Abstract: The relevance of this study is due to, first, the strengthening of cooperation between the Russian Federation and African states against the background of the deterioration of Russia’s relations with European and North American states; second, the change in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation since the collapse of the USSR towards African states; third, the increased interest of leading states (PRC, France, United Kingdom, USA) in the African continent due to certain factors: rapid population growth in Africa, rare-earth natural resources, good geographical location. The object of this study is the bilateral relations between Russia and Madagascar.The subject of this study is the Republic of Madagascar in the context of the foreign policy interests of the Russian Federation on the African continent. The main purpose of the study is to determine the place of the Republic of Madagascar in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation. This scientific article is based on the theory of political realism, which implies that states are fighting for their own national interests. During the research the author used the following scientific methods: content analysis, mediametry analysis, chronological, statistical. The scientific novelty of the study is due to the the identification of features of transformation of foreign policy course of the Russian Federation in relation to African states since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Moreover, the author notes the peripherality of the Republic of Madagascar in the current foreign policy course of the Russian Federation towards African States. The main conclusions of the study conducted are the determination of a significant gap between the level of economic cooperation and political and cultural-humanitarian; characterization of changes in the foreign policy of Russia towards African states since 1993; the non-priority status of Madagascar in the foreign policy of Russia.

Keywords: Prospects, Cultural-humanitarian, Economical, Political, USSR, Cooperation, Madagascar, Russia, Scattered Islands, Trade

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: The fuel and energy complex plays one of the main roles in the economy of any state. The provision of energy resources and the independence of the energy industry in the technological issue are also key elements of the country's national security system. In the context of dynamic global changes in the system of international relations affecting the energy sector, the state should clearly define priorities and directions for the development of energy policy. The correct identification of possible challenges and threats, an objective assessment of the state and analysis of market conditions will allow to adequately respond and adapt to the current situation, which in turn will contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. After 2022, Russia once again faced the need to adjust the course of energy development, given Russia's special place in the system of international energy security. Large-scale sanctions pressure, the redrawing of the supply geography and changes in relations with once traditional partners create the need to define new goals and objectives for the development of the industry, especially given the international situation. The study conducted a comparative analysis of official documents – different versions of Russia's Energy Strategy. Thus, the methodological basis of the research was made up of general scientific, historical and other methods used in such studies: in particular, the method of systematic and critical analysis, content analysis, etc. As part of the research, the article provides a comparative analysis of the main provisions concerning Russia's foreign energy policy, the factors influencing it, as well as key priorities and directions for the development of the fuel and energy sector, described in each version of the Russian Energy Strategy as a fundamental document in the field of energy policy regulation. The author formulates the main conclusions on the analysis of the key provisions of various versions of the strategic document, noting their inherent continuity in the field of Russia's foreign energy policy. The conclusion is drawn about a serious transformation over more than 20 years of state energy policy in terms of strategic planning for the development of the energy industry and, in particular, its international aspect. The key priorities are highlighted, and some features of their compilation are outlined.

Keywords: evolution of state policy, energy markets, foreign policy, state regulation, fuel and energy complex, development priorities, strategic planning, energy, Russia, Energy strategy

Abstract: The article identifies and analyzes the views of modern French researchers on the relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The study of the works of French scientists makes it possible to analyze Russia's foreign policy not only in relation to its closest neighbor, the Republic of Belarus, but also in relation to the entire post-Soviet space. The subject of the study is the relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in the late 1990s – early 2000s. The article is an attempt to fill the gap in French historiography and analyze the relations between the two former Soviet republics through the prism of French studies. The article also examines the assessments that French authors give to integration associations in the post-Soviet space, as well as to the interaction between the two states in the military and economic spheres. The study is relevant due to the fact that it is the first time the French works devoted to Russian-Belarusian relations in the post-Soviet period have been analysed. Historical, narrative, and comparative-historical methods of historical research were used as the main methods. The author comes to the conclusion that, according to the majority of French researchers, since the collapse of the USSR, relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus have been the strongest and most stable compared to other former Soviet republics, despite the obvious great dependence of Belarus on Russia. Moreover, the participation of both countries in the same integration associations and the creation of a common Union State not only speaks about the similar interests of both countries, but it further strengthens the relationship between them.

Keywords: French researchers, Customs Union, EurAsEC, Union State, CIS, Belarus, Russia, post-Soviet space, foreign policy, integration processes

Abstract: The subject of this research is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the goals of the Russian Federation therein. This article aims to fill the gap in French historiography and analyze the goals of the Russian Federation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization through the prism of French researchers. An overview is given to the assessment given by French authors to Russia’s goals in this organization at the stage of its foundation, establishment and development, as well as the overall goals of the Russian foreign policy in post-Soviet space and Central Asia. Special attention is given to the security and energy issues, as well as the growing influence of China and the United States in Central Asia. The relevance of this work is substantiated by the analysis of French research dedicated to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the goals of the Russian Federation therein, which is carried out for the first time. For article leans on the monographs and articles by the French historians, political scientists, and experts in the area of international relations dedicated to foreign policy of the Russian Federation in the early 1990s – late 2000s and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The conclusion is made that according to the majority of French researchers, the Russian Federation uses the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to strengthen its positions in Central Asia, as well as on the international arena.

Keywords: Collective Security Treaty Organization, EurAsEC, post-Soviet space, Central Asia, China, French researchers, Russian Federation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, CIS, foreign policy goals

Abstract: This article explores the modern period in Mongolia-Russia relations. This period starts in the 1990s, when the countries shifted from the socialist path of development and planned economy towards democracy and market economy. Along the way, a decline in the relations turned into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The goal of this research consists in identification of the problems that impeded effective and mutually beneficial bilateral relations, as well as in analysis of the current state and prospects of these relations in the primary areas of cooperation. The author comes to the conclusion that at the present stage Mongolia-Russia relations have traveled the journey from a decline to comprehensive strategic partnership, which is substantiated by active political dialogue between the countries’ leaders; however, the problems remain in trade and economic relations, caused by the absence of initiative from the diplomatic mission of the two countries, noncompliance with agreements, berries and restrictions in the movement of goods. etc. Solution of the aforementioned problems is crucial for fruitful and dynamic development of bilateral relations, and would open prospects for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Keywords: perspectives, reality, Problems, Mongolian economy, foreign policy of Mongolia, Russian-mongolian relations, Mongolia, cooperation, modern state, Russia and Mongolia

Abstract: This article is dedicated to analysis of the development prospects of Cuba-Russia relations after Fidel Castro’s rule. The goal consists in examination of the current state of bilateral relations between the countries, as well as in determination of major obstacles towards their reconciliation. The researchers outline most probable scenarios for the development of future foreign policy course of Cuba, and analyze the current state of bilateral Cuba-Russia diplomatic relations, economic and scientific-cultural cooperation. The article employs a wide range of sources that include the works of Russian and foreign experts, as well as reports, statistical and analytical data provided by various international and national institutions. Analysis is conducted on the news reports provided by Russian, US, European, Chinese, Latin American and other news agencies. The scientific novelty of this article consists in placing emphasis on the extremely weak economic framework for further advancement of bilateral Cuba-Russia relations, as well as possible threat to Russia's national interests in case of Cuba becomes a junior partner of the United States, People’s Republic of China, or the European Union. The acquired results allow concluding that the future of Cuba-Russian relations directly depends on strengthening of the economic base of their cooperation. Otherwise, Russia would be dislodged from the island, while other powers would become the so-called senior partner of the Cuban Republic.

Keywords: Cuban foreign policy, US-Cuban relations normalization, Russian-Cuban relations, Russian foreign policy, international relations, the Castro era, Cuban Republic, Sino-Cuban relations, EU-Cuban cooperation, Latin America

Abstract: The subject of this research is cooperation of Russian with the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) in the area of agricultural production in the southern Far East within the context of import substitution policy and the so-called “Eastern Federal Policy”. The aim of this research is to analyze the conditions contributing to Russia’s entry into the APR through agricultural industry of the region. In the course of this research, the author notates the infrastructural and technical weakness of the Primorsk agricultural cluster as a factor impeding the entry of the Russian companies into the APR markets. The scientific novelty of this research consists in the analysis of productivity of the Primorsk region agricultural sector over the recent years, based on which the author gives recommendations on the measures for strengthening the agricultural sector of the Far East as a competitive industry in East Asia. According to the conclusions of this research, the Primorsk agricultural sector can become a “conduit” of Russia’s integration processes in the APR, if the industry will become the flagman of the agriculture of the Russian Federation in the nearest years.

Keywords: cross-border cooperation, import substitution, investment, agricultural policy, Russian Far East, Primorsky region, Asia-Pasific, agriculture, cross-regional cooperation, economic integration

Abstract: The subject of this research is the energy vector of Russia’s foreign policy in the European Union and in the post-Soviet space during the period of 1991-2010. This article represents an attempt to fill in the gap of French historiography and analyze the role of energy in Russia’s foreign policy through the prism of French researchers. This article explores the assessments of French authors regarding Russia’s energy policy in the European Union, as well as post-Soviet space. Special attention is given to the energy policy of the Russian Federation in the Caspian region.  Preference is given to a number of French monographs on foreign and energy policy of the Russian federation from the late 1990s to early 2000s. The relevance of this research is substantiated by the fact that for the first time French works are analyzed on the subject of energy vector of Russia’s foreign policy. The main conclusion of the conducted research consists in the fact that according to the opinion of majority of French researchers, Russian Federation uses energy as an instrument of its foreign policy, attempting to first return, and then strengthen its status as the energy state.

Keywords: CPC, hydrocarbon resources, post-Soviet space, Caspian region, European Union, energy policy, Russia's foreign policy, energy infrastructure, French researchers, international arena

Abstract: The object of this research is the bilateral Russia-Spain relations (1990’s – early 2000’s), while the subject is cooperation between the countries in the area of education. The authors attempt to examine and analyze the joint activity of Russian and Spanish government with regards to education policy during the 1990’s – early 2000’s. The goal of this study consists in determination of various advantages and disadvantages, as well as future prospects of such collaboration. Relevance of the topic is substantiated by the rapidly developing relations between the two countries, as well as the worldwide globalization in the area of education. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that although multiple publications cover the topic of Russia-Spain relations, the intergovernmental cooperation in the area of education has not yet become the subject of serious study. In conclusion, the author determines the various forms of international partnership of two countries in the area of education, their advantages, difficulties, and ways to overcome them.

Keywords: double degree program, Russia, Spain, international relations, cooperation, politics, culture, education, Mobility Activity, Bologna Process

Abstract: Against the changes in the lobal world order and current nature of Russian-American relations, it is important to analyze the attitude of the USA expert community towards Russia's initiatives in the Post-Soviet region. America's position towards Russia and Eurasian processes have been traditionally developing as the fight between different points of view, particularly  conservative and liberal trends in external policy of the USA. This research implies the analysis of the positions of conservatives on Russia and Eurasian processes in the America's discourse. The object of the research is the American foreign political discourse and the subject of the research is their position on the Eurasian integreation in the sphere of intellectual products of academic research institutions. The research is based on the constructionist paradigm and fills in the gaps in understanding the nature and specifics of the position of the expert community on integration processes in the region. The scope of scientific issues is determined by the contradictory nature of the problem when the importance of Eurasian macroregion is declaerd for the global foreign policy of the United States while there is no attention or serious research of integration initiatives involving Russia. The research has demonstrated the critical perception of American expert of any initiatives of consolidated post-soviet states around Russia that see the regional projection of The Kremlin's global targets to reformate the West-centered world structure and develop the multi-pole world order. Russian experts take integration initiatives as attempts to restore the Russian Empire and explain foreign policy as the 'imperial thinking' of Russian elite. The results of the research can be of use in application analysis of American foreign policy issues and study of international processes in the Eurasian Region. 

Keywords: Russian strategy, Russian policy, integration projects, Post-Soviet region, Eurasian integration, Customs Union, Eurasian Economic Union, American think tanks, Eurasianiasm, Eurasia

Abstract: The research subject of the article is the Russian energy policy in the Middle East. The author considers the main lines of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the region, as well as the main tasks of the country's foreign policy in the field of energy at the current stage. The article also discusses the main difficulties in promoting a dialogue between Russia and the countries of the region. The main countries the author considers in the article are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Algeria. The present research was carried out with the help of interdisciplinary approach at the junction of various sciences (History, International Relations, Political Science, Economics), which allowed the author to perform a comprehensive and objective study of the subject and perform the required tasks. The author used methods and principles of historical science, such as historicism, consistency, reliability, and objectivity. Scientific novelty is conditioned with the introduction of new sources (primarily in Arabic) into scientific circulation. In addition, there is also absence of comprehensive researches on the topic in foreign and Russian historiography taking into account the serious changes in the system of international relations as a whole, as well as geopolitical transformation in the region.

Keywords: energy security, energy politics, cooperation, international energy cooperation, Middle East, Russia, Egipt, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, Iran

Abstract: The Object of study is a comparative analysis of Turkey-Abkhazia relations before and after recognition of the independence of Abkhazia by the Russian Federation. The aim of the article is a study of the influence of the new policy adopted by the Russian Federation in the Abkhazian conflict on Turkey-Abkhazia relations. As a result of these changes, official Ankara faced new reality in the region, although during the Georgian-Abkhaz war and after it Ankara managed to take a decisive position in the life of the new independent Abkhaz state. The analysis will focus mainly on bilateral economic relations and the revision of Turkey's policy towards Abkhazia. To study the above objects the scientific research was based on the principles of historicism and scientific objectivity. In the course of study we used a method of comparative analysis of historical events which influenced the topic of the scientific work. The novelty of the scientific research lies in exposure of the positive and negative changes in Turkey-Abkhazia relations that occurred after the “five-day war” in August and recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the Russian Federation. After these events the role of Moscow that became the main guarantor of security, a partner and an ally of the Abkhaz state, sharply increased in bilateral relations between Ankara and Sukhumi.

Keywords: Georgian–Turkish relations, Abkhazian diaspora, Transcaucasia, Abkhaz–Georgian conflict, War in Abkhazia, Abkhazia–Turkey relations, Russian Federation, Russia–Turkey relations, Turkey, Abkhazia

Abstract: The present article is devoted to how Soviet Union - Italy relations were described by print media of 1922 - 1941. Despite hostility between Bolshevists and Fascists, political relations between Moscow and Rome were rather pragmatic at the interstate level during the aforesaid period. That was reflected in publications and articles of Soviet print media of those years. Facts of effective cooperation between the USSR and Italy in different spheres were frequently underlined, however, aggressive foreign policy appetences of Rome were critiсized. The author based his research on the principles of historicism and objectivity and used the methods of historical genetic analysis and content analysis. As a result of his research, Makulov introduces a number of publications of Soviet print media of 1920 - 1930 on the milestones in the history of development between Moscow and Rome and concludes that Soviet Union - Italy relations were described by print media in a more neutral and reserved way than other aspects of internal and external policy of Mussolini. 

Keywords: diplomacy, propaganda, fascism, press, international relationships, Italy, USSR, Mussolini, Germany, Poland

Abstract: The present article considers the relations of Krasnodar region with leading Latin American countries. The author gives attention to particular examples of interaction in the spheres of cultural and economic cooperation and outlines the peculiarities of cooperation of state bodies in these spheres. The author focuses on the intensification of economic relations. The author concludes that in the context of the current economic and political circumstances, interaction between Krasnodar region and the countries of Latin America is very promising, and describes the key opportunities of its development. the research methodology is based on such principles as scientific objectivity, reliability, and system analysis used as a complex. The research methodology is based on the system approach, therefore, the processes are studied in their interdependence. The scientific novelty of this work consists in the attempt to comprehensively analyze connections and cooperation of a territorial unit of the Russian Federation with Latin American region after the change of Russia’s foreign policy in 2014. The author outlines the promising directions of cooperation with the countries of Latin America in the spheres of economics and culture and interaction between state bodies. 

Keywords: Argentina, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, International activity, regional cooperation, business connections, Latin America, cooperation, intensification of relations, Krasnodar region, Guatemala

Abstract: The research object is the economic component of Russia’s foreign policy. The research subject is the mechanism of interaction between Russia and the BRICS’ member-states. The author considers the prerequisites to the formation of the group, the main stages of its development, and its current state. The author analyzes the key mechanisms and the results of interaction of Russia with China, India, Brazil and South Africa at the present stage. The author notes the special role of China in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Russia, and outlines the problem of competition between the two countries in Africa and Latin America. The author defines the prospects of BRICS’ development as a group, representing an alternative to the domination of the West. To solve the research tasks, the author applies the following research methods: theoretical analysis of scientific literature on the problem under study; consideration, generalization and analysis of information on the experience of Russia’s participation in the activities of the BRICS and the mechanisms, used in international relations. The author comes to the following conclusions: 1)    BRICS is in fact the priority direction of Russia’s foreign policy at the present moment. 2)    Since this group is aimed at solving economic issues, it is the best format for implementation of Russia’s economic diplomacy. 3)    Active cooperation with this group would help Russia to significantly strengthen its positions on the global stage. 4)    Heterogeneity of economic development of the member-states and insufficiency of legal support hampers the development of this association. 

Keywords: energy diplomacy , international trade, BRICS summits , regional cooperation, international relations, Russia-China relations, foreign economic policy, foreign policy of Russia, BRICS, economic diplomacy

Abstract: The paper analyzes the humanitarian direction of Russia’s foreign policy in Asia Pacific countries. The author studies the forms and scales of Russia’s humanitarian presence in this region, particularly, the work of the network of Russian scientific and cultural centers. Using the comparative method, the author analyzes the differences between the Russian understanding of the conceptual limits of humanitarian diplomacy and the approach established on the national and sub-regional levels (within ASEAN) of Asia Pacific. In Russia, the “humanitarian cooperation” concept is usually understood very widely, while in Asia Pacific, the problem-oriented approach to humanitarian activities in foreign policy has been established. The author concludes that at the present time, humanitarian efforts are aimed at solving the problems caused by the high level of vulnerability of the Asia Pacific region to nonconventional security threats (natural disasters, forced displacement of large numbers of people). The author formulates recommendations for the promotion of Russia’s experience in emergency situations prevention and management and in strengthening logistical and infrastructural components of Russia’s humanitarian presence in Asia Pacific. Particularly, the author suggests creating a large humanitarian response depot in Vladivostok (using the example of the UN Humanitarian Response Depots). 

Keywords: Asia-Pacific Region, soft power, Russian foreign policy, humanitarian aid, humanitarian diplomacy, international cultural and humanitarian cooperation, humanitarian policy, Asia Pacific, ASEAN, Russian Far East

Abstract: The research object is Russia’s foreign policy towards the Middle East countries at the present stage of development of international relations. Special attention is given to the problems of Russia’s transition from the defensive foreign policy to the offensive one. The authors study the Syrian direction and note that Russia’s military operation in Syria has denoted the restoration of the Middle East region as one of the top priority directions of Russia’s foreign policy. This direction needs a more detailed study of the peculiarities of political links between state and non-state actors within the Middle East region and beyond, and a certain transformation of Russia’s foreign policy in this direction for the purpose of broadening the possibilities of cooperation and interaction and more flexible responses to the new challenges and threats. The study is based on the system analysis and comparison of interrelation between Russia and the Middle East, and the comparison of various stages of development of relations with particular states in the post-bipolar period. The authors apply the method of modeling to create a model of relations with the Middle East countries which would be the most beneficial for Russia. This study is one of the first complex analyses of Russia’s relations with the Middle East in the context of a dramatic transformation of the international relations subsystem in this region, connected with a gradual reorientation of the region to the independent solution of the problems, connected, primarily, with the Islamic State. The authors suppose that Russia needs to change its policy towards the Middle East, to initiate proactive foreign policy in its relations with all states. Otherwise, in the context of interregional cooperation strengthening, Russia would lose the possibility to have an impact on the developments in the region. 

Keywords: conflict in Syria, struggle against terrorism, the Middle East, allies in the East, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt

Abstract: The cooperation potential of the relations between two great powers (especially having a common border) is significantly smaller than the potential of rivalry because of the existing objective conflicts between them. The immanent feature of the great powers’ foreign policy is an aspiration for strengthening of their influence in the world; therefore, they pay special attention to the regions which are important for their strategic interests realization. The author of this research attempts to describe the problem of cooperation and rivalry between Moscow and Beijing, which is of a big importance both for the alignment of forces in the region, and for the Russian-Chinese relations. Nowadays the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China demonstrate “strategic partnership” in their relations, but the potential and real elements of tension have not disappeared, and the probability of conflicts between them is directly proportional to the process of Russia’s role weakening in the region and the permanently strengthening position of China in Central Asia. The Russian-Chinese cooperation and rivalry exist in several spheres – security, economics, politics, and the social-cultural sphere. In all these spheres Moscow and Beijing are united by strong connections with the region both in bilateral and multilateral dimensions. Russia and China pay special attention to the security and economic and energy cooperation. The article analyzes the model of cooperation and rivalry in the Russian-Chinese relations in the region in these two dimensions.

Keywords: international relations, foreign policy, China, Russia, Central Asia, cooperation, rivalry, national security, interests, energy cooperation.

Abstract: The article raises the problem of identification of the most perspective strategy of the Russian foreign policy on the modern stage of the world politics evolution. The first part of the article considers the international political and intellectual context of the scientific concepts of “soft power” and “smart power” formation, analyzes the Russian specificity of their understanding. In the second part of the article the authors consider the “soft power” and “intelligent power” analyses as the international political strategies of states. Structuring these strategies, the authors correlate them with the strategies of “hard power” and “smart power”. The resources, instruments and goals of each of the four strategies are analyzed and compared to each other. In the third part of the article the authors consider several particular cases of successful use of “intelligent power” in the Russian foreign policy. In the result of the research the authors come to the conclusion that the states, competing for the world leadership, possess the ability to choose one of these four strategies. The analysis held shows that the “intelligent power” strategy corresponds to the demands of the modern world political system best of all. It gives the state the opportunity to act in the world politics as a “responsible leader” but not as a “manipulator”, to form a more stable collective decision-making system, to solve the problems of global development by means of innovative and flexible, but strategically well-thought approaches.

Keywords: international relations, foreign policy, Russia, “Soft power”, strategies, “Hard power”, “Smart power”, “Intelligent power”, “responsible leadership”, security.

Abstract: The article sets a goal for the evaluation of the Eurasian Integration Project as an alternative means for the organization of the post-Soviet territory. Taking an example of Russian-Serbian relations, the author shows the role of traditional unity of culture and values, civilization orientations, and historic memory in the modern geopolitical conditions. The analysis of the dynamics and nature of the public opinion of the Russian formed the basis for the conclusion on the special role of the Balkan peninsula in perception and evaluation of the geopolitical status and potential of the Russian Federation, as well as on the conclusion regarding the most favorable regime for the development of cooperation between Russia and Serbia, including cooperation within the framework of the new integration model. Serbia is a traditional outpost of Russia in the Balkan peninsula (and, speaking more broadly, in Europe), being its undoubted historical ally in the Balkans, while the Balkans have always been the special geopolitical and geo-economical zone for Russia, and it has been always holding on to its priorities there. Connection between Russia and Serbia, them being the mainland and the isle of the Slavic Orthodox culture, is defined by something more than just “political profit and conjuncture”, “national interests and economic pragmatism”. To begin with, it hardly was formed out of purely “pragmatic and rational basis”. This special closeness withstood the test of time and it may be inherited by the future generations.

Keywords: international relations, foreign policy, Russia, Serbia, integration, diplomacy, state, interests, values, security.

Abstract: Review: The article is devoted to the sources, traditions and the current situation in the relations between Russia and the largest state in the South America – Brazil. The author points out the goodwill of both parties to cooperation and widening the scope of connections in all spheres. Special attention is paid to the meetings and negotiations of the leaders of the two states in the last two years, which took place in the atmosphere of mutual understanding and closeness of interests both in Russia and in Brazil. Lately Brazil is more and more often mentioned in Russia. This far and exotic state of the South America was visited by our leaders V.V. Putin and D.A. Medveded, and the Brazilian Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Roussef. Brazil has became the main trade partner of Russia in this part of the world, and the states actively develop scientific and technical cooperation, which is in part due to the appearance of new forms of such cooperation, and scientific and cultural ties between two states also become stronger.

Keywords: international relations, foreign policy, Russia, Brazil, political stability, diplomacy, state, nation, security, cooperation.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the current situation in the international relations between Ukraine and Poland, and the author draws a conclusion that these relations are getting worse. Then the author concludes that the tension between Kyiv and Warsaw may lead to Ukraine not sighing the Association Agreement with the EU. In this case Russia should actively pursue negotiations with the Ukraine on the issue of Ukraine joining the Eurasian Union. In November 2013 in Vilnius a summit is planned within the framework of the European Eastern Partnership. It is worth reminding that this project was formed in 2008 on the initiative of Poland, and it currently includes Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova and Belarus. These states were offered to join dialogue with the EU and develop the program of actions for the European integration. Due to its demographic, economic, military and political potential, the Ukraine is key to this program, and the relations between Kyiv and Brussels considerably define the perspectives of the European initiatives in the Eastern Europe at their current stage.

Keywords: international relations, foreign policy, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, diplomacy, interests, values, conflict, cooperation.

Abstract: The article presents a conceptual position of the author on a topical issue of formation of a complex multi-level innovative “soft power” strategy in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation, recovery and development of the “soft power” of Russia in the post — Soviet area and further abroad. The text contains analysis of the conditions necessary for the formation of the Russian public diplomacy and foreign cultural and information policy of the new generation. In spite of the fact that the modern international agenda is still centered upon the use of military force by the states as a priority means to achieve security, the cultural and communications globalization, powered by the growing economic interdependency leads to complementing of the military resources with the non-military political influence factors, which can be generally referred to as the “soft power”. In the opinions of the American political scientists, the tendencies in the development of international relations shall be for greater influence of the “soft power” in the general power balance of the states, and even the largest and most developed states shall not be able to resolve their problems purely by military means. They explain it by interdependency of economics (and interdependency management becomes a key force behind the American efforts in this sphere), and lowering of the role of “military glory” among the values of modern post-industrial societies.

Keywords: international relations, foreign politics, Russia, soft force, political instability, diplomacy, state, interests, values, security.

Abstract: This article is devoted to the evaluation of the current state of the Russian-Indian relations and the changes, which were introduced into them by the visit of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin in December of 2012. It is noted that in the foreign political sphere the relations between Russia and India are developed in two key formats: as a strategic partnership in support of national interests in the international arena, and as regional centralism, which is aimed to limit the influence of non-regional players, wishing to strengthen their positions in these regions as dominating political forces.

Keywords: political science, politics, international relations, Russia, India, military and technical cooperation, strategic partnership, political stability, conflicts, interests.

Abstract: The year 2012 is a year of symbolic anniversaries for Russia. First of all, it is the year of the 400th anniversary of the Time of Troubles, which was the greatest systemic crisis of the Russian statehood. The destructive processes and riots took over most of the territory of Russia, and they were strengthened by the foreign intervention, and the further existence of Russian state was an open question at that time. The aim of its opponents was not only to win, but also to put Russia down by establishing the rule of impostors. The question was whether Russia would remain as an independent state or as a colonial borderline of the neighboring states.

Keywords: political science, international relations, ideology, Russia, politics, state, Constitution, political regime.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the process of formation and development of the Russian-Polish relations in 1990s. Based on the comparative analysis the author comes to a conclusion that there was certain continuity between the foreign policies of the Ministers A.V. Kozyrev and E.M. Primakov towards the Eastern Europe. The author comes to a conclusion that after 1993 A.V. Kozyrev abandoned the idealistic approach and made the foreign policy of Russia more pragmatic. This political line was continued and strengthened by E.M. Primakov.

Keywords: political science, Poland, Russia, Primakov, Kozyrev, NATO, OSCE, politics, international relations, conflicts.

Abstract: The current year was announced the Year of Russian History, and this is a good reason to think about the modern problems from the standpoint of formation and development of the Russian statehood, which was always characterized by national unity. For many centuries Russia has been providing its protection to various tribes and peoples of the vast Eurasian space – from the Western borders to the Chukotka and from the Northern Arctic Ocean to Kushka, while preserving cultural and language identity of these tribes and people. As a rule the Russian assigned governors knew languages and habits of their territories of Russia (or later the USSR), and considerable financial, material and intellectual resources were put into the economic and social development of the annexed territories.

Keywords: political science, international relations, ideology, Russia, statehood, integration, post-Soviet territory, the CIS, politics, economics.