Abstract: The article is devoted to an analysis of the current British-American relations and their compliance with the previously established “special” status. The research subject is the current strategic documents of the countries – the UK Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and the US National Security Strategy 2022. A detailed study of the above documents allowed to identify the states’ strategic priorities, common interests, as well as the difference in positioning on the international scene and approaches to bilateral relations. Considering the need to compare the above declared strategies and practically implemented actions to get a complete view of the current UK-US relations, the author examines in detail the agreements reached between the states after the latest publication of the strategic documents, as well as the international agenda affecting bilateral relations. The methodological basis of the research is comparative analysis and content analysis. These methods, as well as systemic analysis enabled a comprehensive assessment of the current UK-US relations. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the article is the first to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the UK Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and the US National Security Strategy 2022. The research gained insight into bilateral relations status, as well as into the states’ strategic priorities, which may be useful for further research focusing on the UK and the US. The main conclusion of the study is that the “special relationship” continues to be important for both countries in promoting national interests. Although the term is not mentioned in considering strategic documents, the states’ common strategic priorities create the basis for further partnership. The strategic arrangements and the benefits that the UK and the US derive allow to the relationship remain “special”.

Keywords: Indo-Pacific, China, Russia, National Security Strategy, Integrated Review Refresh, special relationship, the US, the United Kingdom, NATO, European Union

Abstract: The article is devoted to the analysis of the strategy of good neighborliness in Turkey's foreign policy. The strategy is aimed at increasing the role of Turkey in the international system. The purpose of the study is to examine the theoretical provisions of the neighborhood policy, to identify the reasons for its transformation from the point of view of Turkey's national interests within the framework of the transformation of the system of international relations and changes in the balance of power at the regional level, as well as to identify new trends within this policy. The methodological basis of the research is the method of system analysis and the historical method, with the help of which the article analyzes the main stages of the development of the "zero problems with neighbors" policy. The author examines in detail the strategy of good neighborliness from the moment of its adoption to the present time. This strategy justifies Turkey's regional leadership. Special attention is paid to the reasons for modernization and transformation of the neighborhood strategy. The author examined in detail the force factor, which became an integral part of the strategy after the failures of Turkish diplomacy and with which Turkey strengthened its influence in neighboring regions. The power policy allowed Turkey to become a participant in regional conflicts, clearly identify its interests and demonstrate determination in their defense. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that Turkey is returning to the original peaceful version of the neighborhood policy. This strategy continues to be a key one in Turkey's foreign policy.

Keywords: Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ahmet Davutoglu, foreign policy strategy, South Caucasus, Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Turkey's regional policy, Turkish diplomacy, neighborhood policy, Turkey

Abstract: The goal of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of defense policy of the Third Polish Republic from the perspective of “balance of threat” theory, which includes such behavioral strategies of the countries as buck-passing (delegating responsibility), balancing, and bandwagoning (alignment with the victor) aimed at ensuring defense capability of the country. The author meticulously examines Poland’s capacity to defend itself, expectations of Polish authorities on realization of national interests within the framework of cooperation with their partners, as well as the problems faced by the country. Analysis of defense policy of the Third Polish Republic in the context of “balance of threat” theory allowed assessing the costs that the Polish government has to deal with as a result of their choice. It is established that rejection of the strategy of “delegating responsibility” meets the country’s national interests to the full extent. The author also questions the advantage for Poland with regards to selecting the strategy of “alignment with the victor” over the strategy of “balancing”. It is proven that the asymmetry in Poland-United States relations is not a lesser problem for Poland than the geopolitical challenges.

Keywords: national interests, bandwagoning, balancing, buckpassing, balance of threat theory, security, defense policy, Poland, asymmetry, geopolitical challenges

Abstract: In his article Gevorgyan explains the meaning of the main foreign policy concepts applied by Turkish government after the Justice and Development Party came to power. The researcher analyzes the main doctrines that played the crucial role in the development of the foreign policy of Turkey as well as all new ideas of the implementation of foreign policy and the main concepts Turkish government bases its geopolitical targets on. Gevorgyan demonstrates the historical and political content of Ottoman heritage which became an important factor of domestic and foreign doctrinal evolution of Turkey. To analyze the aforesaid issues, the author has applied the following research methods: historical method, systems approach, problematic/chronological, coomparative analysis. Analysis of Turkey's foreign policy is possible only when there is a proper analysis of concepts that make the foundation of the policy. Recent fundamental changes in the global affairs including the Greater Middle East have activated Turkey's foreign policy and have created the need to study doctrinal bases of this policy. To predict further foreign 'practical' policy of Turkey, it is necessary to analyze associated foreign policy doctrines. Foreign policy processes that followed the JDP's coming to power as well as analysis of such concepts as 'strategical depth', 'central state', 'problem-free neighborhood', 'energy hub' demonstrate that active foreign policy of Turkey has a well-defined conceptual basis, thus foreign policy realities are generally based on the concepts that give another view of Turkey's foreign policy and were offered by the JDP. 

Keywords: strategic depth, Ahmet Davutoglu, multi-dimensional foreign policy, Greater Middle East, Turkey, center state, regional power, JDP, foreign policy concepts, Turkey’s foreign policy

Abstract: The subject of the study is a set of foreign policy practices of the French Republic currently leveraged by E. Macron and corresponding to the content of the concept of "soft power". The author considers such aspects of the problem as the use of Francophonie as a competitive advantage in the struggle for dominance on the African continent; appeals to the spread of democratic norms in African States; calls for international humanitarian cooperation, etc. The article pays special attention to the political discourse designed to justify a military and economic activity of the Fifth Republic in the countries of Tropical Africa. In the course of the study, the author exercised a principle of historicism and applied a comparative political science method to analyze the African policy of the Elysee Palace. The method allowed the author to trace continuity and identify innovations in the African policy of E. Macron. The author first turned his attention to the fact that E. Macron had the opportunity to address to "soft power" only because of the excessive presence of French troops in the areas of special economic and strategic interests of France on the African continent. The author views the "soft power" policy as opposed to the military-political doctrine of "Françafrique" which was implemented by the Elysee Palace in the post-colonial period and which in fact is implemented nowadays, despite the political demagogy of E. Macron. 

Keywords: international cooperation, Francophonie, Fransafric, Africa, Fifth Republic, soft power, Emmanuelle Macron, France, Mali, Burkina Faso

Abstract: For decades, China and Africa have been united by cooperation that touches on several fields. But this cooperation has significantly grown over the past decade to the point where it is considered a form of “abusive exploitation of Africa by China” by some observers. Yet, in reality this partnership can be described as cooperation void of risk of being too wrong, win-win. This article raises the question of existence of Western monopoly in terms cooperation aimed at development and growing multiplicity of cooperation policies in this area. It also considers the practices of China’s “South-South” cooperation with African countries and then compares them to traditional North-South cooperation policies. The China’s authorities are deploying South-South cooperation rhetoric and are positioning themselves as reference for developing countries. China is trying to cultivate a positive image in Africa by mobilizing a wide range of academic, cultural, media, economic, and other instruments contributing to strengthening of its power of attraction and the promotion of its development model on the continent. The article assesses the impact of Chinese cooperation on development dynamics in Africa in terms of challenges and opportunities.

Keywords: South-South cooperation, win-win, seduction, coercion, Soft power, cooperation, Africa, China, North-South cooperation, Peaceful Coexistence

Abstract: The author of the article explores the reasons of Latin American States' interest in participation in the Chinese "One Belt, One Road" Initiative. The author reveals the existing and perspective ways of interaction within the joint implementation of the initiative.  The object of the study is the "One Belt, One Road" initiative as a platform for strengthening and expanding international cooperation in the field of modern international relations. Latin American States are an integral part of the initiative proposed by the Chinese side. The subject of the research is the existing and future directions of cooperation within the framework of the studied project, the main objectives of interaction. The methodological basis of the study is a principle of historicism due to which the author managed to determine the importance of revival of the Great Silk Road for China. The author has carried out a problem-historical analysis in view of the fact that the problems stated in the article refer to modernity. According to the author, the relevance of participation of Latin American States in the "One Belt, One Road" project is conditioned by an increasing role of the People's Republic of China in the international arena, active participation of the state in current international problems. China has also initiated the resolution of a number of international issues.  Latin America is a very colorful region, ethnically diverse, the vast majority of the continent's States are developing a strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China. The scientific novelty of the study lies in identification of the new opportunities for strengthening cooperation and effective implementation of the initiative. The author will determine the reasons for the parties ' interest in each other. The author comes to the conclusion that China will continue to invest in Latin American countries due to its interest in cooperation. 

Keywords: China’s investment, Agreements, China- Latin cooperation, prospects, perpose, China, Latin America, One belt, one road, Sea Silk Road, mutually beneficial cooperation

Abstract: The subject of the study is the course, results and possible consequences of the first official visit of French President E. Macron to three African countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The author considers such aspects of the issue as the reasons that led to the choice of these countries for the "presidential tour"; the particular attitude of each of these countries toward the Fifth Republic and its Head; the original goal-setting of the Elysee Palace in negotiations with the Heads of the said States of the Black Continent. Particular attention is paid to the initiatives of the French president announced at the Fifth Summit of the European and African Unions. In the course of the study the author applied a principle of historicism and a comparative political method. This method allowed the author to interpret the results of Makron's visit in the context of historical development of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. The "African tour" of the Head of the French State took place very recently, in December 2017, thus it has not yet become a subject of study either in domestic or in foreign political science. The author comes to the conclusion that E. Makron's visit can not be evaluated as a success of French diplomacy, it demonstrates the decrease of France's prestige in its former colonies. 

Keywords: Rock Cabore, Emmanuelle Macron, Togo, Ghana, European Union, Burkina Faso, Africa, France, Alassane Ouattara, Nano Akufo-Addo

Abstract: The research subject is the set of basic determinants of decision making in foreign policy in Germany and the peculiarities of development of the country, which determine the specificity of the country’s foreign policy parameters. Special attention is given to the transition from the Bonn Republic to the Berlin Republic, when the country’s foreign policy dilemma was formed. The purpose of the research is to detect the correlation between the factors, influencing decision-making process in Germany, and the peculiarities of economics, geopolitics, and political culture of the country and the personal factor. The research method is theoretical analysis and generalization of the scope of scientific works, periodicals, interviews and speeches of prominent politicians, documents and sources on this topic. The author proves that the peculiarities of development of Germany itself, which had historically formed in a definite way, determine the specificity of the country’s foreign policy parameters. The author shows German foreign policy dilemma had formed during the transition from the Bonn to the Berlin Republic. This dilemma consists in the confrontation of two alternative opinions: the possibility (and in what format) and the prohibition of use of military force abroad. The author proves that Germany’s refusal to participate in NATO’s operation in Libya allowed it to resolve this dilemma in accordance with the “ontology” of its own national security. the article defines the key determinants of foreign policy of Germany. The author concludes that the peculiarities of domestic policy and economy of Germany have formed the definite logics of its foreign policy. 

Keywords: German reunification, security policy, Angela Merkel, EU, political decision-making, Germany, foreign policy, Libyan issue, geopolitical factor, personal factor

Abstract: The paper studies China’s soft power influence on the foreign policy and cultural diplomacy of the DPR Korea. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate how the Korean leadership, using the soft power instruments in economic, cultural and political spheres, influences North Korea. The authors also attempt at finding out if North Korea has any soft power. The authors emphasize that Chinese diplomats and officials effectively support North Korea’s foreign policy. In this context, the Chinese leadership, calling upon the peaceful settlement of the conflict that would take into account the interests of both Korean states, pursues foreign policy toward its neighbors aimed at preservation of peace and easing of tensions in the region. The research method is the comparative analysis of the two soft power concepts of China and North Korea. American military threat is the most important factor of achievement of this goal. The China’s soft power effect on North Korea is weakened by the hard power threat from the US. The Western scholars believe that one of the strategic tasks of the Chinese government is the prevention of economic and humanitarian collapse of North Korea. The Chinese scholars believe that the “soft power” impact on the DPR Korea is strictly limited. The preservation of political status-quo in North Korea is the integral part of China’s foreign policy strategy. The North Korean problem hasn’t been solved yet, but China’s policy and operative measures, not working yet, could be a step in the right direction. 

Keywords: North Korean leadership, foreign policy, the Korean peninsula, cultural diplomacy, North Korean nuclear issue, soft power concept, North Korea, China, strategic task, political power

Abstract: This article includes the results of the analysis of official documents, concepts and doctrines of the two leading global actors in the international relations (France and Great Britain) in the sphere of organization and implementation of psychological operations in the international relations and foreign policy. The results of this analysis allow one to gain understanding of principles and schemes of organization and implementation of psychological operations, their role in the foreign policy of the modern states and modern international conflicts. It should be noted that the Russian scholarly literature views the issues of psychological influence in the international relations in correlation with the information technologies, or at times equals these two categories. The practical aspects of psychological operations are not sufficiently studied, and neither are the means of counteracting them. All of the above shows topicality of the studies of modern psychological operation as new key means for the implementation of foreign policy of the modern nation-states.

Keywords: international relations, politics, psychological operations, nation states, France, Great Britain, information warfare, psychological influence, values, doctrines.