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.