Abstract: This work focuses on analyzing technologies and development of models and methods for increasing the efficiency of information security audit of automated systems. The authors list the methods for information security audit, as well as describe the major stages of information security control system audit, including comprehensive examination of the system, analysis of existing risks and developing recommendations list for improving information resource security systems. The authors raised and solved the problem of increasing efficiency of organizing information security audit while minimizing audit risks. The audit process is presented as a set of audit procedures, interrelated via time and information. To analyze and evaluate audit risk, the authors introduce the definition of “standard pattern of audit data processing”, according to which the audit data processing is divided into processing itself, error control and correction, or, failing that, requesting additional base information necessary for the completion of the audit. The article’s methodology basis consists of the systematic method, the structural and functional method, the comparative approach, analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation approaches. The task of optimizing the audit process involves making the right choices regarding information processing technologies for audit data, which would ensure minimal errors in results. The authors offer models and methods of efficiency analysis, substantiation and choice for design solutions to enhance information security, using vector stratification to pick the right solution out of the multitude of alternatives.

Keywords: information security, automated system, audit, audit risk, standard pattern, control, design solution, comprehensive evaluation, targeted selection, vector stratification

Abstract: The problem that is being viewed becomes topical due to the global processes around the world, and the strengthening of China on the modern global arena. China spares no effort to integrate itself into countries and regions around the world. This flows from China’s history of growth and development. China’s economy’s rapid growth demands resources, markets to sell goods, the vast population requires jobs to ensure stability within the country. Some of the major directions of China’s integration are territorial expansion, primarily at the expense of bordering countries, as well as economic and demographic expansion. As historical experience shows, military solutions for some regional scale (and, presumably, world scale, as well) issues, are possible. The methological basis of this research consists of the systematic, structural and political, geopolitical, cultural and civilization-based approaches, the analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation methods. Today’s China is involved into territorial disputes, many of which remain unresolved to this day. This affects not only Russia and the post-Soviet space, but other countries, as well. The dispute with Japan over the Senkaku Islands became particularly severe – to a degree that caused Washington to interfere. With that said, however, China handles the majority of such cases with a “delayed solution” approach, believing that, in 50-100 years the situation may resolve in China’s favour naturally, without pressure.

Keywords: Conflict studies, foreign policies, international relations, China, Russian policies, integration processes, colonization, geopolitics, conflict, security

Abstract: The beginning of 2014 was marked by a rapid escalation of anti-Russian policy by the USA. Ukraine became its main focus, with the events taking place there that may have dangerous consequences not only for Ukraine itself, but for Russia and the entire Europe, as well. By all indicators, Europe has entered a pre-war political crisis. In the XX-eth century, European ruling elites, entangled in their power ambitions, have started two “hot” World Wars and one “cold” war in an attempt to establish domination and to force their will on other countries. These wars had dire, destructive consequences for Europe. For the U.S.A., this was a unique geopolitical chance to become a global superpower. The methodological base of this research consists of systematic, structural and functional, comparative and historical and other social science approaches; methods of analysis, synthesis, analogy and modeling. It should be admitted that the rise of U.S.A. to greatness was largely due to irresponsible post World War II Soviet Union behaviour. High on victory, Stalin and his followers began an active communist expansion, without concerning themselves with the severe geopolitical consequences for their own country, as well as the world community. Almost half of Europe fell under Soviet influence, at that time. The ruling European circles saw the Soviet Union as a top threat, and, to counter it, joined an anti-Soviet coalition lead by U.S.A. The country from across the ocean became a military and political security provider for their independence. This allowed the U.S.A. to subjugate European countries and to make them serve its interests.

Keywords: administration, trends, international relations, cold war, global confrontation, policy, USA, Russia, conflict, security

Abstract: This article focuses on Latin American countries of the World War I period, and their relations with Russia at that time. The Latin American evaluation of the Russian army’s role is also a subject of scrutiny. 2014 is the 100- th anniversary of the beginning of WW I, and this is a good reason to rethink this war, to discover its new facets and pages. This is particularly true in case of seldom studied topics of Latin America in this global conflict. This is closely relevant to Latin America’s views on Russia’s participation, given that this area is almost touched in both, Russian and Latin American research. The methodological basis of this research consists of the systematic, structural and functional, cultural and civilization-based, comparative and historical approaches, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, modeling. Largely poor coverage of the WW I policies of this region’s countries is defined by their stance in this period. Major countries like Argentine, Chili, Columbia, Mexico, Venezuela and Paraguay remained neutral, while Peru, Bolivia, Uruguay and Ecuador, formally severing ties with Germany, never declared war on it. Only in 1917 Brazil, Cuba and several central American republics declared war on the Axis countries, however only Brazil had major contributions, and it occurred by the end of WW I.

Keywords: conflict, World War I, history, Latin America, policy, administration, state, Russia, Entante, Argentine

Abstract: The article draws attention to intellect as a factor in modern politics, and the role of rationale in forming and realization of policies. For the first time, intelligence is being examined as a strategic resource of a modern state’s foreign politics. The author examines and analyzes today’s concepts of “intelligent strength”, the research of which is conducted using a rational (noovitist) approach to foreign politics and V. I. Vernadskiy’s views. Currently, intellect becomes the most important criteria of truth and the top ranking national resource of politics, both domestic and foreign politics. The methodological basis of this research is formed by the systemic, structural and functional, comparative and political approaches, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, modeling, prognosis and expert evaluations. Any nation’s political course may be considered to be established only when it passes the test of intelligence, meeting the criteria of rationality – and this equally applies to the functioning of countries that are accepted as world’s leaders – the USA, Germany that leans on the strength of the EU and Japan, as well as third world countries that play a secondary role in global politics.

Keywords: management, politics, Russia, geopolitics, conflict, diplomacy, intelligence, noosphere, noovitism, values

Abstract: The development process of information technologies in the modern world has a considerable impact on the basic principles, forms and methods of political administration, education, and became the foundation for a revolution in international affairs, as well as in warfare. In light of this, one of the main tasks set before Latin American countries and their military departments is one of the using information to manipulate modern international and domestic conflicts, because information is a tool of influencing people’s perception of their surroundings, capable of forming motivations towards particular forms of political behaviour. Methodologically, this research is based on systemic, structural and functional, comparative and political, cultural and civilization-based approaches, as well as the methods of analysis, synthesis, observation and modeling. In modern times, a competent strategy for controlling information can be of great help winning violent conflicts. Working with sources of information, like the Internet and the new media became a new way of conducting modern warfare and participation in modern wars and political crises.

Keywords: management, politics, trends, Latin America, information warfare, diplomacy, state, interests, values, security

Abstract: The article refines the definition of “security” as a state of being protected from possible harm, and the ability to deter and deflect adverse influence, as well as to quickly compensate for damage. Despite numerous interpretations of this definition present in Russian and foreign literature, the very concept of security is subject to discussion. This article also traces the evolution of the definition of security – all the way from traditional military interpretation towards multidimensional interpretation that clarifies, broadens and deepens the said term. The methodological basis of this research is focused on the systemic, structural and functional, comparative and historical, comparative and political, geopolitical, cultural and civilization-based approaches, and the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation. The study of modern issues of national security, in connection with the broad global field of interrelations is a complex and multifaceted process, affected by demographic, technological, political, information, environmental, social and economic, political, historical and cultural factors both domestic and global.

Keywords: management, society, trends, security, threats, protection, counteraction, conflict, interests, state

Abstract: The article examines the influence of career advancement on key personality characteristics – career values, self-actualization degree and self-esteem. Bank employees, working on different positions, were the study subjects. During the last decade, theoretical and practical issues of career development become more important. Psychology research discusses types and stages of one’s career, interrelation between career advancement and personal growth, psychological premises of a successful career. The article demonstrates that, as career advances, it becomes progressively more important to the individual, with positive self-image, self-esteem and self-actualization level also improving. The methodological base of this work consists of systemic, structural and functional, comparative and historical, geopolitical, cultural and civilization-based approaches, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation. In cadre management, career management is one of the functions of personnel management; career growth opportunities are defined by how attractive the organization is for employees and applicants. F, Herzberg, the author of the famous motivational hygiene concept, indicated that professional and career growth contribute to the employee’s satisfaction and motivation to work.

Keywords: management, politics, psychology, career, personality, self-actualization, self-image, values, planning, evaluation

Abstract: In this article, modest in size, the author skims the surface of the social and economic growth of Russia from the second half of XIX-th century till the Soviet “socialist” and post-Soviet “post-socialist” days of our country. This historical period was not chosen by accident. The author believes that more than one-and-half century of Russian history passed not just by dominating influence of capitalism, but rather in a state when one form of capitalism replaces another, leaving no place for “socialism”, let alone “communism”. The methodological basis of this work consists of the systemic, structural and functional, comparative and historical, comparative and economical approaches, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization and modeling. If, at times, Russia’s forward movement displays certain regress to various forms of feudalism, this apparent deviation from the capitalist goal, in reality, is merely adaptation to dynamic environment, and does not actually mean the abandonment of the goal, just the search for new ways to achieve it.

Keywords: management, economy, Russia, Negation of negation Law, trends, political regime, state, interests, values, security

Abstract: The subject matter of this research is relevant to evaluation of theoretical and methodological context of the origin of public authority as a concept, within the transitional political process evolution period in Russia. By integrating the established tradition of borrowing foreign concepts for our social and political context, public authority has become the most successful form of organizing the system of state authority and local self-government, in the environment of manifesting self-regulation on the municipal level. Self-organization theories as synergetic paradigms that allow to evaluate self-organization processes in the public authority system, are achieving self-worth. This work’s methodological basis is formed by theories of political networks and the concept of public authority, which gave ground for conceptualizing Russia’s political administration. The main goal of this article is to reveal key features of public authority as an applied model for the local self-government level, and to evaluate the possibilities of its realization, considering the background of broadening political activity by the civil society, based on synergetic approach and separate models that study the manifestations of communicative network processes on the local level of public authority (good governance, political networks, etc.). The novelty of the author’s approach is determined by his view of self-organization processes, which, by their nature, contradict the system characteristics of political governance within a country.

Keywords: Public authority, self-organization process, local authorities, good governance, political networks, local community, political process, legitimacy, political administration, public policies

Abstract: The article examines the current state, the trends and the problems of integrating Russian higher education into the international system of education. The author analyzes the higher education domestic policy integration experience with the Bologna principles, evaluates their evident advantages and shortcomings. Attention is focused on controversial, both positive and negative perception of Bologna principles integration into Russian education practices. One of the major problems which hamper efficient integration of Russian Federation into the international system of higher education is the rash radicalism in Bologna principles implementation. The methodological base of this article is constituted of the systemic, structural and functional, comparative historical, comparative political, geopolitical, cultural and civilization-based approaches, the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation. The implementation of the Bologna process into the system of Russian education involves major adjustment of state policies in this area, because the process of integrating Russian education with foreign education will not only enhance its competitive edge, but will also result in greater cash flow, because the majority of higher education institutions are state-owned. Other than that, integration of Russian education will undoubtedly positively affect the exchange of knowledge and scientific work, as well as help with implementing and developing new technologies, developing the research potential and quality of education programs in higher education institutions and science centers of Russia.

Keywords: trends, management, education, education policies, Russia, Bologna system, state, university, education program, training

Abstract: The subject of this research is constituted of the characteristics and problems of Russia’s 2000-2014 migration policy implementation. Among the topical issues are the genesis, the stage-by-stage development of existing migration policy, as well as the interrelations of executive government bodies that have authority over this area, and the vectors of migration policy, the collision of different points of view on this issue, cause and effect of changes brought by specific Law, the split between planned and expected results of implemented novelties. Despite the fact that migration law existed in the 90s, official Russian migration policy only started to form by early 2000s, which is the cause for numerous contradictions, counter-trends, collisions of Law and the colossal gap between theory and practice of executing migration Law. Analyzing specific issues of Russian migration policy implementation, we need to establish a methodological apparatus. First, it includes the political science approach (both systemic and institutional). Second, the migration approach that includes using theoretical (general population mobility theory, theory of migration behavior, the 3-stage migration process theory), as well as applied practical concepts (world-wide international migration model, the Eurasian migration system concept), all to better understand migration processes that occur on the territory of Russian Federation. Third, history-based approach (historical vector, historical and demographical concept, theory of historic structuralism) which views migration from a retrospective angle and studies the entire history of migration in various parts of the world. Fourthly, the social science approach that views migration as a sign of stronger cultural, social, national, ethnic and social connections of migrating population; a process of building relations between immigrants and core population. Fifth, the legal approach that involves jurisprudential point of view, as well as the concept of migration Law, focused on improving the normative and legal base and the search of ways and means to perfect legal regulation of migration processes in Russia. Sixth, comparative analysis, which is crucial for comparing the experience of different countries that use different methods of regulating migration processes. Seventh, statistical methods. The novelty of this research is also seen in the fact that migration policies are, from a certain perspective, a reflection of the current situation within the country’s borders. This is related to mutual influence of migration, economic, social, political, ideological and cultural processes. Drawing the conclusion, we make the assumption that it is important to analyze not only the general direction of migration policy within existing periods of its genesis, but rather all stages of decision-making regarding migration-focused legislation: the background of their drafting, opinions of various parties (representing the state and the civil society), their arguments regarding the efficiency and effect of the bill being discussed, possible amendments and changes, all iterations of the bill sent back to the Duma by the Federal Council, the final adoption of law and the consequences of this legal action, its influence on the general vector of Russia’s migration policy. Only this comprehensive, multi-facetted analysis of migration policies will help fully reflect the true state of affairs within the country.

Keywords: management, migration, quotas, resettlement, Law, temporary papers, temporary residence, permanent residence, Ministry of health, policies

Abstract: The article examines the major control mechanisms presented in the active systems theory. This involves open control mechanisms, or “ fair play” (non-manipulative mechanisms) that stimulate providing true information, coordinated mechanisms that stimulate the implementations of plans and programs, cost-conscious mechanisms that ensure lower spending and prices even for monopolies, and other mechanisms (competition-based, multichannel, reversed priorities). The active systems theory emerged in 1969. An active system is a model of a person, a group, an organization that takes into account the presence of its own interest and the capacity for presenting untrue information (data manipulation), the capacity for not executing plans, programs and obligations. The methodology of this study includes the systemic, structural and functional approaches, the methods of induction, deduction, analysis, synthesis and modeling. The main goal of the active systems theory is to design efficient mechanisms for controlling and managing organization structures. Presently, over thirty of such control mechanisms were introduced (dubbed “smart control mechanisms”). The article presents the results of efficiency analysis of practical applications of said control mechanisms in economy: distribution of water, optimal coordinated planning in organizations, “operator active advisors” in black metallurgy, cost-conscious tax systems in scientific organizations. The author offers a brief survey of the current state of active systems theory and core publications.

Keywords: active system, control mechanism, non-manipulated mechanisms, coordinated mechanisms, costconscious mechanisms, competition-based mechanisms, reverse priorities mechanisms, multichannel mechanisms, operator adviser, organization system

Abstract: The article explores major existing approaches to defining the essence of information policies in various fields of public authority work. The author provides comparison between Russian and foreign experience in this particular area and offers his own approach to defining information policies. Modern science offers a large number of works on information policies, however, a unified approach to the definition and essence of this term is yet to be reached. In light of this, to put together a correct and comprehensive opinion of what information policies are, we must study the most common approaches adopted by scholars and specialists of various fields of science, because the matters of information and communication may be equally important for multiple fields of social life and public space. The methodological basis of this research is built upon the systemic, structural and functional, comparative historical, comparative political, geopolitical, cultural and civilization-based approaches, and the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation. This article closely examines the major existing approaches to defining information policies and points out the interdisciplinary differences in their interpretation that can be found in research that belongs to different fields of knowledge. The author offers his own definition that he considers to be broad and comprehensive, reflecting the meaning of information policies to its fullest.

Keywords: management, policies, information warfare, information policies, information, diplomacy, state, interests, values, security