Abstract: The relevance of the study is due to the rapid development of bilateral political and economic relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China in the context of modern international conjuncture, the rise of a direct and proxy confrontation between the states of the collective West and the countries of the global South, to which Russia and the PRC can be attributed. Moreover, it is worth mentioning the influence of the most important and current foreign political event of recent years: the beginning of a special military operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, which is the driver of bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. The object of study is the bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. The subject of study is the strategic partnership between China and Russia in the context of the modern international environment. The main task is to identify the key reasons for the rapid development of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China after the activation of the Ukrainian crisis in 2013. This work is based on the power transition theory which concretises the process of global leadership transition from one state to another. The scientific novelty of this study is based on the definition of the Ukrainian crisis, which began in 2013, as the main driver of development of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. Moreover, the author has identified the most pressing problems of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, to which can be attributed the imbalance of political and economic cooperation, trade imbalance by groups of exported goods and technological dependence of Russia on the PRC.

Keywords: Crisis, Sanctions, Technologies, Trade, Power transition, USA, Ukraine, China, Russia, PRC

Abstract: Abstract: This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the shift and development of Russia's foreign policy towards Africa over the decade from 2014 to 2024. By integrating the frameworks of structural realism and power transition theory, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the motivations behind Russia's adjustments to its global strategy in response to Western sanctions, with a particular focus on economic, political, and security considerations demonstrated through its diplomatic engagements with African countries. The research reveals that, confronted by U.S. and European sanctions as well as growing international isolation, Russia gradually redirected its diplomatic efforts towards Africa in an attempt to bolster its influence in the evolving global power structure. Through strengthening its economic partnerships, enhancing military cooperation, and building political alliances with African nations, Russia has not only alleviated its isolated position within the Western-dominated international system but has also contributed to advancing the process of global multipolarity. This paper further evaluates both the achievements and the ongoing challenges in the development of Russia-Africa relations over this period, shedding light on key areas such as trade, security collaboration, and political discourse. Additionally, the paper looks forward to potential future developments in this geopolitical relationship, identifying key trends and obstacles that are likely to shape the direction of Russian foreign policy towards Africa in the coming years. Overall, this research offers a novel theoretical perspective that enriches the understanding of strategic decision-making within the global system, while also contributing to broader studies of great power competition, diplomatic realignment, and the transformation of foreign policy strategies in an increasingly multipolar world.

Keywords: Regional cooperation, Great power competition, US and European sanctions, multipolarization, power transition theory, structural realism, African diplomacy, Russian foreign policy, international relations, Russia-Africa relations

Abstract: In modern international politics, not only the image of political figures is becoming increasingly important, but also the perception of nation states in the international arena. The emergence and active participation of new actors in world politics has increased the role of soft power as an impact strategy for governments that seek to strengthen their positions.  This article examines the role of soft power and public diplomacy in shaping or creating a country's image. Using cultural elements and public diplomacy, States set themselves the goal of creating an attractive image in the minds of the population of another State. Effective initiatives in the field of public diplomacy not only strengthen the country's soft power and influence, but also contribute to building strong relations and strengthening interstate cooperation. Structural and functional, discourse analysis, institutional, and systemic approaches were used to study soft power and public diplomacy. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the systematization and comparison of approaches to defining the concept of soft power and public diplomacy, as well as the components and forms of implementation of soft power by foreign researchers. Special attention is also paid to cultural peculiarities and the unique perception of the image of states. The author came to the following conclusions: soft power is an alternative to military and economic force. Successful implementation of soft power contributes to the formation of a positive image, which in the long term seems to be more effective and sustainable than traditional methods of influence. Soft power and public diplomacy are becoming not only tools for creating a country's image, but also an important part of its foreign policy, contributing to even greater support from the international community to strengthen its position on the world stage.

Keywords: globalization, global presence, international cooperation, foreign policy, strategic communication, cultural exchange, national Image, Joseph Nye, public Diplomacy, Soft power

Abstract: The article examines the changes in relations between France and Mali against the background of political crises and changes in internal strategy ("Mali Kura"). The author analyzes how the new Mali Kura policy undermines the traditional model of Franco-Malian relations, previously based on Mali's economic and military dependence on France. The consequences of the withdrawal of French troops and Mali's growing ties with other external players such as Russia and China are discussed. Special attention is paid to the need to review France's strategy in the region in the context of new realities, including the transition to economic and cultural cooperation. The author used a historical method to analyze the origin and development of the term "Francafrica" and its impact on the political situation in Mali. Content analysis was applied to study political speeches, official statements and public sentiment related to the concept of "Mali Kura" in order to identify the key ideas and motives behind the change in French-Malian relations. For the first time, the study comprehensively analyzes the transformation of the concept of "Francafrica" in the context of the formation of an independent political identity of Mali and changes in its foreign policy course. Unlike previous studies focused mainly on the economic aspects of Franco-African relations, this work reveals the impact of the Mali Kura political program on the political and cultural gap with France. Special attention is paid to the analysis of Mali's new international alliances with Russia, Turkey and China, their impact on the system of francocentric elites and on the dynamics of Mali's relations with the former metropolis. This research contributes to the expansion of theoretical knowledge about the mechanisms of decolonization and political emancipation of African countries. The emergence of the concept of "Mali Kura" in political rhetoric, especially during the period of opposition to the power of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and after the coming to power of Assimi Goit and Prime Minister Shogel Kokalla Maiga, marked a new stage in the development of relations between the two countries.

Keywords: Troops withdrawal, external powers, Sovereignty, Russia, China, Political crisis, Mali Koura, Francafrique, Mali, France