Control over artificial intelligence (AI) is important to prevent the risks it poses. Almost all politicians, civil society leaders, academics and independent experts agree that AI needs to be controled, but there is no unified approach to solving this problem.
When trying to solve this problem, the following issues arise: AI development is decentralized, and its development is controlled by private companies; major powers – leaders of AI have different approaches to understanding the need and implementing control over these technologies; the emergence of each new AI model requires the development of a special and flexible control mechanism that could be adapted specifically to this model; AI developers are becoming geopolitical actors, since they have power in areas that previously belonged to nation States and they have become sovereign entities.
Many countries are trying to solve this problem, but none of the proposed initiatives are capable of creating a system of effective control over AI. The main goal of control over AI should be to identify and reduce risks to the stable development of the global community, which requires the creation of institutional structures, common basic characteristics and principles of this control.
The concept of control over the development and distribution of AI can be based on the following principles: caution, flexibility and adaptability, globality, inclusiveness, the principle of feedback.
The implementation of control mechanisms requires institutionalization, i.e. the creation of supranational institutions that implement this process. The creation of an AI control system creates the possibility of moving to a new level – managing the process of development, distribution and use of artificial intelligence.
Key words: artificial intelligence, risks, problems, characteristics, mechanism, principles.

The purpose of the article is to give an idea of the background of the creation of the Christian Historical Union (CHU), one of the leading Dutch political parties of the 20th century. Its origins date back to the last third of the 19th century, when confessional parties began to emerge in the Netherlands, the first of which, in 1879, was the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP). The party’s core consisted of adherents of orthodox Protestantism who had separated from the official Dutch Reformed Church and advocated for the independence of church and state. The most important political goal of the anti-revolutionaries, led by the Calvinist theologian Abraham Kuyper, was to create an alliance between Catholics and Protestants to counter the liberals. However, the ARP, which was rapidly gaining political momentum and playing a key role in the States General, underwent a split. In 1894, a conservative group, led by A.F. de Savornin Loman, withdrew from the party. The article focuses on the personality of this politician, his relationship with Kuyper and his contribution to the development of the Dutch political system. For the first time in Russian historiography, the text of the program of the basic principles of the new party, which was written by De Savornin Lohman in March 1898, translated from French by the author of the article, is published. The De Savornin Lohman’s group, which did not recognize the strict party discipline of the ARP, denied alliance with Catholics and opposed the law on universal suffrage, formed an independent party in September 1898, called the Free Anti-Revolutionary Party. Following a series of mergers between the Free Anti-Revolutionary Party and Christian-Historical political unions, the Christian Historical Union was formed in July 1908. Until its dissolution in 1980, it was the second-largest Protestant party in the Netherlands.
Key words: Groen van Prinsterer, Abraham Kuyper, Anti-Revolutionary Party, A.F. de Savornin Lohman, The Free Anti-Revolutionary Party, Christian Historical Union

This article examines the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s policy toward Syria between 2023 and 2025, focusing on its instruments of influence and inherent limitations. The analysis highlights a significant shift in Riyadh’s approach following the events of late 2024, marking a proactive turn in its engagement with the Syrian Arab Republic. While Iran has long been Damascus’s primary ally, Saudi Arabia has recently undertaken substantial efforts to reshape the regional balance of power. This study argues that these changes reflect a pragmatic Saudi strategy to expand its regional influence. The drivers of this policy are identified as not only Syria’s strategic significance and Riyadh’s ambitions within regional blocs but, crucially, its pursuit of Middle Eastern stability by countering the three neighboring power centers: Israel, Iran, and Turkey. The paper scrutinizes documented evidence and specific measures implemented by the Saudi leadership to increase its leverage in Syria. The concluding section identifies potential avenues for future Saudi-Syrian cooperation.
Key words: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, foreign policy, conflict, settlement.

Abstract: The article examines the views and ideas that circulated among the Russian state elite during the Great War era in relation to the desired reshaping of the Middle East region (primarily Qajar Iran) in accordance with the interests of the state. The 1907 Agreement did not definitively resolve either the contradictions between the Russian Empire and Britain in the region, or the Persian question as it. The pre-war years were marked by an intensification of “peaceful penetration” in the Russian sphere of influence, which generated additional friction. The outbreak of the global conflict seemed to open a window of opportunity for the transformation of the region, including those related to the emergence of new forms of penetration, such as resettlement and active involvement in the discussion and implementation of the policy of the Resettlement Department and the authorities of Turkestan. By the end of 1916, this even led to the issue of shifting the political border in the region to the east of the Caspian Sea. However, the revolutionary events of February 1917 in Petrograd led to a paradigm shift. The new authorities, who rhetorically dissociated themselves from the approaches and practices of the “Ancien Régime”, sought to find their own Middle Eastern policy options, inevitably driven by situational and personnel inertia, on the one hand, but also by the search for new formats and approaches, on the other.

Key words: Russia, Iran, Great Britain, W. von Klemm, V.F. Minorsky, the Russian Revolution

Abstract. The publication presents the results of an in-depth study of the provisions of the BRICS Kazan Declaration of 2024 related to the problems and strengthening of the global security architecture in the space sphere, as well as the author’s judgments on the prospects for joint efforts of states on BRICS platforms to ensure security in space in the interests of humanity. A literature review was conducted, problems in the scientific study of the role of BRICS in the architecture of global security in the space sphere were identified. The position of BRICS on security issues in space, reflected in the BRICS Kazan Declaration and documents of the summits of previous years, was studied. It is stated that cooperation of the BRICS countries in ensuring security in the space sphere is focused on the dyad of goals of forming the long-term sustainability of space exploration activities and preventing an arms race in outer space. It is noted that there is insufficient progress in achieving the BRICS goals in global space security, but with the club consistently expressing and defending key positions. Political and other factors of insufficient success of joint activities in the subject area are highlighted. Among the most promising applications of joint efforts of states on BRICS platforms to ensure security in space in the interests of humanity, in addition to achieving progress in international regulation, are the creation of a specialized permanent BRICS body on peaceful exploration of outer space and security in outer space, the development and adoption of a joint strategy for space exploration, the activation of technology and knowledge exchange programs between the BRICS countries to reduce the technological gap, the implementation of initiatives to create multilateral mechanisms for monitoring space activity, as well as the development of new codes of conduct to prevent conflicts in space.
Keywords: BRICS, global security architecture, space security, peaceful exploration of outer space, space activities, BRICS Kazan Declaration, arms race in outer space

During the War of the Second Anti-French Coalition, uprisings against the French occupation and revolutionary reforms arose across the Italian states. The article analyzes three important episodes from the history of popular movements in Piedmont and the Maritime Alps in 1799-1801: the Christian Army (Massa cristiana) under the command of Branda Lucioni, the plan to prepare for the Barbets rebellion in southern France under the leadership of the French royalist Amédée Villot, and the “great uprising” of peasants (zoccoli) in the Aosta Valley and Canavese. In historiography, these events are usually viewed as part of the internal social and political history of Piedmont and the neighboring region of Nice (since 1793 the French department of Alpes-Maritimes). This article examines the influence of geopolitical factors on the emergence of popular movements and the transformation of these popular movements themselves into a geopolitical factor at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The author demonstrates that the popular militia in Piedmont in 1799 was organized by the Austrian command, that the Barbets revolt of 1800 was planned by French royalists with the support of England and the consent of Austria, and that the Zoccoli revolt in Aosta and Canavese in 1800-1801 was an autonomous local peasant movement, but pushed Napoleon to annex Piedmont to his state, thus marking the beginning of a new stage in French foreign policy.
Keywords: popular uprisings, Piedmont, Nice, Aosta Valley, Kingdom of Sardinia, French occupation, Napoleon Bonaparte, Branda Lucioni, Amédée Villot, Barbets, Zoccoli, Second Anti-French Coalition, geopolitics.

Under the sanctions pressure of unfriendly states, fundamental changes are taking place in Russia’s foreign trade. An analysis of the state of foreign trade relations, taking into account modern geopolitical challenges, allows us to determine the prospects for the development of Russia’s exports and imports. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of the country’s foreign trade, on the basis of which it is possible to build a forecast based on econometric modeling of export and import indicators. The object of the study is the foreign trade of the Russian Federation by region of the world. The subject of the study is Russia’s export and import in the context of geopolitical challenges. The objectives of the study are to identify the dynamics and structure of foreign trade from 2000 to 2024, some problems in export-import activities; determining the forecast values ​​of Russian export and import indicators for 2025-2026 through the use of special mathematical tools.
The study is based on statistical methods of information analysis and the use of a scenario approach. The use of this methodology allows us to identify the features of the current state of Russia’s foreign trade and develop a forecast for the medium term.
The analysis of Russia’s foreign trade from 2000 to the 1st quarter of 2019 was carried out. 2025; the features of the development of foreign economic relations were established; changes that occurred in the structure of Russian trade turnover between the regions of the world were revealed; forecast values ​​of Russia’s exports and imports for 2025-2026 were determined.
It was concluded that Russia is increasing the volume of foreign trade with countries in the Asian and African regions against the backdrop of a reduction in the share of countries in America, Oceania and Europe. The reorientation of sales markets, parallel imports, and the rapid transition to the use of national currencies in settlements with friendly states made it possible to neutralize the effect of the imposed anti-Russian sanctions.
Key words: Russia’s foreign trade, trade and economic sanctions, export-import, unfriendly states, scenario approach, medium-term forecasting.

The topic of this article is the African vector of Russia’s foreign policy within the general course of “Russia’s Turn to the East”. One of its significant aspects is Russia’s involvement in the settlement of water disputes between African countries. The problem of fresh water shortage is becoming increasingly relevant at present, and in particular for a number of countries on the continent with an arid climate. The mechanisms of Russian water diplomacy are considered using the example of measures to facilitate the resolution of the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Renaissance Dam on the Nile. As a result, recommendations are offered to strengthen Russia’s role on the African continent by using both existing developments in water diplomacy and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of integrated water resources management.
Keywords: Russian foreign policy, water policy, water diplomacy, Africa, mediation in negotiations, water resources management.

Abstract. The migration challenges occurring in the world require joint efforts from the state to control and regulate within the framework of various integrations. The article examines the features of the legal regulation of labor migration flows of three integration associations. The associations are EU, NAFTA (USMCA), EAEU. The subject of the study is the internal and external migration policies of the associations. Special attention is paid to study international, integration and national migration regulations. They relate to the goals of associations and the needs of the labor markets of the members. In conclusion the legal acts of integration associations regulate labor migration and have a number of inconsistencies. Migration policy often is carried out by individual countries based only on their own national interests.

Key words: labor migration; migration policy; migration flows; integration associations; EU; NAFTA; USMCA; EAEU.

Abstract: in the context of the transformation of globalization processes, special attention is drawn to the change in crises, their acquisition of a truly global nature. The pandemic of a new coronavirus infection, numerous natural disasters and cases of genocide have shown the need for more consistent and systemic cooperation between countries through global and regional institutions and organizations. Nevertheless, there is a need to form a theoretical framework for ensuring international humanitarian cooperation for the prompt resolution of crises and minimizing their impact on political, economic, legal, social and other systems, as well as relations between states and their blocs.
The presented article presents approaches to the classification of global humanitarian crises, which can be used as an element of the theoretical framework for studying modern international relations. Objective: to develop the author’s classification of global humanitarian crises based on domestic and foreign experience. In preparing the article, a systems approach was used, which made it possible to identify the types of crises, assess the relevance of existing classifications of global humanitarian crises, and identify their characteristics that are important for the coordinated interaction of political entities to resolve the crisis situation. A comparative approach was also used, which made it possible to determine the advantages and disadvantages of existing classifications of crises. An analytical method and logical analysis were used to distribute global humanitarian crises into categories. Results: an analysis of theoretical approaches to the classification of global humanitarian crises was carried out, characteristics were determined that allow the most effective and objective identification of the types and kinds of such crises. Conclusion: based on the results of a comparative analysis of the classifications of global humanitarian crises, the author’s criteria and characteristics of their division into types and kinds are proposed.
Key words: global crises, humanitarian crises, globalization, competition, classification.

The purpose of the article is to present the features of China’s foreign policy in the Middle East, for which Chinese politicians have developed a unique concept of a long-term strategy based on the principle of “soft power”. The work analyzes the key objectives of China’s foreign policy towards the Middle East region, considers a number of fundamental goals and objectives of China’s diplomatic relations with the countries of the Middle East, primarily long-term trade and economic cooperation. As a result of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that China is interested in promoting long-term economic projects and programs in the Middle East, and, as a result, is maximally interested in maintaining a stable political situation in the region against the backdrop of the escalation of military conflicts, putting its own business interests first. To implement its political strategy, China uses such tools of “soft power” as initiatives and events aimed at deepening economic and political ties with the states of the Middle East; active coverage in the media of China’s humanitarian and peacekeeping initiative; systematic promotion of Chinese culture and language in the Arab world. According to the author, within the framework of the “soft power” policy, there is a need to form a more favorable international field for cultural diplomacy, which will allow China to more deeply and systematically explore the potential for cooperation with the Middle East states.
Keywords:foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China, China, «soft power», the Middle East, «soft power» diplomacy, strategic partnership

Review of the book: A.M. Urazov. FROM SUEZ TO CAMP DAVID. THE CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE USA AND THE USSR IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN THE 1950S-1970S. Moscow: AST, 2025, 256 p.

The presented article is devoted to the VIII International Scientific Congress “Globalistics-2025” held at Moscow University from October 10 to 25, 2025. The congress was dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the 220th anniversary of the Moscow Society of Naturalists, and the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the founding of the United Nations and UNESCO. This major scientific event brought together numerous prominent international scientific platforms under the common theme: “The UN and Global Transformations of International Relations: Multipolarity, Sustainability, and Security.”
Key words: global studies, congress, Faculty of Global Processes, UN, global transformations.

Abstract: The article is dedicated to the twentieth anniversary of the educational program “Global and Interregional Processes” opened at Moscow State University in 2005 on the initiative of Academician V. A. Sadovnichy. The article highlights the main trends in the development of world science and education that influenced the opening of the program and the creation of the Faculty of Global Processes. Tendencies towards the creation of planetary-scale scientific theories, interdisciplinarity, the development of the theory of complex systems, the emergence of supercomputer technologies, and the renaissance of mathematical modeling are identified as the main factors in the opening of the program and the foundation of the faculty. Perspective areas of “advanced development” of the educational and research potential of the Faculty of Global Processes of Moscow State University are revealed.
Keywords: educational program “Global and Interregional Processes”; Faculty of Global Processes of Moscow State University; “globalization” of scientific knowledge; interdisciplinarity; Complex systems theory; supercomputing technologies; renaissance of mathematical modeling.

Abstract. The informational essence of civilizations and the process of globalization requires clarification of the concept of information. The difference between information generated by human society and all other types of information is shown. Changes in the environment and the increase in the planet’s population have led to a new reality to which all civilizations are forced to adapt. Globalization is no different from the self-organization of civilizations, but has a planetary rather than a local character. The fractal structure of civilizations and the process of globalization is considered, which has greater adaptive capabilities in comparison with non-fractal systems. Fractality imparts order to information about the experience of self-preservation of society, stored by civilization, due to which information is more firmly stored in memory and easier to retrieve from it.
Key words: globalization, civilizations, information, self-organization, BRICS, fractals.

Abstract. The peace Treaty between Soviet Russia and the Republic of Finland, signed in Tartu in 1920, laid the foundations for relations between the two neighboring countries. Väine Tanner, who led the reformist Social Democratic Party of Finland after the defeat of the Reds in the Civil War of 1918, was a direct participant in the peace negotiations. In his memoirs, Tanner scrupulously examines the issue of concluding an agreement with Soviet Russia through the prism of the development of domestic and world politics. His assessments sometimes coincide to the smallest detail with the assessments of Soviet diplomats who worked at the negotiations in Tartu. Referring to the history of the peaceful settlement of relations between Soviet Russia and Finland, among other things, allows us to conclude that a more realistic approach to relations with the “big eastern neighbor” would have allowed Helsinki to make the necessary decisions in 1920 that would have saved Finland from subsequent wars with the Soviet Union and significant territorial losses.
Keywords: national independence, revolution, civil war, global interests, territorial claims, peace treaty.

Abstract. In the current geopolitical realities, when the system of international relations is being restructured and a number of states are striving to establish their own “rules-based” model as the dominant one, a special attention should be paid to the analysis of the degree of economic protection of the national state from external threats.
Based on the systematization of available statistical data, the authors attempt to analyze modern Russian export-import relations, paying special attention to the state of energy exports in the face of unprecedented sanctions pressure from unfriendly countries. It also provides a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework of the Russian Federation in the field of foreign trade, and examines the most significant legislative acts.
Keywords: energy, export, Russian Federation, foreign trade, legislation, sanctions.

Abstract: The current environmental challenges present a fundamental geopolitical impasse for the 21st century, threatening to destabilize global security through interconnected socio-economic disruptions. The Western-centered dominant narrative and current global governance promote the concepts of “zero-growth” or “degrowth” without acknowledging the significant disparity in international development levels and the significant challenges many countries still face in accessing basic living conditions. In this context, the Global South faces a triple burden: achieving development on a sustainable path, contending with the most severe impacts of climate change, and navigating the unequal (ecological) economic exchanges dictated by center-periphery dynamics. This essay argues that the current international governance model is inadequate to overcome these challenges and that only through the adoption of a multipolar democratic perspective, championed by BRICS+ countries and their partners, can a more equitable and balanced approach to sustainable development and energy transition be achieved. The essay explores how BRICS+ can play a pivotal role in shaping a more just global framework for sustainable development and energy transition, one that departs from Western-centric ideas and policies. The conclusions emphasize the critical need for South-South cooperation and collaboration within the BRICS+ framework, particularly in promoting scientific and technological neutrality while upholding sovereignty and equality in the international system without imposing conditions on members and partners. Finally, given the vast technological and energy resource potential of BRICS+ countries, they are positioned to become a leading force in global energy governance.
Keywords: BRICS+; Global South; Sustainable Development; Energy Transition; Multipolar Governance; Climate Change; South-South Cooperation.

Absract. The article attempts to describe the national security strategy of the Turkish Republic. The purpose of the study is to identify the conceptual and institutional basis of the national security strategy of modern Turkey to understand the essence of the actions of its leadership, which influences political and economic processes in a number of regions of the world.
The article is based on the analysis of the works of Russian and foreign sci-entists devoted to the foreign policy of the Turkish state.
A brief description of the sources of threats to the national security of the Turkish state is presented. Some aspects of Turkish-American, Turkish-Israeli, Turkish-European political relations and contradictions are indicated. Particular attention is paid to Russian-Turkish relations in the context of a special military operation in Ukraine.
The tasks assigned to the National Intelligence Organization in order to im-plement the provisions of the Turkish National Security strategy are listed.
The role of Hakan Fidan in organizing the activities of key agencies that en-sure the implementation of Turkey’s national security strategy is also presented.
It has been demonstrated that over the past 15 years, the system of national security agencies of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been significantly modernized, taking into account the improvement in the quality of information provided to the country’s military and political leadership for strategic decision-making.
Key words: Turkey, strategy, national security, interests, threats, National intelligence organization.

Abstract. The state legal regulation of international and foreign economic relations of Russian regions, implemented in a variety of forms and directions, is integrated into the country’s constitutional and legal system. From the 1990s to the present day, it has undergone significant evolution, adapting to changes in the development of the state. The analysis of the regulatory framework presented in this article reveals the dynamics of changes in the political and legal status of the regions in the context of their international activities, characterized by a gradual restriction of their previous unstructured independence and a transition to more methodical supervision by certain federal authorities. Particular attention is paid to the regions’ actorness from the perspective of international relations theory, as well as their legal capacity in their international activities from a legal standpoint, the forms and methods of their participation in international relations, and the legally enshrined conceptual apparatus defining such activities. Having gone from previous independence to control, the regions’ external relations have not only retained their paradiplomatic potential but have also gained new opportunities thanks to institutional support and resources from the federal center, ensuring more efficient and controlled participation in international cooperation within the framework of national interests.
Key words: external relations of regions, subnational actors, international activities of regions, Russian regional paradiplomacy, cross-border cooperation, regional foreign trade activities, foreign economic and international relations of Russian Federation subjects.

The article is devoted to the study of forms and methods of influence of mass communication on mass consciousness. The relevance of the work is due to the transformation of the media landscape in the context of digitalization, which requires the systematization of modern mechanisms of influence. The main purpose of the article is to analyze the key methods of media interaction, their specifics and cultural conditionality.
The main method and explanatory principle of the work is the institutional activity approach, which considers communication as a social process with subject-object relations. The article is based on the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists devoted to various aspects of the study of the influence of mass communication on mass consciousness.
In the course of the research, the forms and methods of mass communication’s influence on mass consciousness are systematized, and it is also revealed that mass communication forms cognitive patterns and polarization of consciousness through framing information messages, emotional content and algorithmic personalization. The key trends are the dominance of visual formats and the growing influence of microbloggers as subjects of media interaction.
To achieve this goal, the features of the impact of mass communication on mass consciousness are analyzed and the most relevant trends in the development of mechanisms of influence, including propaganda, framing and advertising, are identified. It is also determined that in collectivist societies (China, Japan), methods appealing to group values are effective, while in individualistic cultures (USA, EU), personal experience and critical thinking are more important.
It is concluded that mass communication uses a set of forms (informational, ideological, entertainment) and methods (framing, agenda setting, microtargeting) to influence mass consciousness, as well as that the effectiveness of methods depends on the cultural context and psychological characteristics of the audience.
Keywords: mass communication, mass consciousness, propaganda, mass media.

Abstract. The article is devoted to the Moscow Society of Naturalists’ July 2025 expedition along the Volga River and the Lower Volga region. It describes in detail the expedition’s most significant events, including its route, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and other activities.
Key words: Moscow Society of Naturalist, MSON, 220 years of MSON, Lomonosov Moscow State University, scientific societies of Russia, expedition, Fleet of floating universities, Volga river, Kamyshin

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.