The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of “soft power”, methods of application, and the role it plays in solving problems facing the world community. Due to the unclear and sometimes contradictory definition of “soft power”, there are many different opinions on what its goals, objectives, and tools actually are. Currently, many countries compete for leadership in various ratings based on cultural diplomacy, which is not always true. In the 1990s, an influential political scientist and statesman from the USA, Joseph Nye, introduced the controversial concept of “soft power” in his book of free genre. This concept quickly gained popularity in journalism and popular science articles. Now, it is the subject of scientific study. Many countries compete in using “soft power”, and there are more than a dozen major international analytical rating agencies operating worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what the author means by the term “soft power” and how others interpret it. During the research, methods such as analysis, synthesis, analogy, and deduction were used. A study of Nye’s works, his predecessors, and modern authors who develop his ideas has shown that “soft power” is a powerful tool for influencing the worldview of large groups of people. It can be used by top-level establishment of society to advance their agenda, and the outcome will depend on their initial goals. “Soft power” is a set of various rating parameters, a kind of revision of material and non-material resources. This allows us to estimate the potential for its use by individual countries to influence international politics and, on this basis, to predict world events. According to the author, the concept of “soft power” includes an ideological tool that exerts influence at the highest international level —  civilizational. This tool can be used both to build mutually beneficial cultural relations that will allow us to find new ways of developing nations and to manipulate and control large groups of people through mental programming. 

The article analyzes and systematizes Russia’s international energy initiatives in the context of their use as a mechanism of “soft power”. The purpose of the article is to identify promising vectors of Russian energy policy. To conduct the study, the authors applied historical and contextual methods. In the course of the work, Russian energy projects were grouped by geography, the context and specifics of the implementation of these projects were determined, and the Russian experience of interaction with partner countries within the framework of energy initiatives was analyzed. In the course of the study, the authors also identified the contradictions and mistakes of Russian energy initiatives, and identified the strategies of the companies conducting the projects. The events in the field of nuclear energy as one of the most promising areas of energy diplomacy of the Russian Federation are considered separately. As a result, potential directions for the development of the energy policy of the Russian Federation have been identified, taking into account the possible expansion of the sphere of interests. The authors conclude that in addition to the traditional oil and gas sector, it is necessary to consider other energy sectors, including renewable energy, nuclear and hydrogen technologies, as an implementation of the “soft power” concept. 

The article examines modern practices of legitimizing the institution of remote electronic voting, implemented in recent years in the Russian Federation using digital and non-digital technologies in the context of ensuring the electoral sovereignty of the country. The author analyzes the development of online voting in the context of comprehensive digitalization of the state and society, emphasizing its compliance for the level of technological development of the country. Particular attention is paid to the advantages of Russian e-voting system including convenience and accessibility of e-voting, ensuring the security and confidentiality of data, transparency of the basic voting procedures. Digital technologies make it possible to automate the process, reduce time costs and minimize errors. Growing public interest in online voting creates prerequisites for expanding the practice of using this system in elections at various levels. The article also raises the problem of using modern digital communications to increase the legitimacy of e-voting. The author identifies three contours of ensuring the legitimacy of online voting: normative, infrastructural and communicative. Legitimizing practices and necessary procedures used by election commissions, government authorities, as well as civil society institutions are presented as part of a single political space. In the context of increasing public confidence in online voting, special attention is paid to the risks of delegitimization of the e-voting system in the context of increasing international tensions and intensification of external information pressure on Russian voters. The conclusion indicates that the effective use of digital communications is a tool for limiting the negative effects of information pressure and associated socio-political threats in the sphere of organizing and holding elections.

The article discusses the features of counteracting false information about the progress of the SMO in Ukraine in the social messenger Telegram. The research aim is at identifying key strategies and tactics of Ukrainian and Russian information flows, as well as analyzing strengths and weaknesses to form scenarios for Russia’s strengthening in the information confrontation. Using the methods of cognitive mapping, correlation and cluster analysis, the authors studied the features of content, audience engagement and the structure of information dissemination. The Ukrainian side actively uses disinformation, appealing to the emotional perception of the audience and calling for discussion in open communities to discredit Russian state institutions. The key feature of the Ukrainian information flow is the promptness of the spread of fakes and the variability of formats, however, the high frequency of exposure of fakes makes it possible to reduce confidence in Ukrainian resources. The Russian information flow is divided into formal and informal segments, each of which has its own characteristics. The informal stream quickly disproves Ukrainian fakes and emotionally engages the audience, but faces the problem of unreliable information from a number of sources. The authors note the importance of further development of coordination between the formal and informal Russian parts of the information flow, the implementation of fact-checking and the use of creative formats. These actions are aimed at increasing confidence in Russian sources and strengthening Russia’s position in the information confrontation to offset the risks of socio-political destabilization.

The article discusses issues of theoretical understanding and conceptual foundations of Russian-Belarusian integration, which found expression in the formation and development of the Union State (USRB). The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that the understanding of the process of unification of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, carried out by both theorists and practitioners of Russian and Belarusian politics, serves as its conceptual basis. The difference in the stages of understanding integration transformations reflects changes in geopolitical and domestic factors that have accompanied the process of formation of the USRB over the past decades. The purpose of the article was to analyze and periodize the theoretical understanding and conceptual justification of Russian-Belarusian integration aimed at building the Union State. Its objectives: 1. to define and compare the main stages of theoretical understanding of the USRB and its integration prerequisites; 2. a brief analysis of the components of the Russian, Belarusian and foreign political discourse of Russian-Belarusian integration. The methodological basis of the study was the combination of geopolitical and neorealist approaches, which made it possible to consider the USRB as an important component of the current transformations of the international system. In addition, the approaches of the theory of international relations were complemented by an institutional and systemic vision. The result of the work was the understanding that the theoretical understanding and conceptual justification for the integration of Russia and Belarus, ultimately implemented in the format of the USRB, was carried out at the level of scientific understanding of the processes of Russian-Belarusian unification and discourse, formed on the basis of the rhetoric of politicians of each state, as well as representatives of foreign thought. The basis for the theoretical understanding of the USRB was formed by areas of research that studied its institutional structure and general essence, the set of components of integration processes that expanded in accordance with historical periods, as well as the international aspects of Russian-Belarusian interaction.  The presented theoretical research suggests a wide range of further applied research: starting from the regulatory framework of the State Security Service and its institutional structure, and ending with the processes of implementing union programs and determining its role in the transforming world system.

Topic. The article presents the topic of formation of ecological culture and its implementation in development of ecological economy. The main aspects of ecological education, such as ecological consciousness, upbringing, education, and behavior are considered. The analysis of the concept of “culture” in the context of ecological culture is given. The work pays attention to the modern “green” economy and its inevitability.

Purposes. Identification of the main conditions and ways of formation of ecological culture in the context of the concept of sustainable development of society. Justification of necessity to change the model of human behavior and transformation of consciousness for the purpose of ecological the modern economy.

Methodology. The study is based on a dialectical approach, which involves a change in the understanding of culture, consciousness and behavior. The analysis of conceptual provisions on the place and role of environmental culture in the life of an individual and society is used. The methods of theoretical analysis (comparative, retrospective); empirical (study of regulatory and program-methodical literature) are used.

Results. Despite the significant amount of research in the field of environmental awareness development and formation of environmental culture, the transition to “green” economy is moving rather slow. Environmental awareness and behavior among citizens of modern society are at a quite low level. Modern business is reluctantly introducing resource-saving technologies into life, “greening” is often just a fashionable word. Collective responsibility of business for making decisions in the field of nature conservation, raising the level of environmental awareness and culture are necessary objectives.

Conclusion. Activity on the formation of environmental culture should begin in early childhood and continue throughout life. Educational programs should include environmental education, starting from kindergarten and primary school. It is necessary to develop and implement environmental protection programs that stimulate the rational use of natural resources and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies. The formation of an environmental culture is a long and multifaceted process that requires an integrated approach that unites the efforts of the state, educational institutions, the media, business and civil society.

Topic. As two of the world’s leading economies, China and the United States play a major role in shaping the direction of the global economic system, with their influence stemming not only from their domestic policies but also from the configuration and context of their bilateral relationship. It should be noted that in recent decades, US – China relations have deteriorated from dense symbiotic interconnectedness to mutual rejection and fierce economic confrontation. This study aims to trace this regressive process in US – Chinese relations.

Methods. The analysis uses a retrospective approach utilizing logical-structural and system-historical methods. A key aspect of the study’s novelty lies in the terminological debate surrounding the binary opposition of “Chimerica” as both a merger and a separation of the U.S. and Chinese economies.

Results. Chimerica, as a state in which the complementarity of the economies of the United States and China has led to China becoming a producer and exporter of goods for the American market, and the United States has become the main consumer of Chinese products, has confirmed its non-viability in the last two decades. The trade war launched by President Donald Trump is the culmination point in the development of competition between the two countries for leadership in the global economy. The current administration of Joe Biden is no longer conducting a trade war with the same resonant methods that Trump used, but in general, US policy shows that deterring China is the most important goal of the American administration.

Discussion. It remains difficult to predict the outcomes of the developing confrontational paradigm between China and the United States, particularly with Trump’s secondary term starting with new tariff war waged against the entire world. These circumstances highlight the need for further research in this area under conditions rapidly shifting international dynamics.

The article provides a detailed overview of the history and development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in global politics. The introduction briefly discusses the SCO and its significance in global politics. The article then provides an overview of the history of the SCO, starting from its establishment and initial members to subsequent stages of expansion, including the accession of India and Pakistan in 2017. Next, the article discusses the current state of the SCO and its role in global politics, including opportunities for future development and expansion such as economic cooperation, science and technology, environmental protection and sustainable development, membership expansion, and cooperation with other regional and international organizations. In conclusion, the article analyzes potential challenges and issues that may arise in the future, including differences in member interests and priorities, geopolitical tensions, economic and political issues, security concerns, and competition among members. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the SCO, including its history, current state, prospects for development, and possible challenges and issues, which enables a complete understanding of the role and significance of this organization in global politics. 

The article examines the influence of electoral and political party legislation parameters on the state and quantitative dynamics of the Russian party system from 2012 to 2024. The aim of the study is to develop an approach to the periodization of the development of parties and the party system of the Russian Federation, based on the proposed fundamental characteristics of the party system and a description of the stages of its configuration during the period from 2012 to 2024. The research methodology is based in a comprehensive analysis of both theoretical and practical aspects of the functioning of the Russian Federation’s party system during the studied period. The methods used in the study include extensive analysis of statistical data, as well as scientific, historical, and news publications from various time periods. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the Russian party system has reached a qualitatively new level of development, characterized, on the one hand, by a multiplicity of participants, and on the other, by a naturally established balance of supply and demand in the competitive market of political projects.

The article analyzes the peculiarities of penetration of destructive ideologies into the content of political discourse under the influence of generated hype. The relevance of addressing the issue is due to the development of specific technologies used by the media in the process of forming public opinion in the context of promoting traditional Russian spiritual and moral values against the background of hybrid warfare. The subject area of the study is revealed by considering the example of quadrobing as a subculture that contradicts Russian traditional spiritual and moral values, defined by individual government and political figures as a destructive ideology. The interpretation of the concept of “destructive ideology” in the research context correlates with the content of a similar term, fixed in the regulatory framework of the Russian Federation. Methodologically, the research is based on a combination of normative-value and communicative approaches, and its direct research methods are discourse analysis and case study. As a result of the research, the destructive nature of quadrobing has been established, acting as a threat to Russian traditional spiritual and moral values due to its mass characterization. It is concluded that the generated hype around quadrobing contributed to the formation of a public outcry and increased attention to the need for government authorities to regulate the problem. The practical result of the media hype created was the development of a bill banning destructive ideologies in Russia, the control over the spread of which is especially important in the context of ideological confrontation with the collective West. The conclusions indicate the constructive potential of hype generation technology in the process of making a controversial issue of public importance and forming the basis for its regulatory regulation due to penetration into political discourse.

The article raises topical issues of creating an inclusive design of the urban environment as a priority principle for the development of urbanized spaces. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, the features of inclusive design of the urban environment and its differences from the universal approach to the design of urban spaces are defined. In particular, the unsuitability of formal adherence to a standardized approach to urban design is noted, stigmatization of the topic of disability in public consciousness and urban planning practices. It is concluded that the principle of inclusiveness is expressed in the ability of an individual to exercise his or her “right to the city”, interacting with other people and communicating in the space of the urban environment. Using the in-depth interview method, an analysis of the inclusive design of the urban environment of the Airport district was conducted. It was found that the distortion of the ideas of inclusive design in urban design practices leads to the emergence of a state of “exclusion” of people with special needs, a decrease in the possibility of their active participation in the life of the urban community. The practices of “consuming the urban environment” for this category of the population are associated with the search for alternative routes, forms and means of transportation; involving relatives to avoid negative experiences; the formation of “well-established” trajectories of movement to the place of study or a traditional place of rest. The analysis of the materials of in-depth interviews also made it possible to systematize the objects of the Aeroport district according to their adaptability to the needs of people with limited mobility. The lower rates of inclusive adaptability are occupied by public spaces of the urban environment (catering places, coworking spaces, business centers, offices); with an average rate of inclusive adaptability —  public transport and road infrastructure (bus stops, sidewalks, metro station, etc.). A high rate of inclusive adaptability is noted in libraries and park recreation areas. An analysis of the respondents’ daily practices allowed us to create a map of the inclusive adaptability of the Airport district.

The article considers the specifics of development of public spaces of modern cities as objects of tourist attraction, analyzes key problems and prospects for increasing their potential. The role of public spaces in development of domestic tourism is determined by a set of motivating factors social subjects when choosing tourist routes, primarily in the context of cultural, educational and event tourism. Along with cognitive and rational factors, emotional and personal motivation of a tourist (the need for sensory experience, emotions, impressions, visual attractiveness of a place) is of particular importance. The results of the research allowed us to conclude that there are a number of dysfunctions in development of public spaces of modern cities, their insufficient visual and functional attractiveness for a potential tourist. Insufficient of financial resources in local budgets do not allow to maintain a high level of improvement of public spaces, primarily in small towns. Every fifth respondent surveyed during the study noted the insufficient number of places for leisure. One of the modern problems of functioning of public spaces is their “transition” from public urban areas to the commercialized zone of shopping and entertainment centers. The article highlights the functions of public spaces: integration, communication, leisure, socio-cultural (creation of conditions for the implementation of cultural and spiritual interests of the individual, maintaining diversity in the urban environment), image (formation of a territorial brand and image). A conclusion is made about the need to focus the efforts of local authorities on the development of public spaces as objects of tourist attraction, increasing their visual attractiveness, authenticity, originality, and activating the event agenda. 

The expansion and deepening of economic cooperation within the framework of international projects between Russia and China updates to develop new innovative approaches to minimizing various types of risks. Underestimation of the role of cross-cultural risks in international projects can lead to various kinds of negative consequences. The purpose of the research is to study cultural characteristics of mindset and behavior as a way to minimize risks in Russian-Chinese projects. The author substantiates the importance of taking into account cross-cultural risks in terms of improving the effectiveness of international project management. Performs a comparative analysis of the patterns of thinking and behavior of Chinese and Russians. The author comes to the conclusion that the degree of socio-cultural distance between Russia and China is quite high, which increases the risks of cross-cultural misunderstandings, mistakes and conflicts. As part of this research, a comparative analysis of the differences in the socio-cultural characteristics of the thinking and behavior patterns of the Chinese and Russians was carried out. Taking these differences into account will support to more effective management of cross-cultural projects, as well as the formation of the value of trust between Russian and Chinese partners. Specific recommendations have been developed to increase the effectiveness of cross-cultural communications between Russians and Chinese when working on joint projects. 

The article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the instruments of state regulation of the digital economy of the Russian Federation, which gives the work a practice-oriented and topical character. The dual nature of digitalization is justified: on the one hand, it contributes to the creation of high-performance jobs, automation of industrial and administrative processes, reduction of transaction costs and accessibility of public services.; On the other hand, it increases the risks of cyber threats, technological unemployment, and the oligopolization of the digital market, as well as deepening regional disparities and staff shortage. To mitigate these threats, the state uses a multi — l evel system of procedures, the core of which is the national Digital Economy project and nine complementary federal projects, from the formation of a flexible regulatory environment and the development of information infrastructure to training human resources and scaling artificial intelligence. The article shows that the coordination platform of ANO “Digital Economy” serves as an interface between business and government, providing analytical support, replication of best practices of digital transformation and the development of initiatives for effective regulation. The key attention is focus on incentive mechanisms: “digital sandboxes”, tax preferences, preferential loans, simplified public procurement and professional retraining programs, which together form a favorable environment for IT companies. Special attention is paid to the institution of “digital sandboxes” as a form of experimental legal regimes that minimize regulatory barriers and accelerate the commercialization of innovations. The socio-economic effects of comprehensive tax and personnel benefits for the IT industry have been identified, ensuring an increase in gross domestic costs for the digital economy to 5.2 trillion rubles and bringing Russia into the TOP 10 of the GovTech Maturity Index rating. The current analytic review can serve as a methodological basis for further research and the development of strategic recommendations.

The article is dedicated to the study of the genealogy of the Old Russian boyars and, in particular, its highest aristocratic stratum during the formation of the statehood of Rus’. The article notes the lack of sources and the complexity of studying this aspect, but emphasizes the importance of personal and genealogical research for understanding the social structure of that time. The article examines three key noble families: the supposed descendants of Oleg the Prophet; Sveneldichs and Ostromirovichs, who were supposedly one noble family; as well as the genealogy of the Malkovichs. Meanwhile, chronicle data are analyzed and conclusions are made about possible relation between these families. Issues of origin, social status and the role of these families in the context of the relationship between the boyars and princely power are discussed. For example, the probable genealogical connection of Oleg and Olga, as well as a number of noble persons of the subsequent period, highlights the relationship between the princely and boyar status using the example of the closest relatives of the ruling dynasty. The data about the Sveneldichs and Ostromirovichs illustrate the phenomenon of rises and falls among the aristocracy, as well as the influence of personal biographies on the development of political relations. The genealogy of the Malkovichs an example of effective socialization in aristocratic circles through family relation with the princely dynasty. The article provides an extensive analysis of the genealogy of the boyars of the X–XI centuries and demonstrates the ways in which the ruling elite functioned in this era. It is emphasized that the aristocracy was mainly formed on the basis of family relation in the princely squad, and attention is also focused on the interaction of the principles of blood and service in the formation of the elite. It is concluded that the struggle between these principles will become characteristic of the further development of the Russian aristocracy. The article has practical value for historians and researchers interested in the genealogy of the aristocracy, as well as for studying social changes in early Rus’. The article can serve as a basis for further research in the field of source studies and social history, deepening the understanding of the structure of power and its changes in the context of ancient Russian society.