No 3 (2024)
Articles
The "state approach" to the study of international non-governmental organizations in modern political science
Abstract
The subject of the research is the methodological approaches used in modern political science studies of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). The emphasis is placed on the "state approach", which has received much less scientific attention to date than other methodological "platforms". This approach is based on two statements: 1) the effectiveness of INGOs is often determined not by their independence, but by strict accountability to the patron States; 2) INGOs are often created not independently, based on independent regulatory and professional standards, but externally in order to realize the interests and priorities of the patron states. In other words, states act as patrons, and INGOs are agents who solve the tasks of patrons. The study applied the provisions and conclusions of theories related in one way or another to the activities of modern INGOs: theories of network interaction of INGOs, transcalar activity of INGOs, structural limits of the INGOs power. The article attempts to classify existing approaches in INGOs research ("cosmopolitan", "national", "state"); to substantiate the productivity and value of the "state approach" (INGOs are considered as subordinate actors who adhere to the mission and interests of their patrons); to identify the main directions of critical analysis of their activities (INGOs, related with states, are often inefficient in strengthening civil society; characterized by latent nature of activities and a low level of legitimacy). It is concluded that relations between states and INGOs often take the form of a "patron-agent" and and characterized as: "conspiracy", "adaptability", "grassroots control", "geographical shift".
World politics. 2024;(3):1-8
1-8
Russia's turn to the East: achievements, problems and prospects
Abstract
The article presents conclusions from the analysis of the formation and development of the concept of "turning to the East" in Russian foreign policy. The risks associated with the reorientation of Russian policy to the East in the context of the geopolitical situation in the period from 2022 to 2024 are investigated. Among them, there is a lack of experience of Russia's participation in the processes of regionalization of East Asia, a wary attitude on the part of a number of countries in the region due to their perception of Russia as a non-Asian country, as well as the presence of West-centrist thinking in the Russian political elite and a bias in Russian policy towards China in both the economic and political and diplomatic spheres. The purpose of the study was to study the real dynamics of relations between Russia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region after the start of a special military operation and to reveal the main prospects and threats of such cooperation for Russia. The research methodology is based on a systematic analysis of the subject area using the methods of political science, economic theory, documentation and source studies. The author has studied the changes in Russia's national security strategy, identified the problems existing in this area, and made assumptions about the prospects of Russian policy in the eastern direction. It is shown that the main purpose of changing the course of the "turn to the East" is not only to increase the volume of trade and economic cooperation, but also to expand Russia's political and financial presence in the "Greater Asia" region. Russia's priority task is to attract foreign direct investment from this region, use the territories of advanced development to create new high-tech industries, deepen and expand international relations with all Asian countries. In this context, it is necessary for Russia to develop long-term strategies for the development of mutually beneficial relations with major Asian partners on a bilateral basis, based on a clear understanding of the importance of each of these states for Russia's national interests.
World politics. 2024;(3):9-20
9-20
Turkey in the Focus of American Strategic Planning: Сontinuity in US Foreign Policy
Abstract
In the Middle East and the Eurasian (post-Soviet) space, the US tactical interests lie within the framework of a single long-term strategy, which continuity is outside of fluctuations in the foreign policy environment. The study is aimed at examining the role of Turkey in the emerging architecture of world economy and geopolitics through the prism of US interests. The subject of the study is a set of key conceptual guidelines and officially accepted views on Turkish issues, reflected in the strategic planning documents of the United States. The relevance of the paper is determined by the need for a comprehensive analysis of the process of geopolitical transformations in the post-Soviet space, in which the role of Turkey acquires special significance. The source base includes legislative sources (regulatory and legislative acts) as well as the corpus of office documentation (documents of a normative, reporting and informational nature). US foreign policy practice as well as the intensification of US-Turkish interaction over the last years, including the development of new mechanisms and areas of cooperation, demonstrate the importance of maintaining allied relations with Turkey aiming to minimize risks and costs directly for the United States. Taking into consideration the growth of Turkish political subjectivity, foreign policy influence and its military potential, one should expect greater US involvement in the Turkish case in order to strengthen the allied US-Turkish partnership. Otherwise, US achievements in recent decades, including but not limited to the managing of East-West corridor, may be lost. In this context, US-Turkish disagreements on a number of issues are not an invincible obstacle for the US, and the United States is ready to build a new US-Turkish track based on Turkish foreign policy autonomy which does not contradict American long-term strategic interests.
World politics. 2024;(3):21-31
21-31
Learning the Kazakh language in modern Russia: features and problems
Abstract
The article identifies the main features of learning the Kazakh language in modern Russia at three levels: in top universities, in high school, and in linguistic courses. The high relevance of the topic is due to the fact that the Republic of Kazakhstan has attached special importance to the language issue since gaining its state independence and is one of the cornerstones in its relations with the Russian Federation, its closest ally and strategic partner. A similar situation has existed throughout the post-Soviet period, and currently cooperation in the field of learning the Kazakh language in Russia is an important component of Russian-Kazakhstani relations in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. The theoretical basis of the work is the concept of linguopolitical realism, developed by the St. Petersburg political scientist I. V. Chernov. The scientific novelty of the study is determined by the fact that the relevant issues have not been previously considered as a separate category in conducting the political analysis of Russian-Kazakhstani relations and remain poorly studied and unsystematized. Based on the results of the work carried out, the author offers a detailed description of the main educational programs on the basis of which the learning of the Kazakh language is carried out in Russian top universities. It should be noted that the Kazakh language is taught as a separate subject in Russian secondary schools, especially in regions where ethnic Kazakhs live in close proximity to each other. The learning of the Kazakh language as part of language courses has not seen the necessary development in our country. The author concludes that the top universities in Russia provide better training for specialists who speak the Kazakh language than in high school and language courses.
World politics. 2024;(3):32-43
32-43
Potential threats of unauthorized use of political deepfakes during political elections: international experience
Abstract
The subject of this study is new political technologies based on the use of artificial intelligence. The purpose of this study is to identify the threats and risks associated with the unauthorised use of political deepfakes in international practice. To achieve this goal, the author analyses the concepts of the influence of political deepfakes on elections, identifies types and risks of deepfakes in the political practice of different countries. The author of this study defines a political deepfake as a special campaign using artificial intelligence technology to undermine the reputation of political leaders in order to change the course of the electoral struggle or to discredit an incumbent politician. In the process of research, in addition to normative-institutional and historical conceptual and content analysis, elements of analysis of secondary statistical data were used. The article gives a characteristic of the main types of political deepfakes and provides examples of their maliciousness. On the basis of the author's analysis, the classification of types of political deepfakes, which have an impact on the cognitive functions of target audiences, is introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. Classification of types of political deepfakes, given in this study allows us to take a new look at the problem of cognitive impact of this type of disinformation on public opinion. The findings suggest that between 2017 and 2024, artificial intelligence technologies have become actively used to manipulate target audiences during political elections. One of the main difficulties in regulating political deepfakes is their veiling due to the use of mixed types of this type of manipulation.
World politics. 2024;(3):44-60
44-60
The role of non-governmental organizations in the development of humanitarian cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan
Abstract
In this work, the author presents a detailed analysis of the current state of humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, as well as explores possible directions for future development of this cooperation. The main research tools employed in the study are the up-to-date results of the annual monitoring of friendly communication regimes between the countries in 2022, which help reflect the current situation of cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan. The work analyzes the practical activities of non-governmental and non-profit organizations in Azerbaijan and their influence on the state and development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. Special attention is given to the role of Western countries in humanitarian cooperation with Russia and Azerbaijan. The role of Western organizations as a potential source of financing for humanitarian programs implemented by Russian and Azerbaijani organizations is examined. The author of the work indicates that the experience of Western countries can be valuable for Russia and Azerbaijan in establishing effective work of their own non-governmental and non-profit organizations within the framework of humanitarian cooperation. The interaction between the organizations of these countries will lead to significant achievements in humanitarian cooperation, as Western non-governmental and non-profit organizations can complement the activities of Russian and Azerbaijani organizations, enhancing the positive effects of this cooperation. Thus, this work offers a comprehensive analysis of the influence of Western non-governmental and non-profit organizations on the humanitarian sector of Azerbaijan and describes the current state and potential directions for the development of cooperation in the context of relations with Russia.
World politics. 2024;(3):61-72
61-72