The authors develop their previously substantiated ideas about civilizational corridors, which have played and continue to play a crucial role in Russia’s existence as a Eurasian and global power. They base their analysis on a dialectical-synthetic model of the civilizational approach within its spatiotemporal dimension, where society is viewed as a process and product of the objective and subjective reflection (interpenetration) of cultures and local civilizations over time. The authors define civilizational corridors as spatially and temporally stable geographic, geopolitical, and transport-communication channels for the exchange of material and spiritual values, as well as state-administrative, economic, and sociocultural experience between various regional and local communities, peoples, and civilizations. They examine the possibility and prospects for the formation of two meridional transport corridors between the North and South of Eurasia through Russia, specifically through its Siberian macroregion. These include: 1) the “73rd Meridian” project, which envisions the creation of air cargo and passenger service between Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with a central geopolitical and economic hub in Omsk; 2) a project to build an Altai — Himalayas transport and energy bridge across Russia, Kazakhstan, and/or Mongolia, China, and India. The authors argue that such corridors, in addition to their purely economic, transport, and energy purposes, address important geopolitical and civilizational challenges by strengthening cross-border sociocultural interactions between various specific communities, countries, and peoples. These interactions are based on shared values and mutually beneficial long-term strategic development priorities, and are referred to by the authors as transport and civilizational corridors. They are exceptionally significant for Siberia and its local communities. The authors substantiate the prospects of parallel promotion of both of these strategic transport and civilizational meridional projects, which are important for intra- and macro-regional Siberian development, international cooperation, strengthening Russia’s geopolitical position, as well as the integration of all of Eurasia on the principles of mutual benefit, good-neighborliness, and cultural dialogue.

Aim. The purpose of this study is to analyze the EAEU services market from 2015 to 2024 and to describe its changes during the post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts of 2022. Methods. This article employs a historical and legal approach to examine the formation and development of the single services market; a comparative analysis to assess the position of EAEU member countries within the Eurasian integration services market; and a statistical method to quantify the standing of EAEU member countries in the services market. Results. The findings indicate that the share of mutual trade in services within the total trade in services is insignificant; trade flows between countries are distributed unevenly; and the position of the Russian Federation is dominant. It is established that the recovery of mutual trade in services within the EAEU in the post-pandemic period outpaced the recovery of overall trade in services. The study also shows that countries responded differently to the external shocks of 2020 and 2022. Conclusions. No significant changes were observed in the EAEU services market between 2015 and 2021. The 2020 pandemic negatively impacted services trade development in all EAEU countries. The events of 2022 and the ensuing sanctions pressure led to a reorientation of trade flows and a change in the positions of all EAEU member countries. The liberalization measures initiated at the beginning of the third decade resulted in an increase in services trade in 2023–2024.

BRICS economic integration is a flexible and selective process aimed at strengthening economic sovereignty, reducing dependence on traditional Western power centers such as the EU and the US, and, most importantly, creating alternative mechanisms for cooperation. With the development of BRICS, favorable conditions are being created for the implementation of joint projects, the harmonization of customs procedures, and, as a result, the growth of trade and investment activity between member countries. For Russia, interaction with BRICS countries is becoming a pressing and priority task, given the alliance’s significant economic potential. Expanding areas of cooperation, implementing new projects, and expanding markets undoubtedly open up new opportunities for Russia to stimulate economic growth and strengthen its influence on the global stage. Aim and tasks. The purpose of the article is to summarize the experience of developing international cooperation within the framework of BRICS and identify areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. To achieve this goal, the following tasks are set in the study: a) to analyze the economic potential of the BRICS countries; b) to summarize the factors affecting the mutual trade of the BRICS countries; c) determine the directions of economic development for the BRICS countries. Methods. During the research, the authors used general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis), as well as special methods (economic and mathematical, historical and logical methods). The information base of the study was data from the Federal State Statistics Service, the official statistics portal of the BRICS countries (https://brics-stat.org and others). The use of statistical methods made it possible to assess the dynamics of GDP and draw appropriate conclusions. Results. As a result of the research, the factors influencing the mutual trade of the BRICS countries were identified, which made it possible to identify problematic issues and propose directions for economic development for the participating countries. The alliance’s member states are expected to become more interested in mutual trade, and Russia’s trade volumes with each individual BRICS member country are expected to increase. Conclusions. It is concluded that BRICS is capable of becoming the architect of a new global economic reality dominated by multi-currency settlements, sustainable energy and technological independence. It is obvious that the alliance is transforming and becoming a center that offers an alternative to Western models through a pragmatic combination of resources, innovation and multipolar dialogue.

In the context of the global energy transition, post-Soviet countries are faced with the need for structural transformation of their energy systems. The introduction of renewable energy sources (RES) is becoming an important tool for increasing energy security, reducing dependence on hydrocarbon imports, and implementing sustainable economic development strategies. The integration of RES serves as a factor in diversifying energy systems and stimulating economic growth. Assessing the impact of RES introduction on macroeconomic indicators, particularly GDP, is a relevant and promising area of interdisciplinary research, integrating theoretical economic approaches and sustainable development principles. Aim. The objective of this study is to conduct a systemic analysis of the impact of RES introduction on economic growth in the Republic of Armenia, with an emphasis on the impact of this process on GDP, in the context of transformation processes in the CIS countries. Armenia, an example of a vulnerable energy system, experiences high dependence on imports and limited domestic energy resources, leading to seasonal shortages and requiring the adaptation of its energy infrastructure. There is significant heterogeneity in the institutional and technological integration of renewable energy sources across the CIS countries, due to differences in resource bases, energy infrastructure development, and political readiness to transition to sustainable energy sources. Methods. The analysis revealed that the energy sector has a significant impact on the Armenian economy. Results. The active development of renewable energy sources and Armenia’s integration into international energy markets open up new opportunities for foreign trade diversification, including electricity exports to Iran and Georgia. However, to realize the full export potential, it is necessary to develop interstate power transmission lines. Conclusions. The study’s findings emphasize that, despite the energy sector’s relatively low share of GDP (approximately 4%), its role in the country’s economic structure remains significant. Given the positive dynamics of renewable energy development, Armenia and other CIS countries need to continue modernizing their energy infrastructure, stimulate investment in green technologies, and develop the sector’s export potential. These measures will help increase the resilience of the energy system, reduce dependence on external supplies, and promote economic growth in the region.

Aim and tasks. The aim of the article is to develop and empirically test an Industrial Energy Deficit Index as a tool for analyzing infrastructure-related constraints on economic growth in developing countries, as well as to assess its relationship with international competitiveness and investment attractiveness in the context of countries’ participation in global value chains. The study substantiates industrial energy deficit as an independent category of the world economy, proposes a methodology for its quantitative assessment, and conducts an empirical analysis of its relationship with manufacturing value added and inflows of foreign direct investment. Methods. The methodological framework of the study is based on theoretical analysis, structural-functional and comparative approaches. A methodology for calculating an integrated Industrial Energy Deficit Index is developed, drawing on indicators of electricity supply reliability at the firm level. To ensure cross-country comparability, the indicators are normalized and combined using a differentiated weighting scheme. The relationship between industrial energy deficit, manufacturing value added, and foreign direct investment inflows is assessed using linear regression models. Results. The concept of industrial energy deficit is introduced and justified as a persistent mismatch between an economy’s industrial potential and the capacity of its energy system to provide reliable electricity supply to enterprises. The application of the index reveals substantial cross-country variation in the severity of energy constraints faced by the industrial sector. Empirical results indicate a statistically significant negative relationship between the level of industrial energy deficit, the share of manufacturing value added in GDP, and inflows of foreign direct investment. Conclusions. Industrial energy deficit represents a constraint on industrial development that is not captured by conventional indicators of energy poverty. High levels of industrial energy deficit reduce countries’ investment attractiveness and limit their participation in global value chains, thereby constraining long-term economic growth potential. The proposed index expands the analytical toolkit for studying energy-related development constraints and can be applied in the practical analysis of international economic relations.

It is substantiated that the socio-economic development of the Donetsk People’s Republic cannot be reduced to the mechanical restoration of lost industrial capacities and requires a qualitative transformation of the region’s production and economic model. The current economic structure of the region is shown to be the result of a long-term evolutionary trajectory, including the Soviet period of forming an integrated territorial production complex, the subsequent degradation of production chains during the period when the region was part of Ukraine, and fragmented recovery attempts under conditions of institutional instability and economic constraints in 2014–2022. It is demonstrated that the methodological legacy of the Soviet school of territorial planning (I. G. Alexandrov, N. N. Kolosovsky, N. N. Baransky) retains significant heuristic potential for interpreting contemporary processes of industrial development and for designing a new model of regional growth. Aim. The aim of the paper is to substantiate the directions for transforming the socio-economic model of the Donetsk People’s Republic on the basis of methodological continuity with the Soviet school of regional development. Methods. The methods employed include retrospective analysis of the region’s socio-economic development, comparative analysis of industrial organization models across different historical periods, an evolutionary approach to studying transformations of the production structure, structural- functional analysis of territorial production systems, and elements of institutional analysis of factors and barriers to regional development. The theoretical framework is based on the concepts of territorial production complexes, energy-production cycles, and spatial organization of the economy developed by I. G. Alexandrov, N. N. Kolosovsky, and N. N. Baransky. Results. The results reveal a key regularity in the degradation of the region’s economic structure, manifested in the consistent weakening of internal production chains and the increasing dominance of raw-material specialization from the Soviet period to the present. A concept of a shift in the development energy paradigm is proposed, involving a transition from the dominance of fossil fuel energy to the “energy of knowledge”, “energy of data”, and “energy of cooperation” as system-forming factors of industrial transformation. A model of the macroregional territorial production complex “Donbass-Crimea” is proposed, based on functional division of labor between the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, Rostov Region, and Crimea. Principles of evolutionary transformation of industrial specialization are formulated, including vertical integration of production chains, horizontal diversification of competencies, and functional rethinking of the role of coal in the regional economy. Conclusions. The conclusions substantiate that sustainable socio-economic development of the Donetsk People’s Republic requires methodological continuity with the Soviet school of territorial planning, a shift in the energy paradigm, prioritization of human capital reproduction, and macroregional integration, combined with an evolutionary character of transformation of the production and economic model.

Aim. To investigate the evolution of the spatial structure and economic efficiency of China’s lithium- ion battery industry against the backdrop of the global energy transition. Methods. The study employs value chain analysis to assess industrial linkages and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) to measure the technical efficiency of production across 30 Chinese provinces from 2015 to 2023. Results. Significant regional agglomeration is identified in East China (Yangtze River Delta); however, a structural imbalance exists between production capacity and resource utilization efficiency. The data indicate that mere scale expansion is no longer the primary driver of efficiency. Conclusions. To achieve sustainable development, the industry must shift from extensive growth to spatial layout optimization and technological upgrading, strengthening inter-regional coordination.

The contemporary architecture of international integration is characterised by a multiplicity of models, which differ both in the depth of institutional interaction and in their capacity to generate sustained growth in prosperity. This article presents a comparative analysis of five leading integration blocs worldwide, aimed at identifying the patterns between the formal level of integration and the actual dynamics of economic development among member states. Aim. To verify the hypothesis regarding the cumulative positive effect of progressively deepening integration processes and to determine the nature of the relationship between the depth of integration and the dynamics of prosperity in member states. Tasks. To conduct a comparative analysis of Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in the member states of five integration blocs at different stages of the integration “ladder”; to assess the presence of convergence of economic development levels within each bloc; to identify institutional factors accounting for differences in the trajectories of prosperity growth. Methods. The study is based on comparative and statistical analysis of macroeconomic indicators. The primary indicator is GDP per capita based on PPP. The analysis is carried out for the European Union (EU), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Three key points in time are considered: the moment a country joined the bloc (base year), the current state (2025), and a forecast up to 2030. Results. It is revealed that the nature of integration’s impact on prosperity is determined not so much by the formal stage of development, but by the quality of the institutional architecture and the presence of effective redistribution mechanisms. In the EU, deep institutionalisation has ensured sustained GDP per capita growth and pronounced convergence. In ASEAN, the “soft” integration model has acted as a driver of growth; however, the absence of fiscal equalisation reproduces deep stratification. In MERCOSUR, GDP per capita dynamics are characterised by high volatility and unevenness, while the EAEU demonstrates aggregate growth of the indicator alongside the persistence of an absolute gap between member states. Conclusions. The relationship between the depth of integration and economic efficiency is non-linear. Formal progression along the “stages of integration” is not a necessary condition for prosperity growth. The key criterion of effectiveness is the actual ability of a bloc to generate sustained growth and ensure the harmonious development of all member states at the achieved level of interaction.

Aim and tasks. To examine and identify the specific features of economic interaction between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at the present stage. To analyze historically established trade relations and foreign trade structures as an example of asymmetric integration interaction and prospects for further development. Methods. During the study, the authors used the following methods: chronological approach, document analysis method, system analysis method, institutional analysis and content analysis. Results. The authors emphasized that Mongolia, being located in the very center of Eurasia, has strategic opportunities for joining the EAEU. Based on statistical data, it is shown that trade turnover is conducted mainly with Russia (97.2%), and with other EAEU member countries — only 2.8%. Conclusions. It is necessary to implement a broad front of trade relations between Mongolia and the EAEU member countries, primarily in the energy sector (development, extraction and export of rare earth elements, lithium, copper, titanium, coal, uranium) and transport communications.

The article was prepared in two parts, the first of which was published in the previous issue of the journal. The article examines the current state and problems of legal regulation of the pharmaceutical sector of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU, Union), as well as BRICS and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from the point of competition and the impact of such regulation on ensuring the technological independence of these international associations and their member states. Aim. To offer possible ways to develop competition in the pharmaceutical sector of the EAEU, as well as promising areas of interaction between the EAEU, BRICS and ASEAN in this area. Tasks. To assess the current state of legal regulation of the pharmaceutical sector of the EAEU at the supranational level in terms of forming conditions for the development of competition in the common market of medicines. To study the mechanisms of price regulation in the pharmaceutical sectors of the member states of the Union. To analyze national practices of ensuring the availability of medicines for the population. To compare approaches to regulating the pharmaceutical markets of India, China, Brazil, ASEAN. Methods. A combination of general scientific and special scientific methods (including content and comparative analysis of legal texts) are applied, which optimally correspond to the content and structure of the subject of research. Results. Based on the analysis, a comprehensive understanding of the current state of legal regulation of the pharmaceutical sector of the EAEU from the point of view of competition is submitted. An analysis of the actual status of the forming of common market for medicines in the EAEU is conducted, its advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. The mechanisms of price regulation in the pharmaceutical sectors at the national level are studied, proposals for the harmonization of relevant issues at the Union level and the involvement of observer states of the EAEU in this activity are prepared. Compulsory licensing and buying medicines online as tools for increasing the availability of medicines are analyzed. A general overview of the regulation of the pharmaceutical markets of India, China, Brazil, ASEAN is presented. Proposals for possible areas of interaction between the EAEU, BRICS and ASEAN in this area are prepared. Conclusions. Further development of legal regulation of the pharmaceutical sector of the EAEU are associated not only with harmonization of national approaches to price regulation and introduction of effective (“seamless”) and transparent mechanisms for regulating the pharmaceutical sector within the framework of the Greater Eurasian Partnership (EAEU, BRICS and ASEAN), but also with establishment of mechanisms for preventing anti-competitive behavior of market participants, and the involvement of authorized bodies of observer states of the EAEU in this work. The solution of these problems will contribute to the growth of investment activity and technological independence of the region as a whole.

Aim. The purpose of this article is to identify and substantiate trends and specific features of harmonizing the legal regulation of financial control from the perspective of Eurasian economic integration. The author positions the harmonization of financial control in the Eurasian Economic Union as a component of the harmonization of regulatory and supervisory activities in the unified economy, as well as Eurasian integration as a whole. Methods. The article utilizes scientific methods such as systems and comparative legal analysis, classification, and legal formalization. Results. The author analyzed the legal regulation of financial control in the Eurasian Economic Union. Based on this analysis, the following features of financial control harmonization in the context of Eurasian integration were identified: processes of retreat (return) to the national level of regulation; connection with the formation of a single financial market; the presence of internal and external financial control. Harmonization of financial control in the Eurasian Economic Union includes: harmonization of the legal regulation of financial control, a unified financial policy, processes for the formation of a single financial market, and unified law enforcement practices. Conclusions. Based on the analysis, the author identifies trends in the harmonization of financial control in the Eurasian Economic Union, including: the shift from universalization and globalization of financial mechanisms within interstate economic interaction to financial regionalization; the varying speed and degree of harmonization for various areas of financial control; and the influence of geopolitical factors. It is concluded that, in the current context, a return to national specifics in the regulation and implementation of financial control is becoming increasingly important. Such specifics can be both natural and forced. The author proposes defining the concept of a Eurasian financial system within the Eurasian Economic Union. Broadly speaking, such a system should be understood as a set of financial institutions, markets, and the connections between them, aimed at ensuring and protecting private and public financial interests within the context of integration. Harmonization of financial control in the EAEU is important both for public oversight of the economy and for ensuring security. In the current context of economic instability and international tension, the importance of the latter aspect is significantly increasing.

Aim. Тhe purpose of the study is to conduct a detailed legal analysis of the content of the concepts of “exploration” and “use” of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, as set out in the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (hereinafter referred to as the Outer Space Treaty), to identify the exact legal meaning of these terms in the context of objectives and principles of the Outer Space Treaty, as well as an assessment of the impact of the content of these definitions on the formation of a legal regime for the commercial use of space resources. Methods. The research is based on the application of a set of general scientific and special methods: analysis, synthesis, historical, logical, formal-legal and comparative-legal. The article analyzes international legal acts, national legislation, as well as the activities of international organizations. Results. Thus, it is revealed that the concept of “research” is traditionally interpreted as a study, and “use” as a practical application of space, however, the boundaries of “use” are blurred. The results show that the lack of a clear definition of the concept of “use” in the Outer Space Treaty creates legal uncertainty, especially in matters of commercial activities and the exploitation of space resources. Conclusions. As a result, it is concluded that it is necessary to include in the concept of “use” such types of activities as exploitation, extraction, development and specify their content. Otherwise, there will be a risk of conflicts and inefficiency of the legal regime in the context of rapid technological progress and commercialization of space. It also requires the development of an internationally agreed approach to the interpretation of Article 2 of the Outer Space Treaty, primarily within the framework of the UN Committee on Outer Space, as well as the establishment of criteria to distinguish temporary use from activities that create sustainable control over outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. At the same time, it is important to strengthen the principles of transparency and cooperation between States in order to minimize the risk of exploitation escalating into appropriation.

The situation of the Russian-speaking population is one of the most pressing issues in relations between Russia and Latvia. The discriminatory status of this group has attracted the attention of the international community. The status of non-citizens has been controversial throughout Latvia’s independence. However, over time, the situation of the Russian-speaking population in Latvia has worsened, despite the development of international human rights law. The number of conflicts between Latvian legislation and international norms is increasing. Aim. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze conflicts that may indicate the legislatively enshrined forced assimilation of the Russian-speaking population. Methods. The research methodology is based on the application of the formal legal method to the International Covenants of 1966, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Information provided to relevant international human rights institutions by Latvian human rights organizations is analyzed. A historical perspective clearly demonstrates that, despite the fact that relevant international committees have drawn the attention of Latvian authorities to clear violations of international law protecting the human rights and freedoms of the Russian-speaking population, legally enshrined discrimination against this group has persisted over time. Results. The research reveals the weakness of democratic institutions in Latvia, as well as the low level of preparedness of law enforcement agencies responsible for preventing and addressing conflicts based on national, ethnic, and linguistic factors. Particular attention is paid to the problems of incitement to hatred and the promotion of ethnic hatred. Integration mechanisms, which have undergone a number of changes over time, have not led to the popularity of this method of acquiring citizenship. Over time, Latvia’s language policy toward the Russian language has become more stringent, and discrimination against Russian culture and traditions has also been observed. Conclusions. The conclusions of this article are that the number of conflicts between Latvian legislation and international human rights norms is increasing. Legislatively enshrined forced assimilation of the Russian-speaking population is observed. Overcoming the ethnic identity of Russian-speaking people is becoming a prerequisite for integration into Latvian society.

The study aims to examine the key factors of the Eurasian space’s disintegration in the areas of economics, security, and geopolitics in the current geopolitical environment. Aim and tasks. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of key factors of the disintegration of the Eurasian space on the economic development of the region, as well as on the creation of potential threats to regional security for the countries of Eurasia. The main objectives were to identify the factors of the disintegration of the Eurasian region in the current international environment, to analyze the dynamics of changes in the key factors of the disintegration of the Eurasian space in the areas of economics and security, and to determine the extent and quality of the consequences of the development of the factors of disintegration for the countries of the Eurasian region. Methods. The scientific provisions formulated in the article were obtained using a comprehensive approach that includes comparative, statistical, spatial-geographical, and legal analysis methods. Results. The existing factors of the Eurasian space disintegration can be divided into three main types: geoeconomic factors of disintegration; territorial disputes; foreign policy of the USA and European countries in the Eurasian region. At the same time, it is geoeconomic factors of disintegration and territorial disputes, mainly, that are used by the USA and European countries to destabilize the situation in the territory of the Eurasian space. The coloring of peacekeeping activities and investment interest of Western countries creates for the countries of the Eurasian region the appearance of equal partnership and open cooperation in the spheres of economy, logistics, energy and security. However, in reality, the actions of the United States and European countries in the Eurasian region create new precedents for the development of existing and new disintegration processes. Conclusions. The integration of the Eurasian space is a complex and multifaceted process, caused by the interaction of many internal and external factors. The formation of a sustainable and integrated macro-region requires a comprehensive approach to the development of political and economic mechanisms.

This study is devoted to the analysis of the transformation of key periods of the Russian information security policy, which examines the changing perception of challenges and threats, as well as the institutional and conceptual design of this area. Aim and tasks. To identify the stages of development of the Russian information security system in the context of the influence of technological and geopolitical factors. To analyze the main conceptual documents and regulatory legal acts, as well as to characterize the activities of key departments responsible for the implementation of information security policy. Methods. In the course of the research, the authors used the following methods: chronological approach, document analysis method, system analysis method, institutional analysis and content analysis. Results. The authors have identified four main periods of the formation of Russia’s information security policy: The initial stage (1992–1999) was associated with the development of a regulatory framework in the field of information protection and the institutionalization of public administration. The second stage (2000–2014) marked the beginning of the doctrinal formulation of information security policy, as well as the development of measures to protect technical systems associated with large-scale computerization processes. The third stage (2014–2022) establishes the status of an independent domain of international conflicts for the information space. Russia is pursuing a comprehensive information security policy that takes into account technological and psychological aspects. The fourth stage (from 2022) is characterized by increased attention to information and psychological security, which takes into account the impact of high technology. Conclusions. The analysis of these stages allows us to conclude that the Russian information security policy was formed in the logic of constant adaptation to the transformation of the system of international relations and the development of technology. In the context of the geopolitical turbulence associated with the continuation of its military operations, Russia has embarked on ensuring technological sovereignty and strengthening mechanisms to protect the information and psychological component of security.

The article examines the political consequences of rivalry between two connectivity axes — “East — West” and “North — Sou th” — in a regional environment where infrastructure governance becomes a tool of foreign policy, risk management, and resource redistribution. Aim and tasks. To identify how control over critical connectivity nodes (ports, border crossings, rail junctions) changes bargaining power among Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia and deepens external involvement under post-conflict uncertainty and sanctions-related constraints on Eurasian flows. To clarify when infrastructure choices support stabilisation and when they reproduce disputes over the status of communications, guarantees of passage, and acceptable forms of external mediation. Methods. The study combines comparative political analysis with a geoeconomic perspective, comparing regional states and external centres of power through access to flows and the rules that administer them. It applies the concept of infrastructure politics and focused case studies of corridor bottlenecks, including admission regimes, tariff coordination, digital cargo tracing, and security standards. Results. The findings show that corridorisation shifts part of competition from declarative diplomacy to the governability of flows: tariff settings, customs practices, and security requirements become bargaining objects and channels of external leverage. Typical external tools are identified — financing, technological standards, and digital requirements — that lock in dependency through “entry rules”, deepen asymmetries among participants, and increase the political value of bottlenecks as sources of rent and leverage. Conclusion. Connectivity rivalry can stimulate pragmatic cooperation, yet it also raises escalation risks when transport arrangements are interpreted as a redistribution of sovereignty rather than a technical compromise. A more resilient strategy for regional states is to manage a connectivity portfolio by diversifying partners, standardising procedures, reducing tariff politicisation, and linking infrastructure choices to trust-building, verification, and predictability mechanisms.

This article examines the challenges and risks associated with the rapid development and improvement of deepfake technology, which is becoming increasingly accessible and difficult to distinguish from genuine content. Examples of technological advances and their applications are provided. Aim. To substantiate the need for legal regulation of the use of images synthesized using artificial intelligence in the media industry, the importance of international dialogue on legislation, the codification of prohibitions on the use of images of officials and the dissemination of deepfakes, and the establishment of liability for their creation and dissemination. Tasks. To identify and formulate areas for public authorities to focus their efforts in ensuring the protection of individual rights and freedoms in the context of digitalization, as well as the protection of media content emanating from public authorities and their officials. Methods. The challenge lies in determining the areas of public authorities’ efforts and coordinating their international efforts in the area of information protection (media content emanating from them), which manifests itself in the distortion of the state’s true intentions in the implementation of foreign policy. The article examines the forms of liability for the illegal use of deepfakes and measures to combat this phenomenon, including the introduction of mandatory labeling of official photos and videos using steganographic methods for identification and verification, and the creation of legal mechanisms to protect copyright and prevent the illegal use and distribution of counterfeit materials. Results and conclusions. Public authorities should work to align the wills of states with the goal of developing an appropriate international convention and integrating key principles for combating deepfakes into national legislation.