Abstract: The article examines the main directions of military-technical cooperation between Russia and China, including the transfer and adaptation of military technologies. It analyzes the process of reverse engineering of Russian weapons samples, as well as their modernization in China with subsequent implementation in national armament programs. Particular attention is paid to aviation technologies, including Russian jet engines and their use in Chinese fighters Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-35/FC-31. Examples of borrowing electronic systems are discussed, such as shipborne radars "Frigate" (type 382) and fire control systems type 366, as well as the modernization of anti-aircraft missile systems, including analogs of Russian SAM systems "Tor-M1" and "Pantsir-S". Special attention is given to technology transfer in the field of submarines, including diesel-electric submarines of the "Kilo" class and their Chinese analogs of type 041 with air-independent propulsion. The methodological foundation of this study is an interdisciplinary approach based on the main tenets and methods of structural realism (neorealism). Referring to this scientific school allows for an analysis of the tools and substantive content of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the military-technical sphere. In conclusion, the author notes that the transfer of technologies from Russia to China is a trend in Russian-Chinese military-technical cooperation, and there are no prerequisites for its change. A forecast is made that this trend will continue, given China's strong desire to develop its own defense manufacturing capabilities. The article conducts a comparative analysis of Chinese and Russian weaponry, demonstrating the degree of technological divergence and identifies trends towards reducing China's dependence on Russian military technologies. Additionally, a perspective on bilateral cooperation is presented in light of current geopolitical challenges and potential risks for the Russian defense industry. The author predicts that in the absence of fundamental changes in this area, a scenario that would be beneficial for Russia is gaining broader access to Chinese commercial technologies and dual-use technologies, which would help both maintain its defense industry in the context of military confrontation with the Collective West and develop a more innovative economy.

Keywords: People's Liberation Army of China, missile technologies, military modernization, naval forces, air forces, strategic partnership, China, Russia, Russian-Chinese relations, military-technical cooperation

Abstract: This article is devoted to analyzing the competition between China and India in the Indian Ocean. Both countries are becoming formidable marine States, actively developing the port infrastructure in the littoral States, and with concentration on foreign policy strategies attempt to shift balance of power and strengthening of their positions. The growing military fleet presence of China affects India’s strategic interests, which in the context of this struggle leans on ally relations, including with Japan. On the example of Zheng He expeditions, this research demonstrates the geopolitical importance of the Indian Ocean region even dating back to the Middle Ages. Analysis is conducted on the China’s "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiative and India’s counter-initiatives, including those associated with the Japan’s project “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure”. A conclusion is made on the leading role of China and India in development of port infrastructure in the Indian Ocean region. It is noted that with escalation of armed conflicts this infrastructure can be adapted for military purposes. Therefore, the implementation of the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" and “Act East” policies should currently be viewed not as attempts towards equal cooperation, but as a process of formation of two sizable military-economic alliances, revolving around China and India.

Keywords: Maritime Silk Road, great powers rivalry, port, Africa, Indian Ocean, China, India, navy, Asia and Africa Growth Corridor, grand strategy

Abstract: The focus of attention is the East African Community (EAC). This economic association of East African countries today includes the following countries: Burundi, the Rwanda Republic, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan. The author makes an effort to outline the trends in the economical and political integration of the EAC member countries after they achieved state sovereignty. Accent is made on how intense these trends are on various stages of the evolution of EAC and its potential to achieve a political unity between its member states within the respective borders of a federal state. Basing on the principle of historism and employing the method of historical reconstruction the author outlines the main determinants of the integration processes in East Africa. The author also points out the factors that counteract the formation of a federation and the emergence of a new subject of International Law in this region. Employing said methods allowed the author to make a substantiated conclusion that the formation of a sovereign federal state, based on the existing regional economic alliance (EAC), is impeded by the recently-emerged and potential tribal and religious conflict in East African countries. Social, cultural and linguistical diversity and growing ambition of the heads of state and the political elites.

Keywords: South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, East African Community, Africa, Federal state, Economic integration

Abstract: This article analyzes the three major crises in the history of Russia-NATO relations (1999, 2008 and 2014). Those crises were directly linked with the disagreements on the status of territories like Kosovo, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Crimea. Analyzing each crisis in the succession, the author reaches for the reasons and draws attention to the fact that each time, disagreements between the two sides lead to a halt in cooperation, freezing of common programs and institutes. This, however, was successfully overcome during the course of the first two crises. The methodological basis of this research consists of systemic, structural-functional, comparative-historical, comparative-political, geopolitical and cultural-civilizational approaches, and methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation. From the author’s point of view, the crises demonstrate the fundamental differences of the two parties regarding the legal evaluation of core International Law, as it is present in U.N. legislation, and regarding the system of European security, in a period of a global system crisis. The author concludes that another quality level of partnership is needed, and that it is impossible to build a security system for Europe without, or against Russia.

Keywords: Conflict studies, foreign politics, international relations, international conflict, NATO, Russia, crisis, interests, values, security.