Abstract: The subject of this article is the assessment of the competitiveness of the European Union in the "Big Game" for influence in Central Asia. Brussels is actively using economic opportunities to promote its foreign policy interests. It is worth noting that for the Central Asian countries that pursue a multi-vector and pragmatic foreign policy, economic cooperation with the European Union is also a priority. The article examines the effectiveness of the use of some economic instruments of EU influence in relation to the countries of Central Asia. Particular attention is paid to assessing the effectiveness of the development of trade relations and the creation of preferential regimes, the provision of financial assistance as an instrument of political coercion. Based on the analysis of statistical data, the position is confirmed that the restrictions in the field of trade and investment, the conditions for providing financial assistance imposed by Brussels to exert political pressure on the countries of the region are ineffective. The author comes to the conclusion that political blackmail by the EU against the Central Asian states reduces the level of their trust. Ignorance of local specifics complicates the implementation of joint projects and programs. It is stated that the EU strategy in Central Asia is losing out to the strategies of third countries, primarily China and Russia.

Keywords: competition, political blackmail, official development assistance, trade, economic priorities, Global Gateway, europeanization, European Union, Great Game, Central Asia

Abstract: As part of the continuation of the study of the moral and ethical aspects of the activities of private military companies, the authors in this work study the internal factors of PMC activities that form their perception by society. The work becomes particularly relevant in the context of the special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces on the territory of Ukraine, where, according to official media reports, private military companies of Russia played a significant role in achieving the goals of the SVO. The rhetoric of the media about PMC fighters on the side of Russia changed to the opposite after the demarche of PMC "Wagner". The focus of this study is made on the causes and patterns in the operational activities of PMC concerning the formation of a staff to the use of various tactics of armed operations, which are the greatest triggers of negative perception. The research methodology is based on a systematic approach that allows to fully explore the directions of the relationship between individual criteria in recruitment, management methods and principles in the activities of PMCs and their representation in the public consciousness. Content analysis of publications in the media and social networks was used as a basis for the study of public perception. The consideration of private military companies from the point of view of their corporate culture is unique. The image of the company is formed by its actions and those who work for it and those for whom they work. The authors establish a system of relationships between these factors and the attitude to these companies on the part of society, systematize the directions of influence of these factors and draw a general and private conclusion about what role they play and how to reduce negative manifestations.

Keywords: international humanitarian law, peace building, security market, public media, public opinion, regional subsystems, the USA, international law, Middle East, Private military and security companies

Abstract: The subject of the study is the migration situation in EU. Against the background of global socio-economic transformations, the EU is facing multifaceted problems in managing migration processes, acting as one of the most attractive areas of modern migration. Mass migration flows are a natural companion of globalization and the policy of openness promoted by many States. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive analysis of migration processes in the EU, focusing on the theoretical foundations, dynamics and current issues. Special attention is paid to the transformation of migration legislation in the EU member states in the period 2020-2023. The revealed data on new migration projects in the EU countries make it possible to trace the dynamics of changes in official EU legislation on this issue and formulate proposals for resolving the crisis situation. The methodological basis of the research is a systematic approach and the theory of multilevel management. The systematic approach was used in the work to identify the causes and consequences of the transformation of EU migration legislation within the framework of an integrated set of migration processes. The theory of multilevel management considers the issue both at the national level and at the level of the European Union. The novelty of the research lies in the development of scientific discourse on migration processes in the European Union. An in-depth analysis of migration dynamics in the EU, and as a result, the reasons for the transformation of migration legislation, expands the understanding of migration control mechanisms, and also evaluates the participation of EU member states in the formation of migration policy. The research contributes to the awareness of the interactions between migration and other socio-economic processes, which is significant for the academic community and the creation of educational programs. The practical significance of the study lies in its contribution to the formation and improvement of the EU migration policy. Based on the collected data and analytical conclusions, recommendations can be made to improve the current mechanisms of migration management, strengthen integration processes and maintain social balance.

Keywords: Protection of external borders, Migration control, Illegal migration, Labor migration, Migration reform, Migration legislation, Migration policy, Migration Pact, Migration, EU

Abstract: The article discusses the distinctive features of the process of formation of value orientations characteristic of modern youth in Russia. For young people of the XXI century, it is the features of behavior that can have a significant impact on the nature of decision-making in different spheres of their life, and therefore require more detailed study. The purpose of the article is to identify the characteristic features of this process in relation to the youth of Russia at the present stage of its development. Based on the analysis of scientific theoretical and empirical sources, it is concluded that the government youth policy carried out in Russia does not achieve its goal and has certain costs in the forms, methods and means used. As a result, young people in Russia do not always respond adequately to changes in social space and in some cases of their behaviorism, conflicts are observed. The methodological basis of the study was a systematic approach, which allowed to reveal the problems of modern youth, from the point of view of their value orientations and to determine the basic values for conducting a sociological study. The application of the activity approach made it possible to identify the structural elements of the process of forming value orientations and the connections between them, as well as to build its model. The main scientific result is the conclusion that the basis of the value-oriented behavior of the youth of Russia is a humanistic orientation based on the desire for self-determination and responsibility to the family, an identical group, society and the state, and the necessary component is a cultural and ideological tradition that has its origins in the family. As characteristic features of the formation of the value orientation of young people, high trust in social networks as the main means of this process, as well as a certain trust in the educational context as an environment for instilling certain traditional values are highlighted. The ranking of subjects, methods and means of forming value orientations of Russian youth identified and carried out in the course of the study will provide practical assistance in further improving the effectiveness of this process.

Keywords: activity, activity approach, educational space, identity, family, social context, Russian society, youth, value orientations, value

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