Abstract: The article is dedicated to studying the impact of the trend toward nationalization of the lithium industry in Argentina and Chile on the activities of Chinese companies amid the global surge in demand for lithium, driven by the development of the electric vehicle industry and renewable energy sources. The subject of the study lies in analyzing the operations of Chinese mining and industrial enterprises in Argentina and Chile under the intensifying trend of lithium industry nationalization. Particular attention is paid to the influence of this process on China’s access to lithium resources within the context of global geopolitical competition. The research covers risks associated with the redistribution of control over lithium projects and the potential for economic pressure from the PRC on the «lithium triangle» countries. Additionally, the subject includes an assessment of the adaptation of China’s strategy under nationalization conditions and its implications for China’s position in the global lithium market, considering contemporary economic and political factors, including the weakening influence of the US and the rising demand for lithium. The objective of the work is to evaluate the risks of reduced access to lithium resources for China, the potential for economic pressure by the PRC on Argentina and Chile, and the prospects for adapting China’s strategy in the «lithium triangle» The methodology encompasses the analysis of secondary data from official sources and media, a comparative analysis of the policies of «lithium triangle» countries, case studies of the 2023 nationalization plans and Chinese company activities, and a qualitative assessment of geopolitical factors. The novelty of the work lies in its comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the 2023 nationalization plans in Argentina and Chile on Chinese companies, taking into account modern economic and geopolitical factors, thus making a significant contribution to studies of resource nationalism in the «lithium triangle» This research emphasizes current policy changes in the region, analyzing their consequences for China as a key player in the lithium market. It uniquely integrates the analysis of the 2023 nationalization plans with an assessment of Argentina and Chile’s economic dependence on the PRC, alongside the weakening US position, offering new perspectives on the adaptation of China’s strategy amid intensifying geopolitical competition and growing global lithium demand. The research findings demonstrate that nationalization could shift control over lithium projects to local authorities, forcing China to seek alternative supply chains; however, Argentina and Chile’s reliance on Chinese investments and export markets provides the PRC with room for maneuver, particularly as US influence in the region weakens.

Keywords: resource nationalism, chinese investments, nationalization, geopolitical competition, lithium, Lithium triangle, USA, Latin America, China, renewable energy sources

Abstract: The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the transformation and prospects of economic cooperation between China and Afghanistan in the context of the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021. The study focuses on three key clusters: (1) transport and logistics projects, concerning the development of railway and road corridors, including the China–Afghanistan line and the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); (2) infrastructure initiatives, encompassing the construction of energy facilities (TAPI, CASA-1000, 500 kV power lines), fiber-optic networks, and the Digital Silk Road; (3) mining agreements, involving negotiations and contracts for the development of copper (Mes Aynak), lithium, and oil deposits (Amu Darya basin). The aim of this paper is to comprehensively assess the feasibility of economic cooperation initiatives between the two countries in both bilateral and multilateral formats. The theoretical and methodological foundation of the study is grounded in international relations theories, in particular liberalism. This theory is used to explain how economic initiatives and models of bilateral and multilateral cooperation can contribute to peace and stability in the region. The study reveals that following the U.S. withdrawal, China intensified its diplomatic and economic engagement, provided humanitarian assistance, supported the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, and resumed agreements on the development of copper, lithium, and oil deposits. Bilateral trade volumes have increased, while new transportation routes have contributed to reducing logistical costs. The primary obstacles identified are political instability, security threats (particularly ISIS-K terrorist attacks), as well as deficits in infrastructure and qualified personnel. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the systematization and in-depth analysis of state policies, economic indicators, and cooperation mechanisms between China and Afghanistan to clarify the prospects for their economic interaction. New political developments in Afghanistan following the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021 create an urgent need for comprehensive research assessing the practical feasibility of bilateral economic cooperation. The findings of this study can be utilized to inform the strategies of international organizations and investors, and to develop mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating investment projects.

Keywords: Geopolitics, Regional Integration, Taliban, Mineral Resources, Infrastructure Projects, CPEC, BRI, China–Afghanistan relations, U.S. Troop Withdrawal, Economic Cooperation

Abstract: The author studied in detail the aspects of cooperation between Russia and Brazil in the field of green energy. In this context, Russia and Brazil, as countries with vast territories and rich natural resources, have a special potential for developing the green energy sector both within the framework of each country's energy policy separately and in bilateral cooperation. Both countries are expanding the possibilities of using various types of renewable energy sources, and therefore cooperation between these two states can become an important factor in promoting this direction in global realities. The countries are actively strengthening cooperation within the framework of the BRICS, because one of the relevant topics on the agenda of the association is precisely cooperation in the field of green energy and the economy. The partnership between the two countries not only contributes to achieving carbon neutrality, but also creates favorable conditions for further economic growth. The main research method is system analysis, which reveals the components of the countries' cooperation policies in the field of green energy, and the green energy of Russia and Brazil are considered separately. A geo-economic approach was also used to identify the dependencies of the development of low-carbon markets in Russia and Brazil on the common agenda of such an association as the BRICS. The scientific novelty of the study lies in an extensive analysis of cooperation between the Russian Federation and Brazil in the field of green initiatives, including the creation of low-carbon markets, the use of renewable energy sources, as well as the promotion of climate and carbon-neutral initiatives of the two countries through the BRICS. The article examines this aspect of cooperation between the two countries, since when analyzing energy cooperation between Russia and Brazil, researchers more often focus on carbon energy resources. The two countries are strengthening cooperation in the field of green innovation, creating joint projects in the field of nuclear and hydrogen energy and contributing to the sustainable development of the two countries. The countries are actively strengthening cooperation within the framework of the BRICS, because one of the relevant topics on the agenda of the association is precisely cooperation in the field of green energy and the economy. The partnership between the two countries not only contributes to achieving carbon neutrality, but also creates favorable conditions for further economic growth.

Keywords: Wind power, Hydrogen energy, Nuclear energy, Energetics, BRICS, Renewable Energy, Brazil, Russia, Solar energy, Green energy

Abstract: The issue of energy security and energy independence of the EU is one of the key factors in ensuring the stable development of the association. The subject of the study is the energy concepts of the European Union. The object of the study is the modern energy policy of the EU countries. The countries of the European Union are among the world's largest importers and exporters of energy resources, and therefore one of the criteria for EU energy security is the creation of secure logistics chains for uninterrupted energy supplies, since this factor has always been one of the most important problems in energy security. However, despite all the data that the European Union has, this area is a source of numerous problems for ensuring energy security that the EU faces at the current stage of its development. The methodological basis of the study is a systematic analysis and a geo-economic approach. The systematic approach was used in the work to identify the reasons for the transformation of EU energy concepts in the context of the energy crisis. The geo-economic approach allows us to qualitatively consider this issue from the point of view of economics and geopolitics of the countries of Eastern and Western Europe in the context of energy transition. The novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the concept of energy security in the complex in the context of energy transfer. The authors pay special attention to the analysis of the energy policy of the European Union, numerous new initiatives and documents related to this area, as well as the development of the concept of green energy. The authors highlight the challenges that the EU will face on the way to building a stable and safe energy sector. The paper also examines the impact of the EU's energy policy on the concept of European unity. Attention is being paid to the EU's attempts to diversify energy supplies, which plays an important role in the context of the Ukrainian crisis and complications from the loss of Russian supplies. The authors conclude that the lack of internal unity within the EU does not allow for an effective and sustainable energy policy, since the European Union does not have a common energy legislation, and infrastructure development between the countries of Western and Eastern Europe is overly diversified, which does not allow us to talk about the transformation of energy policy in the EU countries at the present stage.

Keywords: Renewable energy sources, Wind turbines, Energy security, Hydrogen energy, Nuclear power industry, Energy policy, EU, The European Union, European solidarity, Energy infrastructure

Abstract: The article considers the issues of the influence of national and foreign corporations on the formation and implementation of Russia’s foreign economic policy during their interaction with the state. The author describes the tendencies of formation of corporations as political actors on the international scene.  At the present time, the increase of the role and the influence of corporations in the international political system can be observed. First of all, it is connected with the growing interdependence of the international economics and politics. The economic potential of particular corporations excels those of many countries. A corporation acts both as an instrument of implementation of state interests on the foreign scene, and as an object of influence of foreign actors aiming at affecting the policy of particular countries.  The author uses the systems approach and the methods of analysis, synthesis and comparison. The role and influence of the largest corporations of Russia on the formation and implementation of the state’s foreign economic policy of the kin-state and the recipient states is considered in terms of international political economics. The acquired results help give attention to particular aspects of interaction between the state and corporations in the context of raising the effectiveness of Russia’s foreign economic policy implementation.   

Keywords: international Business, economic diplomacy, foreign policy, national interests, transnational corporations, foreign economic policy, international political economy, interaction of actors, political influence, international relations

Abstract: The subject of this research is the main trends of trade and economic cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia at the present stage. The aim of the research is to create a picture of trade and economic cooperation between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea at the present time. The author of the article describes trade and economic relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea, defines the role of investments of the Republic of Korea in the development of bilateral cooperation, and describes the main problems faced by South Korean companies during executing their investment projects in Mongolia. In her research Grigorieva analyzes the results of economic cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia over the past 25 years and offers activities to be taken to expand the scope of their economic cooperation in the future. The methodological basis of teh research involves general and special research methods such as comparative historical analysis that allowed to define the state of the problem based on the analysis of different sources; statistical method that allowed to trace back quantitative changes in trade and economic bilateral relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea; and logical method that defined problems and trends in studying Mongolian - South Korean investment relations. The novelty of the research is caused by the fact that this is a rather understudied topic and the author defines trends in the trade turnover between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea during the aforesaid period. The author concludes that against the active cooperation between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea, their economic relations are still have much to catch up with in political and sociocultural environment. Trade relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea show positive dynamics, with ups and downs, however, have a declining tendency. 

Keywords: investment cooperation, foreign direct investment, Mongolian-South Korean relations, trade and economic relations, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, exports, imports, economy, foreign trade

Abstract: The article is devoted to the questions of integration in the territory of the former Soviet Union. The author analyzes advantages of  the Customs Union as a form of integration. Then the author provides which state interests are implemented in connection with the inclusion of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus into the Customs Union. The article includes analysis of positive and negative features of the integration among the said countries. The author then attempts to predict the further development of the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Keywords: integration, Customs Union, customs regulation, state interests, EurAsEC