Position Of Russia Research Articles

Перспективы роста экспорта российского зерна

The article reveals the problems of grain trade — the main product of Russian agricultural exports, studies the dynamics of grain supplies, in particular wheat, to the world market, identifies threats to the development of external and internal grain markets, proposes measures to eliminate them, the implementation of which will contribute to the further strengthening of Russia's position on the world grain market.

Medium-term forecast of the dynamics of life attitudes of Russians

The article presents a method for forecasting trends in changes in mass consciousness in terms of life attitudes, i.e. those values according to which people try to build their lives. Modern applied sociology successfully uses the forecast of electoral and consumer behaviour of citizens. The time lag of forecast reliability: for electoral behaviour - 4-5 weeks, for consumer behaviour - up to a year. Forecasting for 10-20 years is practiced mainly in demography. It is more difficult to forecast changes in mass consciousness based on value attitudes of citizens. If we assume that the development of the state is evolutionary, then the combination of heuristic and mathematical methods allows us to forecast trends in the attitudes of the population aged 40 and older, as basic for the economic and political functioning of the state. In methodological terms, the article proposes a procedure for forecasting trends only, without claiming high accuracy of numerical indicators, with mandatory consideration of weak variability of basic numerical indicators measured as of 2024. To forecast trends, there were used data from an all-Russian representative sociological study, accumulated in integral indices, as well as in verbal constructs using factor analysis. The combination of these methods allowed to make a generally stable 20-year forecast of trends in changes in the life attitudes of Russians. As a tool for a detailed forecast indices as integrated indicators of the intensity and direction of a trend were used, and for a generalised forecast - verbal constructs formed on the basis of factor analysis. The choice of the subject of the forecast is based on the hypothesis that the "catalyst" of life attitudes are three components of life activity: the life trajectory chosen by the individual, including the preferred types of life activity; the identification of the individual with reference groups as a contact environment, a mechanism of value communication and self-realisation; the choice of forms of social behaviour by the individual based on the basic moral principles of people's life activity. These three aspects of the population's life activity are not only socially (phylogenetically), but also to a large extent biologically (ontogenetically) determined, therefore they are highly stable, that allows us to talk about the stability of the medium-term forecast of trends in the interval of up to 20 years. Thus, the article proposes the tested in an applied sociological study combined method of medium-term forecast of social groups' attitudes in a situation where repeated studies are not conducted to build a dynamic series of empirical indicators. The forecast presented in the article operates with indicators that are important for consideration in the practice of medium-term planning of the state’s social policy.

Специфика добровольческой деятельности в условиях современной России

The article presents the features of the formation of modern Russian volunteer activity, which in the last decade has become a large-scale systemic social phenomenon in the history of our country. The active life position of Russians is realized in the desire to be useful to society through real participation in specific projects of the vol-unteer movement. The approaches, reasons and potential for the development and functioning of volunteer movements are considered. It is noted that in the formation of volunteering as a social system there is, on the one hand, reliance on traditional experience, on the other hand – the desire to use the potential of modern technology and management functioning. The demand for the volunteer movement is beyond doubt, however, in the modern situation, its organization and functionality require the participation of government agencies in order to structure, finance and provide a legal basis for many activities carried out by volunteers. Various areas in which there is a greater need for volunteer support are being considered, ranging from helping the elderly to providing all kinds of support in situations of natural disasters, such as fires or floods. Modern Russian volun-teering is based on mutual assistance, spirituality and a sense of collectivism that has been inherent in our people since ancient times.

THE WESTERN ARMENIAN PERIODICAL PRESS ABOUT THE 1846 POLISH LIBERATION STRUGGLE

In the 1840s, the Polish patriotic and secret societies began preparing for another struggle for independence and freedom. In 1846 in Krakow the Polish revolted and which drew the attention of the Armenian press. The Polish national liberation struggle did not escape the attention of the Armenian periodicals of the time. The newspapers ‘The Arshaluys Araratyan" and "Azgaser"newspapers of the Western Armenian national-conservative current directly referred to it. Based on the news received from the European press, these periodicals covered the struggle of the Polish from their ideological point of view. Current ideologues and periodicals advocated maintaining the existing political balance in Europe and did not encourage any revolt against the authorities. The Smyrn-Armenian newspaper ‗‘The Arshaluys Araratyan‘‘, while speaking about the Krakov rebellion in 1846, stated that they didn‘t encourage the struggle of the Polish, for the Austrian authorities didn‘t violate them. According to the newspaper the reason of it was non-consolidation of the Polish and never violation and pressure of the Austrian and Prussian authorities. The Indian-Armenian newspaper ―Azgaser‘‘ displayed its pro- Russian position on the Polish rebellion. According to the newspaper, not only the rebellion took place in 1830 but also the Krakov rebellion in 1846, caused a fair vengeance of the Russian Tsar. The Western Armenian periodicals understood that the Polish had rebelled to overthrow the foreign rule, but they did not praise their struggle

England and Russia: The Beginnings of the Struggle for the Pacific Colonies, 1700–1750

The article is about the development of the struggle between Russia and England for colonies in the North Pacific Ocean. The purpose of our research is to show the relationship between events in the North Pacific Ocean and the general course of colonization of new territories. The interest of Peter the Great in England is considered. The article identifies factors that contributed to the development of the American northwest, including the level of geographical knowledge in both countries about the borders of America and Asia. It is shown that their study became a complex and multifaceted process in which English and Russian navigators took part, and it was controlled by the state authorities of both countries. The importance of the initiative of private commercial companies in the development of territories is emphasized. It is noted that Great Britain initially pursued a cautious policy, which gave way to an active phase at the end of the 18th century. If Great Britain’s interest was primarily associated with the search for a northern route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, then Russia’s advance to the north-west of America was due to economic and political reasons. The article looks at the changes in the attitude of Russia as well as England in relation to the territories under consideration throughout the period under study. It is concluded that the peculiarities of sailing in the waters of the Pacific Ocean made a collision on the high seas less likely than in coastal waters and on land, where Russian fur hunters were subsequently opposed by representatives of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The article is written on the basis of an interdisciplinary approach, using archival sources. The results we obtained can be used in the theoretical and practical parts of interaction with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as England.

АНАЛИЗ УЧАСТИЯ РОССИЙСКОГО ОБОРОННО-ПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА НА МИРОВОМ РЫНКЕ ВООРУ-ЖЕНИЯ И ВОЕННОЙ ТЕХНИКИ

The article explores and outlines the participation of the Russian military-industrial complex (DIC) in expanding the range of foreign trade activities and developing the economy of the Russian Federation by producing and releasing for these purposes various types of modern, in-demand and competitive military, civil and dual products on the world and domestic commodity markets. appointments. A definition of the global market for military products (MP) is given, its geography, characteristics, trends and operating features, the implementation of international legal regulation, the value of annual trade turnover, the presence of official and illegal schemes for the sale of weapons and military equipment, and the reasons for the emergence of the latter are revealed. The geography and indicators of the participation of the Russian Federation in this market for the period 2015–2022 are given, its rating among the states that are the main exporters of weapons and military equipment, as well as comparison with the USA and EU countries - the main exporters to the world market of weapons, military equipment and others types of military products, the ratio of their exports to military expenditures and to the gross domestic product. The authors present a correlation regression analysis of the main factors influencing Russia's posi-tion in the world market for weapons, military equipment and other types of military products, including an analysis of the Russian share in global arms exports, as well as an analysis of the share of arms and military equipment exports in Russia's total ex-ports. The conclusions summarize the results of the study, indicating the real, signifi-cant contribution of the Russian defense industry to the development of foreign trade activities and the country's economy in the context of sanctions restrictions and in-creasing global risks.

Social processes in Modern Georgia: Is There any Potential for the Development of Russian-Georgian Cooperation?

The authors of the article, participants in the discussion “Georgia’s Communication Regime: Development Trends,” presented their views on social processes in modern Georgia. It is substantiated that the spiritual ties between Georgians and Russians are based on Orthodoxy and the mutual assistance that Russians and Georgians have provided to each other for centuries. The historical and cultural origins of Russian-Georgian relations are examined. The common historical past contributed to the interpenetration of cultures and traditions. However, under the influence of Western ideologies, a large part of modern Georgian youth has formed a different worldview. The authors of the article propose how to overcome the ideological gap through the implementation of cultural projects. Promising areas of cooperation between Russia and Georgia are considered in the absence of diplomatic relations and the anti-Russian position of the Georgian authorities. Youth communications and cooperation in the economy (primarily in agriculture) are also promising. The following risks of cooperation are considered: the unresolved issue of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, fluctuations of the political elites of Georgia, the chaotic nature of the Georgian economy, the role of anti-Russian position of Russians in Georgia, insufficient work with Georgian society on the Russian side and the need to activate the potential of the Georgian diaspora in Russia.The article was prepared based on the materials of the international round table “Georgia’s Communication Regime: Development Trends” (conducted by the National Research Institute for the Communications Development in December 2023).

Syria's turnover of Russian arms exports

Subject. This article discusses the issues of Russia's policy in the Middle East and support for the country's military-industrial complex. Objectives. The article aims to identify the factors influencing the consolidation of Russia's position in the world arms market. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of comparative, structural, and statistical analyses. Results. The article finds that the export of Russian-made weapons has increased since the start of the military operation in Syria. Of all the types of equipment, military aircraft are in the greatest demand abroad. Conclusions. Russia's participation in the civil war in Syria on the side of the central government has contributed to the consolidation of our country's position in the global arms market.

Russia's Attitude towards the Taiwan Crises since Putin Came to Power

Abstract: Amid the growing rivalry between the United States and China, Russia has positioned itself as a pivot in the triangular relationship with the two superpowers to turn its weakness into strength. This article uses the Taiwan issue to examine the triangular dynamics and Russian President Vladimir Putin's attitude towards the most sensitive issues in Sino–American relations. Findings have revealed that Moscow exhibited half-hearted responses to nine major incidents that caused severe tensions in cross-strait relations over the past two decades. Therefore, the authors argue that Russia's attitude is one main cause of the non-emergence of a "romantic triangle" of the three powers.

Public trust to institutions as a resource of interethnic consolidation in the regional community

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of trust in terms of the resource to achieve interethnic consolidation in the Russian regional community. The article indicates that trust allows developing a communication mechanism and defining how effectively social relations are built. Besides, the author uses traditional sociological research methods: structuralist and institutional approaches, social capital theory. Trust is one of the socio-psychological foundations of social harmony that determines the dynamics of basic social processes development, the integrity of society, its ability to overcome the arising difficulties. With the help of the array of secondary data analysis presented on the websites of domestic sociological centres, it is shown how in the Russian society the importance of national consolidation is clearly increasing. It is based on the increased trust at all levels of relationships: interpersonal, intergroup, institutional, and regional. This is due to the fact that Russia is one of the most multinational states in the world. If citizens do not share certain common goals and objectives, then this, as a rule, will negatively affect the interethnic consolidation of the regional or entire community of the country most. Undoubtedly, the phenomenon of trust is especially important in the transforming society. It exists in the multiethical environment of citizens and, first of all, directly at the regional level of the institutions, functioning in Russia. Trust is an indicator of values similarity and values systems of the Russian population. Today there are many examples of the decrease of trust to certain institutions, however, the approval rating regarding the activities of the President, the Government of the country, the Russian army is increasing. Thus, a positive attitude of Russians towards the political system and power structures is recorded. The same trends have begun to be noted more often in the field of interethnic consolidation and in relation to the institutions of the regional community.

“Pridnestrovie for Peace”: Accounting for Transnistrian Divergence from the Russian Position vis-à-vis the Russo-Ukrainian War

Despite historical and ongoing reliance on Russia and an enduring pro-Russian stance, the official narrative of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria) regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has been surprisingly neutral. This article seeks to establish a typology of the various reasons for this divergence, looking at geographical, demographic, socio-cultural, historical, economic and military factors, as well as the extenuating influence of the preexisting conflict with Moldova. These factors combine to incline the Transnistrian population and leadership toward peace and thus demotivate an overtly negative media treatment of Ukraine in the context of the War. Given limited scholarship on the topic and the opacity of Transnistrian governance, video reports from the state-affiliated channel TSV are employed as primary sources to evidence and exemplify the various factors determining the Transnistrian position on the Russo-Ukrainian War. The article concludes by challenging the view of Transnistria as a passive Russian puppet, and proposes that the region’s unusual status and location, while limiting, also lend it a certain flexibility in its media narratives and foreign policy.

New trends in Russian diplomacy after February 24, 2022

The article examines the new trends in Russian diplomacy, which emerged after February 24, 2022. The diplomatic war launched against Russia by "unfriendly States" leads to the "zeroing" of ties between the Russian Federation and the States of the collective West - the Anglo-Saxon and European countries. In the context of the degradation of relations with the Euro-Atlantic region, there is a shift in the regional focus in Russia's foreign policy. Moreover, in order to make the implementation of foreign policy goals more efficient Russian intensifies the use of "new tracks" in addition to classical diplomacy. The purpose of the article is to identify the prospects for using the potential of diplomacy of dialogue structures as an auxiliary tool for promoting national interests in the international arena, strengthening Russia's position as an independent center of power in international relations. The theory of a two-level game developed by R. Putnam in relation to the practice of negotiating facilitates the explanation of the diplomacy of dialogue structures specificity. The theory of securitization of the constructivist school served as a theoretical justification for diversifying the global priorities of Russia's foreign policy. In the course of the study, the author came to the conclusion that the diplomacy of the dialogue structures of the Russian Federation is not developing in isolation, but it takes into account the strategic goals and objectives formalized at the official level in the basic conceptual foreign policy document. In particular, the central topics of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum include sovereignty of the economy and the formation of a multipolar world. A series of regional forums and congresses reflects the priority desire of the Russian Federation to build up ties with partners from the CIS and BRICS countries. The “Pivot to the East” raises the profile of the Eastern Economic Forum. Particular attention is paid to the development of relations with the states of the Islamic world, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. It is noteworthy that regional platforms serve not only for the exchange of views, but also for the adoption of practice-oriented agreements in the field of politics, economics, culture and sports. The very holding of events on the territory of the Russian Federation contributes to the growth of the investment attractiveness of Russian cities and regions, as well as the formation of a favorable image of the country abroad.

Attitude of Russians to Economic Inequality: Substantiation of Economic-Psychological Experiment

Nowadays Russian society is experiencing changes in attitudes towards various social phenomena and processes, among which the attitude towards economic inequality takes a special place. The consideration of the social-psychological aspects of the attitude to economic inequality in the scientific literature is insufficiently reflected. The study of the peculiarities of attitudes towards inequality will make it possible to clarify public attitudes and attitudes necessary for further social and economic reforms. In addition, traditional research methods do not always reflect representative characteristics of the population's attitude to various social problems, so there is a need to develop a more relevant method (economic-psychological experiment) to identify personal aspects of respondents' economic behavior. The aim was to study the features of the Russian population’s attitude to economic inequality in society by the economic-psychological experiment and substantiating this method as promising for studying attitudes towards social and economic phenomena. Focus groups, which included group interviews and discussions on problems of inequality; a survey aimed at examining attitudes towards inequality and behavior in relation to charity; an economic and psychological experiment (quasi-experiment), in the framework of which situations were simulated for respondents to make economic decisions (choosing a society for a hypothetical grandson). Russian respondents equally want to live both in a risk unequal society, to get higher incomes, and in a society with fixed average incomes. Most Russians are not ready to give up part of their income in order to help those who live worse. The attitude to inequality (the preference of equal and unequal societies) among Russian respondents does not change in any simulated economic conditions. The results obtained using the economic-psychological experiment represent original aspects of respondents' attitudes towards economic inequality in comparison with survey and testing methods.

Modeling Consumer Choice between Public and Private Health Care in Russia

Demand for public and private health care services is formed through consumer decision-making in two situations: to seek or not to seek medical help and which medical institution to attend. Theory suggests that choices in these situations occur sequentially and are explained by Andersen's behavioral model. This study tests these theoretical assumptions using three econometric approaches on the Russian National Health Telephone Survey 2022 data: (1) two separate probit regressions, (2) sample selection probit, and (3) nested logit. Nested logit confirmed the relevance of all demand-side characteristics (Andersen's model factors). Being male, older, and having health problems were associated with decreased probability of seeking health care and choosing private clinics. Being married, having a high level of education, being employed, having a medium or high monthly income, and living in larger cities were associated with increased probability of seeking health care and attending private clinics. Robustness check of the nested logit model accounted for the varying levels of availability of health care facilities in different cities. Despite the differences in the availability of public and private medical organizations, trends in consumer behavior remained the same. The author proposes to expand the practice of using nested logit models to analyze the behavior of consumers of medical services using data from Russia and other countries. Recommendations for increasing the efficiency of the Russian health care system and reducing inequality in its use by different consumer groups include transforming attitudes of Russians to their own health and promoting the accessibility of health care.

Attitude to corruption practices of Russians and Chinese: Сross-cultural analysis

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the attitude of Russians and Chinese towards corrupt practices. The study was conducted anonymously in an online survey using the service https://webanketa.ru. 275 Russians and 105 Chinese took part in it. To determine attitudes towards corrupt practices, the author’s questionnaire was developed, based on the color model of A. Heidenheimer (2015). The questionnaire consisted of 59 hypothetical situations, to assess the corruption of which a 7-point scale was used. For the Chinese participants in the study, a bilingual philologist translated the questionnaire into Chinese. Reliability testing of the instrument confirmed high consistency of the data (Cronbach α = 0.962). The results of factor analysis made it possible to identify three factors and confirm the color model (black, gray, white) of the perception of corruption by A. Heidenheimer. The results of the study made it possible to identify both general features and culturally specific features of the perception of corruption. A comparative analysis of the data showed that deviant actions of officials or persons whose social role is strictly regulated in society and presupposes high moral qualities (judge, doctor, policeman, etc.) were assessed by respondents as highly corrupt in both samples. Also, in both national groups, respondents gave lower ratings to the corrupt actions of holders of such social roles as a flight attendant, teacher, or coach than to the corrupt actions of officials, who were subject to higher moral requirements. At the same time, respondents from China statistically reliably assessed hypothetical situations of black corruption as less corrupt, unlike Russians. White corruption, on the contrary, was condemned by the Chinese significantly more than by the Russians. The results obtained reflect the transcendental legitimation of power inherent in the Chinese mentality and the horizontal responsibility captured in the guanxi phenomenon.

The Diplomat Dr. Haralampi Sarmadzhiev and His Participation in the 1898 International Anti-Anarchist Conference in Rome

The article discusses the mission of the Bulgarian diplomat Dr. Haralampi Sarmadzhiev (1860-1908) at the International Conference of Rome for the Social Defense Against Anarchists held in 1898 and argues that the participation of the Principality of Bulgaria in this forum represented for the country another step towards achieving full independence. After its liberation in 1878, Bulgaria was still a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, but the Bulgarian government used every opportunity to reaffirm its self-determination and challenge its dependent status. Dr. Sarmadzhiev, born in Bolhrad in a family of wealthy Bessarabian Bulgarians, after graduating from the Bolhrad Gymnasium studied at the University of Bucharest and later in Paris, where he obtained a doctorate in law and became the first Bulgarian lawyer to receive this degree. After completing his studies in Paris, Dr. Sarmadzhiev moved to Bulgaria, just liberated from the Ottoman rule, and served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held high offices, including that of acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Bulgaria, organized the work of the newly created ministry, and cultivated a constellation of young diplomats. Dr. Sarmadzhiev was an outstanding Bulgarian diplomat of his era, whose service in Belgrade and Vienna marked a significant contribution to the development of Bulgarian-Serbian and Bulgarian-Austrian relations. He was chosen to represent the principality at the international anti-anarchist conference in Rome. At this forum, Dr. Sarmadzhiev actively worked towards the diplomatic emancipation of his country; on at least one occasion, he defied the instructions from his government and opposed the official Russian position, asserting Bulgaria’s independent stance despite pressure from both Russia and Turkey. Multilateral meetings in the Italian capital brought considerable legislative and administrative results and became a starting point for subsequent international cooperation.

Implementation of the National Security Strategy by analyzing the foreign trade turnover of products of the Russian chemical complex

Subject. This article discusses the issues of development of foreign economic relations in the context of international sanctions. Objectives. The article aims to assess Russia's position in the global market of chemical products. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of systems, comparative, structural, and logical analyses. Results. The article systematizes data on exports and imports of chemical products for 2022, and identifies priority areas of cooperation for Russia. Conclusions. In 2022, the ratio of trade turnover for exports and imports of chemical products, which is favorable for Russia, makes it possible to support the development of the industry. Reducing Russia's dependence on imported technologies and components will contribute to ensuring the country's economic security.

Finnish-Estonian defence cooperation. Lessons of 1939-1940 for the USSR and their modern interpretation

The article focuses on the issues of bilateral relations between Estonia and Finland in the 1920s and 1930s in the context of modern foreign policy and military cooperation between two countries. The authors consider these relations in terms of modern threats to Russia's security in the northwest and Finland's entry into NATO. Close attention is given to the current military-political situation in the region. A set of methods of comparative studies in political and historical dimensions was implemented. The purpose of the study is to show the continuity of models of military-political cooperation in the Baltic region. The authors came to the conclusion that in the third decade of the 21st century the renewal of the previous model of cooperation between Estonia and Finland and its qualitative development in the context of the NATO strategy in the Baltic theatre are possible. Currently the only obstacle to deepening Finnish-Estonian cooperation in the military-political sphere is Russia's active position. The actualisation of discussions about historical experience of interactions with Russia will inevitably lead to drawing the lessons from 1939-1948 for Tallinn and Helsinki. This can provide the pragmatisation of interactions between Russia, Finland, and Estonia in the long term.

Внутренняя колонизация России и формирование нации: в контексте земельных взаимоотношений русских с калмыками в конце XIX – начале XX в.

The article is dedicated to the relations between Russian peasants and Kalmyks at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. “Life of the Kalmyks of the Stavropol province before the publication of the law on March 15, 1892” by the Orthodox missionary and ethnographer Ya.P. Dubrova [5] is the basis of the work. The analysis was carried out on the method­ological basis of decolonial theory (V. Mignolo, E. Dussel, A. Quijano, M. Tlostanova), as well as the theory of internal colonization of Russia (V. Morozov, A. Etkind). The first paragraph provides an overview of the academic research on the topic. Core provisions and approaches are identified. The problem of insufficient consideration of the aspect of ethnic differences in the theory of internal colonization of Russia is highlighted. The second paragraph examines the national policy of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. The mechanisms for constructing colonial hierarchies between the higher and lower classes, as well as ethnic Russians and foreigners are shown. The theory of na­tionalism by the British sociologist B. Anderson provided the way to classify social phe­nomena as signs of official and civil-republican nationalism. Fragments of Dubrova’s book are presented and analyzed, demonstrating the problems of relations between Rus­sian peasants and Kalmyks in the Russian Empire. The third paragraph presents an analy­sis of Soviet-era nationality policies. Within the framework of the concept of Soviet modernity by M. David-Fox, the preservation of the subaltern position of Russians is shown. At the same time, the status of ethnic Russians as a “savior people” is demon­strated – the most important plot of the Soviet colonial matrix. Finally, conclusions are presented.

Determining the status of prisoners of war in customary law and legislation of the Muscovite kingdom of the 15th-early 18th centuries

The article is devoted to highlighting the processes of formation of the specifics of the status of captives according to the norms of customary law and legislation of the Muscovy kingdom (Moscow state) during the 15th - early 18th centuries. The relevance of addressing these issues is due to the fact that the customs and views developed at that time, as well as the norms of positive law, still determine the peculiarities of the attitude of Russians towards prisoners, which is largely determined by the specifics of the national mentality and legal tradition.
 It is shown that the attitude towards captured foreigners, the legal basis of their status in the Muscovite Empire were laid down in the course of the formation and development of customary law, which was formed long before the period considered in this article. It is emphasized that since in the 15th - at the beginning of the 18th century. before there was a division into combatants and non­combatants, the terms "prisoners" and "captives" meant both captured soldiers of the enemy army and representatives of the civilian population who were deprived of personal freedom and found themselves under the complete power of the enemy. Captives were divided into "state” and "private”, although specific subgroups can be identified within these groups depending on the peculiarities of their legal status.
 The status of prisoners in the Muscovite Empire was determined primarily by customary law, although over time, acts of legislation appeared that contained norms aimed at regulating the legal status of prisoners. A vivid example of such legislation is the Senate decree of November 27, 1717 "On the prohibition of baptizing and marrying Swedish prisoners of war.”
 It is noted that a valuable source for elucidating the complex of customs regarding the treatment of captives can be considered the works of European diplomats, merchants, and soldiers who had been in the Moscow state for a long time and were well acquainted with local orders. They contain interesting information on ethnopsychology, the history of diplomacy, as well as the history of law. The value of this historical source is enhanced by the fact that the observations, facts and considerations given in it are confirmed by other sources. A conclusion was made about a certain continuity in the national character of the population of modern Russia, customs that, even now, under the conditions of the spread of legal nihilism in Russian society, largely regulate the behavior and activities of citizens of the Russian Federation, in particular, military personnel, mercenaries of private military companies, etc.