Abstract: The author of the study focuses on the institution of interest groups in the political process in the USA and its influence on the problem of political lobbyism in the context of genesis and development of Russia-United States relations. The author considers the key events promoting the development of bilateral confrontation including the debate about the US withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, ratification of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and other aspects determining the character of the dialogue between Moscow and Washington. The author gives special attention to the role of interest groups of ideological and ethnic nature. The author uses the method of comparative analysis of effectiveness and activity of different types of interest groups involved in foreign policy formation. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the author’s attention to the problem of impact of groups of interest on the escalation of crisis in Russia-United States relations. While the role of executive and legislative power in this process has been studied thoroughly enough, the positions and the shadow activities of groups of interest haven’t got deserved attention. The author concludes about the absence of a wide range of interest groups, which would support the constructive nature of Russia-United States dialogue, and about the necessity to intensify the efforts of such organizations in order to overcome the present crisis of relations. 

Keywords: ethnic lobby, think tank, Ukrainian crisis, Obama's Administration , the US Congress , lobbyism, Anti-Ballistic Missile Defence , nuclear disarmament , Russia-United States relations , interested groups

Abstract: The article studies the place and role of transnational corporations within the system of non-state actors of international relations. The research object is the system of international relations and world politics in general and the system of non-state actors of international relations in particular. The research subject is transnational corporations as a special type of non-state actors of world politics. The purpose of the study is to define the role and place of transnational corporations within the system of non-state actors of international relations. The research methodology is based on the system, structural-functional, comparative-political approaches, the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, and observation. The author draws attention to the fact that modern transnational corporations (TNC) have a special and, to a certain extent, a unique position within the system of non-state actors of international relations and world politics. In their form and way of existence, TNCs are not specialized actors: they can successfully fit into any vacant political niches and play any roles, using the support of nation-states both for the acquisition of the political status and influence, and the legitimation of the results of their political activities. 

Keywords: diplomacy, international relations, U.S. foreign policy, world politics, global information space, political system, interests, state, sequrity, risks

Abstract: The paper studies the functions of non-state actors of international relations – “actors beyond sovereignty” – playing the key role in the modern world politics. This category includes nongovernmental organizations, non-profitable organizations, international funds, international professional unions, transnational corporations. Besides competing with traditional actors of international relations – national states and international organizations – non-state actors have special functions in the modern world politics, which ensure its sustainability, dynamics and ability to modernize. The research object is global politics in general, the research subject is the functions of non-state actors of international relations and world politics. The research methodology is based on the system, institutional, structural and functional and comparative-political approaches, the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction and observation. Non-state actors of international relations and world politics have their special and definite functions in the political sphere. Owing to these functions, typical for non-state actors, “actors beyond sovereignty”, and unusual for traditional actors of international relations, transnational corporations hold their stable position and political and ecological niche in global politics. 

Keywords: self-organization, international relations, U.S. foreign policy, world politics, global information space, political system, interests, state, security, risks