Abstract: The events of the Arab Spring have had a significant impact on the world stage, extending its influence beyond the Arab region, leading to dramatic changes in the political landscape of the Middle East. This article analyses assessments of the Arab Spring and its impact on French foreign policy. The paper examines the key factors that shaped France's approach to the Arab Spring events, including geopolitical interests, economic ties, historical relations with the Arab world, and domestic political considerations. The aim of the paper is to analyse the key assessments, approaches and interpretations of the French expert community in relation to the Arab Spring events. The object of the study is French foreign policy in the context of the Arab Spring events and its impact on France's relations with Arab countries. The subject of the study is the assessment of the ‘Arab Spring’ by the French expert community. The methodological basis of the article is based on the system approach. The scientific novelty of the work is due to the fact that it treats the events of the Arab Spring as a turning point for French foreign policy in the Middle East, leading to a revision of previously established approaches. The authors concluded that the events of the Arab Spring have become a serious challenge for France's foreign policy, requiring a flexible response and adjustment of previously established approaches. The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the peculiarities of France's foreign policy course in the Middle East region, and also make it possible to assess the impact of the Arab Spring on the transformation of foreign policy priorities of one of the leading states of the European Union.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the scientific consideration of foreign researchers' views on the issues and prospects of military-political, trade-economic and socio-cultural relations of the Russian Federation with the countries of the Middle East during the presidency of V.V. Putin and D.A. Medvedev from 2000 to 2023. The paper aims to identify the main points of view of foreign researchers on the issues and prospects of military-political, trade, economic, social and cultural relations of the Russian Federation with the Middle East countries during the presidency of V.V. Putin and D.A. Medvedev in 2000-2023. The purpose of the work is to highlight the main points of view on Russia's Middle East policy and identify the key areas of interest among foreign researchers. The object of the study is to examine the geopolitical significance of the region and the ways in which this significance is reflected in the studies of foreign scholars. The subject is the views of foreign researchers on Russia's policy in the Middle East. The article analyzes the differences and similarities in the interpretations of the effectiveness and consequences of Russia's actions in the region. The study is based on the principles of objectivity, systematicity and consistency. The main conclusions of the paper are that foreign researchers have different attitudes towards Russia's policy in the Middle East. Some see this policy as a constructive approach to developing relations with all countries in the region, while others point to Russia's desire to strengthen its influence and interests in certain countries and, at the same time, Russia's attempt to upset the already fragile balance of power in the region, which is considered one of the most tense and unstable in the world.