the labor market. Based on the analysis of statistical data, key trends in Russia's demographic policy are identified, recommendations are proposed to reduce the negative consequences of the demographic decline and improve the socio-economic situation in the country. The work emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to solving demographic problems and the need to take long-term measures to ensure the sustainable development of the country.

Перспективы развития рынка мяса и мясной продукции России в условиях новых вызовов

Abstract. Topicality of adjusting the targets of agri-food policy and food security policy in Russia is determined by changes in both external and internal conditions for agri-food complex functioning. Macroeconomic forecasts create the basis for revising and adapting the directions of development of the main sectors of the agri-food complex. The purpose of this study is to develop alternative forecasts for the production and consumption of main types of meat and meat products in Russia to substantiate strategies for domestic market development. Methods. General scientific methods of cognition were used, such as dialectics, analysis and synthesis, and monographic methods. Forecast calculations were carried out using economic and mathematical methods. The scientific novelty of the study is as follows: the development of a methodological approach to substantiate the prospects for the development of meat and meat products production considering the balance of the meat products market and the consistency of conflicting targets in the field of import substitution, physical and economic accessibility of food for the country's population. The methodological recommendations developed during the study can serve as the scientific basis for midterm development programs of individual segments of the Russian food market. Results. It was revealed that in the short term, new challenges related to economic sanctions and COVID-19 had minor impact on the meat and meat products market. Limiting barriers to development are systemic economic problems: demographic situation and low real income. Alternative forecasts for development of markets for the main types of meat were developed.

The Transformation of NATO-Russia Relations under the Context of NATO Expansion: From Post-Cold War to the 2014 Crimea Crisis

This paper will examine the transformation of NATO-Russia relations from the post-Cold War stage to the 2014 Crimea crisis. It will specify how NATO's several eastward expansions contributed to the shift of Russia's foreign policy and their bilateral relationship. The analysis will begin with the optimism the Russian side held after the Cold War and the establishment of bilateral cooperation acts such as the Basic Act and the Partnership for Peace. The paper will also analyze the color revolutions that occurred in Ukraine and Georgia, as well as the subsequent 2008 Russo-Georgian War, to examine how Russia's foreign policy has shifted during the 2000s. The paper will then shed light on the Ukrainian crisis in 2014, which ultimately ended the cooperation between Russia and NATO. Through case studies, this paper will examine the shift of Russias foreign policy in the context of NATO's eastward expansion, which has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe in the past decades.

Prime Minister Abe Shinzō’s Russian Policy

Prime Minister Abe Shinzō’s Russian Policy

The Image of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the Russian Press During the Sanction Pressure on the Country, 1992–1995

Many studies have recently focused on the tragic events in the Balkans from 1991 to 1995. The Yugoslav crisis researchers examined various aspects of the crisis, including its causes, stages, and consequences, as well as Russia’s Yugoslav policy at the time. Nevertheless, neither domestic nor foreign authors have provided in-depth coverage of the Yugoslav crisis in the Russian press. The issue of the “image of the other”, particularly in crisis situations, has taken on a wide range of, often asymmetrical, configurations, and it is becoming increasingly relevant for preserving humanity’s long-term development. Examining it can help one gain a better understanding of the media’s role as the most important communicator in interethnic dialogue. In this paper, we will examine articles from four Russian newspapers with opposing political views, namely “Pravda”, “Rossiyskaya Gazeta”, “Nezavisimaya Gazeta”, and “Izvestia” on international sanctions imposed on Yugoslavia at the time, and the country’s situation between 1992 and 1995. We will examine its perspectives on the sanctions, its causes, and consequences. Journalists from four Russian newspapers reported on events in the Balkans in the first half of the 1990s, analyzed the consequences of international sanctions and took into account important factors of the Yugoslav crisis such as the role of the Western countries in the conflict, Slobodan Milošević's political ambitions, and etc. Some journalists have taken an openly pro-Serbian stance, criticizing not only the US and Western European policies towards Belgrade, but also the “inactivity” of the Russian diplomacy, although the majority of them have showed restraint in their assessments of the Balkans situation. They portrayed Yugoslavia as an isolated country by informing their readers about the reasons for imposing sanctions, its nature, and Western policy toward it.

Особенности налогообложения разработки минерально-сырьевых ресурсов: мировой и отечественный опыты

Building a balanced system for obtaining a fair share of resource rents is one of the central objectives for the governments in the countries, rich in mineral resources. The special attention is paid to the high-margin projects on extraction of the hydrocarbon raw materials. Thus, the state share in the exploitation of its natural resources includes a variety of components, type and scope of which are determined by the specific conditions of a mining project. The article reviews the main tax instruments used in development of the mineral deposits, also considers the main trends in development of the international tax systems and their reflection in the Russian practice. It is shown that the main directions of the fiscal policy include simplification and striving for simplicity of administration, transparency in contracts between investors and governments, focus on transfer price issues, transition from gross royalties to taxation of economic results. Peculiarities of the budget policy in Russia determine development of agreements between the governments of the mining regions and mining companies aimed at the infrastructure and social facilities development, as a form of indirect natural rents for the development of the territories and local communities.

Russian-Vietnamese Partnership in Progress: on the Occasion of 30th Anniversary of the Treaty on the Foundations of Friendly Relations

The review of a series of scientific and practical events held in April-June 2024 and dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the foundations of friendly relations between Russia and Vietnam assesses the evolution, current state, problems and prospects of these relations, the impact of international events on them, and the active foreign policy of Hanoi and Moscow. In particular, the author highlights main reports of experts on Vietnam at the plenary conference of the Moscow Academic Economic Forum on the topic “Intensification of economic ties between Russia and the countries of Asia and Africa”, the ninth Vietnam Day at MGIMO of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the round table “Russia-Vietnam” in IOS RAS, the international conference “Mekong: problems of the region and possible solutions” in ICCA RAS. Vietnam's participation in the multilateral formats of Russian foreign policy was also briefly reviewed, and it was recognized as extremely restrained. Vietnam's participation in the multilateral formats of Russian foreign policy was briefly reviewed too, and it was recognized as extremely restrained. According to experts, the results of cooperation between the two countries lag far behind their official format and actual potential.

Prospects of cotton growing in the Caspian provinces of Iran in the assessments of officials of the Russian Empire on the eve and during the First World War

The article is devoted to the assessment of the prospects for the development of cotton growing in the Astarabad and Mazanderan provinces of Qajar Iran by the statesmen of the Russian Empire on the eve and during the First World War. The pre-war years were characterized by the intensification of Russian policy in the region. Among other things, with the active participation of the consulate in Astarabad, the formation of large Russian land ownership in the Caspian provinces and the development of peasant resettlement in the region is taking place. Cotton was considered as one of the main promising crops for breeding in the established farms, while it was the most interesting from the point of view of solving Russia’s strategic tasks to ensure the country’s resource independence. This problem is one of the little-studied in the existing historiography. On the basis of archival and published sources, the views of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Resettlement Department on the problem of cotton growing are investigated. It is shown that due to the favorable climatic conditions of the region and its natural resources, the prospects for cotton cultivation for the Russian market looked promising. The connection in the ideas of the officials of the Resettlement Department of the success of cotton growing with the development of Russian peasant resettlement, the influence of the ideas of the "civilizing mission" of Russia on their considerations is also noted.

Development of Approaches to the Implementation of Regional Policy in Russia

Development of Approaches to the Implementation of Regional Policy in Russia

Arctic Cooperation between Russia and India in the Wake of Climate Change

Global climate change has placed the region at the centre of geopolitics, as melting Arctic sea ice transforms it from a predominantly scientific interest to a contest of national security claims, commercial interests and environmental concerns, with profound implications for both the international legal and political systems. The Arctic environment is an area of common concern requiring collective behaviour by all, including Russia and India.Aim. Examine environmental issues in the Arctic policies of Russia and India, and find common ground in Arctic cooperation on climate change.Tasks. Identify existing problems and propose recommendations to address them.Methods. To solve the problems set in the study, the author uses such methods as statistical analysis, method of document analysis, discourse analysis of speeches of political leaders of Russia and India. Results. The issues of the climate agenda of Russia and India are considered. Unlike Russia, the Indian side has problems in implementing its state policy on climate change. Sharing experience in effective financing of environmental programmes, disaster risk management and information exchange are areas of potential cooperation in the context of climate change. Despite the geopolitical changes taking place around the world, Russia-India cooperation has not been interrupted, but has remained at the same level and has great potential.Conclusions. Ensuring the environmental security of Russia and India is an integral part of the policies of the two states. As the data presented in this paper show, the states have similar interests in developing measures to prevent climate change deterioration in the Arctic region.

Prospects of cultural interaction between Russia and China in the field of higher education in the XXI century

The article examines the main problems of current Russian-Chinese relations in the field of cultural exchanges and higher education in Russia and China. The goal of the research is to identify the historical origins of the formation of cooperation between the two countries in the field of higher education, the possibilities of developing the system of intercultural communications in the education sector of Russia and China in modern conditions. The research methodology includes an analysis of cultural, historical, regional and social components. The main directions of merging the cultural areas of these countries have been compared. The cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China at the present stage and the prospects for its development in the field of education have been studied in detail. Close attention is aimed at improving the educational process and the development of intercultural relations. This cooperation has been considered on the example of several universities in Russia and China. The experience of organizing partnerships between universities has been studied through the prism of modern Russian educational practice. Further development prospects have been highlighted, taking into account their needs. As a result of the research, the author has concluded that, despite the constant changes in the modern geopolitical situation in the world, the relations between the countries remain stably diplomatic. It has been noted that the main priority of the Russian foreign policy towards China is the development of diplomacy and mutual communication between the two bordering states; options for solving the tasks set, linking them with Russia's change in its foreign policy course and directing it towards cooperation with China, the leader of East Asian countries have been proposed. These conclusions determine the desire of modern society to achieve mutual understanding in the field of intercultural communications between Russia and China.

Russia’s war on Ukraine: unbottled emotions and the conditioning of the EU’s Russia policy

ABSTRACT This article explores those emotions conditioning the EU’s response to Russia’s 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We argue that the invasion resulted in an unbottling of some member states’ previously pent-up emotions, impacting the range of policy responses available to the EU in its Russia relations. We examine this unbottling to understand what this means for EU foreign policy, generally, and the EU’s Russia policy. We focus on anger and fear as identifiable emotions in the EU response to Russia’s norm violations in Ukraine; and on sympathy and solidarity as corresponding emotions directed towards Ukraine. Exploration of Eurobarometer surveys and European Parliamentary debates in the 2022–2024 period allows us to identify different intensity of feelings towards Russia, resulting from unequal exposure to Russia’s past and present aggression. Managing these competing emotions offers a complex challenge for the EU when decisions are made regarding its potential constitutional and institutional transformation.

Russia’s Arctic icebreaking capability: an assessment

ABSTRACT This paper explores the Russian icebreaker fleet capabilities, problems, and perspectives. It also analyses Russian civilian and military icebreakers, and their dual-use capabilities. The paper responds to a question grounded in Russia's Arctic policy: How critical is icebreaking capability to Russia’s Arctic strategy? Based on the findings, the paper concludes that the influences of climate change and Russia’s foreign and external security policy affect the development of its icebreaker fleet in the Arctic. In this respect, temperatures of the ice melting in the Arctic and delays in building new icebreakers, because of access to the technology caused by the sanctions, are stressed. On the other hand, Russia’s confrontation with the West following the invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions over it, increases the allocation of government finance to support local shipbuilding companies. Moreover, the paper argues that Russia’s economic difficulties and shipbuilding delays should enhance the dual-use capabilities of the Russian icebreakers in the coming years.

FAMILY POLICY OF A MODERN MEGAPOLIS ON THE EXAMPLE OF MOSCOW

Family policy in Russia is of particular importance, given the demographic situation, existing challenges and the needs of families. The presidential initiative “Year of the Family” and strengthening the state’s attention to family and children make it relevant to study and analyze social policies aimed at supporting and developing the institution of the family. The scientific article examines the family policy of the Russian Federation with an emphasis on the city of Moscow, analyzes the significance of the family policy of the Russian Federation with a focus on the demographic situation and measures to support families in the metropolis. The article provides an analysis of social policy and support measures based on research data, statistical indicators and expert assessments. To identify successful programs and support measures, a comparative analysis of federal and regional initiatives is carried out, focusing on the social support infrastructure in Moscow. Results obtained: the study presents an analysis of successful social support programs for families in Moscow, describes effective measures that ensure well-being and comprehensive support for various categories of city residents, especially families with children. The results of the analysis show that the city provides comprehensive and targeted support to various categories of families, from large families to families with children with special needs, and also actively promotes the employment and education of women with children, which demonstrates an integrated approach to creating a favorable environment for the development of families and society as a whole.

SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN RUSSIA IN THE 1990S: PROBLEMS AND PERIODIZATION OF THE FORMATION OF SOCIAL POLICY

The article analyzes the problems and periodization of the formation of social policy in Russia in the 1990s. After the collapse of the USSR, the abandonment of the socialist path of development and a sharp turn towards the capitalist path, expressed in radical market reforms, the Russian state, which began to copy and transfer the experience of developed Western countries to Russian realities, faced a dual task - to form an economic policy based on market principles and, again based on the experience of Western countries, a new social policy. Western states are not unanimous on social issues, but social policies are formed and implemented by all. There are three basic models of it, in which the participation of the state in the implementation of social tasks is outlined in different ways. However, the Russian authorities are faced not so much with the problem of choosing an appropriate model, but with the problem of adapting the state’s social obligations to the consequences of market transformations. The term “transformational model of social policy” even appeared in the scientific literature, indicating a state of transition, but it was not possible to unambiguously describe this term, since approaches to social transformation in different countries did not repeat each other. Moreover, the practice of transition to a market in Russia and other countries with a socialist background has shown different reactions to universal market laws and mechanisms. The Russian scenario turned out to be painful for the economy and social sphere. It was established that the social sphere was transformed in three stages, but none of them had a systematic and complete form. On this basis, we concluded that in Russia in the 1990s, social transformation laid some of the foundations for social policy. But it did not lead to the formation of social policy itself, which is incorrect to interpret as a certain sum of social measures, because any policy, including social policy, is usually understood as a mechanism developed by the state for regulating social relations, aimed at their harmonization.

Russia's Abduction of Children in Ukraine War and Applicability of UN Genocide Convention

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children falls under the provisions of genocide under international law and to suggest the political implications of Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children. Through this paper, it was pointed out that Russia's policy to annihilate Ukraine's identity in occupied areas before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, that is, after Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014, has been continuously implemented, and has been rationalized domestically through the Russian media. The policy of kidnapping Ukrainian children to erase their memories of their homeland and change their mother language to Russia is not just a cultural assimilation policy, but a international crime that is equivalent to “genocide” that forcibly transforms the ethnic character of a group. Today, there is little disagreement on the fact that the prohibition of serious, continuous and systematic human rights violations by the state and the prohibition of genocide have developed into norms under common international law. However, it can be said to be exceptional in that there is no precedent for an international court trial on child abduction after World War II, and there has been no opportunity to recognize its seriousness. Nevertheless, the international community should realize the seriousness of the crime of child abduction in the wake of the Ukraine war and not neglect to hold the kidnappers accountable.

Analyzing the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict: Geopolitical Insecurities of Russia and Their Consequences in Eurasia

This research delves into the geographical and historical factors underpinning the Russia-Ukraine war, exploring Russia's expansive strategies and the role of geography in its foreign policy. It highlights the conflict's extensive implications across the Eurasian region, manifesting in crises like global food and energy shortages, and shifting geopolitical alliances. By examining Russia's defensive maneuvers against Western influences, the study offers insights into the complex dynamics of regional security, the motivations behind Russia's foreign policies, and the broader impacts of the war on global stability. Recommendations focus on diplomatic resolutions to mitigate the conflict's repercussions.

International Relations in the Conditions of Historical, Political and Religious Transformations in the Qajar State

The presented article examines the religious factor in the domestic policy of Catherine II and the Babid uprising in the socio-political life of the Qajar State. The influence of Russian foreign policy on the South Caucasus is explored; relations between Russia and the Azerbaijani khanates; foreign policy and diplomacy of Agha Mohammed Qajar and the Qajar princes. The historical, political and religious processes in the Qajar State from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries are analyzed, echoing the modern situation in Iran, both in domestic and foreign policy. An objective study of these problems by an Azerbaijani scientist is a kind of contribution to the scientific thought of the Middle East. The history of the Qajar State in the context of the political interests of the state, interpreted with a religious factor, lifts the veil from the former theological experience of suppression of secular power by religious, which the Qajars had to reckon with in the late Middle Ages. The paradox is that this factor is present in modern Iran, which is why internal unrest occurs, which affects foreign policy relations with secular Azerbaijan, professing Shiism and other cultural countries. More recently, a series of events in the issue of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict and Iran’s support for Armenia sowed the seeds of hostility between Azerbaijan and Iran. But conceptual logic dictated an orientation towards peace and cooperation, the key factors of which were the strengthening of vector logical and economic ties under the North-South project along the western coast of the Caspian Sea and the launch of the Rasht-Astara railway line.

Review of the Book by V.M.Zubok “Collapse. The Fall of the Soviet Union”.

The article considers the monograph by professor of the London School of Economics and Political Sciences V.M. Zubok “Collapse. The Fall of the Soviet Union” published in Russia in 2023. Considering that in recent years the number of works devoted to this issue has noticeably decreased, the appearance of such a thorough study is an important scientific event. The purpose of this article is to determine the author’s contribution to uncovering the problem of the USSR collapse. This monograph is considered in the general context of modern scientific issues devoted to the collapse of the USSR. The expert assessment is based on the following criteria: scientific objectivity, the nature of the sources and literature used, the structure of presentation and the general intent of the work. Based on the analysis of the V.M. Zubok’s monograph, it can be concluded that this work represents a fundamental historical and political science study. The author uses a huge number of diverse (and in many ways unique) sources, while focusing on personal materials (memoirs, interviews). This approach helps to understand the subjective (hidden) mechanisms of making certain fateful decisions. The undoubted advantages of the study include a comprehensive consideration of the economic, political, and national processes that took place in the late USSR, considering the foreign policy factor that influenced the fate of the Soviet Union. The main reason for the fall of the Soviet Union according to V.M. Zubok are reforms that were extremely unsuccessful and not suitable for the Soviet state, given the uniqueness and specificity of the country. In addition to the mistakes of the top leadership, the author places great responsibility for the fall of the USSR on the “Western partners” of Gorbachev (primarily the USA). The George W. Bush administration could, if it wanted, save the USSR by providing large-scale financial and economic assistance. However, as the author proves, the United States did not intend to do this, patiently watching the collapse of its strategic enemy. Therefore, Zubok’s study helps to better understand the meaning of modern Russian policy aimed at not repeating the mistakes of perestroika.