Abstract. As part of the celebration of the 270th anniversary of the founding of Lomonosov Moscow State University, on the initiative of the Faculty of Global Studies, a round table “Russian-Armenian Relations at the Current Stage” was held at the Yerevan Branch of MSU on October 21, 2024, in which leading Russian and Armenian experts took part. Welcoming remarks were made by the Director of the Yerevan Branch A.N.Reimers, Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia A.I.Novikov, Deputy Head of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Yerevan E.S. Andreeva. Russian-Armenian relations have long traditions and a solid foundation. Sociological surveys show that the majority of Russians perceive Armenia as a natural and reliable ally in the South Caucasus. Russia is home to the world’s largest Armenian diaspora, which exceeds the population of Armenia. However, Russian-Armenian relations have recently undergone changes that are causing concern. Where will these changes lead? How will they affect the daily lives and well-being of residents of Russia and Armenia? How will changes in Russian-Armenian relations affect the geopolitics of the region and the entire world? Will the security of our countries increase or decrease? These and other questions were discussed at the expert round table, selected speeches of the participants are presented in the article.
Key words: Russian-Armenian relations, geopolitics of Transcaucasia, strategic
importance, transactional ethics, turning points, energy security of Armenia, migration
ties between Armenia and Russia.

Abstract. In the context of the expansion of the practice of sanctions restrictions and increasing geopolitical instability, there is an active search for new forms of international economic interaction, alternative to those that developed in the era
of unipolar globalization at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. Cooperation
among the BRICS countries is one of the key platforms for the emerging polycent_
ric world order and the basis for a new, more democratic, model of globalization.
The diverse interactions of the BRICS countries also include the search for a new
system of financial and economic settlements. Digitalization has made the transi_
tion to electronic means of international settlements inevitable, both bilaterally and
multilaterally. This ar ticle attempts to reveal the prospects for the development of
the digital settlements sector in relations between the BRICS countries based on
the formation of institutions of regulated national digital currencies—Central Bank
Digital Currencies.
Key words: Central Bank Digital Currencies,BRICS,New Development Bank,In>
ternational Monetary Fund, Bank for International Settlements, f inancial sovereignty,
polycentric model of globalization.

Abstract. Thе paper reviews Japan’s current climate policy as one of the key player in global climate policy. For this research governmental documents on climate change (National Development Contribution, the Long-Term Strategy under the Paris Agreement) were analyzed, along with the GX Strategy, the 6th Basic Energy Plan, and scientific papers. It is concluded that, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Japan has been introducing measures such as fur ther development of renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency; advancement in atomic and hydrogen energy; exploration of ammonia potential and new “clean coal” technologies; and reducing of energy consumption in households. The Joint Credit Mechanism, carbon tax and carbon trading scheme have been introduced into the economy. The adoption of next generation vehicles is increasing. Carbon sinks and their potential, such as forests and marine ecosystems, are receiving significant attention in Japan. Additionally, adaptation measures are being developed, especially risk assessments for natural disasters.
On the one hand, the instruments of climate policy in Japan are typical for developed countries. On the other, there are its own peculiarities, such as diversification of renewable sources in its energy balance, the great success in energy efficiency, offset schemes, and the assessment of marine ecosystems for carbon sink potential.
Therefore, Japan demonstrates an active position in the international climate agenda and has a well-developed scheme of measures. Despite the slow progress in reducing greenhouse gases emissions from 2013 to 2021, it is presumed that Japan will be able to achieve its carbon neutrality goal, and its best technological and managerial practices may be adopted by other countries.
Key words: climate change, environmental policy, low-carbon, net-zero, emissions, blue carbon, adaptation.

Abstract. The Belt and Road Economic Initiative is China’s instrument in realizing the idea of reviving the state as a world power. The project covers more than sixty states with developing economies and populations exceeding four billion people, which account for 2/3 of world production. The Belt and Road Initiative is a kind of channel for economic and political interaction between China and the countries participating in the project, including the humanitarian component, which implies the promotion of China’s global image.
The political elite of today’s China define the formation of the world order and the interaction of civilizations not through their clash, but through dialogue between them. The atmosphere of trust is the key to creating a favorable economic climate for Beijing and expanding the possibility of transnational economic interaction.
The authors of the article highlight the instruments of China’s humanitarian policy in the South Caucasus region, which is included by China in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. China has a consistent position in the region, distancing itself from political problems, supporting the principle of territorial integrity of states, emphasizing joint infrastructure projects and supporting them with humanitarian programs. The three regional states are equal partners for Beijing, and the implementation of humanitarian programs is carried out in such areas as Chinese language learning and educational programs work with analytical and research centers; cultural programs and development of contacts with the media. Unlike Russia and Turkey, which traditionally play a significant role in the region, China is not associated with a state seeking political influence. The authors conclude that China’s humanitarian diplomacy in the South Caucasus contributes to the formation of a positive image among the population, creating a favorable environment for its economic projects.
Key words: humanitarian policy, humanitarian diplomacy, Belt and Road Initiative, emerging multipolarity, Community of Common Destiny, South Caucasus, China, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan.

Abstract. The article examines the characteristic features of China’s relations with neighbouring countries in the modern period, under the conditions of transformation of the world order and increasing tendencies of interference of large states in the geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The author analyses the policies and strategies for positioning China’s efforts in the region, new regional challenges, integration projects, economic initiatives and historical conditions of bilateral and multilateral relations.
The discussion focuses on seven key factors influencing the format of China — periphery relations and the direction of their future development. These include the changing role and place of the periphery in China’s geostrategy, the processes of integration into the “community of common destiny”, the trends of intra-regional confrontation and opposition to external interference, as well as the challenges and prospects associated with the “era of unprecedented change”.
Key words: Chinese foreign policy, geostrategy, era of transformation, peripheral diplomacy, Asia-Pacific, multipolarity, Sino-US relations, “community of common
destiny of mankind”, “One Belt and One Road”, international security.

Abstract. European Union member states have shown an increasing interest in
developing nuclear energy, a trend that accelerated with the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis in 2022, which necessitated a reorientation of Europe’s energy infrastructure.
Two coalitions have recently emerged within the European Union: proponents and opponents of peaceful nuclear energy. The outcome of their discussions will determine the future of nuclear energy within the Union. Given this context, a comparative analysis was chosen as the methodological basis for the study. This approach allowed for a comparison of the positions of coalition members and their leaders, taking into account geopolitical factors, the level of technological and political readiness for launching new reactors, as well as energy dependence.
The author outlines possible directions for the EU member states’ approaches to nuclear energy development. It is expected that the projects already planned by EU countries will be completed, albeit with potential delays, while new initiatives involving Russia are likely to be reduced or abandoned. Central and Eastern European countries may expand their nuclear programs. A compromise may be reached in which nuclear and renewable energy sources could be perceived as complementary elements in achieving climate goals at the EU level.
Key words: energy security, European Union, energy crisis, nuclear energy, renewable energy, nuclear power plants.

Abstract. The Yalu River forest played a key role in the changes in the ecological environment and the reshaping of border order in Northeast Asia in modern times. For about ten years from 1895 to 1904, the Russian Geographical Society, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Finance dispatched numerous expedition teams to the Yalu River border. Along with forest researches on the border, Russia simultaneously “managed” the Yalu River forest business. Forest development on both sides of the Yalu River has become the focus of Russia’s attention in East Asia. At the same time, Russian military activities under the cover of the forestry cause aroused Japan’s vigilance. As the current situation changes, the Yalu River forest issue has become an important means for Japan’s “war par ty” to incite war sentiments. Japan has used this to successfully shape international public opinion on the “Russo-Japanese War” and present a “forced defense” posture. The Japan-Russia game ultimately led to the outbreak of war for multiple reasons, but the Yalu River forest issue was also an important inducing factor.
From the perspective of global history, this paper explores the inter twining of colonialism, imperialism and nationalism on the Yalu River border zone, thus presenting a forest history that transcends national boundaries.
Key words: Yalu River Forest, expedition activities, Russian-Japanese War, global history.

The article is devoted to the history of the formation and development of the Faculty of Global Processes of Moscow State University, one of the youngest faculties of Moscow University, the twentieth anniversary of which falls on the year of the 270th anniversary of the first university in Russia. The stages of the formation of the faculty are highlighted, its main achievements and role in the development of science, education, scientific and diplomatic activities of Moscow University are noted. The key areas of development of the faculty and events dedicated to the anniversary of Moscow University are noted.
Keywords: anniversary of Moscow State University, faculty of global studies, globalistics, scientific diplomacy.

One of the functions assigned to the Faculty of Global Processes at Moscow State University is to carry out fundamental work on the application of mathematical methods to analyze completely different socio-political, economic and cultural processes on planet Earth as a successor to the Club of Rome. The faculty’s experience in this area for more than 15 years shows that this area continues to live and develop, and is also transmitted to our younger generation through lectures and textbooks in the classroom. The paper presents the results of the faculty’s activities in the field of mathematical modeling of global processes as one of the scientific areas of work.
Key words: mathematical modeling, Club of Rome, nonlinear dynamics, Faculty of Global Processes, global studies.

The Department of Globalistics was one of the first to appear at the Faculty of Global Processes. The order for its establishment was signed on June 10, 2008. It included outstanding scientists: professors and associate professors, including Academician Arkady Dmitrievich Ursul and a well-known specialist in the history of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor V.A. Zmeev. Today, two prestigious scholarships, awarded to students of the faculty for significant achievements in scientific research and studies, have been named after them (posthumously). The head of the department is the Dean of the Faculty, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor Ilya Vyacheslavovich Ilyin.
Key words: Department of Globalistics, Faculty of Global Processes, Lomonosov Moscow State University.

The article discusses the history of the creation and development of the Department of Geopolitics of the Faculty of Global Processes of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov. The main attention is paid to the employees of the department, who constitute its main potential. The educational and methodological work is reflected, the courses taught by the department’s staff are characterized. The Department of Geopolitics pays great attention to working with graduate students. An important component of the work of the Department of Geopolitics is scientific work and the publication activity that reflects it. In conclusion, prospects for the development of the Department of Geopolitics are outlined.
Key words: Department of Geopolitics, Faculty of Global Processes, Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, personalities, educational and methodological work, scientific work, publication activity.

The head of the UNESCO Chair at the Faculty of Global Processes of the Moscow State University tells about the formation and development of the Chair, its uniqueness, various aspects of its activities, existing achievements and plans for the future.
Key words: UNESCO Chair, education, international relations.

Abstract. The article analyzes current global studies of the development of the modern world at the department touches upon social processes and work with young people of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov: philosophical, sociological, political, economic approaches. The article substantiates and reveals the goals and objectives of the department’s development, reflection of research work, as well as participation and organization in conferences. Particular attention is paid to such a process as social transformation and its role in the social uncertainty of the modern world. The main goal of studying current issues of research of the modern world allows us to provide proposals for optimizing the earliest possible exit of mankind to the path of development. A separate necessary block in the article is the preservation of the philosophical approach to the study of global development: it allows us to study global objects and processes as complex systems, the external interaction of their elements. In addition, the article also reflects the socio-cultural approach, which allows us to consider and solve problems of global development, including in the educational process. The political approach to solving problems is based on the study of transparent diplomacy as one of the revolutionary tools for restoring public health functions, which, in turn, need modern support. One of the points of view on economic security solves the most important problems – updating the quality of scientific forecasts of development not only in individual countries and regions, but also throughout the world. Thus, the article examines and proposes a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the study of current problems of global development of the modern world.
Key words: current research on global development, social uncertainty, sustainable development, philosophical approach, sociological approach, political approach, economic approach.

The article examines the origin and development of the Global Communications Chair at the Faculty of Global Studies of Lomonosov Moscow State University. The attention is focused on such important areas as scientific, educational and methodological work of the chair, it being represented by scientific publications, monographs, textbooks and manuals of the department staff. Much attention is paid to lecturing in foreign languages, holding scientific events and organizing dialogues with scientists from other countries and educational institutions. The article scrutinizes an innovative potential of many courses developed at the chair, especially the ones for professional communication. In conclusion, the prospects for the development of the chair are outlined.
Key words: Chair of Global Communications, scientific work, educational and methodological work, communication environment, globalization of cultural sphere.

The Department of Management Theory and Technology has been recreated and is successfully functioning at the Faculty of Global Processes, solving current problems of modernization of higher professional education set by the Rector of Moscow State University, Academician V.A. Sadovnichy and the dean of the faculty, Professor I.V. Ilyin. The staff of the department carries out the functions of educational, educational-methodological, scientific-research, educational and social work in accordance with the Charter of Moscow State University and the regulations and documents in force at the university. The teaching staff of the department is actively working on updating and updating the working curricula and work programs of disciplines in the areas of training in bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and is training postgraduate students. Priority attention is paid to scientific activities on the issues of global economics and management, research on the processes of regionalization and digitalization of the global economic space. International cooperation with the People’s Republic of China is developing.
Key words: university department, Moscow State University, educational work, scientific research, educational and social activities.

The article is devoted to the study of the development of the Department of Political Science of the East, the analysis of its scientific, pedagogical and research activities. The efforts of the department staff since its establishment were aimed at the development and implementation of high-quality new curricula, programs, lecture courses, textbooks and teaching aids so that students could get an adequate idea of ​​the real processes in the socio-economic and political development of the countries of Asia and Africa. Global upheavals of the late 20th century, the process of formation of the young Russian state and its role in the international arena, the problems of reforming higher education and, in parallel with this, the establishment of political science – all this was reflected in numerous discussions of that period, then duly developed in theoretical and applied research by employees and graduate students of the department.
Key words: Moscow University, political science, international relations, oriental studies, political development.

Globalization has not only changed modern international relations, but also introduced significant adjustments to their theoretical understanding. Positivist theories, which reign supreme in the interpretation of international relations throughout the 20th century, are being replaced by post-positivism more and more confidently in the new century. Post-positivist theories began with constructivism, which is an intermediate theory and borrows features from both of these directions. The article describes the emergence and development of constructivism and formulates its main provisions. The views of the main representatives of constructivism – N. Onuf, F. Kratochvil and A. Wendt – were reflected. Key concepts of international relations are examined, such as identity, national interests and international security in the context of constructivism.
Keywords: Social construction of reality, symbolic interactionism, identity, speech act theory, interactive knowledge, identity, securitization.

On April 11, 2024, the first trilateral summit between the United States, Japan and the Philippines took place at the White House. The joint statement issued following the meeting can be described as an open and clear document, it states that the summit was “historic”, “the pinnacle of decades of partnership” [1]. The three countries will work together to build a free and open Indo-Pacific, a region of active engagement, prosperous, secure, inclusive.
The international alliance being created is an important vector of American global policy. Understanding the significance of this alliance, its influence on regional and global security seems relevant in the context of the transformation of the world order.
Based on an analysis of signed relevant documents, this article attempts to summarize the areas of cooperation where the United States, Japan, and the Philippines have reached consensus. The purpose of the study is to attempt to assess the significance of the formation of a trilateral security partnership between the United States, Japan and the Philippines and the forecast for the regional order, including for China, based on this round of interaction between the three countries and their motivation to further deepen cooperation.
Keywords: U.S.-Japan-Philippines summit, security and defense cooperation, motivations of the three countries to deepen cooperation, consequences of the trilateral security partnership.

At the moment, the following trends of interaction between China and Central Asian countries can be distinguished. The first is the strengthening of economic and trade cooperation. China is actively investing in various infrastructure, energy and transport projects in the region, which con-tributes to strengthening ties and creates conditions for economic development. The second is the expansion of China’s influence in the political sphere of Central Asia. China actively conducts diplomatic and political work in the region, maintaining friendly relations with the governments of Central Asian countries. China’s influence in the international arena in the region is increasing and can influence the decision-making of important political issues. The third is the strengthening of cultural and educational ties between China and the countries of Central Asia. China is actively developing student exchange, cultural programs and cooperation in the field of education. This contributes to the expansion of mutual understanding and stimulates the development of cultural ties between countries. The fourth is the fear of the Central Asian states that China’s economic influence in the region may lead to an increase of its political influence. The strengthening of China’s political influence in Central Asia is manifested in establishing friendly relations with the govern-ments of the countries of the region and building partnership dialogues on important political issues. Conclusions. China is striving to strengthen and develop its position in the Central Asian region. As part of its «One Belt, One Road» initiative, China sets the task of developing transport and energy infrastructures in this region, which should con-tribute to the growth of economic ties between China and the countries of Central Asia. Nevertheless, taking into account the cultural peculiarities of the region, China’s interaction with the countries of Central Asia, in addition to the economic component, should be supported by the implementation of «soft power» tools to create and maintain a positive image.
Keywords: Central Asia, China, mass media, publications, cooperation, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, One Belt, One Road» initiative

The article is devoted to the study of the “One Belt – One Road” (OBOR) initiative with the aim to identify its unique role in the economic diplomacy of People’s Republic of China. In order to achieve this goal, the study clarified the essence of “economic diplomacy” concept and identified China’s foreign policy objectives. This made it possible to formulate China’s economic diplomacy objectives and demonstrate the role of the initiative in their execution.
The use of economic diplomacy concept as a theoretical framework for the “One Belt – One Road” initiative analysis is the scientific novelty of the study. This approach enabled, firstly, to formulate the political and economic objectives of China’s economic diplomacy. Secondly, to show the relationship between politics and economics in PCR’s foreign policy. Thirdly, systematically demonstrate the unique role of the initiative in delivering the identified objectives.
The main sources for the study were official documents and statements of the People’s Republic of China leaders, data and reports from the World Trade Organization and other online databases. The research papers of Russian and foreign scholars in the fields of economic diplomacy, international political economy, foreign policy and economy of the People’s Republic of China and OBOR initiative were investigated as a part of the study.
The study has demonstrated that OBOR initiative makes it possible to deliver the entire range of economic and political objectives of the China’s economic diplomacy. At the same time, its uniqueness lies in overcoming the geographical and content limitations of the standard mechanisms of interstate economic cooperation. OBOR helps to create China-centric international economic regime bypassing the existing global governance institutions dominated by the United States. As a result it is concluded that “One Belt, One Road” initiative is one of the key tools in achieving China’s leadership in international influence and promoting the concept of a “community of the common destiny of mankind.”
Key words: national economic interests, foreign policy objectives, international political economy, international institutions and regimes, China’s foreign policy, geo-economics, international competition and protectionism.

The article is devoted to the problem of building scientific and technological cooperation between the BRICS countries through the development of priority areas in modern conditions. The purpose was to determine the current state of interaction between the BRICS countries in the field of science, technology and innovation. Since the BRICS countries have significant resources, their cooperation in science and technology becomes one of the determining factors in the development of the world. The author examined the main obstacles that prevent BRICS from becoming an international center of scientific and technological development. They are a lack of funding and foreign direct investment, dependence on natural resources and Western sanctions. The recommendations relate to the participation of development banks and institutional investors in stimulating partnerships among BRICS member states and in addressing the goal of de-dollarization of internal BRICS transactions, the creation of a common BRICS currency and bilateral joint investment funds, as well as promoting international unity, the introduction of green technologies, digitalization and the creation of human capital. At the end of the article, there is a conclusion about the high potential of scientific and technological cooperation between the BRICS countries.
Key words: scientific and technological cooperation, BRICS, scientific and technological progress, R&D.

Fragmentation and Organizational Complexity of Colombian Criminal Organizations)
The article hypothesizes that the internal armed conflict in Colombia which was initially waged in the form of an irregular war has in recent years transformed into a non-classical war in the form of a criminal insurgency. In a criminal insurgency the state is opposed by non-state violent actors primarily highly developed criminal organizations that de facto pursue political goals when they reach a sufficiently high evolutionary level. The aim of the article is to show the transformation of irregular war in Colombia into non-classical war in the form of criminal insurgency. It has been established that many Colombian non-state violent actors including guerrillas and far-right paramilitary groups have almost completed their criminalization having lost their political and ideological motivation. Together with other criminal organizations they are fragmenting and becoming more complex corresponding to a signs of third-generation gangs and partly third-generation cartels. It has been revealed that a significant factor in the fragmentation of Colombian guerrilla and far-right paramilitary organizations is their demobilization. The emergence of criminal organizations is also due to the fragmentation of the pre-existing Medellin Cartel and Cali Cartel. It is concluded that fragmented guerrilla organizations and far-right paramilitary groups which subsequently transformed into criminal organizations along with highly organized gangs are able to de facto achieve or strive to achieve political goals including through control over certain territories of the state.
Keywords: Colombia, internal armed conflict, non-classical wars, criminal insurgency, irregular war, non-state violent actors, criminal organizations, fragmentation, networkization.