Abstract: The object of this research is the threat which comes from conflict and crisis situations in the Arab East. The subject of this research is the position of China on the conflict and crisis situations in countries like Libya, Syria, Iraq, Yemen. This article's contemporary value is justified by the escalation and the rising of conflict and crisis situations in the Arab East, and the difficulty of their resolution. Until recently the attention of researchers has eluded the Yemen conflict and the policies of China for its resolution. The author used recent data on the position of Beijing in countries like Syria and Iraq. The goal of the article is to evaluate the volume of the threat which conflict and crisis situations represent for the interests of China in this region, as well as the interests of companies and organizations involved in economic projects in the Arab countries. The author conducted an analysis of the newest trends in the foreign polices of Beijing, which, while observing the principle of non-interference into the affairs of other countries, distances itself from armed conflict and supports political methods of conflict resolution. With the principle of historism in the leading role for this research, the methodological basis of this article consists of the comparative-political approach, the methods of analysis and synthesis. In conclusion, the author summarizes that China's goal is to play a more active role in the Arab East, which is largely related to its "one belt-one Way" initiative. While Beijing is determined to maintain the policy of non-interference, it acts more decisively in order to protect the interests of its citizens in the region while augmenting its military potential.

Abstract: The object of this research is the Syrian crisis and the attempts of its resolution by external actors. The subject of this paper are the roles of Russia and China in resolving the Syrian conflict and in the fight against terrorism. The goal of this work is to evaluate the level of international security terrorist threat presented by ISIL, and the contribution of Russia in opposing it, and to analyze the policies of China regarding terrorism and the Syrian conflict as well as the stance of BRICS countries on the issue, such as India and Brazil, and BRICS as a whole. The methodological basis of this research includes comparative political approach, the methods of analysis and synthesis. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the fact that, despite the conflict in Syria is the subject of many publications, the international aspect of this problem, and in particular, the stances of Russia and China in the resolution of this conflict and the fight against terrorism has not yet become yet the object of in-depth research. This topic becomes relevant when some states attempt to regulate crises by exerting power impact, bypassing the Security Council and the UN Charter, which leads to the escalation of tension. The author comes to the conclusion that the increase in terrorist activity, which poses a serious threat to international security, makes the need for cooperation between the leading powers of the world all the more relevant for dealing with crisis situations in general, and the Syria conflict in particular.

Abstract: The object of this paper is Chinese policy in Africa. The subject of research is ‘soft power’ as a tool of this policy. Chinese researchers use a broad interpretation of this concept - they consider that the main source of 'soft power' of China should be viewed in the context of the Chinese model of development - the foreign policy of China, its national institutions and its international practices in all fields. Everything, excluding military and violent actions, is viewed by them as ‘soft power’: economic assistance, debt relief, cultural and scientific cooperation, etc. This article analyzes the implementation of this concept in Chinese African policy in the areas of education, health, cultural and scientific relations. The method of comparative political analysis and the implementation of new historical sources (primarily, documents of international organizations) allowed the authors to identify the role of 'soft power' instruments in the formation of African elites that are interested in "South-South" format of cooperation. The substantive content of the Chinese ‘soft power’ concept has not received enough attention, and the authors reach a conclusion that Beijing uses actively the means of ‘soft power’ to create the positive image of China in Africa as a friendly country, ready to provide assistance and support to Africans. ‘Soft power’ is a significant instrument for implementation of China’s foreign policy objectives in Africa.

Abstract: The object of this research is the effort of the United Nations and the U.N. Security Council to solve the issues of international security. The subject of the paper is the role of U.N. and U.N. Security Council in conflict resolution in Africa and Arabic East. Special attention is paid to the position of Russia as a Permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, and its contribution to conflict resolution and the fight against terrorist threat. The task of this study is to evaluate positive and negative aspects of the work of this international organization, which remains a unique tool for the prevention and resolution of conflicts for 70 years, by analyzing its steps in overcoming challenges and threats in a given region. The methodological basis of this research includes comparative political approach, the methods of analysis and synthesis. The scientific novelty of this work is that, despite the fact that the U.N. has been a subject of many publications, this particular aspect of its peacekeeping efforts and Russia’ role in these efforts hasn’t been in the spotlight of attention. The analysis of this topic is relevant in light of certain state's attempts to regulate crises by force, bypassing the Security Council and the U.N. Charter leading to the escalation of violence. The acuteness of this research is defined by the fact that U.N. peacekeeping efforts often become criticized. The author draws the conclusion that, although the U.N. manages to achieve its main objective to prevent a global disaster, its efforts in regional conflict resolution may not always be efficient largely due to the different geopolitical priorities of member countries. This demands necessary steps to be taken in order to raise the efficiency of U.N. S.C., to improve its ability to meet the demands of regional security.