Abstract: The subject of this study is a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of military-technical cooperation between the United States of America and the countries of Southeast Asia in the period from 2017 to 2025. The focus is on the dynamics of interaction in the context of the global strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing, where the region has become a key theater of competition. Specific instruments of American policy are being studied, including large-scale arms supplies under the FMS program, regular joint exercises, and the formation of a legal security framework such as the ACSA agreements. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of the approaches of different US administrations, from the transactional bilateralism of the Trump era to the institutionalization of partnership under Biden. The reaction of the States of the region to external pressure, their desire to diversify sources of weapons, preserve strategic autonomy and manage escalation risks in the context of the security of the Indo-Pacific region and the central role of ASEAN are also discussed in detail. The paper uses methods of systematic and comparative analysis of foreign policy strategies. Statistical analysis of SIPRI and DSCA data on arms sales is used. A case study is also used to evaluate the strategies of individual countries in the region and a methodology for studying decision-making processes in conditions of uncertainty. The scientific novelty lies in a fundamental rethinking of the role of Southeast Asian countries in modern geopolitics. The author rejects the traditional concept of passive hedging, suggesting that the states of the region should be considered as active actors implementing a strategy of sovereign balancing to maximize national interests. The findings of the study indicate that US military-technical cooperation is a powerful but internally contradictory instrument of foreign policy. The main paradox was the combination of strategic determination with tactical instability, which undermines the long-term trust of partners. It has been established that regional states deliberately reject binary choices in favor of multi-layered partnerships to strengthen their own sovereignty. The long-term success of the American strategy depends not so much on the volume of supplies, as on the predictability of relations and respect for the strategic autonomy of partners. The systemic costs of cooperation have also been identified, including financial traps and risks of regional militarization, which may offset the stated goals of strengthening stability.

Keywords: USA, Southeast Asia, China, Philippines, Indo-Pacific region, Vietnam, ASEAN, South China Sea, Military-strategic partnership, Indonesia

Abstract: The subject of this research is the evolution and contemporary challenges of the Antarctic Treaty System as a unique international legal regime for security and scientific cooperation on the continent. In this article, the author analyzes the historical conditions that led to the formation of the regime, the key compromises of the 1959 Treaty, as well as subsequent crises and their resolutions. The central focus of the work is on two critical events: the crisis at the end of the 1980s related to the issue of resource extraction in Antarctica, resolved by the adoption of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in 1991, and the current challenges to the Antarctic regime. The study examines how the initial gaps and flexible formulations of the Antarctic Treaty have created conditions for new threats to its stability in changed international circumstances over the long term. The author employs historical analysis methods such as the comparative method, problem-chronological approach, retrospective method, and systematic analysis. Document analysis methods such as content and event analysis were used. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive analysis of the Antarctic Treaty System as a system whose resilience has historically depended not on resolving fundamental contradictions among the participants but on their successful postponement during unique historical windows of opportunity. The author concludes that the Madrid Protocol, which saved the system by introducing an indefinite moratorium on resource extraction, has itself laid the groundwork for a new postponed crisis. In the current context of the erosion of global institutions and the resurgence of power politics, this crisis is taking on a systemic character. The article’s conclusions indicate that new challenges—such as the emergence of the military-political bloc AUKUS, which creates the risk of creeping militarization, and the strategies to establish "de facto sovereignty" by Argentina and Chile—undermine the universalist foundations of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Keywords: Antarctic Treaty, Antarctic treaty System, Chile, Argentina, Antarctic, AUKUS, Falkland islands, Islas Malvinal, Latin America, Southern ocean

Abstract: The present study is devoted to analyzing the military-political confrontation between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America in the Indo-Pacific region. The focus is on Washington's strategic approaches to deter China, the expansion of the U.S. military presence, the development of new operational concepts, the strengthening of alliance ties, and the deployment of missile systems near Chinese borders. Simultaneously, China's countermeasures aimed at mitigating threats from the U.S. are examined, including the modernization of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), the development of reconnaissance and command systems, electronic warfare, space technologies, and missile armaments. Special attention is given to the perception of these processes in Chinese state and expert sources and their influence on the formation of a stable atmosphere of strategic rivalry that sets long-term parameters for regional security. The study is based on the analysis of publications from Chinese state media, military documents, expert assessments, and a comparative examination of American and Chinese strategic concepts. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive consideration of the interaction between the two largest world powers in the Indo-Pacific region through the lens of Chinese evaluations and strategic documents. Unlike most existing works, the focus is on China's perception of threats and specific countermeasures taken by the PLA. It is shown that the U.S. views the strategy of deterring China as a priority, strengthening alliances and operational capabilities, while Beijing seeks to deprive Washington of advantages through asymmetric means, including missile forces, C4ISR systems, and electronic warfare. The conclusion is drawn that the emerging dynamics of military rivalry lead to increased strategic distrust, heightening the risk of escalation, and in the absence of crisis management mechanisms, could turn the Indo-Pacific region into one of the key areas of confrontation in the 21st century.

Keywords: Asia-Pacific region, China, USA, national security, containment strategy, PLA, military alliances, electronic warfare, strategic competition, military modernization

Abstract: The subject of research is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by organized criminal groups in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin countries during 2010–2025. The transformation of drones from tools for drug smuggling across the US-Mexico border to full-fledged combat platforms capable of delivering precision strikes with explosive devices is analyzed. The evolution of tactical UAV application by major cartels (CJNG, Sinaloa, Nueva Familia Michoacana) and insurgent groups (ELN, FARC) is examined. Technical modification of commercial drones into improvised bombers with thermal imaging, FPV systems, and autonomous navigation is investigated. The geographical spread of the threat from Mexican border states to urban slums of Brazil, prisons of Ecuador, and gang territories in Haiti is studied. State countermeasures, international cooperation, and legal regulation of UAV circulation in thirteen regional countries are analyzed. The methodological foundation includes open source intelligence (OSINT) data analysis with incident verification through geolocation of video materials, content analysis of official documents from US and Latin American law enforcement agencies, and reports from international organizations (UNODC, INTERPOL, OAS). A comparative case-study approach is applied to identify regional patterns and functional classification of drone application methods. Verification is conducted through cross-checking independent sources and comparison with official statistics from thirteen regional countries. The research presents a comprehensive study of the drone threat from organized crime in the LAC region, filling a gap in security studies. A functional typology of UAV application (surveillance → logistics → violence) and taxonomy of criminal platforms has been developed. Concepts of "adaptive criminality" in technological context, "technological spillover" between sectors, and a model of "drone arms race" have been introduced. Critical turning points in threat development (2020, 2022-2023) have been identified and connections established between the Ukrainian conflict and the spread of combat drone use among Latin American cartels. Threat mapping has been conducted with correlation between drug trafficking geography and state institutional weakness. Prognostic scenarios for 2025-2030 and recommendations for improving international countermeasures against criminal use of unmanned technologies, applicable to other world regions as well, have been formulated.

Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Organized Crime, Drug Cartels, Latin America, Smuggling, FPV Drones, Technological Adaptation, Technological Spillover, Counter-UAS Systems, International Security

Abstract: The article examines the impact of cross-border terrorism on the development of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan in 1989–2025. Particular attention is paid to the attack on tourists in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, which became a turning point in the dynamics of the conflict. The features of terrorist activity, the activities of terrorist groups, routes of penetration across the Line of Control, sources of financing, the use of information and communication technologies, the choice of civilian and symbolic targets are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to how India and Pakistan respond to terrorist attacks and how this changes the parameters of interaction between the parties. Changes in diplomatic rhetoric, trade and visa regimes, management of the Indus River waters, the intensity of cross-border incidents and the readiness for limited military strikes are considered. The study examines the relationship between terrorist activity and the domestic policies of India and Pakistan, crisis management mechanisms (activities of directors general for military operations, hotlines) and the risks of nuclear escalation in the logic of "stability – instability". The role of external actors and international sanctions regimes is analyzed separately. The methods of event analysis, comparative analysis of the crises of 2001–2002, 2008, 2016, 2019 and 2025, the escalation process, content analysis of official statements and the media, as well as legal analysis of the Indus Waters Treaty are used. The theoretical optics of the study includes the concepts of "stability – instability" and "escalation ladder". The scientific novelty of the work lies in explaining the link "terrorism – diplomacy – water resources" and clarifying the concept of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of pressure. For the first time, an “escalation cascade” model (terrorist attack → public pressure → demonstrative strikes → diplomatic or water pressure → pause) is presented, based on indicators: selection of civilian targets, infiltration across the Line of Control, signals under the Indus Waters Treaty, elite rhetoric. Analysis of the crises of 2001–2002, 2008, 2016, 2019 and 2025 revealed a shift from attacks on security forces to strikes on the economy and tourism and the institutionalization of the “water lever”. The combination of military responses and water uncertainty increases the risk of nuclear escalation. Conclusion: cross-border terrorism remains a key factor in India-Pakistan relations.

Keywords: cross-border terrorism, India, Pakistan, Line of control, South Asia, Terrorism, Nuclear weapon, Kashmir conflict, Regional conflict, SCO

Abstract: The article examines the key changes in the balance of power in the South Caucasus in the 2020s, analyzing the consequences of the Caucasian War in 2020 and the influence of external actors on regional security. The authors explore the political, economic and military aspects contributing to the transformation of the geopolitical situation, including the role of Russia, Turkey and Iran. Particular attention is paid to the conflicts that have arisen as a result of recent events, as well as the internal challenges faced by the States of the region. The object of the study is the processes of changing the balance of power in the South Caucasus. The subject of the study is the factors influencing these changes, such as the geopolitical interests of states, internal conflicts and the socio-economic development of the countries of the region. The purpose of this study is to formulate forecasts of future changes and development of the balance of power in the South Caucasus in the medium term.  The research is based on a systematic approach. The study considers the South Caucasus as a complex and interconnected system in which political, economic and social factors influence the balance of power. When studying media materials and scientific publications, the content analysis method was used to identify key trends and changes in the political situation in the region. The conclusions of the study emphasize the importance of a multilateral approach to the security of the South Caucasus, as well as the need for a deep understanding of the internal and external factors determining the stability of the countries of the region. The novelty lies in a comprehensive approach to the study of changes in the political, economic and military-strategic spheres that are taking place in the South Caucasus. The emphasis is also placed on the transformation of the roles of not only key players such as Russia, Turkey and Iran, but also the influence of the EU, the United States and Israel in the context of modern geopolitical realities. To ensure long-term stability in the region, a multilateral approach is required, including not only military, but also economic, diplomatic and cultural aspects. The creation of mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between the States of the South Caucasus will help to alleviate tension and prevent the escalation of conflicts.

Keywords: South Caucasus, power balance, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, geopolitics, regional security, energy resources, transport corridors, self-determination

Abstract: The research focuses on the evolution of transnational organized crime, mechanisms of interaction between criminal structures in these two regions, and the impact of this cooperation on global security. Special attention is given to the analysis of criminal flow convergence, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms trade. The study investigates the transformation process of local criminal organizations into global criminal networks, as well as the formation of shadow enclaves in Latin America. The object of research includes specific cases of cooperation between European and Latin American criminal groups, their methods and strategies, and the socio-economic and political factors contributing to the development of this phenomenon. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining methods from criminology, political science, sociology, and economics. Data is sourced from official reports, academic publications, and expert interviews. The scientific novelty of the research lies in its comprehensive analysis of international criminal alliances, viewing transnational organized crime as a complex adaptive system. Key findings include the identification of trends towards the formation of stable transcontinental criminal networks, determination of key factors facilitating this process, and analysis of its impact on regional and global security. The author's contribution is the development of the "shadow enclaves" concept as key nodes in the structure of international criminal alliances. The study also reveals new forms of criminal cooperation, including the symbiosis of terrorism and drug trafficking.The article provides insights for developing more effective strategies to counter transnational organized crime, emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation in law enforcement, legislative harmonization, and anti-corruption efforts.

Keywords: Transnational crime, Criminal Alliances, Organized crime groups, Drug trafficking, Latin America, European Union, Global security, Shadow enclaves, International cooperation, Convergence of criminal flows

Abstract: The article analyzes the socio-economic factors that determine the development of transnational organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean. The reasons for the development of this phenomenon in the region can be divided into poor governance, corruption, low level of human development, problems of inequality and social mobility, as well as the geostrategic position of the countries of the region. The article focuses on the comparison of the most and least vulnerable to organized crime countries in Latin America. The author concludes that the most common factors are weak state institutions, high levels of corruption and social inequality, and insufficient effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures. Venezuela, Mexico, Haiti and some other countries in the region are particularly vulnerable. To mitigate the risks, the author proposes a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening institutions, the rule of law, and combating corruption and inequality. The work makes a significant contribution to understanding the causes of the growth of organized crime in Latin America.

Keywords: transnational organized crime, Latin America, corruption, public administration, money-laundering, inequality, the Caribbean, emerging security challenges, drug trafficking, economy

Abstract: Throughout the history of its existence the phenomenon of terrorism has undergone changes in methods, approaches and means of manifestation, however, in the modern world terrorism is becoming a global threat to humanity. The object of research in this article is female terrorism in the Caucasus. The multinational region of the Caucasus encourages the peoples inhabiting it to fight for independence in order to preserve their identity and the right to self-determination. The article examines in detail the history of terrorism in the Caucasus, the role of women in terrorist activities, identifies the origins of the origin of terrorism during the existence of the Russian Empire, and gives the reasons for the emergence of terrorism in the post-Soviet period on the territory of this region. The relevance of the research topic is determined by the fact that women's terrorism, like any manifestation of terrorist activity, is a difficult to predict threat, and in order to eradicate the problem of terrorism, it is necessary to study it and thereby prevent it. Throughout its history, the Caucasus has always remained one of the most unstable regions and was distinguished by high terrorist activity. This is facilitated by various factors that have led to the widespread development of terrorist activities in the territory of this region. The two initial factors are ethnic and confessional. The scientific novelty of the study is due to the study of women's participation in terrorist activities in the Caucasus region, identifying the reasons for their participation. In this study, the authors used the historical method, as well as the method of situational analysis, which was aimed at finding the relationship of women's participation in terrorist activities in the Caucasus. The article examined Russia and the countries of the Caucasus region: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan. On the basis of a comparative analysis, the article revealed the characteristic features of terrorist activity and the place of female terrorism in the territories of the above-mentioned countries.

Keywords: Women's terrorism, Terrorism, Caucasus, Post-Soviet studies, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, North Caucasus, Analysis

Abstract: The subject of this research is the policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic. The object is Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. The author meticulously analyzes the positions of the state, taking into account national interests and peculiarities of the current international situation in the region. The article examines the domestic legislative acts adopted for regulation of the Arctic Region, as well as international documents aimed at sustainable development of the North. The conditions of collective security dictate moderate and clearly defined policy in the Arctic, which is the central arena for political action with the leading role of the Russian Federation until 2023. The conclusion is drawn that the Arctic Region is currently the most relevant vector of the policy of northern states. Chairmanship of the Russian Federation imposes enormous responsibility on the country, as despite the overall state of security in the region, there remains a range of unresolved issues. The attempts of institutionalization of the Arctic Council may become an implicit threat for the Russian Federation; this is why the systematization of domestic legislation and foreign policy actions on maintaining the health of ecosystem, cultural heritage, and environmental policy have become the priority vectors in the first year of Russia’s chairmanship. The overall responsibility of the leading actor the Arctic does not exclude the existence of classic threats to the security of state’s sovereignty, which requires accurate planning in subsequent years of the chairmanship.

Keywords: Arctic, Arctic Council, northern countries, national interest, institutionalization, ecosystem, sustainable development, Russian Federation, foreign policy, north

Abstract: This article is explores the balance of powers in the strategic triangle United States – Russian Federation – People’s Republic of China in space. The key goal lies in assessment of the capacity of space industry in the listed countries. The relevance of the selected topic is substantiated by the strategic importance of the configuration of leadership in the new political space. Space race may bring to achieving technological superiority over the opponent by amplifying the influence in space using the latest and more powerful military and scientific developments. In the course of analysis, the author reveals the essential criteria for comparing the potential of the three countries. Through the prism of neo-realistic paradigm, interpretation is given to the quantitative indicators of the three powers. The article determines the leading countries in “space race”, and answers the question – which country has superiority to establish the rules of conduct in space. The “space race” actors have a sufficient level of power and are somewhat inferior in order to dictate the rules in outer space, or hinder the opponents in development of their space programs using political or economic leverage. China's aspiration to strengthen space capabilities for neutralizing any potential threats alongside commitment of China and Russia to challenge the dominance of the United States, paves the way for shifting the strategic competition between the US and China to space, which affects the military-strategic and technological spheres.

Keywords: Space Race, Comparative Analysis, The US-Russia-China Strategic Triangle, The US-China Rivalry, Space Competitiveness, Leadership, Balance of powers, National Security, Conflict of Interest, Space Program

Abstract: The subject of this research is the approaches of U. S. “think tanks” to the problem of Britain leaving the European Union. Special attention is paid to analysis of the centers loyal to the policy of the Republican and Democratic Parties of the United States regarding one of the fundamental disintegration problems in Europe. The authors examine such aspects of the topic as forecast of Britain’s split from EU, consequences of Brexit for the United States and American-British relations, future of the trade and economic cooperation and question of ensuring security, recommendations and modeling of the most favorable scenario of Brexit from the perspective of approaches of the U. S. analytical centers. The agenda-setting theory is selected as theoretical framework to confirm the impact of materials of the U. S. analytical centers, which share the views of the Republican and Democratic Parties, upon the stance of one or another presidential administration on Brexit. The conclusion is made that Brexit causes concern of the American political and analytical structures, substantiated by its influence on the development of American-British relations that play the key role for the interests of the United States in Europe. The authors’ special contribution consists in determination of commitment of the selected for consideration analytical centers to the two major U. S. parties. The scientific novelty lies in tracing the difference between the approaches towards conducting foreign policy by analytical centers that support the Democratic and Republican Parties of the United States. Substantial differences of the approaches prove that despite the officially declared independence, the activity of the analytical centers is associated with the activity of political structures.

Keywords: Brexit, think tank, USA, Great Britain, European Union, Euro-Atlantic security, European integration, Republican Party, Democratic Party, agenda-setting

Abstract: The article analyzes the main trends of the evolution of international terrorism in the modern world. The goal of this study is  international terrorism. The object of research is to determine the current trends of international terrorism and the forms and methods of counteracting them at the present stage. The subject of research are development trends, as well as forms and methods of combating international terrorism in the modern world. Based on the data presented in the "global ranking of terrorism 2015" developed by British analysts, as well as the analysis of other terrorist acts that are not included in the rating, the author determines the dynamics of the growth of terrorism in the present and in the near future. The methodological basis of this study includes the systemic, structural-functional, comparative-political approaches, the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, observation. The increase in the number of terrorist attacks and their scale largely contributes to the tendency of the development of terrorism. For example, the transition from the implementation of the individual terrorist acts to large-scale acts; dramatic change in the violent, intimidating means employed by terrorists; the use of advanced information technologies by terrorist groups; coordination between the various terrorist groups; the desire for legitimation of terrorism, terrorist organizations by positioning as a state-organized bodies. Such trends contribute to the transformation of international terrorism to the global problems of modern global political processes.

Keywords: political system, Russia, world politics, U.S.foreign policies, internatpional relations, diplomacy, interests, state, security, risks

Abstract: The subject of this study is the Muslim community of Australia and its involvement in the political process, as well as the ideological motivation of the community for supporting radical extremism or, on the other hand, fighting it relentlessly. The article studies the strategies and tactics of the Australian government in their fight against Islamism and terrorism. The author draws attention to the fact that the Muslim community in Australia is quite numerous and tight-knit, and, in many ways, represents a closed community in which the preachers of radical Islam receive wide opportunities for the initiation and recruitment of followers. The methodological basis of the research is a systemic, structural and functional, comparative political approaches, methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, observation. This situation calls for a 'new international doctrine' that would include prevention, intervention, and restoration of mentalities to prevent any re-establishment of terrorism under different names and new generations in the future. Modern Australia does not offer the much-needed contribution in this process.The Australian Government's domestic approach to the 'War on Terror' may lead to a much more conservative Australia, and weaken the Australian values of multiculturalism. It may divide Australia rather than unite it. However, the public discussion on this issue may help the Abbott Government win a second term in office.

Keywords: interests, democracy, color revolutions, hybrid war, state, USA, society, politics, values, security

Abstract: This article focuses on the studying of the place and role of Iraqi Kurdistan in world and regional politics. Iraqi Kurdistan is a unique model of a just solution to the problems of Kurdish people within a given country, a flexible combination of the two main principles of international Law: the right of nations to self-determination and the territorial integrity of countries. A fairly streamlined democratic administration was established in the Kurdish region, along with the major civil society establishments, independent media, dozens of political parties and hundreds of public organizations. However, the ISIS Islamists are determined to dismantle the Kurdish autonomy in Iraq, transforming it into a Sunnite dictatorship. The methodology of this study is based on a systemic, structural-functional and comparativepolitical approaches, methods of induction, deduction, analysis, synthesis and observation. In this situation, it is important for Russia to keep, if not expand its presence in Iraqi Kurdistan. The prospects of further cooperation of Russia with Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey depend on the fullness of Russian-Kurdish relations. Erbil has long become an independent player in the regional and international politics, and this factor needs to be considered in Russian foreign policy and economy. It seems that, during the period of Russian cautiousness towards Iraqi Kurdistan and building relations with Erbil with an eye on Baghdad is closing to an end. The breaking point was the meeting of Russian President V. V. Putin with the Kurdish president Basud Barzani in February 2013, and the creation of an Islamic khalifat in Syria and Iraq.

Keywords: conflict studies, foreign policy, Iraqi Kurdistan, Barzani, Iraq, regional politics, geopolitics, ISIS, conflict.