System Of International Relations Research Articles

New Nomos of the Earth? Perspectives of the Order in the Age of Chaos

The article “The New Nomos of the Earth? Perspectives of the Order in the age of chaos” by Jan Okoński presents the concept of Nomos and its interpretations against the background of a changing global order. The author presented an analysis of the Nomos as a symbol of justice (similar to such ideas as: ius, maat, and tao) and Carl Schmitt’s analysis of this term, which is important from the point of view of the philosophy of law. Nomos is word derived from ancient Greek, a concept that somehow unites the plane of factuality and the plane of validity of law. In the word Nomos, there is contained, a strange, paradoxical union of violence and justice. The Italian philosopher and researcher of the thought of C. Schmitt, Giorgio Agamben, has pointed out that Hobbes’s sovereign is the only one that remains in a state of nature, retaining his “ius contra omnes”, we may say, perhaps along similar lines to the states in the UN Security Council. These considerations are set against the background of the former China-centred system of international relations in Asia and the current attempts to transform the global order. Nomos is proving to be an ever-present concept that, although not as popular as other ideas from ancient Greece, casts clear light on issues of the validity of law in general and helps to make the evolution of the global order easier to understand. Through the prism of the concept of Nomos, it can be seen that the old world order, crystallised by the Europeans, can be marginalised by the change of the global power relations. This is not a new process, for it has already occurred in history. It is clear from the content of the article that law has appeared, since ancient times, to be paradoxically linked to violence and the possibility of initiating it.

Позиции России и США по вопросам ядерной безопасности и перспективы новых договоренностей

In the modern complex system of international relations, in a situation of escalating confrontation between Russia and the United States, increasing tension in relations between Western countries and the "Global South", arms control, primarily nuclear, as well as non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, continues to be one of the most important areas of Russian foreign and defense policy. The Russian Federation pays priority attention to strengthening and developing the system of international treaties in the fields of strategic security and arms control. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to consider the prospects for one of the key aspects of the Russian-American agreements - nuclear arms control and the achievement of sustainable strategic stability. This led to the active use of such methods as analysis and synthesis of data on the current state of nuclear strategic security, a historical approach that identifies the previous context of agreements, as well as a comparative analysis focused on comparing the basic approaches, interests, goals and priorities of the Russian and American sides. Based on foreign policy imperatives, including consolidating Russia's role as a guarantor of international stability and arms control, the authors propose a non-standard scenario for restoring the viability of the key START Treaty of 2010. The article suggests the outlines of possible concrete solutions and potential elements of agreements that can become the basic topic for the resumption of bilateral consultations on strategic stability and an integral part of the new agreement. The authors conclude that reaching mutually acceptable agreements on this topical issue will have a positive impact on reducing the military threat and reducing the risks of unleashing a nuclear conflict, which meets the strategic interests of Russian national security and global stability.

THE NATIONAL STATE IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION AND GLOBAL DEMOCRACY

The article provides a theoretical and methodological analysis of the processes of globalization and global democracy, examining how these processes alter the position, role, and functions of the modern nation-state while it contends with challenges posed by globalization yet strives to maintain its sovereignty.
 It is characterized that under the pressure of globalization, changes are occurring in the political and economic spheres that influence nation-states, leading to a gradual erosion of their sovereignty and increased susceptibility to economic influences from other states or transnational corporations.
 It is noted that the processes of globalization demonstrate the inability of states to fully protect their own interests and citizens from global economic and financial crises, informational impacts, environmental degradation, etc. In such circumstances, the nation-state is no longer the primary actor in the system of international relations, resulting in weakened centralized state institutions, shifts in the perception of state sovereignty, and the emergence of new structures within the global governance system.
 It is substantiated that global democracy, as a phenomenon introduced by the processes of globalization, is a form of implementation of the universal system of political democratic values as the basis for building a democratic society and the formation of public institutions that are the basis of democracy.
 It is determined that global democracy is a process of relations between states based on a certain value and normative basis that unites them and keeps them active in the field of certain relations, characterized by the improvement of interconnection between states through the formation of a single information space and the need for a new political order of the world.
 It is emphasized that the processes of globalization and global democracy are objective processes of convergence of political systems of the world, formation of a policy of common standards and approaches to solving common civilization problems.
 It is concluded that for Ukraine, in the context of globalization and global democracy, the main factors of strengthening its sovereignty are the establishment of relations with the international community on the principles of democratic governance, development of a competitive economy, democratization of all spheres of public life, socio-political unity of a civil nation, territorial integrity, and sustainable development of the state.

Lithuanian Diaspora in Uruguay During the Beginning of the Cold War

This article studies the problems behind the involvement of the Lithuanian diaspora of Uruguay in the political processes at the beginning of the Cold War (second half of the 1940s – early 1950s). The author considers the history of the formation of the Lithuanian diaspora in the South American country starting from the later period of the Russian Empire and its status in the interwar period in the context of the development of the Lithuanian statehood. Additionally, the article describes the emergence and solution of the problem of refugees and displaced persons after World War II in the international context. It is noted that the refugees and displaced persons were mostly representatives of the Soviet Union (including the Baltic states that became part of the USSR in 1940), Poland, Yugoslavia, and other countries of Eastern Europe. The study proves that in the new historical conditions, there was a change in the social composition of the Lithuanian emigration of Uruguay, which was replenished with political opponents of the Soviet regime, collaborators fleeing retribution, and “Westerners” (defectors). Formed as a result of a global conflict and a new system of international relations, this type of diasporas was called “communities of exiles”, “exiled communities”, or “political diasporas”. The politicised nature of such diasporas, which included post-war Lithuanian emigration to Uruguay, led to its participation in the information confrontation with the USSR in the framework of the Cold War that had begun. In this regard, the author examines the attitude of the Uruguayan authorities to the “emigration governments of the Baltic countries”, and, more particularly, the so-called “Lithuanian government” headed by Mykolas Krupavičius in the USA and his “mission” headed by Kazimiro Grauzhinis in Uruguay. The specifics of the situation with the problems of repatriation in the USSR, which is revealed using materials from the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation and emigration periodicals, showed the reaction of the Soviet leadership to the position of Uruguay in relation to Soviet displaced persons (including within the new borders). The author concludes that in the context of intra-diaspora splits, immediately after the war, the nationalist-minded part of the Lithuanian emigration was an active participant of all anti-Soviet campaigns, using finances and all possible information resources for this (primarily, the United States). Hence, the unconditional orientation towards Washington of this part of the diasporas, including the Lithuanian one, which was called upon to sow anti-Russian sentiments and support the negative image of the USSR in the public opinion of the West, becomes obvious and logical.

Россия как страна-цивилизация в диалоге культур

The article examines the current geopolitical situation of Russia’s confrontation with the “collective West” in the light of a Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, in historical, political and cultural aspects. The relevance of the article is due to both the intensity of hostilities directly in the SMO, as well as rapid changes in the system of international relations and the position of Russia in connection with the conduct of the SMO. There is an accelerated reorientation of Russian economic, financial, military and – what is considered in this paper – historical and cultural ties, previously prioritized to the West, but now increasingly unfolding to the East. The novelty of the article lies in the application of the civilizational approach as a methodological key to the analysis of Russia’s conflict with the “collective West”, its rapprochement with the powerful states–civilizations of the East – China and especially India; in this “optics”, the optimal positioning of Ossetia in the intercivilization is rethought in a new way. Great importance is attached to the domestic, Russian tradition of relevant scientific research; it is emphasized that it was in Russia that the pioneering results on the subject under consideration were published, starting with the work of N.Y. Danilevsky, and today it is in Russia that A.G. Dugin has carried out an unprecedented research program on the philosophical and historical analysis of early and current civilizations. In Russia, A.D. Panov made the most important general scientific discovery of the twenty-first century about the singular limit of universal history, received the name “Panov – Snooks vertical” in the scientific literature. The conclusion of the work consists in summing up the results of the review and indicating the specific prospects and directions of the inter-civilizational dialogue and participation of Ossetia in it; at the same time, the first results have already been obtained.

Basics of implementation of the standards of international agreements in the sphere of international trade by Ukraine

The latest international trade is characterized by serious, radical changes - the creation of a global information space, where the main products of production are information and knowledge, and information technologies penetrate almost every sphere of economic activity. International treaties become the main source of legal regulation of relations arising in the field of international trade.
 It has been established that the future development of Ukraine's economy directly depends not only on determining the directions of transformation of legal relations in the field of international trade, but also on how Ukraine directly implements the provisions of current international treaties in the field of international trade, in particular in such an important field as intellectual property - international agreements are the determining factors of the competitiveness of the country's economy, the most valuable capital that determines the strategy and tactics of our country's development, the most important driver of innovation.
 It was found out that today, the states have come to the realization that without solving issues related to the international regulation of relations in the field of intellectual property, without concluding international agreements in this field, it will be impossible to promote any object of intellectual property in the world. It is substantiated that all the specified international treaties regulating intellectual property as an object of trade transactions, to which Ukraine has joined, form an interconnected system of international trade relations. The WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) occupies a special role among the system of these international agreements. The implementation of the TRIPS Agreement in Ukraine progressed in parallel with radical changes in the ways of using intellectual property in trade and the growing use of the international intellectual property system. Currently, Ukraine is at the final stage of institutional reform in the field of intellectual property - the State Organization «Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations» (UANIPIO) has been established; its powers, scope and directions of its activity are established; the right to represent Ukraine in international and regional organizations, etc.
 Ukraine is an active participant in international trade processes and the corresponding main international legal acts in this area, which increases the interest of our state in optimizing and improving the standards, norms and provisions that regulate it. Judicial practice has confirmed that international treaties are an integral part of national legislation.

US trade and industrial policy as a challenge to the modern system of international trade relations

The current stage of development of international trade relations is followed by a growing protectionism. At the same time, the ideas of free trade and fair competition are still declared as key principles for the development of the world economy. One of the authors of these principles, as well as the entire modern system of international trade relations, is the USA. In this context, the possible refusal of the USA to comply with these principles is a serious challenge for the existing system of international trade. The author tries to answer the question if some measures of the US trade and industrial policy correspond to the basic principles of the international trade system. As an empirical basis there were used the works of Russian and foreign economists specializing in trade policy, international economic relations and the US economy. To answer the stated question about the compliance of the US trade and industrial policy with the principles of free trade and fair competition, the author uses methods of analysis and generalization to assess the nature of certain measures and mechanisms implemented in the US trade and industry. The author comes to conclusion about the protectionist nature of several legal acts and mechanisms of the US trade and industrial policy. Considering that not only certain legal acts, but also industrial programs are protectionist in nature, it should be assumed that retreat from the principles of free trade and fair competition is an element of the US position on the development of the national economy as well as international trade. The USA takes advantage of the imperfections of the existing system of international economic relations, demonstrating the use of protectionist measures contrary to the principles of free trade and fair competition.

Diplomacy of European States and the Revolution of 1830 in Belgium

The nature of interstate and international relations in the post - Napoleonic period was determined at the Vienna Congress of 1814-1815. Maintaining peace and stability in Europe, preserving the legitimacy of the ruling dynasties and controlling the balance of power were considered one of the main tasks of the Vienna system of international relations. The main obstacles to compliance with these principles were the revolutionary events of 1820-1830, which arose in different regions of Europe. The response to the “challenges” of the new system of international relations was both diplomatic and military measures to maintain the status quo of European states. The purpose of the article is to analyze the positions of the leading European states at the initial stage of the revolution in Belgium, which began in August 1830. In the context of the growing revolutionary crisis in Europe, it is important to understand what motives guided the Russian, French, Austrian, Prussian and English sides in developing their positions, what were the motives of their foreign policy in Belgium and how they influenced multilateral relations during the Belgian revolution. The study of the diplomatic correspondence of representatives of European countries through the channels of foreign ministries made it possible to identify the differences that existed between Russia, England, France, Austria and Prussia on the Belgian issue, to trace the changes in the positions of the countries in the process of developing a joint solution. An analysis of the process of European countries making decisions about the future of Belgium showed the desire of the participants of the “European concert” to comply with the principles of the Vienna system of international relations.

The Need to Overcome the Cultural Hegemony of the West in Political Science on The Example of the Problem of Contemporary Islamist Terrorism

Using the example of the problem of contemporary terrorism, the article raises the question of the need to overcome the dependence of Russian science on the hegemony of the West. In the world in general and in Russia in particular, the period of admiration for the Western concept of liberal democracy and the concepts of globalization, human rights, soft power, civil society, democratic transition, terrorism, hybrid wars, etc., developed by liberal thought, is coming to an end. These theories are increasingly less accepted in as normative, universal, whose implementation necessarily requires Western supervision. These theories, developed during a unique historical process in Western countries, cannot be adequately applied to determine the direction of development of non-Western countries. In this study, we consider the problem of contemporary Islamist terrorism as a concrete example of the need for a critical revision of Western ideas. To do this, we turn to the ideas of a number of Russian authors, as well as Western representatives of postmodernism, neo-Marxism and left-radical thought, who sharply criticize the basic dogmas of Western liberal political science. This allows us to conclude that Islamist terrorism is not the result of the activities of individual radicals or a manifestation of the aggressive nature of Islam, but is reproduced by the conflict system of modern international relations. Thus, Islamist terrorism as a radical form of politicization of Islam is most often a reaction of the Muslim world to Western globalism, to the crisis of a number of Muslim societies as a result of Western intervention. The system-functional approach makes it possible to understand the place and role of Islamist terrorism in contemporary hybrid wars, which the West uses to maintain its global empire. Islamist terrorism can be viewed as an element of a system of hybrid wars. In this system, along with Islamist terrorism, there is an important phenomenon of combating it - anti-terrorism, and also, along with Islamist terrorism as the activity of non-governmental armed groups, there is state terrorism, mainly carried out by Western states.

Between West and Non-West - Turkey at a Crossroad of Geostrategic Choice

Historically, the Republic of Turkey is one of the few states in the Middle East, in a civilizational sense, located between East and West. As time has passed since a number of unsuccessful attempts to integrate into Western institutions and with the beginning of geopolitical changes in the international arena, Turkey has made a “pivot to the East”. Considering the increasing role of the Non-West within the framework of the formation of a polycentric system of international relations, the study of Turkey as one of the key centers of forces of our time, as well as the identification of its characteristics, eastern and western features, is of particular relevance. The purpose of the study is to examine the civilizational characteristics of modern Turkey. By applying civilizational approach, Turkey’s position of a “middle state” was revealed, which has both Western and Eastern features, but is increasingly gravitating towards the non-Western world. At the same time, amid the ideology of “neo-Ottomanism” implemented by the current leadership and the increasing role of the ideological and value factor, Western features are gradually fading away, remaining only in the form of official secularism and stable ties with Western institutions. While the Turkish orientality, along with unofficial islamization, have a clearer image. Turkey develops in progressive-regressive cycles, where the Western cycle is replaced by the Eastern and vice versa. However, the West is systematically ceasing to be a symbol of progress. The authors conclude that the non-Western path of development is the most promising for modern Turkey, however, with the condition that eastern development will not be moderated by Islamist circles and supporters of political Islam.

Relevance of International Humanitarian Law in International Relations: National and International Contexts

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) holds significance within the realm of international relations which encompasses various disciplines such as international law, diplomacy, and interactions among national and international entities. The prevalence of over 100 armed conflicts underscores the imperative for parties involved in conflicts and other influential actors to comprehend IHL. In the face of ongoing armed confrontations worldwide, the continued relevance of IHL in shaping international relations becomes apparent. States must prioritize the promotion of respect for IHL to establish a robust international relations system. This article endeavors to explore the interconnectedness of IHL with international relations and assess its importance. The study will delve into the role and significance of IHL in the context of international relations, with a particular focus on Nepal, where the Ministry of Law and Justice assumes a leading and coordinating role in promoting IHL. The study involves an extensive review of pertinent literature on international humanitarian law and international relations, primarily sourced from online publications.

«Дипломат поневоле»: страницы биографии Николая Васильевича Новикова

Introduction. The article analyzes the biography and diplomatic activities of Nikolai Vasilievich Novikov (1903–1989), a Soviet diplomat who represented the USSR in Cairo and in Washington during World War II and took part in the efforts to establish a new system of international relations at the beginning of the Cold War. Methods and materials. The article is based on published texts by Nikolai Novikov himself, diplomatic documents, periodicals, and materials from his personal archive, deposited in the Archive of the European University at St. Petersburg by the diplomat’s family. Analysis. The authors examine Novikov’s biography, the reasons for his rapid career in the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, his relations with Soviet foreign policy managers, and the circumstances of his resignation at a relatively young age. Special attention is paid to Novikov’s activities in the United States in the context of the emerging Cold War, the place of Novikov’s note (cable) in the process of shaping Soviet approaches to relations with the United States, and his own attitude to these approaches. Results. Novikov’s contribution to the shaping of the postwar world is underappreciated, as are his attempts to resist the changes that were breaking Soviet-American cooperation in the international arena. In fact, the strategic concepts formulated by Novikov in a memo to Molotov were the basis of the official Soviet interpretation of the causes and nature of the Cold War and were included in Soviet school and university textbooks on universal history and the history of international relations. Authors’ contributions. A.I. Kubyshkin analyzed the most important stages of Nikolai Novikov’s diplomatic activity and the general situation in relations between the USSR and the USA during the Second World War. He assessed Novikov’s activities from the political leadership of the USSR and foreign countries in which the Soviet diplomat worked. He also examined the most important aspects of the activities of Soviet diplomacy reflected in Novikov’s memoirs and carried out their internal criticism as a historical source. I.I. Kurilla processed the archive of Nikolai Novikov and identified and analyzed the corpus of sources of personal origin. He also analyzed the contents of Nikolai Novikov’s personal diaries, reviewed the personal contribution of N.V. Novikov in developing a strategy in relations with the United States in the initial period of the Cold War, and compared the contents of the “long telegram” of J. Kennan and the “Novikov telegram”.

OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN IN THE ACTIVITIES OF SHANKHAY COOPERATION ORGANIZATION: INITIATIVES AND PROSPECTS

Analyzes the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the institutional legal basis of its organization, the participation of Uzbekistan in the framework of the organization, its initiatives, and the prospects expected from it. Scientific research of the SCO and prediction of its future are gaining urgent importance in today's rapidly changing system of international relations. Factors such as expansion of the organization's geopolitical map due to the increase in the number of members, as well as a high level of economic potential, open wide opportunities for the developing countries of the SCO. From this point of view, Uzbekistan, which is considered a full member, is promoting many initiatives and gaining opportunities to make the most of such opportunities. depend on the effectiveness of such initiatives and proposals. During the analysis, we discuss Uzbekistan's participation in the organization, its economic goals and geopolitical strategies.

Primakov Readings-2023: modern realities, results and recommendations

The article examines the results and recommendations of the Primakov Readings held on November 27–28, 2023, which are the main scientific and expert forum for international diplomats, economists and lawyers in our country and abroad. They confirmed this reputation in the past year, bringing some clarity to the current state of the international relations environment, the content and nature of the world order, the situation around globalization and other trigger points in the theory and practice of international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. In particular, in the speeches of the heads of various international structures and organizations, a new assessment was made of the passing era of globalization, the state of the world order and the system of international relations as a whole; a conclusion was made about the inevitability of changing the unipolar world order to a multipolar one, and the main participants in the transformation of the modern world order and those influencing this the process is factual.

Relations between Russia and China in the context of the formation of a new world order

The article examines Russian-Chinese relations in the context of the emergence of a new world order. The author emphasizes that Russia and China consider each other as priority partners, always respect each other’s interests, becoming a model of relations between great powers. The countries maintain close exchanges and contacts at all levels, exchange views on major issues of mutual interest, strengthen mutual trust and develop cooperation in various fi elds. Russia and China have always adhered to the principles of non-alignment with blocs, non-confrontation, and they are not directed against a third party. They develop bilateral relations and cooperation in various fi elds on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefi t, which brings tangible benefi ts to the people of the two countries and also contributes to global development. China and Russia take common positions on most issues on the international agenda and are strengthening cooperation within the UN, SCO, BRICS, APEC, G20 and other multilateral platforms. They cooperate closely on global and regional issues, such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the situation in Afghanistan and the Iranian nuclear issue. When Russia and China join forces, global multipolarity and democratization of international relations will receive new impetus, which will guarantee global strategic balance and stability. Meetings between the leaders of Russia and China become the compass and anchor of Russian-Chinese relations, laying a solid foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation. Under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, the Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation will continue to move forward in the new era. The leaders of China and Russia agree that against the backdrop of unprecedented changes taking place today in the system of international relations, Russian-Chinese relations have reached unprecedented heights. The author comes to the conclusion that, in general, Russian-Chinese relations have not only withstood many new challenges, but have also strengthened signifi cantly over the past year.

FORESIGHT AS A TOOL FOR RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC MANAGEMENT AND ADJUSTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC POLICY IN THE FOCUS OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS

The purpose of the article is to study strategic long-term planning tools that allow timely identification of the latest risks, challenges and threats to international economic development that make it difficult to solve global problems that are a consequence of failures in the coordination of international economic policy. It has been determined that strategic forecasting allows politicians to increase the efficiency of government decision-making by identifying opportunities and threats that may arise in the coming years and decades, and also involves the development of possible strategies to counter them by taking into account the characteristics of the identified trends. The phenomenon of the new economy is characterized. The influence of technological development on the asymmetry of international economic development is determined. It has been established that the problems of international economic development in foresight strategizing include geopolitical rivalry, resource confrontation, energy dependence, deglobalization, disintegration processes, trade fragmentation, gaps in value and supply chains, reinstitutionalization of the system of international economic relations, recession, population aging, unemployment. Foresight forecasting tools that are not aimed at predicting a single “correct future” include: analysis of long-term trends and uncertainties; horizon scanning); scenario planning; shaping a normative future; political games; futures wheels; causal multilevel analysis. Research into long-term trends and uncertainties reveals key factors in different possible futures. The comprehensive observation carried out allows us to identify risks for the macroeconomic environment and proactively formulate a pool of measures to minimize the destructive impact of instability on socio-economic development. Improving foresight research as a critical element of strategic forecasting for solving problems of long-term development affects both theoretical aspects (conceptual approach, conceptual apparatus) and applied aspects (technologies and methods of development) of the development and use of this tool. Strategic planning allows you to develop adequate tools to achieve goals and proactively respond to the challenges of modern development, minimizing costs and compensating for the losses that arise for this reason, which lead to the loss of existing competitive advantages. The difference between forecasts and foresights is noted: forecasts are usually associated with uncontrollable events, while foresights most often deal with events and processes that are clearly controllable, therefore they assess the probability of not only one or another outcome of future events, but also the adoption of certain strategic and management decisions. The ability to distinguish normative approaches (what we want) from pragmatic approaches (what we should) is an important component of thinking in terms of alternative futures

Aviation industry is a basic element of the national economy and the system of international economic relations

It is proved that air transport is a driving force and a means of formation and development of the domestic market, which ensures the process of integration of the national economy into the world economy. The role and place of the air transport industry in Ukraine's unified transport system are determined, and the advantages and disadvantages of air transport and its role in ensuring international integration processes are analyzed. The essential advantages of air transport that distinguish it from other modes of transport (sea and land) are the highest speed and time savings for transportation; high reliability and safety of transportation; geographical accessibility of departure and arrival points for passengers and cargo, predictability of transportation time, the level of autonomy of passenger service and cargo handling processes; lower costs for cargo insurance. The main disadvantage of air transportation is the high cost of transportation services. At the same time, an increase in transportation distance leads to its reduction, and in some cases, the cost of air transportation may even be lower than other types of transportation due to the grouping of small cargo. This is actively used in modern supply chains. Endogenous and exogenous factors affecting the pricing process in the air transportation industry are investigated. The systemic and non-systemic factors of influence are described, and the need for diversification as the most effective tool for reducing risk in global instability is determined. The author outlines the most critical tasks for developing the Ukrainian air transportation market, which are actualized with its unblocking. The specifics of the elements of the strategic development model, which should be considered in strategic planning in the air transport industry, are scientifically substantiated. Keywords: air transport industry, air transportation, strategic development, international integration, national economy, international economic relations.

The geopolitical landscape in the Sahara-Sahel zone

The article is devoted to the analysis of the geopolitical and regional significance of the Sahara-Sahel zone (SSZ) of Africa in the current coordinate system of international relations, primarily taking into account the increased interest of Russia in this region in the last few years. An assessment of the economic potential of the SSZ is given to determine the feasibility of investments in the development of its countries, including from the point of view of their importance for the strategic and military-political interests of Russia and its main competitors there, primarily France and the United States. The prospect of maintaining Russia's active presence in the region and the cost of this is assessed. The reasons for the curtailment of the French military-political presence in the main countries of this region and the desire of the United States to maintain its intelligence surveillance bases there are explained. Conclusions and suggestions are made regarding what Russia needs to do to ensure its interests in the SSZ with minimal costs.

The Arctic as a regional security complex

ABSTRACT Ongoing research on international relations in the Arctic allows for the assumption that since the Arctic is treated as a separate region in geographical terms, it can also be seen as a particular sub-system of international relations. The region comprises eight states that act to ensure a secure existence by pursuing their own goals and interests in the international arena. This creates a security relationship. The Regional Security Complexes (RSC) theory is a research framework to analyze the region’s security. It clarifies international relations at the regional level, provides a picture of the security environment in the region, and enables one to see the directions of change towards securitized phenomena that change the face of the complex. This article aims to analyze the Arctic from the perspective of the RSC theory and determine whether the region can be treated as a separately functioning system of international relations with its own security dynamics related to the specific challenges caused by climate change.

Аншлюс Австрии 1938 г. и позиция «великих держав»: путь к катастрофе. На основе новых архивных документов

The annexation of the Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 is an important element in the crisis of the Versailles system of international relations, which ended with the outbreak of World War II in Europe. The particular historical and political importance of this event consisted in the fact, that it was the first aggressive action of the Third Reich that led to the disappearance of a sovereign state from the map of Europe. However, despite the significance of this tragedy, it seems to be insufficiently studied in scientific literature. It should be pointed out that the First Austrian republic is often regarded in the Russian as well as foreign historiography as a subject of international relations completely dependent on Germany, fully following in the wake of the foreign policy of its large German-speaking neighbor. It should be pointed out that, with regard to the Soviet foreign policy, many foreign and Russian historians draw the conclusion that Austria played an insignificant role in the foreign policy planning of the Soviet Union. The little-known documents derived from the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Federation, the Russian State Military Archive, Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History, as well as the Central Archive of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation suggest otherwise. Special attention is paid to the economic side of the Anschluss, which is rarely touched upon in modern historiography. The methodological basis of the research presented below constitute historical-genetic and historical-systemic methods that are used to trace the evolution of the European system of international relations of that period. In this way, a multidimensional approach to the issues considered in the article allows us to recreate a holistic picture of the events of that time, as well as to restore the true cause-and-effect relationships between them. This circumstance is of particular importance in the context of the increasingly frequent attempts to rewrite the history of the Second World War and belittle the efforts of the Soviet Union to prevent it. The authors conclude that based on the new archival documents, it is possible to draw an unambiguous conclusion that the Anschluss became one of the key moments in European history, which made the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe inevitable. It consolidated the main foreign policy line of Western democracies to appease the aggressors, eliminated the last serious obstacles to the union of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy and demonstrated the impossibility of implementing in practice a collective security strategy based on the proposals of the Soviet Union on a united anti-German front.