The article examines the features of the current situation in the world and the existing threats to Russia in its confrontation with the collective West. It is shown that the current global crisis is caused by the change of historical epochs and the transformation of the world system into a qualitatively new state. The old patterns stop working, it’s time to design the future. In these conditions, Russia has a chance to propose its own world order project and become one of the leaders in the new historical reality. But this requires a purposeful and wise policy.

Aim. The aim of this article is to analyze the current situation in the world and substantiate Russia’s policy in the current conditions.

Tasks. During the research, the following tasks were solved: modeling and forecasting world dynamics in the 21st century, identifying global trends, analyzing the features of the current crisis situation; analysis of the modern confrontation between the collective West and Russia; analysis of the tasks that Russia faces in the short, medium and long term, and justification of ways to solve them.

Methods. The methodology for solving these problems is based on the identification of patterns of historical development using modern methods of modeling and forecasting world dynamics, developed at Lomonosov Moscow State University under the guidance of Academician V. A. Sadovnichy.

Results. The results of mathematical modeling have shown that humanity is currently moving to a fundamentally new phase of historical development, when the old economic and social technologies (liberal capitalism, classical socialism) no longer work. There is a transition of human society into a new phase state, the shape of which has not yet been determined. In these conditions, we are not talking about forecasting, but about designing the future in new historical conditions. The struggle of world projects begins. Russia’s strategy should be formed on the basis of understanding the specifics of the current situation.

Conclusions. The current global crisis creates serious threats to Russia’s development, exacerbates the pressure on it from the collective West. However, at the same time, new opportunities are opening up for Russia: it gets a chance to propose its own world order project and become one of the leaders in the new historical reality. To realize this chance, a purposeful and wise policy is needed. The article suggests a number of measures to implement this policy.

The instability and uncertainty of international relations accentuate the role of new and inclusive platforms of interaction and cooperation. Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) alongside its regional and transregional partners represent an example of such a platform based on new principles and values, an element of international relation configuration.

Aim. Assess the prospects for a zone (cluster) within the planned and potential transregional EEU’s expansion beyond the CIS borders.

Task. To evaluate the dynamics of the consolidation concerning, first, current free trade EEU agreements (FTAs or the EEU FTAs) with Serbia, Iran, Vietnam  and Singapore,  second,  potential  agreements with listed in the EEU official strategy, third, other developing states with relevant economic and/or demographic potential.

Methods. The authors use additional consolidation (share of intra-bloc trade) as a metric. It is calculated as the difference between the share of EEU intra-trade and within the existing or potential EEU FTA partnerships.

Results. Based on the assessment of additional consolidation, the research revealed that the existing EEU FTAs with Iran and Vietnam are effective, while trade integration with Serbia, Singapore and China are ineffective. The presence of additional consolidation was revealed for Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh.

Conclusions. The implementation of the transregional integration track is an important development step for the Eurasian Economic Union. However, trade partnerships have different trade efficiency.

In modern conditions, international integration in the pharmaceutical industry is becoming a necessary condition for the development of the industry. At the same time, the improvement of medical science and technology is determined by the use of innovative technologies that prevail in the market of medicines. All this determines the relevance of the study. In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has faced serious challenges: first it was the COVID-19 pandemic, which required a significant mobilization of all scientific and production resources, operational restructuring of many processes, expansion of tools for interaction and partnership at all levels, changes in the regulatory environment, then economic restrictive measures were taken against Russia, which, although not affected drug provision, but they created considerable logistical difficulties for drug manufacturers and generated certain unrest among drug consumers.

Aim. To assess the pharmaceutical market of the EAEU, identify emerging problems and outline ways to solve them.

Tasks. Consider the capacity of the pharmaceutical market of the EAEU; identify problems arising in the pharmaceutical market of the EAEU; to determine the prospects for the development of the pharmaceutical market of the EAEU.

Methods. Statistical analysis of data and synthesis of the results obtained for comparison purposes.

Results. A study of trends in the pharmaceutical market was conducted, as a result of which generalizing conclusions were made; problems faced by the market under the influence of uncertainty and risk factors were identified; attempts were made to identify promising directions for the development of the pharmaceutical market of the EAEU.

Conclusion. The conducted research makes it possible to identify problematic issues in the development of the pharmaceutical market of the EAEU and outline ways to eliminate them.

Implementation  of  lean manufacturing  methods is  widespread  globally. These methods have demonstrated high potential of implementation and gained popularity in many developed, developing and transition economies. Despite the popularity, so far there are few empirical research devoted to the implementation of lean manufacturing in Russia, and this paper partially fills this gap.

Aim. The main purpose of the paper is to analyze the spread of lean manufacturing methods, find out the most frequently used practices, describe the industry affiliation of companies and identify problems and obstacles in the implementation of lean manufacturing methods and techniques.

Tasks. To achieve the objectives, the quantitative empirical study was conducted on the base of open secondary sources.

Methods. The information about the lean projects of 201 companies of different industries was gathered. The data was processed, coded and analyzed.

Results. Among findings, we identified that 5S and VSM were the most implementing practices, most of the companies were practicing 3 to 7 lean practices at the same time. Low employee engagement, unfavorable organizational culture and problems of scaling the pilot projects are the most frequent problems in implementing of lean practices.

Conclusions. The introduction of lean manufacturing methods remains one of the main direction of production processes improving and labor productivity increasing on Russian enterprises. The study has limitations inherent to research that are based on secondary sources.

Crime control at the sea involves public activities to create a modern security system in seaports, at the territorial sea and the adjacent zone throughout the sea corridors, as well as in the open sea on sea routes with intensive shipping.

Aim. Impact assessment of digital transformation on maritime crime control.

Tasks. Firstly, to characterize the impact of digital technologies on the nature of pirate attacks and other maritime offenses, which are actual threats to the maritime infrastructure. Secondly, to analyze the impact of modern measures to combat maritime crime on the economy of seaports, shipping companies and other maritime business entities. Thirdly, to demonstrate the role of the seaport administration and private military companies in the fight against offenses at sea.

Methods. The study is carried out by formal legal and comparative legal methodology using a review-analytical approach.

Results. Data analysis shows that the administrations of seaports are interested in optimizing security costs by creating a convenient digital management system for the coastal infrastructure. Security systems and logistics solutions depend on the effectiveness of digital technologies implemented in the interests of ensuring the safety of navigation. The Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (SOLAS-74/88), supplemented by the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) in 2004, provides for a universal maritime security system, however, the implementation of these standards in a number of regions of the World Ocean is not enough to neutralize coastal criminal threats.

Conclusion. In the context of digitalization, measures to combat crime at sea lead to significant costs, as they require complex technological infrastructure on ships and in ports. The norms of the law of the sea aimed at combating piracy and smuggling should be implemented at the national level, taking into account the socio-economic features of the maritime infrastructure development. Since negative economic trends entail an increase in criminal activity, the economic interests of commercial shipping entities should not be sacrificed in the fight against piracy and smuggling.

This study is aimed at studying foreign and domestic experience in terms of the UN reform process, which allows us to summarize the relevant material and achieve the objectives defined by the topic of this article. The aspect that the foundations of the modern crisis of the UN arose from the moment of signing its charter and this is due to the fact that the long and debatable process of agreeing on the main provisions of this document took place thanks to the concessions and compromises of the members of the organization, which laid the foundation for its further review.

Aim. Offer recommendations on possible options for replacing or reforming the UN.

Tasks. Consider  models for overcoming  the contradiction  between  national  and supranational interests and the contradiction between the leading countries of the world, the developed countries of the North and the less developed countries of the South.

Methods. To compare the integration practices of the EU and ASEAN, the method of comparative analysis, the dialectical method of research, as well as the systematic method of research are used. And also used methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, as well as analogy.

Results. On the basis of the studied,  recommendations  for reforming  the UN are given. Thus, attention should be paid to the experience of previous supranational  organizations,  as well as to the practice of dialogue mechanisms between the world’s leading players. At the same time, excessive pressure on countries should be stopped by interfering in their internal affairs, violating their sovereignty.

Conclusions. The contradiction between national and supranational interests is the most profound problem in any integration association, including the UN. However, there is no universal method for resolving this problem, including in the conditions of a still unipolar world. The UN should combine in its practice the experience of the EU, ASEAN, SCO as a hard and soft approach to balancing national and supranational interests.

The article discusses the features of the legal regulation of social security of mobilized citizens, citizens who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and their family members in regions of Russia.

Aim. To identify the effectiveness of new approaches to establish legal regulation of military personnel’s social security in partial mobilization condition.

Task. To analyze the effectiveness, taking into account the criteria of regional legislators of the Russian Federation in establishing the right to social security of military personnel, which is provided in the form of lump-sum payments. To complete the study, to assess the level of social security guarantees for military personnel in the Russian Federation in comparison with the social guarantees provided in the countries that are part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

Methods. In this study, the tasks were solved by the author with the use of general scientific methods (comparative, formal, logical) and legal research methods (comparative legal statistical data).

Results. In the course of the study, the differentiation of the legal regulation of social security of mobilized citizens, citizens who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and their family members, provided in cash, was conducted. In view of the equal social risk in which both categories of military personnel have the right to receive a lump sum payment, without additional grounds taken into account by the regions. This approach seems fair.

Conclusions. The legislator’s reaction after the announcement of partial mobilization was necessary and timely, the underlying causes and rapid response to the emerging social risks should also be considered when selecting criteria. In view of the fulfillment of new tasks for the state, the criteria used in establishing the legal regulation of social security in the form of cash payments should be directly related to the likelihood of social risk for both categories of military personnel and their family members.

The article discusses, first of all, some features of the Vietnamese legislation concerning marriages with foreign citizens and issues of citizenship. The problem of forced and fictitious marriages is also touched upon.

Aim. Identification of specifics of the Vietnamese legislation on marriage and family and some topical problems in the field of mixed marriages.

Tasks. Analysis of main provisions of the Law on Marriage and Family of Vietnam, the role of international treaties in this sphere, comparison of the situation with fictitious marriages in Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

Methods. Comparative legal analysis of the norms of international private law in the field of marriage and family relations, description of the approaches of Vietnamese legislation to limping marriages and remission, as well as analysis of judicial practice in relation to fictitious marriages of Vietnamese citizens in the Russian Federation.

Results. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Russian Federation, representing different regions of the world and legal systems, have similar problems in the field of marriage and family relations involving foreign elements, which in Vietnam are exacerbated by social problems and weak protection of the rights of women and girls.

Conclusion. The case of Vietnam demonstrates the conclusion of bilateral agreements and of universal conventions enhance eliminating the problem of conflict of law (limping marriages), while participation in international organizations improves the socio-economic situation of the population and develop mechanisms for protecting human rights in the field of marriage and family relations.

In the 21st century, soft power has proved its effectiveness and expediency and has become one of the most important foreign policy instruments of strong, medium and small powers. The approach proposed by Joseph Nye is considered to be a classic example of soft power politics with the United States being the leading state in this field. However, considering the intensification of glocalization processes and the growth of anti-global and anti-American sentiments, the effectiveness of the US soft power is being called into question. On the contrary, the popularity of South Korean culture has been constantly growing all over the world in recent years, which proves the possibility of successful application of the soft power policy by a non-Western (Asian) state.

Aim. The aim is to compare the South Korean and American approaches to the implementation of soft power policy.

Tasks. The tasks include studying the elements of the US and South Korean soft power models (culture and way of life, values and ideologies, principles of foreign and domestic policy) and comparing them with each other.

Methods. The methods of cross-cultural analysis and secondary analysis of data, including official sources, were used.

Results. When implementing the soft power policy, both states use the same resources (elements) distinguished by Joseph Nye (culture and lifestyle, ideology and values, principles of domestic and foreign policy).

Conclusion. The difference between national models of soft power lies in the content of these elements. The United States and the Republic of Korea convey different values and prioritize different elements of soft power. The United States, placing the main emphasis on ideology, promotes democratic values, while the Republic of Korea, relying on culture in the broadest sense, appeals to humanistic and Confucian values (love for oneself, caring for others, seeking harmony, cheerfulness). Directions for further research include the analysis of the origins and prospects of such a phenomenon of international relations as Asian waves (Japanese, Korean, Chinese, etc.).

On the fields of the “Great Game” another party of confrontation between the two main world civilizations — maritime and continental, the successors and followers of the Anglo-Saxons (USA) against the Eurasian continental power (Russia) is unfolding. This is not the first batch and, alas, not the last. The confrontation originates from the struggle for control over the Mediterranean Sea in the distant 18th century between Russia and the British Empire, which started the “Great Game” with the Maltese party in September 1800. UK-British Empire-then USA vs. Russia-Russian Empire-Soviet Union-Russian Federation. In total more than 220 years. The game continues.

Aim. The aim of the study is to solve the scientific problem of determining the national interests of Russia in the modern version of the “Great Game”.

Tasks. To achieve the goal of the study, the following tasks are solved: to identify the geopolitical and economic components of Russia’s national interests within the regional space of the modern version of the confrontation and to determine the possibilities for realizing these interests.

Methods. This paper uses the methodological tools of spatial economics and the theory of new economic geography, which makes it possible to combine geopolitical and economic (geo-economic) imperatives in a localized space when coordinating joint activities. The action takes place in the southwestern borderlands of Russia and covers the waters and lands of the Azov basin and the Northern Black Sea region, as a “prefield” to ensure Russia’s maritime access to world markets via the southern route.

Conclusions. The conclusions of the study are that essentially two strategic tasks are being solved in this region — establishing control over communications and energy resources on the basis of coordinating Russia’s military and economic activities in the waters and on the coast of the Azov and Black Seas in order to ensure the “connectivity” of the country’s territory with southwest. Initially, the conflict was based on the struggle for control over energy resources and, first of all, natural gas and communications for the delivery of the latter to the West, which seems to be very problematic in modern conditions. However, this is the reason for the continuation of the “Great Game”.

The article examines the current policy of Turkey in the South Caucasus – Transcaucasia. Bilateral relations between Turkey, on the one hand, and the states of the South Caucasus region, on the other, are considered. The main directions of Turkey’s policy in the region are considered. An overview of Turkish-Azerbaijani, Turkish-Armenian and Turkish-Georgian relations is given.

The war in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 showed the potential for conflict in the region and threats to Russia’s security. Now other processes are taking place in the region. Turkey’s role in the region has increased. The region has conflict territories,  among which the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia stand out.

Aim. To analyze the current situation in the South Caucasus region from the point of view of regional security. To analyze and describe the role and policy of Turkey in security issues in the South Caucasus. Tasks. Identification of Turkey’s new role in the South Caucasus region and analysis of the current situation in the region.

Methods. Analytical and descriptive methods were used when writing the work. Methods of comparative analysis and text analysis, as well as content analysis were also used.

Results. At the present stage in the South Caucasus region, Turkey plays a key role in regional security issues, along with Russia.

Conclusions.  The strengthening of Turkey’s role in the South Caucasus region has led to a decrease in the role of Russia and Iran. However, the current situation is not stable yet and there is a high probability of new conflicts of interests of external actors in the South Caucasus region.

This study is devoted to the comparative analysis of the subject fields of the main modern concepts of information and psychological warfare.

Aim. To identify the features of the subject fields of the main modern concepts of information and psychological warfare.

Tasks. To analyze the main modern concepts of information and psychological warfare: information war, network war, network-centric war, mental warfare; determine their essential characteristics and identify the features of subject fields.

Methods. During the research, both general scientific (analysis, synthesis, analogy) and special methods were by the authors in order to solve scientific problems: content analysis, comparative analysis, critical discourse analysis.

Results. The study showed that the term “information  warfare” has appeared in  a  report commissioned by the US Department of Defense. Further, this concept was actively operated by American military experts involved in the development and planning of various types of military operations. The attitude to this term in scientific circles is ambiguous. In the scientific literature, one can find a large number of definitions explaining this phenomenon, which indicates the ongoing discussions in the scientific world about the sense of the “information war” as the phenomena.

Often this term is replaced by the term “information and psychological warfare”, which should be understood as such a relationship between states in which one of the opposing parties, in order to expand its zone of influence and eliminate potential competitors, resorts to active covert influence on the information  sphere  of its opponent,  aimed at creating  conditions  for making  favorable decisions for one or the other state in military, political, economic and other fields.

Conclusions. The authors come to the conclusion that the theory of information warfare should be considered as an area of scientific research aimed at understanding the use of advanced technologies in interstate confrontation which causes fundamental changes in the forms, principles and means of conflicts in the information age. Currently, the theory of information warfare has been differentiated and developed in a number of original concepts that focus on various aspects of confrontation in the information environment and the use of ICT in military confrontation.

This study is aimed at studying the key problem of regional security — crisis response within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Aim. Show that despite the development of the crisis mechanism, its current state does not satisfy the member states, which affects the overall security of the Eurasian space.

Tasks. Consider the stages of development of crisis management through the prism of the development of the formation of the CSTO as an organization designed to ensure security in two directions: military security and countering “new challenges”.

Methods. To compare the mechanisms for countering crises, the method of comparative analysis is used, including the provisions of international treaties, as well as successful and unsuccessful practices in the CIS and the CSTO.

Results. Based on specific examples of activities and study of the decisions taken by the governing bodies of the CSTO, it is shown that the improvement of the direction of crisis management will become the main one in the development of the Organization.