Abstract: This article explores the main problems pertaining to usage of mass media and the internet by terrorist organizations, as well as measures for prevention of their destructive activity on the web. Mass media greatly influenced the transformation of the nature of terrorism in the XXI century. In a paradoxical way the freedom of speech and expression, open access to information and means of information-communication technologies began to serve not only development of civil society, but also actively enable terrorist organizations. By publishing information on terrorist organizations and their leaders, the mass media practically proliferated their “political program” and through resonating illumination of the terrorist acts contributed to fearing of the population, creation of atmosphere of panic and fear. In the course of this research the author concludes that the problem of the usage of mass media and internet by terrorist organizations lead to the fact that even among the ranks of Western countries, which traditional advocated freedom of access to internet, free from censorship, attempts can be observed to limit the ability of terrorists to use the potential of mass media for destructive purposes. However, legislative limitations alone cannot solve the problem, since in the conditions of current level of technological development and access to the internet, virtually every user becomes the source of proliferation of certain content.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the formation of a proper and positive image of a country abroad. The authors meticulously reviews the experience of Germany and Russia in establishing an international image, comparing the strategies of both countries. An analysis is conducted on the components of strategies, particularly the application of the “soft power” concept that makes the expansion of country’s influence in the world contingent on the country’s attractiveness. Special attention is given to how successful is the achievement of their goals in the process of establishment of the international image, as well as what limitations can emerge on the way. A conclusion is made that Germany stakes on the economic development, while Russia holds itself ad a powerful state, particularly through converting the “hard” power into “soft”. For enhancing the international image, both countries implement the institutions of “soft power”. At the same time, it is determined that the concerns of the EU neighbors impede the accomplishment of foreign policy goals for Germany; while for Russia it is the weak conceptual framework on establishment of the international image alongside the domestic issues.

Abstract: The expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT) became yet another stage of progressive development of the humanity, however, each state that pursues the implementation of ICT into all spheres of social life experiences an entire range of issues on the protection of information, infrastructure objects and citizens from the information-psychological impact. The goal of this work lies in examination of such challenges and threat to information security of Russian that are primarily generating within the domestic information environment. Having analyzed such aspects as the information-psychological impact, cybercime and cyberterrorism, as well as normative legal acts that regulate the information sphere, the author underlines that the mechanism of counteracting many of the threats is yet to be fully developed; at the same time, the ensuring of information security requires cooperation of the political and technological institutions, as well as civil society.

Abstract: The article focuses on participation of Russia in conflict resolutionin Syria through public diplomacy. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of public diplomacy methods in improving the image of Russia as the main peace-keeping force in the Syrian conflict in the context of the negative information background formed due to the recent events in Ukraine. The author explores the areas for interaction between agencies of Russia and other countries involved in the settlement of the conflict, in particular, the provision of humanitarian assistance and the establishment of interfaith dialogue. The author also analyzes the coverage of humanitarian operations and Russia's participation in the conflict settlement both by Russian military structures and media outlets and by Western media. The methodological basis of the study includes a system approach, as well as general scientific and particular scientific methods, including analysis, synthesis, comparison, and historical method. Analyzing the humanitarian activity of the main Russian institutions of public diplomacy as well as their efforts to cooperate with Western military forces, the author comes to the conclusion that, generally, Western media outlets (which serve as the main source of information for a foreign audience) put a negative spin on it, and Russia has not progressed much in improvement of its image through a military campaign in Syria; but Russia's military operations together with civilian projects for rehabilitation of Syrian infrastructure, cultural events were significant in terms of ensuring success recognition of Russia's foreign policy in Syria.