Question at hand
Reference:
Fetisov, A.V. (2025). The Hamas movement: origins, activities and development in 1990-2010. International relations, 1, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.72926
Read the article
First Peer Review:
Second Peer Review:
Third Peer Review:
|
EDN: WSQTJK
|
Abstract:
The article is devoted to the analysis of the fundamental principles and ideological foundations of Hamas, a radical Islamist and Sunni Palestinian movement. The key feature of the organization is the rejection of the existence of Israel as a State and the desire for total control over the Palestinian territories through jihad. These attitudes are deeply rooted in the Islamic doctrine of the movement. The work explores the origins of the organization's formation, basic documents and principles of functioning. Special attention is paid to the study of the decision-making mechanisms of the Hamas leadership and the motivating factors of their actions. The article also provides an overview of various points of view on the ideology and activities of Hamas. At the same time, it is noted that, despite the ambiguous assessments of the organization's methods, the international community as a whole recognizes the legitimacy of the Palestinian demands. To achieve the purpose of the study, the following methods were used: empirical – analysis of documents (to analyze the Hamas Charter), general scientific – comparative analysis (to establish the differences between the Islamic Resistance Movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization, and, especially, differences in the attitude of these organizations to reconciliation with Israel), logical methods – to formulate the conclusions of the study. The article provides an overview of various points of view on the ideology and activities of Hamas. At the same time, it is noted that, despite the ambiguous assessments of the organization's methods, the international community as a whole recognizes the legitimacy of the Palestinian demands. The radicalization of the Palestinian Hamas movement, which initially emerged as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, led to the transformation of the organization from a peaceful religious structure with a social orientation into a militant quasi-state. It is noteworthy that, despite its Sunni roots, Hamas receives funding from Shiite Iran. Current trends towards normalization of relations between Israel and the Sunni Arab States have become a catalyst for Hamas to unleash a full-scale conflict. The organization, which has consistently thwarted all attempts at peaceful dialogue between the Palestinians and Israelis, has moved to an active phase of the struggle for the liberation of Palestine, using the current geopolitical window of opportunity. The dominant processes for Hamas in the Arab Sunni environment (the prospects for Arab-Israeli and Sunni-Israeli mutual understanding in the modern historical window of opportunity) pushed the organization to a full-scale war with Israel for the liberation of Palestine.
Keywords:
history, Middle East, Arab-Israeli conflict, The Flood of al-Aqsa, Gaza, Israel, Palestine, genesis, HAMAS, international relations
Regional configurations of international relations
Reference:
Ryzhov, I.V., Dzhodzhi, N.D., Strukova, M.I. (2025). The Republic of Iraq's "special" relations with the U.S. as a factor restraining the Iraqi ruling circles in their efforts to expand international contacts. International relations, 1, 15–25. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73108
Abstract:
The relevance of the topic is conditioned by the significant influence of the US-Iraqi relations on the strategic stability and political architecture of the Middle East in the XXI century. The author examined the key aspects of interaction between the Republic of Iraq and the United States in the political, economic and defense spheres following the adoption of the Framework Agreement in 2008, as well as the influence of American foreign policy on the development of the Iraqi state while maintaining the American military presence. The author investigated the mechanisms and instruments used by the United States to ensure its long-term influence in Iraq. The 2008 Framework Agreement, which became the basic document for determining the priority areas of cooperation between the U.S. and Iraq, is analyzed. Special attention is paid to U.S. economic interests, political restrictions for Iraq in the sphere of foreign policy contacts, and the preservation of the U.S. military presence in the country. It is noted that cooperation with the United States creates both opportunities for the recovery and modernization of the Iraqi economy and dependence on U.S. political and economic decisions. Event analysis made it possible to study in detail the dynamics of key events that influenced the nature of bilateral interaction, it helped to identify cause-and-effect relationships between events and their consequences for Iraqi-American relations. The use of the functional analysis made it possible to systematize information about the interaction between Washington and Baghdad in strategically important areas: politics, economics, and cultural and humanitarian ties.
Keywords:
US-Iraqi relations, Framework agreement, Middle East, economic cooperation, US military presence, multi-vector policy, international security, foreign policy, USA, Iraq
Regional configurations of international relations
Reference:
Babenko, O.V. (2025). External threats to modern Poland in the assessments of the Polish press. International relations, 1, 26–35. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.72857
Abstract:
The research considers articles by Polish journalists devoted to the external threats of modern Poland as the subject of research. They reflect the opinions of the authors on the most relevant aspects of this issue. Based on the materials of the most famous media outlets Dziennik Zachodni, Gazeta Wyborcza, Polityka, Rzeczpospolita and Wprost, coverage of Poland's foreign policy problems in late 2023 and early 2024 is demonstrated, when an information campaign launched in Western countries intensified, related to the dissemination of false information about Moscow's upcoming invasion of Europe. It is emphasized that the materials of Polish publications are biased, especially publications about Russia. Special attention is paid to the background of the issue – the Three Seas project and Polish-American relations. The characteristics of all used newspapers and magazines are given. As a research method, content analysis is used, which allows analyzing the content of the publications in question in the media. The novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time it provides a comprehensive analysis of the materials of the leading Polish media on the topic of the article. The author concludes that in the Polish press the main external threat is considered to be the threat from Russia. In order to eliminate this threat, the Poles propose measures to strengthen Ukraine in order to defeat Russia as soon as possible. Polish media pay great attention to Russia's special operation in Ukraine, which they call the war of Russia with Ukraine, and are afraid of Moscow's further advance to the West. At the same time, journalists often refer to the opinions of Western politicians, military and journalists. Some Polish journalists publish optimistic articles about the possibility of a peaceful settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the elimination of the military threat from Russia. However, in general, the Polish press remains negative towards the Kremlin.
Keywords:
EU, special operation, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Central and Eastern Europe, Polish press, Three Seas, external threats, Polish foreign policy, Poland, NATO
SOFT POWER
Reference:
Qiu, S. (2025). Cultural diplomacy as a promoter of China’s foreign policy. International relations, 1, 36–44. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73240
Abstract:
The relevance of the study is due to the rapid development of cultural diplomacy in the PRC against the background of the confrontation between the People's Republic of China and the US for world domination. The object of the study is the cultural diplomacy of the People's Republic of China. The subject of the study is the cultural diplomacy of China. A research objective is to determine the role of cultural diplomacy in the foreign policy of the People's Republic of China. The main tasks of the research are to investigate the history of Chinese cultural diplomacy after the formation of the People's Republic of China, to identify key changes in the PRC’s cultural diplomacy against the background of the deterioration of bilateral relations with the USSR, to analyze the PRC’s cultural diplomacy at the current stage, to define the main tools of implementation of cultural diplomacy of the People's Republic of China. This study is based on the "power transition" theory, explaining the process of changing the global leader in the world scene and its accompanying processes. The scientific novelty of this study is to define key tools of cultural diplomacy of the PRC at the current stage, which can include academic exchanges, dissemination of Chinese language, cinema, video games; to establish Western youth as a key goal of Chinese cultural diplomacy. The main conclusions of the study are analisys of the cultural diplomacy of the PRC, establishment of the main directions of PRC's cultural diplomacy, identification of a change in the vector of cultural diplomacy of the PRC against the background of the deterioration of bilateral relations with the USSR, identification of the key tools of cultural diplomacy of the PRC at the current stage.
Keywords:
Language, Culture, Power transition, USSR, US, PRC, Cultural diplomacy, Soft power, China, Media
SOFT POWER
Reference:
Matosian, A.E. (2025). Soft Power and Cool Japan: Shaping Japan's National Image. International relations, 1, 45–56. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73325
Abstract:
This article examines the «Cool Japan» strategy as one of Japan's soft power tools in the process of building the country's national image. The article focuses on the mechanisms by which the «Cool Japan» strategy is implemented as part of public diplomacy to enhance the country's cultural and political influence. The article also explores how the strategy contributes to the establishment of a distinctive national image that influences the perception of Japan in different regions of the world and promotes its integration into the global cultural and economic field. To achieve the research objectives, the article applies an interdisciplinary approach, including elements of international relations theory and sociocultural theory. The main research methods used are: content analysis, case studies, historical and comparative analysis. The novelty of this paper lies in the comprehensive analysis of «Cool Japan» as a soft power strategy aimed at redefining and reshaping Japan's national image. The article offers a distinctive perspective on soft power in the context of Japanese foreign policy and assesses the effectiveness of «Cool Japan» implementation at the regional and global levels. «Cool Japan» served as the catalyst for Japan's successful rebranding, allowing the country to redefine and update its perception in the eyes of the global community. Anime and manga, as central elements of Japanese pop culture, have become global phenomena actively consumed in various countries around the world. These cultural products not only contribute to increasing interest in Japan, but have also become important components in building a positive image of the country by appealing to different demographic groups. Given historical factors and political differences, East Asian countries such as China and the Republic of Korea are actively consuming Japanese cultural products. This fact shows that Japanese soft power is successfully breaking barriers and gaining acceptance in the region.
Keywords:
Olympic Games, Manga, Anime, Cultural Politics, Public Diplomacy, Cool Japan, Japan, East Asia, National Image, Rebranding
Diplomacy
Reference:
Liu, Y. (2025). New strategic diplomatic relations between China and Russia: a model for Great Powers. International relations, 1, 57–72. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73390
Abstract:
The article is devoted to the analysis of the development of strategic relations between China and Russia, with an emphasis on the analysis of key documents and statements made by the heads of the two countries in the period from 1996 to 2025. It examines the evolution of the partnership between China and Russia, which has gone from the initial formation of the concept of "strategic" to the current "golden age" of "inclusiveness", when both countries established a cooperation in a complex and changing international context. These new interstate relations play a key role in responding to challenges in world politics, promoting economic cooperation, and ensuring global and regional security. The article emphasizes that Russian-Chinese relations have evolved from pragmatic cooperation in the economic sphere to a comprehensive strategic partnership, including coordination in the international arena. The theoretical basis is the relational theory of world politics by Qin Yaqing. The author also uses an interdisciplinary approach based on the methods of structural realism, historical-comparative and problem-chronological analysis. China and Russia view each other as priority partners, as evidenced by the growth of bilateral trade and joint efforts to create a new international order based on the principles of multipolarity and mutual respect. The paper identifies three key periods of development of Russian-Chinese cooperation: the initial stage (1996-2006), the phase of rapid growth (2006-2016) and the modern "golden period" of comprehensive partnership (2016–present). This study will provide a new perspective on the role of China and Russia in modern international relations. The article concludes that Russian-Chinese relations represent a unique model of cooperation between great powers based on equality, trust and mutual benefit. In the future, the author predicts further strengthening of cooperation in the political, economic and military spheres, as well as increased coordination within international organizations such as the United Nations, BRICS and SCO.
Keywords:
BRICS, SOC, trade relations, cooperation, great powers, diplomacy, strategic partnership, Russia, China, UN
Regional configurations of international relations
Reference:
Ostanin-Golovnya, V.D. (2025). The development of the Arab-Muslim direction of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy after 1979. International relations, 1, 73–85. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73466
Abstract:
The subject of the study is the transformation of the Arab-Muslim direction of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy after the key events of 1979, which significantly influenced the political development of the country and the region as a whole. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the main factors that determined the change in the kingdom's political course, such as the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the seizure of the al-Haram Mosque in Mecca and the outbreak of the Afghan War. The article examines two main vectors of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy development: regional, related to the creation of the GCC in 1981, and religious, aimed at strengthening the country's role in the Muslim world. The mechanisms of implementation of these directions are considered. The article analyzes the impact of the events of the post-Soviet period and the Cold War on the formation of new strategic priorities of Riyadh, as well as its response to the challenges of global terrorism after September 11, 2001. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of historical events, official documents and expert assessments. The methods of comparative analysis, chronological periodization and a systematic approach to the study of the transformation of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy are used. Special attention is paid to sources, including the work of leading experts in the region. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy after 1979, with an emphasis on the interrelationship of regional and religious vectors of its development. For the first time, the author examines the impact of the key events of this period — the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the seizure of the al-Haram Mosque and the outbreak of the Afghan War — on the formation of Riyadh's strategic priorities. The study reveals the mechanism of "securitization of religion" as the main tool for strengthening the internal stability and international influence of the kingdom. The conclusions of the work demonstrate how Saudi Arabia, using its economic and religious advantages, has successfully adapted to changing geopolitical realities, turning from a regional player into one of the main centers of power in the Muslim world. The study also highlights the dual role of the religious factor in the kingdom's foreign policy, where support for traditional Islamic values was combined with the risks of spreading extremist ideologies, which became an important lesson for modern diplomacy.
Keywords:
Islamic Awakening, securitization of religion, regional vector, religious vector, Islamic factor, Muslim world, foreign policy, Arab East, Saudi Arabia, GCC
Regional configurations of international relations
Reference:
Zhang , X. (2025). Analysis of the prospects for cooperation between China and Russia in the Northeast-Far East region in the context of the "Turn to the East" policy. International relations, 1, 86–95. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73536
Abstract:
In the context of deep transformations of the global political and economic structure, characterized by the strengthening of the East's position and the weakening of the West's influence, Russia is accelerating the implementation of the strategy of "Turning to the East." The Northeast of China and the Russian Far East are geographically neighboring regions with deep historical experience of cooperation and real prerequisites for its development. In this article, the subject of the study is cooperation between China and Russia in the Northeast-Far East region, the object is the policy of "turning to the East". From the point of view of energy security, cross-border corridors, agricultural development, industrial cooperation, the author analyzes in detail the development process and the current state of cooperation, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing it. The purpose of the study is to analyze the influence of geopolitical and economic factors on the interaction of the parties. Studying this cooperation will help us understand the development of relations between the two sides and will contribute to improving the quality and modernization of the Sino-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. This article uses historical-genetic, comparative, deductive and other research methods aimed at conducting a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the research content. The main conclusions of the study are of great practical importance for cooperation in the Northeast-Far East region between China and Russia. At the level of government policy of the two countries, practical recommendations of this study can improve policy guidance in the field of energy transmission, cross-border transportation, cultural exchanges, etc. At the level of local cooperation, the research results can also serve as a guideline for small and medium-sized enterprises of the two countries in the direction of complementary cooperation. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that this article goes beyond the traditional unified view, analyzing the prospects for cooperation in terms of geopolitics, economic complementarity and other areas, providing new ideas for research in this field. At the same time, in the course of the research, the author put forward a model of triple cooperation "resources – production capacity – market" in order to facilitate the transition of bilateral cooperation from simple trade exchanges to deep industrial integration.
Keywords:
integration, economic complementarity, Challenges, geopolitics, Northeast Asia, Northeast of China, Russian Far East, turn to the East, industrial cooperation, bilateral cooperation
History of international relations
Reference:
Yanov, A.A. (2025). The evolution of historiographical approaches to the study of the "Cold War" in the academic schools of Russia, the USA, and China. International relations, 1, 96–110. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73732
Abstract:
This author analyzes the historiographical approaches of three major powers (Russia, the USA, China) to the study of the Cold War. The work is relevant due to the increasing global tensions and rising risks of similar processes occurring. The article conducts an analysis of national research historiographical approaches and identifies the processes of their transformation related to the declassification of archives, the evolution of interdisciplinary approaches, and the intensification of the globalization of historical science. It examines scientific paradigms such as traditionalist, revisionist, and post-revisionist, as well as their impact on contemporary research and their integration into national research processes. The author pays special attention to the views of key powers on the causes, periodization, and consequences of the bipolar confrontation. The influence of ideological aspects, such as the transformation of China's foreign policy, on the development of historiographical approaches is also discussed. The primary method used in the research is interdisciplinary approach combined with systemic and comparative-historical methods. A historiographical analysis was employed, and a content analysis of scientific publications on relevant topics was conducted. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comparative analysis of the historiographical approaches of the three key powers to the Cold War. Important patterns in the development of historiographies were identified, demonstrating the evolution of the perception of international relations from a simple ideological framework to an interdisciplinary and multifactorial one. However, it was found that national characteristics are still a key factor. Thus, Russian historiography tends to focus on the geopolitical factor, American historiography on democracy, and Chinese historiography on regional aspects and the role of China in the bipolar structure of international relations. The article also presents a new classification of methodologies and approaches to the study of the Cold War, including geopolitical, economic, cultural, and ideological. Unlike other works on this topic, the author highlights the role of the Chinese historiographical approach, which, while developing in accordance with national doctrines, also integrates Western research methods. In the future, the work can be used for a more comprehensive study of the historiography of international relations, as well as in the development of research programs and textbooks devoted to the history of the Cold War.
Keywords:
revisionist approach, post-revisionist synthesis, traditionalist paradigm, characteristics of Chinese historiography, evolution of historiographical approaches, historical research methodology, Chinese historiographical tradition, American historiography, Russian historical school, Cold War historiography
Political stability
Reference:
Kojovic, S. (2025). Bosnia and Herzegovina – shared past, different fates. International relations, 1, 111–123. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73761
Abstract:
This article is dedicated to the study of the process of proclaiming the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a result of the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The author of this article focuses not so much on the reasons for the collapse of Yugoslavia, but specifically on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the most interesting examples of a post-Yugoslav state. The author emphasizes the first multi-party elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1990, as well as the further work of the Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1991. An important part of this article is the analysis of the secession of the Assembly of the Serbian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its independent work. The reasons for the separation of the Serbian people into a separate independent Assembly in the fall of 1991 are explored, as well as the proclamation of the Republic of Srpska itself in January 1992. The methodology of this article is based on a systematic and interdisciplinary approach, which contributed to solving the tasks set. The work employs historical, comparative, and historical-genetic methods, as well as an institutional method that allowed for the study of the roles of the National Assemblies of BiH and RS and to assess their functioning and effectiveness. The novelty of the research lies in the special approach to studying the work of political institutions in BiH, which significantly influenced the entire political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina at that time. The main conclusions of this research are the theses that Bosnia and Herzegovina, after the dissolution of Yugoslavia and lacking a dominant ethnic group, was doomed to internal conflicts due to the diverse interests and aspirations of the Muslim (Bosniak), Serbian, and Croatian communities. Analyzing the end of 1991 and, above all, the illegal work of the Assembly of BiH and its decision to declare independence against the will of Serbian deputies, it can be concluded that this was the first illegal step taken by the Muslim-Croatian coalition. Constitutional provisions were violated, yet even today these events are presented only as facts and are not publicly examined as the primary and initial cause of the formation of a separate Assembly of the Serbian people and the Republic of Srpska as a whole, as well as all subsequent events on the political scene of BiH.
Keywords:
Dayton agreements, post-Yugoslav states, civil war, stability, independence, disintegration, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, Western Balkans.
Collective defense initiatives
Reference:
Li, V.N. (2025). The role of cooperation between Russia and China in the military sphere for strengthening the strategic partnership of the two countries. International relations, 1, 124–135. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73869
Abstract:
The article is dedicated to the study of the features of the strategic partnership between Russia and China in the military sphere. The aim of the proposed research is to determine the degree of maturity and development trajectory of the strategic cooperation between China and Russia in the military realm. The tasks of this work include examining the characteristics of the relativistic approach to military cooperation in bilateral relations, as well as an empirical analysis of military cooperation between Russia and China. The author categorizes interstate military relations into three degrees of maturity: low, medium, and high. Each degree of maturity corresponds to specific indicators of strategic partnership. Low maturity includes confidence-building measures and consultation mechanisms. Medium-level military partnership involves military-technical cooperation and regular military exercises, while high maturity cooperation includes joint military command, joint troop deployment, and a common defense policy. The methodological foundation of the research is the relativistic approach, which allows for examining the complex of Russian-Chinese relations in the military sphere within the framework of strategic partnership. Analyzing these criteria in the strategic partnership between Russia and China reveals that after the Cold War, the two countries established comprehensive military cooperation, with all aspects having developed over the past two decades. A comprehensive and multi-level mechanism for inter-military consultations has been implemented and institutionalized, taking into account international circumstances. Large-scale exchanges in the field of military-technical cooperation, including technology exchange, have increased the compatibility of the armed forces and defense-industrial complexes of both countries. In conclusion, the author notes that since the end of the Cold War, China and Russia have established extensive military cooperation, the various aspects of which have evolved over the last two decades. Overall, the military cooperation between Russia and China, occurring within the framework of strategic partnership, has begun to transition into an advanced stage of maturity.
Keywords:
international security, military-technical cooperation, Russian-Chinese relations, military exercises, military cooperation, strategic partnership, China, Russia, SCO, relativistic approach
SOFT POWER
Reference:
Dontsov, A. (2025). Education as a Tool of Russia’s Soft Power in ASEAN Countries. International relations, 1, 136–158. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73523
Abstract:
The study examines the use of education as an instrument of Russia’s soft power in ASEAN countries and its role in fostering international educational cooperation. It focuses on academic mobility, government quotas, inter-university programs, and scientific exchanges, as well as key factors influencing student inflows from ASEAN countries to Russian universities. Special attention is given to differences in engagement levels across ASEAN states and challenges faced by students in admission and study processes. The study analyzes historical and contemporary aspects of educational diplomacy, its institutional foundations, and its significance for Russia’s academic and scientific ties with ASEAN. It also explores ways to enhance the appeal of Russian higher education, including improving programs, expanding English-language instruction, and strengthening information support for international students. The research employs contextual and quantitative analysis with a comparative approach. Academic mobility is assessed through an indicator measuring the ratio of ASEAN students in Russia to their home country’s population per million residents. The analysis covers data from 2020 to 2024. The study’s novelty lies in the quantitative assessment of Russia’s educational policy in ASEAN using a newly developed academic mobility coefficient. The findings confirm the hypothesis that an increase in ASEAN students in Russia correlates with expanding educational cooperation and stronger academic ties. The largest student inflows are from Laos and Vietnam, reflecting high engagement in Russian initiatives, while mobility remains low in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei, highlighting the need to revise cooperation strategies. The results emphasize the role of academic mobility as a key component of Russia’s educational diplomacy in the region.
Keywords:
Russian universities, student exchanges, Russian foreign policy, Russia-ASEAN cooperation, international educational programs, ASEAN countries, Russian education, academic mobility, educational diplomacy, soft power
Concepts of political structure of the world
Reference:
Poluhina, V.D. (2025). Technological nationalism as a factor in the struggle for leadership among the leading states in the international arena (using the example of Russia, the USA and China). International relations, 1, 159–175. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.72318
Read the article
First Peer Review:
Second Peer Review:
Third Peer Review:
|
EDN: YWCMVA
|
Abstract:
The rapid development of e-government and large investments in the IT industry demonstrate the race of states for technological leadership. The technological race manifests itself as the development of e-government, the digitalization of the state, the expansion of the use of artificial intelligence in various spheres of society among the leading countries - Russia, China and the United States. The article examines the impact of the race of states on technological nationalism and international relations in general. The analysis of the strategies of Russia, China and the United States is carried out, which indicates an acceleration in the pace of development of digital technologies in global politics. The subject of the study is technological nationalism as a factor in the struggle for leadership in the international arena. The object of the study is the strategies of Russia, the United States and China in the field of digitalization, the development of e-government and the introduction of artificial intelligence. The technological race between these countries is considered in detail, which manifests itself in the desire to dominate global politics through the development of the IT industry and digital technologies. Special attention is paid to the impact of these processes on international relations and the rise of technological nationalism, which leads to new forms of political and economic competition. The study uses a method of comparative analysis of countries' strategies in the field of IT, digitalization and artificial intelligence, as well as a method of content analysis of government documents, programs, statements by leaders of countries and scientific publications. Additionally, a systematic approach has been applied to assess the impact of the technological race on international relations and on the development of technological nationalism in global politics.
Keywords:
digital technologies, international relations, technological race, IT industry, global politics, international competition, artificial intelligence, digitalization, e-government, technological nationalism
Regional configurations of international relations
Reference:
Mordvintsev, U.I. (2025). Egypt's policy in the Eastern Mediterranean. International relations, 1, 176–194. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.73140
Abstract:
The article presents an analysis of the policy of the Arab Republic of Egypt (ARE) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The author explores disputes over offshore gas fields, which generate conflict between the countries of the region. The article examines Egypt's role in resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip, as achieving peace and stability in the region is necessary for the national security of the Arab Republic. The article analyzes Egyptian-Israeli relations. The article examines the role of Egypt and Turkey in resolving the Libyan crisis, which are making efforts to resolve the struggle for power in the country. The work traces the historical context of Egyptian-Turkish relations, identifying scenarios for their development. The object of the study is Egypt's foreign policy. The subject of the study is the Eastern Mediterranean trend in Egypt's foreign policy. The study used a structural and functional method to study the phenomenon of ARE's foreign policy. A systematic approach allowed to identify the matrix of foreign policy and the chronological analysis of the subject of the study. The method of comparative analysis was used to identify common and special features in the concepts of Egypt's foreign policy. In recent years, the ARE has become more active in the region and has strengthened its military capabilities in the region. The novelty of the proposed work also consists in an attempt to highlight what Egypt's foreign policy is aimed at, with which countries it has a conflict of interest, and what measures are being taken to resolve certain disputes that arise between Egypt and the Mediterranean states. The research question of the study is formulated as follows: what kind of foreign policy does Egypt pursue in the Eastern Mediterranean and how does this affect the course of events in this region? The purpose of the scientific research is to analyze Egypt's foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and explain the position of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the conflicts of this region. The main hypothesis of the article is that Egypt seeks to play a key role in the Eastern Mediterranean, using its geographical location, military power and economic resources to strengthen its regional influence and protect its national interests. The author concludes that Egypt's policy in the Eastern Mediterranean is of great importance for the region and beyond. It has an impact on the security and development of the region.
Keywords:
economic partnership, Eastern Mediterranean, The Libyan crisis, Rafah, Israel, Turkey, war, the Gaza strip, electric power, Egypt
History of international relations
Reference:
Sizykh, M.M., Assogba , S. (2025). Russian-Togolese relations: background, problems and prospects. International relations, 1, 195–203. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0641.2025.1.72082
Abstract:
Relations between Russia and Togo have a relatively short history, however, the study of the history of Russian-Togolese relations, significant moments of interaction between the countries contributes to the formation of a positive image of Russia on the world political arena, consolidating the idea of Russia and Togo as strategic partners with exceptionally positive experience of interstate cooperation. The object of the study is the bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the Togolese Republic. The subject of the study was the peculiarities of the historical development of political, economic, cultural and academic relations between these states. The relevance of this work is determined by the intensive development of bilateral relations between these countries. The authors conclude that cultural and academic ties can become the basis for further successful international relations. In the course of the study, the authors used historical, statistical and analytical methods, methods of synthesis and analysis, and general scientific methods. The scientific novelty of this article lies in the comprehensive consideration of Russian-Togolese relations, which includes not only political and economic aspects, but also academic ties and cultural exchange. The purpose of this study is to identify key stages in the development of Russian-Togolese relations. The main diplomatic agreements signed between the countries during the Soviet period and in the period of modern history were analyzed. The authors pay special attention to academic relations. The research of Soviet and Russian scientists devoted to the problems of the Togolese Republic is analyzed, and the work of Togolese researchers in the field of economics, cultural studies, philology and agriculture is also noted. It is obvious that the restoration of economic, diplomatic, cultural, sports and academic ties lost in the post-Soviet period is required.
Keywords:
international economics, Russia, cultural relations, Russian-Togolese relations, academic connections, Togolese Republic, international relations, Republic of Togo, USSR, Africa