Abstract: The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the development of relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People's Republic of China in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Special attention is paid to the formation of the regulatory and legal framework for educational cooperation and its role in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The work examines key stages of diplomatic relations, the expansion of economic interaction, Kazakhstan's participation in China's initiatives, as well as the dynamics of cultural and educational exchange. The processes of institutionalizing cooperation in the field of education are studied in detail, including the establishment of Confucius Institutes, mutual student exchanges, and the mutual recognition of educational documents. The article's issues lie in identifying contradictions in bilateral relations: from trade imbalance and dependence on Chinese investments to environmental challenges and public concerns regarding China's influence on Kazakhstan. The research employs comparative-historical and institutional approaches, as well as the analysis of the regulatory and legal framework and statistical data, which allows for the identification of development patterns and the assessment of cooperation prospects. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive examination of educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and China as a crucial element of strategic partnership, complementing economic and political aspects of interaction. It is established that the humanitarian and educational components serve as a tool for building trust between the countries and forming the human resource potential necessary for the implementation of long-term joint projects. At the same time, risks associated with trade imbalances, migration processes, environmental issues, and potential credit dependency on China have been identified. It is concluded that the further development of bilateral relations requires maintaining a balance of interests, increasing transparency in cooperation, and focusing on mutually beneficial outcomes. Educational diplomacy is of particular importance, as it contributes to the formation of a new generation of specialists and strengthens the foundations of sustainable strategic partnership.

Keywords: China, cultural cooperation, humanitarian diplomacy, foreign policy, student exchanges, Confucius Institutes, education, bilateral relations, strategic partnership, Kazakhstan

Abstract: Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has historically been a recipient of foreign aid; in 2023 alone, it received more than $4 billion in official development assistance. This influx of foreign aid is intended to support the Nigerian Government's efforts to address significant socio-economic issues such as poverty, inadequate healthcare, and labor shortages. However, despite this influx, Nigeria continues to struggle with political and socio-economic problems. This has led to an ongoing debate among academics about the actual impact of international aid on the country's development trajectory. At the heart of this debate is the complex relationship between the dynamics of foreign aid and Nigeria's political economy. Political factors also influence the policy and use of foreign aid, disproportionately benefiting some regions compared to others. Corruption and poor governance prevent aid from being directed towards profitable investments, limiting its economic benefits in Nigeria. This study examines how foreign aid affects Nigeria's development through case studies, a theoretical framework, and a literature review. The political economy approach emphasizes the interaction of political, economic, and social elements in determining development outcomes. The novelty of the study also lies in the synthesis of existing literature with in-depth practical research to demonstrate the intricacies of providing assistance in the Nigerian context. By linking theoretical foundations such as institutional theory with real-world examples such as the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the study provides a comprehensive analysis of aid management, accountability, and sustainability issues. The results of this study highlight the need to strengthen institutional frameworks, improve data collection and monitoring systems, and promote collaboration between government, civil society, and foreign donors to increase aid transparency and accountability. Ultimately, this study provides valuable information for policy makers and development professionals seeking to maximize the impact of foreign aid on Nigeria's sustainable development.

Keywords: Developing Nations, Official Development Aid, Governance, Poverty Reduction, Economic development, Aid Effectiveness, Corruption, Foreign aid, Political economy, Infrastructure

Abstract: This scientific article is devoted to the study of platforms for learning Chinese as a tool of "soft power" of the People’s Republic of China. The relevance of the study is due to the following factors: first, the development of bilateral political, economic and cultural ties between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China; second, growing interest in learning the Chinese language among citizens of the Russian Federation; third, an increase in the number of relevant platforms for learning the Chinese language available on the territory of the Russian Federation. The object of the sudy is the «soft power» of the People’s Republic of China. The subject of the study are platforms for learning Chinese as a tool of «soft power» of the People’s Republic of China. The aim of the study is to define the role of platforms for learning Chinese as a tool of «soft power» of the People’s Republic of China. This study is based on the theory of neo-liberalism, according to which bilateral relations between states are a «non-zero-sum game» - potentially mutually beneficial cooperation, The key driver of which are economic relations and activities of international institutions. The main conclusions of the study are the definition of a list of key platforms for learning Chinese; the establishment of the role of the People’s Republic of China in the activities of these platforms for learning Chinese on the territory of the Russian Federation; identifying potential for the development of the Chinese language in the Russian Federation among users of these platforms. The scientific novelty of this study is based on the identification of the process of "self-popularization" of the Chinese language in the Russian Federation as an indirect instrument of the PRC’s "soft power".

Keywords: Self-popularization, School, Platforms, Soft power, Chinese language, PRC, China, Russia, Language, Cooperation

Abstract: The subject of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical project "Shiite Crescent", considered an instrument of the Iranian line of resistance in the Middle East. The study covers the historical stages of the project's development, starting from 1979 to 2023, with a special emphasis on the events of the 2010s, including the "Arab Spring", which contributed to the formation and strengthening of the "Shiite Crescent". The goal of the study is to identify how Iran uses religious and ideological ties to strengthen its influence in the region and counter external pressure, in particular from the West, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The study examines key events and their role in strengthening the Iranian presence in Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, and Yemen. The authors examine Iran's use of religion as soft power. The research methodology includes historical and comparative analysis, which allows for a deeper understanding of Tehran's strategy to spread the doctrine of resistance and create a network of allies. An important part of the study is the consideration of the role of individual countries in the formation and support of the Iranian resistance line. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the detailed analysis of the geopolitical project "Shiite Crescent" as a key tool of the Iranian resistance line in the Middle East, which allows for a deeper understanding of Iran's strategic goals in the region. The findings of the study show that Iran's strategy after the Islamic Revolution is aimed at spreading the doctrine of resistance, and the "Shiite Crescent" project serves mainly as a distraction and is of secondary importance. The project is seen as a tool to create an Iranian line of resistance against Western influence and as a means of empowering Shia Muslims.

Keywords: Middle East, Geopolitics, Regional policy, Soft power, Arab Spring, Iranian foreign policy, Iranian resistance line, Shia Crescent, Anti-Western Resistance, alliance

Abstract: The relevance of the study is due to the rapid development of cultural diplomacy in the PRC against the background of the confrontation between the People's Republic of China and the US for world domination. The object of the study is the cultural diplomacy of the People's Republic of China. The subject of the study is the cultural diplomacy of China. A research objective is to determine the role of cultural diplomacy in the foreign policy of the People's Republic of China. The main tasks of the research are to investigate the history of Chinese cultural diplomacy after the formation of the People's Republic of China, to identify key changes in the PRC’s cultural diplomacy against the background of the deterioration of bilateral relations with the USSR, to analyze the PRC’s cultural diplomacy at the current stage, to define the main tools of implementation of cultural diplomacy of the People's Republic of China. This study is based on the "power transition" theory, explaining the process of changing the global leader in the world scene and its accompanying processes. The scientific novelty of this study is to define key tools of cultural diplomacy of the PRC at the current stage, which can include academic exchanges, dissemination of Chinese language, cinema, video games; to establish Western youth as a key goal of Chinese cultural diplomacy. The main conclusions of the study are analisys of the cultural diplomacy of the PRC, establishment of the main directions of PRC's cultural diplomacy, identification of a change in the vector of cultural diplomacy of the PRC against the background of the deterioration of bilateral relations with the USSR, identification of the key tools of cultural diplomacy of the PRC at the current stage.

Keywords: Language, Culture, Power transition, USSR, US, PRC, Cultural diplomacy, Soft power, China, Media

Abstract: This article examines the «Cool Japan» strategy as one of Japan's soft power tools in the process of building the country's national image. The article focuses on the mechanisms by which the «Cool Japan» strategy is implemented as part of public diplomacy to enhance the country's cultural and political influence. The article also explores how the strategy contributes to the establishment of a distinctive national image that influences the perception of Japan in different regions of the world and promotes its integration into the global cultural and economic field. To achieve the research objectives, the article applies an interdisciplinary approach, including elements of international relations theory and sociocultural theory. The main research methods used are: content analysis, case studies, historical and comparative analysis. The novelty of this paper lies in the comprehensive analysis of «Cool Japan» as a soft power strategy aimed at redefining and reshaping Japan's national image. The article offers a distinctive perspective on soft power in the context of Japanese foreign policy and assesses the effectiveness of «Cool Japan» implementation at the regional and global levels. «Cool Japan» served as the catalyst for Japan's successful rebranding, allowing the country to redefine and update its perception in the eyes of the global community. Anime and manga, as central elements of Japanese pop culture, have become global phenomena actively consumed in various countries around the world. These cultural products not only contribute to increasing interest in Japan, but have also become important components in building a positive image of the country by appealing to different demographic groups. Given historical factors and political differences, East Asian countries such as China and the Republic of Korea are actively consuming Japanese cultural products. This fact shows that Japanese soft power is successfully breaking barriers and gaining acceptance in the region.

Keywords: Olympic Games, Manga, Anime, Cultural Politics, Public Diplomacy, Cool Japan, Japan, East Asia, National Image, Rebranding

Abstract: The study examines the use of education as an instrument of Russia’s soft power in ASEAN countries and its role in fostering international educational cooperation. It focuses on academic mobility, government quotas, inter-university programs, and scientific exchanges, as well as key factors influencing student inflows from ASEAN countries to Russian universities. Special attention is given to differences in engagement levels across ASEAN states and challenges faced by students in admission and study processes. The study analyzes historical and contemporary aspects of educational diplomacy, its institutional foundations, and its significance for Russia’s academic and scientific ties with ASEAN. It also explores ways to enhance the appeal of Russian higher education, including improving programs, expanding English-language instruction, and strengthening information support for international students. The research employs contextual and quantitative analysis with a comparative approach. Academic mobility is assessed through an indicator measuring the ratio of ASEAN students in Russia to their home country’s population per million residents. The analysis covers data from 2020 to 2024. The study’s novelty lies in the quantitative assessment of Russia’s educational policy in ASEAN using a newly developed academic mobility coefficient. The findings confirm the hypothesis that an increase in ASEAN students in Russia correlates with expanding educational cooperation and stronger academic ties. The largest student inflows are from Laos and Vietnam, reflecting high engagement in Russian initiatives, while mobility remains low in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei, highlighting the need to revise cooperation strategies. The results emphasize the role of academic mobility as a key component of Russia’s educational diplomacy in the region.

Keywords: Russian universities, student exchanges, Russian foreign policy, Russia-ASEAN cooperation, international educational programs, ASEAN countries, Russian education, academic mobility, educational diplomacy, soft power

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

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

Abstract: Assistance to developing countries, or the so-called “Third World” countries, is one of the areas of foreign policy activity in modern developed countries. It is provided to recipient countries in the form of loans, grants and other transfers to solve, first of all, social and economic problems. The Republic of Austria has a small territory and population, but at the same time it also has an efficient economy that encourages a high standard of living and a status of permanent neutrality allow it to play the role of a donor country for this type of assistance. In Austria, such policy is divided into two directions: “global” and “domestic”. Despite the commitment of many countries to "global" Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Republic of Austria ranks recipient countries of financial assistance in terms of its own national interests. In particular, the largest volumes of financial assistance are provided by Austria to the countries of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. In this regard, the author considers the activities of the Austrian state in this area as the implementation of the most important element of Vienna’s “soft power” policy. This article is devoted to the policy that Austria pursues towards countries in need of economic, financial and humanitarian assistance. The key element of this policy is the “domestic” Austrian Development Cooperation Program (ADP), aimed at establishing economic ties and providing financial assistance to countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America (primarily the Caribbean), as well as to the other poorest countries in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Using methods of description and analysis, the article examines the historiography, foundations and essence of this policy in Austria, and also analyzes the new edition of one of the fundamental documents – the Three-Year Program of Austrian Development Policy from 2022 to 2024.

Keywords: ODA, recipient country, donor country, conditionality, EU, OECD, ADA, Austria, carbon neutrality, humanitarian aid