DOI: 10.7256/2454-0668.2019.6.31561

Abstract: This article explores the main problems pertaining to usage of mass media and the internet by terrorist organizations, as well as measures for prevention of their destructive activity on the web. Mass media greatly influenced the transformation of the nature of terrorism in the XXI century. In a paradoxical way the freedom of speech and expression, open access to information and means of information-communication technologies began to serve not only development of civil society, but also actively enable terrorist organizations. By publishing information on terrorist organizations and their leaders, the mass media practically proliferated their “political program” and through resonating illumination of the terrorist acts contributed to fearing of the population, creation of atmosphere of panic and fear. In the course of this research the author concludes that the problem of the usage of mass media and internet by terrorist organizations lead to the fact that even among the ranks of Western countries, which traditional advocated freedom of access to internet, free from censorship, attempts can be observed to limit the ability of terrorists to use the potential of mass media for destructive purposes. However, legislative limitations alone cannot solve the problem, since in the conditions of current level of technological development and access to the internet, virtually every user becomes the source of proliferation of certain content.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0668.2019.5.30771

Abstract: This article reviews the results in combatting the terrorist organization ISIS in the context of exploring the prospects of postwar order in Syria, as well as geopolitical interests of the regional powers with regards to settlement of the conflict in Syria. The author analyzes Iran’s participation, which since the first days of the conflict was involved in the armed confrontation with ISIS, as well as diplomatic efforts on building inter-Syrian dialogue. Recent events in world politics underlying this research bring the studying of Iran’s interests in settlement of Syrian conflict to mainstream. The goal of this article lies in the analysis of Iran’s geopolitical interests in the Syrian Question through the prism of Iran’s relationship with the key actors involved in de-escalation of the conflict. The conclusion is made that Iran was capable of implementing its strategy for combating ISIS and support the Syrian government largely due to its holistic character, as well as finding strategic allies, including Russia. However, at the current stage of Syrian conflict, there is a disagreement in the positions of multiple strategic partners, which complicates future Syrian stabilization.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2018.5.26195

Abstract: The subject of this research is the formation of a proper and positive image of a country abroad. The authors meticulously reviews the experience of Germany and Russia in establishing an international image, comparing the strategies of both countries. An analysis is conducted on the components of strategies, particularly the application of the “soft power” concept that makes the expansion of country’s influence in the world contingent on the country’s attractiveness. Special attention is given to how successful is the achievement of their goals in the process of establishment of the international image, as well as what limitations can emerge on the way. A conclusion is made that Germany stakes on the economic development, while Russia holds itself ad a powerful state, particularly through converting the “hard” power into “soft”. For enhancing the international image, both countries implement the institutions of “soft power”. At the same time, it is determined that the concerns of the EU neighbors impede the accomplishment of foreign policy goals for Germany; while for Russia it is the weak conceptual framework on establishment of the international image alongside the domestic issues.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0668.2018.2.26193

Abstract: The expansion of information and communication technologies (ICT) became yet another stage of progressive development of the humanity, however, each state that pursues the implementation of ICT into all spheres of social life experiences an entire range of issues on the protection of information, infrastructure objects and citizens from the information-psychological impact. The goal of this work lies in examination of such challenges and threat to information security of Russian that are primarily generating within the domestic information environment. Having analyzed such aspects as the information-psychological impact, cybercime and cyberterrorism, as well as normative legal acts that regulate the information sphere, the author underlines that the mechanism of counteracting many of the threats is yet to be fully developed; at the same time, the ensuring of information security requires cooperation of the political and technological institutions, as well as civil society.