Abstract: The relevance of the article is due to the growing political and economic influence of ASEAN, and of Cambodia as an integral part of ASEAN, on the world arena. The tension between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China has resulted in an acceleration of the building of a sovereign association of South-East Asian States. One of the key instruments for building this sovereign association is investment policy and foreign direct investment. The object of this study is cooperation between Cambodia and other ASEAN countries. The subject of this study is the Cambodia and ASEAN cooperation in foreign direct investment. The main purpose of the study is to consider the Cambodia and ASEAN cooperation in FDI and identify key issues in Cambodia’s investment policy within ASEAN. According to this purpose, there are the following goals: to study foreign direct investment in the context of neoliberalism; to analyze investment policy of Cambodia; to estimate ASEAN investment climate; to investigate Cambodia and ASEAN investment cooperation. The scientific novelty of the study is due to the discovery of a significant imbalance in investment flows between Cambodia and other ASEAN countries, consisting in the predominance of inward investment over outward investment. Moreover, the author gave practical advice on improving the investment climate of Cambodia within ASEAN countries.

Keywords: Japan, PRC, USA, CDC, Cooperation, Investment, FDI, ASEAN, Cambodia, Hong Kong

Abstract: The study is devoted to the cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism from 1991 to 2022. The relevance of the topic is considered due to the long-term historical relations between the two countries, which play a key role in the regional context. With the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950 and their normalization in 1991, relations have become stronger and more stable, covering various fields, including tourism. The object of the study is the cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism, and the subject includes directions, formats, mechanisms and prospects of cooperation over the specified period. The purpose of the work is to identify the specifics and analyze trends in the development of this cooperation, highlighting the historical background, formats of cooperation, directions of tourist flows, mechanisms of interaction and development prospects. This study is based on the theory of international relations, in particular, liberalism, to analyze the dynamics of Vietnamese-Chinese relations in the context of tourism in the period from 1991 to 2022. The study was conducted using systemic and socio-cultural approaches, as well as using mixed methods, including data analysis, interviews and a literature review. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the modern international context on Vietnamese-Chinese cooperation in the field of tourism. The main focus is on the prospects for sustainable development of the tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of qualitative and quantitative improvements. The findings of the study point to the active development of tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China over the past 30 years, noting the constant growth in the number of tourists. Cooperation is expanding and deepening through the use of various mechanisms, such as improving the legal framework, improving the quality of services, developing new routes, developing tourism products, introducing smart tourism and protecting cultural heritage. Thus, the article provides a comprehensive look at Vietnamese-Chinese tourism cooperation, emphasizing its importance for both countries in the context of integration and development of the region.

Keywords: problems, achievements, format, factors, conditions, tourism, cooperation, China, Vietnam, prospects

Abstract: This article uses a realist theoretical framework to thoroughly investigate the motives, processes, and multifaceted impacts of Chinese automobile brands entering the Russian market. The research findings reveal that the transnational market strategy of Chinese brands is based not only on the pursuit of national interests and economic independence but also on a flexible response to changes in the international political and economic structure. Amid the economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia, a power vacuum has emerged in the Russian automotive market. Chinese automobile brands accurately identified and swiftly seized this opportunity, successfully entering and expanding their market share in Russia. This move has not only increased China’s influence in the global automotive industry but also further strengthened the strategic partnership between China and Russia. From a geopolitical perspective, this economic activity has also bolstered political and economic cooperation between China and Russia to resist the pressure from Western governments. This study enriches the application of realism theory in the field of international political economy and provides new perspectives and insights into understanding the motives and strategic choices of national behavior in a complex and changing international environment. By examining the case of Chinese automobile brands in Russia, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the strategic interactions between major global powers and their implications for the international political and economic order. The analysis highlights the importance of adaptive market strategies in achieving national objectives and underscores the interplay between economic strategies and geopolitical dynamics. The insights from this study are valuable for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners interested in international trade, political economy, and strategic studies, offering lessons for navigating the complexities of global market dynamics and international relations.

Keywords: Chinese automobile brands, economic cooperation, national interests, power vacuum, realism, automobile market, Sino-Russian cooperation, Western sanctions, strategic partnership, geopolitics

Abstract: With President Vladimir Putin coming to power, Russia has emerged as an influential force in international politics, especially in its desire to end unipolarism and reduce US hegemony over the Middle East most notably, Iraq sought to consolidate relations with it because of its importance in Russia's strategy, Iraq has the fifth largest crude oil reserves in the world, and is considered one of Russia's most important producers and exporters. It is one of Russia's competitors in the oil market. The openness of the Iraq government was not particularly open to the United States, seeking to diversify its relations with influential powers in the arena, including Russia, with which it has a long history and still has its own political position in Iraq.

Keywords: Russia, politics, energy, economy, kurds, Company, relations, oil, Iraq, war

Abstract: The author examines the cooperation of the PRC with countries in the Balkan region in the areas of investment and infrastructure. The study focuses on China’s economic relations with key actors in the Balkan region: Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. The subject of the study is investment and infrastructure cooperation of China with the countries of the region in the context of the project «One Belt One Road». The author examines in detail the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the economies of various countries, major FDI flows, the development of the financial sector of the PRC, the cooperation of China in the field of FDI and infrastructure with the main actors of the Balkan region. The author pays special attention to the aspect of implementation of the project «OBOR» in the context of cooperation of China with the countries of the Balkan region. This study is based on the theory of political realism. The main conclusions of the study are the definition of the initiative «One Belt One Road» as a key factor of cooperation of the People’s Republic of China with the countries of the Balkan region, the identification of the main directions of investment of the People’s Republic of China in the Balkan Peninsula: The Republic of Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, analysis of the impact of political differences between the Governments of the States of the region and the People’s Republic of China on the flow of foreign direct investment and infrastructure projects.

Keywords: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, OBOR, Balkans, FDI, Investments, PRC, China

Abstract: The subject of the article is the development of global hydropower generation as an integral part of the international energy agenda. The introduction of hydropower generation technologies meets the main challenges of the global energy market, contributes to increasing energy efficiency and saving resources, represents a great potential for solving global problems: creating an energy base for economic development in developing countries, increasing domestic production, stabilizing the social situation, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, increasing energy security. The development of hydropower contributes to increasing the stability of the global energy infrastructure, allows us to achieve the clearest correspondence between the needs of the energy system and the volume of electricity generation. The scientific novelty of the work lies, first of all, in its macroeconomic nature. The main conclusion of the study is that hydrogenation plays a significant role on the international agenda, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, combating climate change and ensuring energy stability and economic development. Hydroelectric power plants allow states to increase their independence and mitigate the consequences of rising energy prices. In the conditions of modern energy transition, hydrogenation can be considered as the optimal solution to two seemingly contradictory problems: ensuring the possibility of economic development, improving living standards, and reducing anthropogenic impact on the environment. The most important development of hydropower is seen for the countries of the Global South, which are in conditions of permanent energy shortage. The development of this direction of electric generation will create a long-term stable basis for economic and social development, real economic decolonization, smoothing out the global imbalances of inequality of opportunities. The multiplicative economic effect of hydroelectric projects both at the stage of construction and operation of facilities is interesting, as well as the investment attractiveness of hydroelectric power as at the same time the cheapest, relatively predictable and environmentally friendly energy source corresponding to ESG certificates. The results obtained can be used to develop solutions in the field of hydropower in Russia, including in the field of the country's foreign policy.

Keywords: BRICS countries, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Investments in hydropower energy, Energy sovereignty, Energy security, Global Hydropower Alliance, Greenhouse gas emissions, Hydropower potential, renewable energy sources, Hydropower

Abstract: This study focuses on the policy of the People’s Republic of China in the Black Sea Region (1976-2022). The object of the study is the political and economic relations of the People’s Republic of China with the countries of the Black Sea Region: Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria. The author examines in detail the conflict potential of the region and its causes, the national interests of the People’s Republic of China towards the States of the region. Close attention is paid to the tension in the region and ways of its alleviation by the People’s Republic of China. The study is based on the theory of political realism, which implies constant competition among States defending their national interests. In the process of studying this problem, the author applies institutional, analytical and problem-chronological methods. The main conclusions of the study are the definition of the conflict potential of the region, the establishment of the role of the People’s Republic of China in the Black Sea region, the definition of methods of expansion of China in the region, the evaluation of relations with the States of the region, both political and economic, identifying China’s concerns in its policies in the region. Moreover, close attention is paid to the growth of trade between the People’s Republic of China and Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria. The historical phenomenon of displacing hegemon from the region has been revealed. The relevance of the study is due to the growing political and economic influence of the People’s Republic of China throughout the world, not excluding the Black Sea region. The novelty of the study is due to the study of the expansion of the People’s Republic of China in conditions of high conflict potential of the region.

Keywords: NATO, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Black Sea, People's Republic of China, China, Crimea

Abstract: The article is devoted to an urgent problem of our time - the integration of Canadian energy markets into the energy markets of the Asia-Pacific region. Canada's economy is currently the 16th largest in the world in terms of GDP and is heavily dependent on international trade, whose prosperity is inextricably linked to external markets and the ability to access those markets. In turn, China, Japan, and South Korea are the world's largest importers of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. The study considers not only the reasons for the need of Canada's energy markets to enter the Asia-Pacific region, but also analyzes the dependence of the Canadian economy on the economy of the United States of America. The main conclusions of the study are the ways of integrating the energy markets of Canada and the Asia-Pacific countries. The built economic model of interaction should not only exist within the framework of the created legal acts but also should determine the importance of the formation of this economic institution for subsequent development. The work has increased relevance since joint development within the economic area creates a stable relationship, which can later be used for external use, within the framework of building a new type of economic model. Thus, the information acquires statistical value and can be used in further research. I believe that the purpose of this study was achieved by considering the economic cooperation of Canada with the ATP countries in the energy sector.

Keywords: Asia-Pacific region, energy markets, energy cooperation, the US economy, Canada, ATR, energetics, integration, international relationships, USA

Abstract: Confrontation between the two most economically developed countries and the advent of coarse trade wars has disturbed the international arena in 2017. One of the causes for such contradictory relations is presidency and election campaign of Donald Trump, who actively advocated the need to change the structure of relations between the United States and China. This article is an attempt to get a grasp on the origins of contradictions, trace the chronology of the development of trade wars, and carry out a comprehensive analysis of the methods and instruments used by the governments of both countries to resolve the conflict. The key goal of this research is to determine the main causes underlying the trade-economic rivalry between China and the United States, as well as the prerequisites for the emergence of trade wars between the countries. Special attention is given to the U. S. – China contradictions during the presidency of D. Trump. Methodological framework is comprised of theoretical methods of analysis, synthesis, and comparison, as well as systematic approach for examining the key challenges emerging in the trade relations between China and the United States, and mechanisms for overcoming them. In the studying the in-depth motives of the modern conflict, the authors referred to the power transition theory, which clarifies the origins of contradictions between the countries. The novelty of this work consist is consideration of the current stage of U. S.  – China trade war, which continues despite the outbreak of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The conclusion is made that the contradictions between PRC and the United States are of compound, and thus, not limited by contradictions in the trade-economic sphere, which conditions for long-run conflict.

Keywords: imbalance in trade and economic cooperation, financial policy, political regime, duties, rivalry, confrontation between two countries, trade wars, trade deficit, trade sanctions, pandemic Covid-19

Abstract: Abolishing poverty and ensuring improvement of educational development indicators have been described as some of the objectives for international assistance. This study seeks to comprehend the role of Russia in the development of the African continent’s most populous country, Nigeria, the factors that limited their success and the opportunities for increasing effectiveness of such efforts. Russia intervention in Nigeria economic and educational development took a new turn after Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. The existence of the largest Russian investor (RUSAL) in the Nigeria, the investments of LUKOIL in Nigeria which currently exceeds $450 million, and other well-known Russian companies, including the largest Russian producer of agricultural machinery "Rostselmash", have all made impact in Nigeria economic development. However, the major problem of this duo cooperation lies in the legal ratification of their framework. In Educational sphere, this study ascertains that yearly, more than 100 Nigerian students are given the opportunity to study at Russian universities through Russia-Nigerian intergovernmental agreements. To date, more than 10,000 Nigerian specialists have been trained in Russia. The study drew upon both modernization and dependency theories in advancing understanding on the subject matter. The study employed qualitative method of data collection. Data was analyzed using content analysis.

Keywords: agreements, bilaterial relations, intervention, educational development, economic development, Russia, Nigeria, development, international assistance, democratic government

Abstract: This article is devoted to the research on interaction of state and financial-industrial groups (FIG) in implementation of foreign policy. Analysis is conducted on the theoretical grounds for interaction between business and state from the position of advancement of national interests. In the recent decades, the influence of private capital upon foreign policy and economy has grown significantly. States use the transnational corporations as an instrument for influence on the international arena, while FIG carry substantial political and economic weight, able to influence domestic and foreign policy of specific states. Based on the conducted research, the author concludes that the mechanism of interaction between business and state is complex and multifaceted. The goals and interests of the state and private capital on the international arena do not always coincide, forcing the parties to constantly search for optimal balance of interests and forms of interaction. The forms and methods of interaction in turn define the character and efficiency of political and economic actions of the state on the international arena.

Keywords: international political economy, interaction of actors, international Business, transnational corporations, financial industrial groups, foreign economic policy, foreign policy, economic diplomacy, national interests, political influence

Abstract: The Republic of Azerbaijan plays an important role for the People's Republic of China's politics due to its geographical location and thus involvement of the Republic into the Silk Road Economic Belt Project as well as the Republic's energy resources that are so needed by the growing Chinese economy. In its turn, developing Azerbaijan needs cooperation with the People's Republic China. Meanwhile, trade-economic and financial policies of China and Azerbaijan have their own peculiarities. The object of the research is the trade-economic and financial policy of the PRC. The subject of the research is the trade-economic and financial policy of China in relation to Azerbaijan. The methodological basis of the research involves the empirical approach which allows to find specific patterns of international actors' behavior, mostly based on the analysis of the geopolotical situation. Based on the research results, the author concludes that the trade-economic and financial policy leading by the PRC in Azerbaijan has the following peculiarities. First of all, the parties conduct their trade and economic cooperation following the principle of non-intervention into the domestic affairs; secondly, PRC's export to Azerbaijan exceeds their import; thirdly, China invest great money into energy projects of Azerbaijan. The scientific novelty of the resaerch is caused by the fact that this article is the frst attempt to view the trade-economic and financial cooperation between the PRC and Azerbaijan and to discover peculiarities of the policy of China in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the aforesaid spheres. 

Keywords: energy, investment, financial cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, Republic of Azerbaijan, People’s Republic of China, Silk road, geopolitics, turnover, trading partner

Abstract: This article is devoted to modern bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and Russian Federation, in particular, their investment cooperation. The author of the article focuses on investment projects of the South Korea in the Far East as well as prospects for the development of Korea's business in the region. Kim outlines the main prerequisites for the development of investment cooperation as well as the basic activities of the South Korea and Russia in this sphere. The object of the research is the bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and Russian Federation. The subject of the research is the investment cooperation between these two states. The author has applied the main principles of history such as historicism, validity and scientific attitude. The methodological basis of the research is the problem-based chronological approach that allows to analyze particular aspects of cooperation of international relations actors. Based on the research results, the author concludes that investment projects between the Republic of Korea and Russian Federation are of great importance for the economic development of both states as the most promising area for their cooperation. The Far Eastern region of the country plays an especially important role in the development of investment cooperation between the South Korea and Russia where the majority of mutual projects is being realized. 

Keywords: bilateral relations, economy, Eurasia initiative, cooperation, Far East, Russian Federation, Republic of Korea, energy, investment projects, bussiness

Abstract: The article considers the process of forming Russian-Indian relations in the energy sphere, the development of the Russian-Indian energy dialogue is analyzed from the point of view of geopolitical and external economic issues. The object of the study is a set of Russian-Indian economic relations in the context of the implementation of the Energy Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030. The subject of the research is the general and particular problems of the development of the Russian-Indian energy dialogue. We consider the strengths and weaknesses of the Russian-Indian cooperation in the field of energy. The study is based on the dialectical method of scientific knowledge, involving the consideration of economic relations in their relationship and development. A systematic approach was applied, implying a comprehensive study of economic relations, and methods of comparative analysis were also required. The main directions of development of the Russian-Indian energy dialogue are systematized, special attention is paid to joint projects in the field of nuclear energy. The main problems of Russian-Indian cooperation in the energy sector are identified and summarized. It was concluded that, for both countries, the development of joint energy activities can contribute to the resolution of many problems of economic development. 

Keywords: Russian-Indian relations, Eurasian partnership, international problems, energy dialogue, international relations, energy strategy of Russia, nuclear energy, energy policy, foreign economic activity, energy security

Abstract: The subject of the research is indirect taxation in the EAEU. The article is devoted to the issues of improving the mechanism of indirect taxation of cross-border transactions between individuals registered in different EAEU member countries. The purpose of the article is to identify deficiencies in VAT and excise taxation in the Eurasian space, in particular, when carrying out operations through duty-free shops, and to develop recommendations for their elimination. The authors have identified tax consequences for foreign goods when they are placed under the customs procedure of duty-free trade.  The methodology of the research is based on a systematic approach, which allows to identify the problems of indirect taxation of foreign trade in the EAEU when conducting transactions with foreign goods in the application of the customs procedure of duty-free trade. The study is designed to fill the existing gaps between theoretical ideas about the principle of neutrality of indirect taxation and practical analysis of the real state of the problem by comparing taxation conditions for goods produced within the EAEU and foreign goods. The necessity of establishing a zero rate of VAT on operations for the sale of goods through duty-free shops has been substantiated. Recommendations of the authors can be offered to the Eurasian Economic Commission for the implementation of the results obtained in the practice of indirect taxation to increase the competitiveness of goods created in the territory of the Eurasian economic space, compared with goods produced in the territory of other non-EAEU states.

Keywords: principle of neutrality, excises, VAT, indirect taxation, harmonization, foreign trade, Eurasian Economic Union, principle of country of destination, duty-free shop, customs procedure

Abstract: The development of relations with the People's Republic of China, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is a priority of the foreign policy of the Republic of Belarus. The prospects for cooperation between the two countries as well as the benefits they will receive are obvious: new products distribution markets for the PRC and investments for Belarus. The subject of the study is Belarusian-Chinese relations. The object of the study is the economic aspect of bilateral relations. The purpose of the study is to determine how the economic ties between China and Belarus are developing, to identify the interests of the countries in bilateral cooperation with each other. The following tasks were set in accordance with the purpose: to study the legal framework of relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Belarus, to consider the aspects of economic cooperation between the parties, to analyze other aspects of cooperation, such as political, cultural, educational, social, etc. The author used two methods as a methodological basis: a historical-chronological method to explore the formation of relations between the two States, and a problem-chronological one to study some aspects of interaction, as well as historical processes in their gradual development. The analysis allowed the author to draw a conclusion that Belarusian-Chinese economic relations are developing dynamically, and the countries also conduct an intensified political dialogue. Investing in Belarusian projects, penetrating the Belarusian markets, the PRC, in turn, carries out active expansion not only in the Republic of Belarus, but also in the CIS on the whole.

Keywords: contractual legal framework, strategic partnership, turnover, trade and economic relations, the Republic of Belarus, China, investment, infrastructure, scientific-technical cooperation, Silk Road

Abstract: The article is devoted to the Chinese-Australian cooperation in the investment sphere. The relevance of the topic is determined by the fact that China today is one of the largest international investors, and Australia is in the Top 10 most attractive economies in the world. The author pays special attention to the development of the Chinese FDI policy, starting from the strategy of "expanding abroad" and ending with the recent ambitious initiative to build the "Silk Road Economic Belt". In addition, the legal framework of Australia which regulates a foreign investment in the country, as well as the problems of Chinese-Australian cooperation and promising areas for the application of Chinese investment in the country. The author uses a historical method to study the Chinese FDI policy, which allowed to trace the evolution of the conceptual foundations development of the PRC government modern approach to investment abroad. Also, the author used a structural method to study the Chinese-Australian cooperation, which allowed the author to determine the origins of problems in relations between the countries in the investment sphere. The author comes to the conclusion that the problems in the Chinese-Australian investment cooperation which arose due to Australia's concern regarding a large inflow of investments from China, have changed the nature and areas of application of Chinese investments, but have not reduced their volume in recent years. As a result, it can be concluded that the interest in the further development of relations will remain in the foreseeable future.

Keywords: state-owned companies, natural resources, infrastructure, foreign capital, infrastructure projects, Going Global Strategy, investment policy, FDI, strategic sectors, national interests

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the issues of China-Brazil cooperation on the issues under study and the impact of China's energy policy on these relations in the XXI century. In his work the author highlights that cooperation in this area in the early 2000s was extremely limited but in 2007 Brazil became one of the largest South American oil suppliers to China. China is also interested in Brazil in terms of biofuels, as this Latin American state is one of the leading producers and exporters of this type of fuel. The author considers the increasing importance of renewable energy sources for the energy policy and security of the PRC. The author believes that the China-Brazil energy relations were influenced by BRICS which created the necessary cooperative environment for collaboration. The article analyzed the statements that were made at the nine BRICS summits (2009-2017). The methodological basis of the article is scientific methods based on the requirements of an objective and comprehensive factor analysis of the China-Brazil energy relations. The research was carried out with the help of a set of methods and means of scientific knowledge. The author comes to the conclusion that strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector between China and Brazil is caused by a rapid economic growth of China which requires the development of the energy industry. Brazil, in turn, is interested in Chinese investment and technology. The author concludes that the potential for cooperation between the two countries is enormous and that the governments will increase the level of cooperation in the researched field.

Keywords: bilateral cooperation, petroleum, renewable energy, South-south cooperation, BRICS, Biofuel, Energy Security, strategic relations, investments, Energy Efficiency

Abstract: The article considers the cooperation of Russia and Afghanistan in the area of investment. The urgency of the topic is conditioned by the fact that Afghanistan is going through a difficult economic situation and it needs external assistance to sustain its economy, develop infrastructure and social sphere. This assistance is provided by few actors of world politics, mostly by strong regional and extraregional actors. Russia demonstrates its willingness to cooperate with Afghanistan in the economic sphere and actively invests in the Afghan economy. The methodology of study of investment cooperation between the two countries is quite diverse. The main methods used for analysis are general scientific ones. The method of comparison is used to identify a greater or lesser potential of states in the investment sphere. The method of document analysis allowed us to assess the current regulatory and legal framework upon which the relations between the States are built. The method of analysis is used to separate the investment component from the sphere of economic cooperation. In view of the dynamics of investment cooperation as an object of study, the method of analysis contributes to determination of the structure and features of the main elements. The article examines the legal and regulatory framework of Russian-Afghan investment cooperation, presents the main economic areas most secure for Russian investments, and also analyzes the dynamics of investment cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan. The author makes a conclusion about the reasons for the rise and fall of Russian investment flows to Afghanistan. 

Keywords: legal and regulatory framework , economy, external assistance , infrastructure, Russian companies, investment potential, business community, long-term relations, investment cooperation , Russian-Afghan relations

Abstract: The research subject is trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Bahrain at the present stage. The author analyzes not only the current spheres of cooperation between the two countries, but also the potential spheres. The author characterizes the economic system of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The author successively considers three “baskets” of trade and economic cooperation: fuel and energy sector, high technologies, and investments. The research methodology includes the system and structural-functional approaches. The author uses institutional and comparative methods, synthesis and event-analysis. Long-term cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Russian Federation is strategically important in the context of realization of national interests of both countries. For Moscow, Manama is an appropriate base of accessing the GCC’s markets and pursuing the policy aimed at achieving results in the political sphere via economic instruments. For the Kingdom of Bahrain, relations with Russia are the element of the national economic security and the part of the strategy aimed at diversification of markets and basic partners within strategic manoeuvering from the medium and small states theory. 

Keywords: high technologies, diversification, investment, cooperation, Bahrain, Russia, security, economy, fuel and energy complex, national interests

Abstract: The paper considers the problem of development of trade and economic relations between the regions of Russia and Belarus in the context of the Union State formation. The authors prove that to fully implement international cooperation in the spheres of trade, industry, power engineering, and socio-cultural sphere, it is necessary to develop transregional interaction in the spheres of transport, communications and Media. The research object is transregional communications of the Union State. The research subject is socio-economic relations within transregional communications of the Union State. The authors apply the method of system analysis to estimate the geographical dispersion of cooperation in the spheres of transport and communications and reveal the necessity to diversify such interactions according to the geographical principle. Special attention is paid to the analysis of border territories of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The authors prove that within the Union State, contacts and broader cooperation between the regions are connected with the difficulties of federative and unitary state structures, and offer organizational, economic, and legal measures to solve these problems. The authors consider the improvement of cooperation in the creation of transport infrastructure and the communications system as a prerequisite to the extension of innovation potential and the increase of investment potential of Russian and Belarusian regions. 

Keywords: international economic relations, communications, innovative cooperation, transport infrastructure, communications system, transregional interaction, Union State, public administration, regional economy, development

Abstract: The research object is Russia’s value of international trade in the agro-industrial sector. The research subject is the mechanisms of optimization of trade turnover in the context of the modern trade relations, including the creation of the new type of special economic zones. The authors consider the modern tendencies of the turnover decrease in particular groups of goods, connected with sanctions. Special attention is given to the study of the existing instruments of Russia’s foreign trade activation – special economic zones. The authors analyze their activities and prognosticate their development prospects. The research methodology includes the methods of system and statistical analysis and the method of economic planning and prognostication. The authors conclude that the current problems of Russian agricultural producers can be solved with the help of special economic zones. The authors explain the reasonability of creation of agro-industrial special economic zones on the federal level in order to use them for the expansion of the volume of food commodities and raw materials production and the agro-industrial sector strengthening. 

Keywords: agro-industrial sector, economic transparency, import substitution, resident, positive effect, modernisation of the economy, special economic zones, sanctions, agricultural goods, foreign trade

Abstract: The article is devoted to the analysis of the foreign sanctions impact on the Russian economy. By means of historical retrospection the author explains why the European policy of sanctions has shown its inefficiency and is going to fail very soon. Special attention is paid to the comparison of the events which had taken place a hundred years ago with the modern events; the author studies the Western trade policy towards Russia in times of the diplomatic and economic isolation of Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. The methodological base of the research contains the following methods: system, structural functional, comparative historical, comparative political, geopolitical, cultural and civilizational, the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling and observation. The results of the research show that as it was in the 1920s, nowadays Russia is able not only to survive without the import of goods, but also to adjust the production, eliminating the further dependence on the foreign goods. The author uses the data of the Russian and the foreign archives, and it confirms the conclusions made in the process of the research.

Keywords: international relations, foreign policy, sanctions, geopolitics, political stability, diplomacy, state, interests, values, security.

Abstract: The modern state should achieve a necessary balance and optimum correlation between resource guarantees of its foreign political and economic activities in the glocal aria based on the global “conjuncture”. The problem of choosing the right correlation is especially topical for the “medium states” , such as Ukraine. For them declaring the idea of “economizing foreign policy” is a principle domestic challenge, and in practice it comes to the level of “politization of foreign economic connections”. In the conditions of “stable instability” of the global order the international context gains more and more value for the geo-strategy of a state. The key challenge is the principle change in the general character of subjects of international relations. The juxtaposition of these factors leads to the conflicts between long-term and short-term goals, and the geo-strategic “exchange” becomes more topical.

Keywords: political science, global policy, geo-strategy, geo-policy, geo-economics, state, inter-relation, glocality, regional, Ukraine.