№ 4 (121), 2025

Scientific Journal “Issues of National and Federative Relations”. Volume 15. Issue 4 (121), 2025

CONTENTS

DOMESTIC HISTORY, ETHNOLOGY AND ETHNOGRAPHY

Ershova T.V., Maksimets D.A. Highway Construction in the Moscow Province (Based on the Materials of the Journals of the Meetings of the Moscow Provincial Zemstvo)
Obolkin E.S. Origins and Methods of the Struggle of Education Workers of the Irkutsk Region for the Protection of their Labor Rights at the End of the 20th Century
Ornatskaya T.A. Genrikh Solomonovich Lyushkov: Anatomy of Betrayal

HISTORY AND THEORY OF POLITICS

Razinkov D.A. The Main Directions of Criticism of the Concept of Political Culture

POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS, PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Budanov M.A., Smirnov A.I. Functioning of the Monitoring System in the Field of Interethnic and Interfaith Relations: the Experience of the Regions of the North-Western Federal District
Stroykov V.A. The Main Directions of the Institutionalization of Ethnopolitical Processes in Modern Russia

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SECTORAL POLICIES

Gubachev M.N. Anti-Corruption Policy of Modern Russian Society in Activities Aimed at the Efficiency of the State and its Institutions and Organizations

HISTORY AND THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Smelov A.A. Modern Ukrainian Nationalism Consolidation in the Context of Russia’s Special Military Operation
Guzaltan Onur Sinan. The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Turkey-Russia Relations in the Light of the Realist Approach and Geopolitical Perspective
Fomichev N.N., Krupskaya S.Yu., Timoshkova O.A. The Aggravation of the Political Situation in Kosovo and Metohija in 2022-2023 and the Debate in the British Parliament
Abilova G.V. Methods of Human Capital Formation in the Eurasian Partnership: BRICS Education Vector
Aman S. The Variability of Approaches to the Political and Geographical Definition of the Asia-Pacific Region
Belevich P.M. Evolution of Islamist Movements: from Political Activism to Public Administration
Goncharov S.V. Strategic Interests of Russia and Turkey in the Post-Soviet Space
Khazipov I.I. Sustainable Development as a Political Goal: Strategies of Green Parties in Western Europe
Khusainova S.S. Prospects for the Development of Soft Power of the Russian Federation in Azerbaijan (on the Example of the Russian Language)
Zhou Yanan. Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia' S «Soft Power» Policies Towards Central Asia Countries in the First Quarter of the 21-St Century
Qiang Chong. Digital Diplomacy and Information Security: Challenges and Countermeasures
Shaporenko S.A. Prerequisites and Importance of Cross-Border Cooperation Between Russian Regions and CIS Countries
Chen Yung Ta. China's Hard Power and Political Influence
Yarar Murat. Impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on the Development of Central Asia Using the Concept of Uneven and Combined Development

REVIEWS AND OVERVIEWS

Medvedev N.P. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Main Activities. Part One

DOMESTIC HISTORY, ETHNOLOGY AND ETHNOGRAPHY

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.001

T.V. ERSHOVA Doctor of History, Professor, Professor of the Department of History, Institute of Humanities, Moscow City University, Moscow, Russia

D.A. MAKSIMETS Postgraduate student of the Department of History, Institute of Humanities, Moscow City University, Moscow, Russia

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION IN THE MOSCOW PROVINCE (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE JOURNALS OF THE MEETINGS OF THE MOSCOW PROVINCIAL ZEMSTVO)

The article is devoted to the analysis of materials in the journals of the Moscow Provincial Zemstvo meetings as sources for studying zemstvo activities in the Moscow region. They illustrate the entire decision-making cycle of the zemstvo bodies: from the origin of the problem to the implementation of the adopted resolution.

The sphere of highway construction stands out among the areas of work of the Moscow Provincial Zemstvo. In the journals of the Moscow Provincial Zemstvo meetings, a special role is given to explaining the reasons for allocating funds for the construction, repair and maintenance of road infrastructure. The analysis of the logs makes it possible to identify the main directions of road activity and identify trends in road construction in the Moscow province.

Кey words: Moscow province, journals of meetings of the Moscow Provincial Zemstvo, historical source, highways.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.002

E.S. OBOLKIN Candidate of historical sciences, associate professor of the East Siberian branch of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Russian State University of Justice named after V.M. Lebedev", Irkutsk, Russia

ORIGINS AND METHODS OF THE STRUGGLE OF EDUCATION WORKERS OF THE IRKUTSK REGION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THEIR LABOR RIGHTS AT THE END OF THE 20TH CENTURY

The origins and methods of the struggle of workers in the educational sphere of the Irkutsk region for their labor rights are analyzed. The forms and requirements of the regional industry protest movement, the role of the industry trade union are also studied. The methods of scientific research are: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, comparison. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that this topic is little developed in relation to the regional aspect. This topic is relevant today, since the social and economic situation of teachers in the region, as well as in the country as a whole, still needs to be improved, and this in turn contributes to the achievement of socio-economic stability in society.

Key words: education workers, trade unions, Irkutsk region, protection of labor rights, protest movement.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.003

T.A. ORNATSKAYA Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of State and Legal Disciplines Far Eastern Branch of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Russian State University of Justice named after V. M. Lebedev", Vladivostok, Russia

GENRIKH SOLOMONOVICH LYUSHKOV: ANATOMY OF BETRAYAL

In the centuries-old history of Russia, betrayals of top leaders have occurred more than once. Military and civilian leaders became traitors for personal, financial, and ideological reasons. The complex of information they transmitted to the opposing side, as a rule, constituted a state secret and to one degree or another damaged the security of the country.

However, betrayal of a person whose activities are related to serving the Fatherland, with ensuring its security is a rather rare phenomenon. The publication examines the personality and activities of Genrikh Solomonovich Lyushkov, the chief employee of the security agency in the vast Far Eastern region in 1937-1938. His defection to the enemy had very significant negative consequences. Both ordinary employees of the security agencies and heads of departments suffered. In addition, members of the family of Genrikh Solomonovich Lyushkov found themselves in an extremely negative position. To understand the reasons that prompted a person who held such a high position to commit treason is the main idea of the article.

The purpose of this article is to trace the evolution of the position of an employee of the security agencies from loyalty to the Motherland to its betrayal. The subject of the study was historical facts related to the professional development of G.S. Lyushkov. The author considers the reasons that led the person to such a step. Betrayal in this case is a way to avoid negative consequences or a fight against the regime?

Using the methods of historical comparison and retrospection, the author comes to the conclusion that the betrayal of an employee of the security agency is of the most negative nature.

Key words: security agencies, Far East, pre-war history, betrayal.

HISTORY AND THEORY OF POLITICS

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.004

D.A. RAZINKOV Postgraduate student of the Department of Philosophy of Politics and Law of the Faculty of Philosophy of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF CRITICISM OF THE CONCEPT OF POLITICAL CULTURE

The concept of political culture was formed in post-war American political science and became the most important component of comparative political science. The concept has become popular not only as a theoretical framework for many scientific research projects, but also as an explanatory model for building one or another argument in an expert and layman's environment. At the same time, criticism of the concept of political culture has become a separate genre in comparative political science – its application has been compared to "nailing jelly to the wall," criticizing the use of a cultural category to empirically measure a set of orientations, and accusing it of justifying American hegemony. The article will attempt to highlight and systematize the main criticisms.

Key words: history of political science, American political science, cultural studies, Cold War, behavioral approach, positivism, structural functionalism/political culture/criticism of political culture.

POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS, PROCESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.005

M.A. BUDANOV PhD in History, Associate Professor, Department of Interethnic and Interdenominational Relations Management, Faculty of Public Administration, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia ORCID: 0009-0009-1159-3343

A.I. SMIRNOV Master's Degree, School of Public Administration, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia ORCID: 0009-0006-2640-4937

FUNCTIONING OF THE MONITORING SYSTEM IN THE FIELD OF INTERETHNIC AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE REGIONS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT

The article examines the problem of the functioning of the monitoring system in the field of interethnic and interfaith relations in the North-Western Federal District. Based on materials from the Komi Republic, the Republic of Karelia, and the Kaliningrad Region, the authors argue that the experience of the "State Monitoring Information System" within the North-Western Federal District is predominantly negative, expressed by its low level of importance within the framework of the actual ethnosocial monitoring system. According to the authors, this is due to the closed nature of the work of the state system, the strengthening of its technical component with the weakening of analytical and expert structures, as well as an increase in the level of trust in the results of professional activities of non-governmental actors working closely with regional government authorities. In addition, the authors conclude that there is a relationship between indicators of the effectiveness of national policy implementation and early warning of ethnopolitical conflict situations at the regional level. Thus, the most successful regions in the context of the implementation of ethnopolitics show better results in the implementation of ethnosocial monitoring than outsider regions.

Key words: state ethnic policy, ethnopolitical conflict, interethnic tension, monitoring of interethnic and interfaith relations, North-Western Federal District.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.006

V.A. STROYKOV Expert of «Academic Alliance», Moscow, Russia

THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ETHNOPOLITICAL PROCESSES IN MODERN RUSSIA

The dynamics of the development of ethnopolitical processes observed in modern Russian conditions demonstrates some stable trends, mainly related to the formation and testing of certain practices of state regulation of interethnic and interethnic relations in modern Russia. This is characterized by the work of the interdepartmental working group on interethnic relations, the Federal Agency for Nationalities, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation and other structures. At the same time, the current civilizational and domestic political challenges presuppose the institutionalization and stabilization of the work of public authorities in terms of educational work with young people and countering manifestations of various forms of extremism and the potential negative impact on the national security of the Russian Federation. In particular, regular high-quality ethnopolitical monitoring is being updated, as well as an assessment of the relevant cumulative contribution of influential ethnic communities and religious groups within the framework of the work of Russian government authorities and civil society actors.

Key words: ethnopolitics, interethnic relations, intercultural communication, state, civil society.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SECTORAL POLICIES

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.007

M.N. GUBACHEV PhD in Philosophy, Ufa State Technical University (USPTU), Sterlitamak Branch, Sterlitamak, Russia

ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY OF MODERN RUSSIAN SOCIETY IN ACTIVITIES AIMED AT THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STATE AND ITS INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The article is devoted to the analysis of anti-corruption policy in modern Russian society, its goals, objectives and implementation mechanisms. The main attention is paid to the formation of an anti-corruption worldview, legal awareness and behavior, which is a key factor in increasing the effectiveness of state institutions. The authors emphasize the importance of transparency of procedures, involvement of civil society in decision-making processes and creation of an atmosphere of intolerance to corruption. The article considers both state and corporate measures to combat corruption, including the development of anti-corruption policies at the level of organizations. Particular attention is paid to the role of civil society in the fight against corruption, as well as to the historical and social conditions that influence the formation of an anti-corruption culture. The authors analyze various types of corruption, their classification and manifestations in different spheres of public life, including political and economic. Such phenomena as the fusion of bureaucracy and business, lobbying and corruption networks are also considered.

The article offers scientifically based approaches to assessing and forecasting corruption phenomena, and emphasizes the need to increase the level of political culture of the population to successfully combat corruption. In conclusion, the authors note that anti-corruption policy should be comprehensive and take into account both legislative and socio-economic aspects in order to effectively combat corruption at all levels.

Key words: anti-corruption policy, civil society, corruption manifestations, public administration, transparency of procedures, classification of corruption.

HISTORY AND THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.008

A.A. SMELOV Postgraduate student, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (North-West Institute of Management), Saint Petersburg, Russia

MODERN UKRAINIAN NATIONALISM CONSOLIDATION IN THE CONTEXT OF RUSSIA’S SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION

The study analyzes the formation and development of Ukrainian nationalism, its historical background, transformations and current state. The aim of the work is to identify the causes of radicalization of nationalist tendencies in Ukraine, their impact on domestic and foreign policy, as well as on public consciousness. The methods used are historical analysis, study of political processes and content analysis of propaganda materials. The results show that Ukrainian nationalism has undergone several stages of evolution, beginning in the 19th century, acquiring a radically Russophobic character by 2014 and transforming into chauvinistic neo-Nazism with the onset of the SWO in 2022. The findings emphasize that nationalism in Ukraine has become a tool for consolidating society against the backdrop of the conflict, with its strengthening supported both inside and outside the country. The problem of contemporary Ukrainian nationalism requires many years of work to restore cultural ties and overcome the falsification of history, but its solution seems unlikely under current conditions.

Key words: Ukraine, Special Military Operation, nationalism, Russophobia, Ukrainian conflict, extremism.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.009

GUZALTAN ONUR SINAN Postgraduate student of the Department of Comparative Political Science, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia

THE IMPACT OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT ON TURKEY-RUSSIA RELATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF THE REALIST APPROACH AND GEOPOLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

While the Special Military Operation launched by Russia in Ukraine changed the balances on a global scale, it also inevitably affected the relations between Turkey and Russia. The sanctions imposed against Russia by the Western Alliance, of which Turkey is a part, and the developments in the Black Sea were the areas where the conflicts in Ukraine affected Turkey-Russia relations. Considering Turkey's membership in NATO and its good relations with Ukraine, it could be expected that Turkey-Russia relations would be strained or even severed after the Special Military Operation. But none of this happened. On the contrary, relations between the two countries continued to increase despite all the negative conditions. Between the two countries in the field of energy (Turkish Stream, Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant), in the economy (Turkey became the only NATO country that refused to comply with sanctions), in the military field (coordination between the two countries continues in Syria), in the diplomatic and political framework (reciprocal visits, etc.) relations continue.

This article defends the claim that the reasons behind the strengthening of Turkey-Russia relations despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the negative conditions it creates, are geopolitical requirements as well as the realist approach of the two countries in mutual relations. In line with this thesis, firstly, the areas and consequences of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine affecting Turkey-Russia relations were evaluated in general terms, and then the relationship between the concepts of realist approach and geopolitical requirements, which are the underlying reasons for the ongoing relations despite these negative effects, was examined.

Key words: Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Black Sea, Western sanctions, realist approach, geopolitics, NATO.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.010

N.N. FOMICHEV PhD in History, associate professor of the Department of International Relations, Foreign Regional and Political Studies, The Institute of Cross-cultural Communication and International Relations, The National Research University «Belgorod State University», Belgorod, Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7166-7553

S.Yu. KRUPSKAYA PhD in History, associate professor of the Department of International Relations, Foreign Regional and Political Studies, The Institute of Cross-cultural Communication and International Relations, The National Research University «Belgorod State University», Belgorod, Russia https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-4850-9573

O.A. TIMOSHKOVA PhD in History, associate professor of the Department of International Relations, Foreign Regional and Political Studies, The Institute of Cross-cultural Communication and International Relations, The National Research University «Belgorod State University», Belgorod, Russia https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4087-6843

THE AGGRAVATION OF THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA IN 2022-2023 AND THE DEBATE IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

This article is devoted to the study of the attitude of various British political forces represented in the British Parliament to the situation in the Serbian autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija in 2022-2023. This period was characterized by an aggravation of political tension in connection with the repressive acts of the authorities of the unrecognized Kosovo. For the region, the conflict marked the transition to a new legal situation, with the continued intervention of external actors, including the United States, Britain, and the EU. Britain's diplomacy, energetic but destructive. The article examines the attitude of the British political elite towards the situation of the Serbian minority in Kosovo and Metohija, the international component of the conflict, and the reactions of British politicians to dynamically developing events during the crisis.

Key words: Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija, Great Britain, debate.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.012

G.V. ABILOVA Ph.D. in Philology, Associate Professor of Department of Pedagogical Culture and Education Management at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, director of BRICS+ International School, Moscow, Russia ORCID: 0009-0003-8598-0203

METHODS OF HUMAN CAPITAL FORMATION IN THE EURASIAN PARTNERSHIP: BRICS EDUCATION VECTOR

Human capital formation within the BRICS – where structural asymmetries, regulatory divergence and geopolitical variability intersect – requires an adaptive model of educational cooperation: one that balances national sovereignty and transnational integration, ensuring that institutional heterogeneity does not impede systemic cohesion. This study aims to develop an integration model for BRICS education systems based on institutional adaptability, regulatory convergence and economic alignment to optimise human capital formation through structured international cooperation. Using a comparative-analytical approach, this study synthesises content analysis of national education strategies, econometric modelling of cross-border academic mobility and expert interviews with 50 representatives of leading BRICS universities; statistical techniques – cluster analysis, correlation models – assess interdependencies; and qualitative discourse analysis identifies policy inconsistencies. Policy fragmentation reduces the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation by 23%; economic disparity between BRICS members affects academic mobility by 31% – this requires differential policy synchronisation rather than uniform standardisation. The proposed hybrid governance system, in which modular adaptation replaces rigid harmonisation, increases transnational institutional efficiency by 27% – regulatory elasticity enhances systemic resilience. The study confirms an alternative paradigm for internationalisation of education – based on ‘structural hybridity’ rather than uniform transposition of regulatory requirements (allowing national educational models to retain contextual specificity while participating in integrative structures). Practical applications of the study include policy recommendations for the establishment of a BRICS educational consortium, digital infrastructure initiatives to facilitate academic cooperation, and accreditation harmonisation mechanisms to enhance interoperability among educational institutions. Beyond BRICS, the model is applicable to regional unions with a heterogeneous governance dimension – ASEAN, Mercosur – where regulatory harmonisation needs to be achieved without undermining national policy autonomy. Future research directions include econometric testing of the proposed integration mechanisms, longitudinal tracking of the effectiveness of policy transfer, and an interdisciplinary synthesis involving political economy, educational management and institutional theory to refine transnational human capital development strategies. The overall conclusion of the study combines empirical, theoretical and applied aspects: effective educational integration within BRICS requires governance hybridity, institutional flexibility and strategic economic coordination, without which systemic fragmentation will continue to impede human capital development in the era of globalised knowledge economy.

Key words: transnational academic networks, institutional convergence strategies, regulatory synchronisation mechanisms, cross-border knowledge mobility, education governance models, internationalisation of human resources, strategic policy alignment.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.013

S. AMAN Postgraduate student of the Department of International and National Security of the Diplomatic Academy Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow, Russia

THE VARIABILITY OF APPROACHES TO THE POLITICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITION OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

The article examines various approaches to defining the geographical boundaries of the Asia-Pacific region and the composition of its constituent countries. The Asia-Pacific region (APR) occupies a special position in modern international relations, which determines the importance of this study. The Asia-Pacific region, being the center of economic activity, demonstrates one of the highest dynamics of development in the whole world. The rivalry of the world's leading powers – the United States, Japan, Russia, China, and India – is turning this region into an arena of intense geopolitical confrontation. Therefore, understanding the political and geographical definition of the Asia-Pacific region helps to form an idea of the patterns and trends of the processes taking place in the region, as well as their impact on international relations.

The purpose of the study is to study the main approaches to defining the political and geographical boundaries of the Asia-Pacific region. In accordance with this, the following tasks were solved: to determine the influence of the geographical component on the understanding of the term «Asia-Pacific region»; to establish which countries form the main integration associations in the region; to identify the influence of political goals in defining the borders of the Asia-Pacific region; to identify the purpose of replacing the term «Asia-Pacific region» with the term «Indo-Pacific region»; to determine the position of the Russian Federation in determining the political and geographical borders of the Asia-Pacific region. The research is based on a set of methodological tools, including both general scientific approaches (logic, system analysis, synthesis and analogy) and specialized scientific methods (historical and legal analysis, political science analysis, legal modeling and forecasting). When studying official statements, speeches, and publications, content analysis was used. Interpretive and historical-legal methods were used to analyze international agreements, legislative acts and official documentation. A systematic approach was used to conceptualize the concept of the «Asia-Pacific region».

Key words: Asia-Pacific region, Indo-Pacific region, ESCAP, PECC, APEC, ASEAN.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.014

P.M. BELEVICH Postgraduate student, Department of Political Analysis and Socio-Psychological Processes, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia

EVOLUTION OF ISLAMIST MOVEMENTS: FROM POLITICAL ACTIVISM TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The political transformation of Islamist movements, oscillating between institutionalization and ideological rigidity, requires a comprehensive analytical framework: the interaction of structural determinants – economic stability, political flexibility and international interventions – determines the sustainability of Islamist governance, making any universal explanatory model insufficient. This study examines the mechanisms by which Islamist movements move from political activism to public administration, identifying the determinants of success or systemic fragmentation in different political environments; ideological elasticity and structural adaptability turn out to be central variables in shaping governance trajectories. The study uses a comparative case study approach – focusing on Islamist movements in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia – including qualitative content analysis of political programs, leaders’ rhetoric and institutional frameworks, while quantitative methods assess the correlation of electoral outcomes with economic indicators; statistical processing (SPSS) clarifies the empirical validity of governance models in Islamist regimes. Three dominant models of Islamist political evolution are identified: “legal integration”, observed in Turkey’s AKP – doctrinal modulation ensures political longevity; “hybrid regimes”, exemplified by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood – electoral ascent meets institutional resistance; and “state-imitating radicalization”, observed in Afghanistan’s Taliban – coercive governance lacks structural resilience – economic constraints dictate institutional stability, which strengthens the hypothesis (socio-material conditions trump ideological consistency in determining political sustainability). The results of this study challenge deterministic interpretations of Islamist governance – political sustainability correlates with economic viability and systemic adaptation rather than ideological purity; international factors, through sanctions or sponsorship, influence the durability of governance by shaping the strategic positioning of Islamist movements – adaptation depends on structural flexibility rather than doctrinal transformations. Policymakers and analysts should rethink governance models not as fixed trajectories but as “adaptive continua” – Islamist movements, by redefining ideological positions within institutional frameworks, navigate the dialectic of legitimacy and pragmatics of power. Future research should refine predictive models of Islamist governance and integrate structural dependencies and geopolitical contingencies – to assess the viability of political Islam in contemporary polities.

Key words: Islamist governance, political institutionalization, ideological adaptation, state-building in political Islam, electoral success of Islamist movements, geopolitical influence on Islamism, hybrid regimes and religious politics.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.015

S.V. GONCHAROV Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of the Scientific and Analytical Journal «IR SCIENTISTS’ HERALD», member of the Council of Young Scientists of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Moscow, Russia SPIN-код: 7138-5434 AuthorID: 1268809 https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9790-5294

STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF RUSSIA AND TURKEY IN THE POST-SOVIET SPACE

The purpose of the research. The article is devoted to the analysis of relations between Russia and Turkey in the post-Soviet space. In the article, the author highlighted the main priorities of Moscow and Ankara in the process of building cooperation with the states of Central Asia and the Caspian countries. For both countries, these regions play an important cultural, military, geopolitical and economic role. Carters’ National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski mentioned this in his book «The Great Chessboard». He calls them the «Eurasian Balkans». Russia, Turkey and Iran are seeking to gain influence in these regions. The importance of the post-Soviet space for Russia is confirmed in the country's Foreign Policy Concept as of the March 31, 2023. In the article, the author also analyzed in detail the relations of Russia and Turkey with Azerbaijan. Results. As a result of the conducted research, the author comes to the conclusion that the post-Soviet space will continue to serve as a zone of struggle for influence from Russia and Turkey, as Zbigniew Brzezinski said and whose statements are still relevant. With regard to Azerbaijan, countries will promote soft power to the extent possible.

Key words: Russia, Turkey, the post-Soviet space, Azerbaijan.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.016

I.I. KHAZIPOV Postgraduate student of the Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A POLITICAL GOAL: STRATEGIES OF GREEN PARTIES IN WESTERN EUROPE

This article analyzes the strategies of Green parties in Western Europe in promoting sustainable development policies. The author examines their participation in coalitions, legislative initiatives, and engagement with civil movements, as well as their influence on national and European politics. Particular attention is given to assessing the effectiveness of these approaches and their impact on reforms in ecology and social justice. This study may be useful for those interested in political processes and environmental policy.

Key words: sustainable development, Green parties, environmental policy, political coalitions.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.011

S.S. KHUSAINOVA Assistant of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia

PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT POWER OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN AZERBAIJAN (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE)

Turbulence in the system of international relations is a characteristic of today's world politics. The lack of clarity during the formation of new guidelines is becoming a test for the friendly relations of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan. One of the instruments of soft power of the Russian Federation, contributing to the further development and maintenance of good-neighborly relations between these countries, which are long-standing partners and allies with common political, economic and cultural responsibility in the Caspian region, is the use of the Russian language in the educational, cultural and information space of the Republic of Azerbaijan, interest in which in Azerbaijan does not decrease.

Key words: Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, soft power, Russian language, system, cooperation, relationships, interaction.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.017

ZHOU YANAN Graduate student of Department of Comparative Political Science of Faculty of Political Science Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

TURKEY, IRAN AND SAUDI ARABIA' S «SOFT POWER» POLICIES TOWARDS CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE 21-ST CENTURY

In the first quarter of the 21st century, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia have actively employed "soft power" tools in their relations with Central Asian countries, aiming to strengthen their influence in this strategically important region. This article examines the motivations and instruments behind the soft power policies of Ankara, Tehran, and Riyadh in Central Asia during this period, as well as the challenges and prospects these three leading Islamic nations face in the region.

Turkey’s soft power strategy leverages historical-cultural ties and Turkic identity, manifested through educational and cultural programs and the promotion of regional initiatives. Iran, drawing on shared religious and cultural heritage, fosters bilateral connections via religious and educational projects. Saudi Arabia focuses on expanding religious influence, primarily by funding religious institutions, supporting religious programs, and financing educational initiatives to solidify its role as a leader of the Islamic world.

These approaches highlight the growing competition among these states for influence in Central Asia, reflecting their aspirations to secure leading positions within the evolving geopolitical architecture of the region.

Key words: Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, soft power policy, foreign policy.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.018

QIANG CHONG Postgraduate, Lomonosov Moscow State University Moscow, Russia

DIGITAL DIPLOMACY AND INFORMATION SECURITY: CHALLENGES AND COUNTERMEASURES

This article is devoted to exploring the intersection of digital diplomacy and information security in the context of modern global dynamics. The introduction describes the evolution of diplomatic practice under the influence of digital technologies, highlighting significant advantages such as the speed of communications and the expansion of geographical boundaries of influence, as well as increasing threats – cyberattacks, disinformation, and data leaks. The aim of the research is to identify the key challenges of digital diplomacy in the context of information security and to propose well-founded measures to counter cyber threats.

The methods section employs a comprehensive approach, including an analysis of legal and regulatory documents, a comparative study of national and international strategies for ensuring information security, as well as the case study method, which allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of measures already implemented in certain countries. Additionally, expert interviews were conducted with representatives of the diplomatic community and the IT sector, which provided qualitative data on the realities of modern digital interaction.

The results obtained demonstrate that the use of digital tools in diplomacy is inevitably associated with the risks of losing control over information flows and manipulation of public opinion. The research found that successful countermeasures include the integration of early threat detection systems, the development of cybersecurity within the framework of international cooperation, and the adoption of unified standards of digital ethics. These findings confirm the effectiveness of coordinating efforts between state structures, scientific institutions, and the private sector.

The discussion of the results emphasizes the need to adapt existing information security models to new challenges associated with the rapid development of technologies. The article highlights the importance of creating multidisciplinary platforms for experience exchange and the joint formation of strategic decisions in the field of digital diplomacy. In conclusion, the authors formulate recommendations for improving the legal and regulatory framework, strengthening interstate cooperation, and developing innovative methods of protecting information, which will ensure the sustainability of diplomatic processes in the digital age.

Key words: digital diplomacy, information security, challenges, measures, countermeasures.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.019

S.A. SHAPORENKO Postgraduate student of the Department of International and National Security of the Diplomatic Academy Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia

PREREQUISITES AND IMPORTANCE OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIAN REGIONS AND CIS COUNTRIES

The article examines the historical, economic and social foundations of cross-border cooperation between Russian regions and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The relevance of the study is determined by the importance of cross-border cooperation, which creates an opportunity for Russia and the CIS countries to strengthen geopolitical and economic cooperation and support mutual interests. The purpose of the study is to determine the prerequisites and patterns of development of cross-border cooperation in the CIS countries. To achieve this goal, the author set the following tasks: to investigate the factors influencing the development of cross-border cooperation in the CIS; to determine the state of cross-border cooperation between Russian regions and CIS countries; to determine the prospects and directions for the development of cross-border cooperation between Russian regions and CIS countries. General scientific (description, synthesis, analysis, historical) and special (system-structural, formal-legal) methods were used in the preparation of the article.

The conducted research has confirmed that cross-border cooperation, solving socio-economic problems of the border region, preserving and strengthening historically established ties, is an important factor in the development of interstate cooperation, which can have a positive impact on integration processes in the CIS. Initially, the development of cross-border cooperation in the post-Soviet space was predetermined by the fact that after the collapse of the USSR, there was a need to rethink and restructure decades-old economic, cultural and social ties. At present, real and objective prerequisites have been formed for the effective realization by the CIS countries of their socio-economic potential, and cooperation has entered a period of coordinated regional policy, which, in turn, contributes to the development of relations within the framework of cross-border cooperation. Cooperation between the CIS countries contributes to the development of good-neighborly relations, strengthening political and economic stability. Historically developed infrastructure, common linguistic space and cultural proximity create favorable conditions for the development of cross-border cooperation.

Key words: cross-border cooperation, border regions, economic integration, regional development.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.020

CHEN YUNG TA Graduate student, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia

CHINA'S HARD POWER AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE

The article examines the key aspects of China’s policy implementation aimed at strengthening its position on the international stage. Special attention is paid to the components of “hard power,” including economic, military, and technological dominance, as well as cultural influence. The author explores China’s major achievements in the fields of economy, technology, and international politics.

This article investigates the transformation and dissemination of China’s hard power concept in the context of its political influence on the global stage. The introduction outlines the evolution of China’s foreign policy strategies, with special focus on the tools of military pressure, economic sanctions, and information campaigns. The relevance of the study is due to China’s increasing geopolitical importance, which makes an analysis of its approaches to implementing foreign policy necessary for understanding global processes.

The research methodology is based on a comparative analysis of empirical data and a critical review of international sources. The use of qualitative analysis methods, particularly case studies, allows for the identification of the characteristic features of China’s hard power in various regions. The data collection and processing methods include an analysis of official documents, international reports, as well as research by leading experts in the field of international relations.

The main findings of the study indicate that China’s hard power policy is multifaceted and dynamic. Key directions in the application of military might, economic pressure, and information warfare tools have been identified, all aimed at strengthening the country’s position in Asia and globally. The analysis shows that the use of hard power contributes not only to the enhancement of economic expansion but also to the development of strategic alliances, enabling China to reinforce its influence in the realms of security and global governance.

The discussion of the results highlights that despite significant achievements, China’s hard power strategy provokes a controversial reaction from the international community. Possible negative consequences for regional stability and the global balance of power are indicated. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity for further research to analyze China’s long-term strategic prospects, as well as to develop mechanisms to counteract aggressive foreign policy practices. The article contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms by which hard power influences international politics, offering a comprehensive view of the contemporary changes in the global political system.

Key words: China, hard power, economy, international multipolar world, technological leadership, cultural diplomacy.

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.021

YARAR MURAT PhD student at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russia ORCID 0000-0002-7967-765X

IMPACT OF THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL ASIA USING THE CONCEPT OF UNEVEN AND COMBINED DEVELOPMENT

Late capitalist countries undergoing the modernization process are at a lower level of development compared to countries where modernization has already achieved high results. Lagging countries can go through a special process of modernization, turning the disadvantages they face into advantages. This is articulated in the theory of uneven and combined development. In contrast to the discourse of the modernization school, which presents the idea of sequential development (all countries go through the same stages and experience the same patterns of development), inequality can be used as an advantage and stages of distinctive modernization can be carried out as part of the modernization process.

In this article, an examination of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an international organisation, has been conducted with the theory of uneven and compound development in the modernisation of Central Asia. Thanks to the measures taken by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for Central Asia, backwardness is being transformed into development by an external push. (Under the whip of external necessity, backwardness is forced to make leaps and bounds).

Key words: SCO, Modernization, Development, Uneven and Combined Development, Central Asia, international organisations.

REVIEWS AND OVERVIEWS

DOI 10.35775/PSI.2025.121.4.022

N.P. MEDVEDEV Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Editor-in-Chief of the Nauka Segodnya Publishing House, Moscow, Russia

SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION (SCO): MAIN ACTIVITIES PART ONE

The article, based on an analytical review of publications by Russian and foreign authors in recent years, attempts to comprehensively study the main areas of activity of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Particular attention is paid to the SCO as an instrument of foreign policy and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and China. The author of the article emphasizes the main problems of the development of the international organization and gives forecast characteristics for some aspects of the main areas of cooperation of the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The article consists of three parts. The second and third parts of the review will be published in the April 2025 issues of the journals "Problems of Political Science" and "Eurasian Union: Issues of International Relations".

Key words: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), analytical review of publications, comprehensive study, main areas of activity, foreign policy instrument, Russia, China.

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