DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.39010

EDN: ENJJSG

Abstract: The subject of the study is the modern transformation of political identity in the Middle Eastern states and communities that profess Islam. The author examines in detail the complex of identifications that exist in the Middle East region. Particular attention is paid to the interaction and harmonization of religious, imperial, national and ethno-cultural identities. Regional features of identification transformations are considered both in the context of transformations in the global system of international relations, and taking into account the regional specifics of political processes and the general originality of the socio-cultural space. The general tendencies typical for all communities of the region under consideration are analyzed, as well as particular features of identity transformations as a factor of state policy on the example of Turkey and Iran. The novelty of the study lies in the analysis of transnational identification transformations in the Middle East region in the context of global trends towards the growing role of transnational identity in international relations and world politics. The author's special contribution to the study of the topic is the combination of fundamental theoretical approaches to the study of identity with the methodology of system analysis, which allows to more accurately describe the complex multi-level structure of modern identities, based on the current works of Russian, Western and Middle Eastern researchers. The main results of the study are the determination of general and particular features of identification transformations in the Middle East region, as well as the definition of the functions of religious and imperial identities in the system of identifications.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.39036

EDN: HWRBSL

Abstract: The article provides a brief analysis of the history of development and the current state of the Russian-Turkish partnership within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, which can be considered a functional area of cooperation that uses the convergence of the countries of the region by creating cooperation on various issues, such as the production of energy from underground resources of strategic importance for the region, agricultural production and tourism. In addition to this, the Black Sea Economic Organization is of notable importance in terms of sustaining stability in the region due to addressing the growing security concerns in the Black Sea region. The concept of a global security threat changed shape with the end of the Cold War. This led to a change in the view of international organizations on defense and allowed a focus on increasing the level of stability through the global policy of cooperation organizations created for security and economic purposes. The article also describes the measures and results of the two countries to ensure the fuel and energy balance in the Black Sea region, steps to reduce political tension associated with Turkey's participation in a strategic partnership with the EU countries, key projects in the fuel and energy sector. It should be noted that the identity of the historical destinies of Russia and Turkey, their historical and cultural role of the "East" in the West and "West" in the East, the unique geopolitical position, geographical proximity contribute to the strengthening of economic, political, cultural ties between Russia and Turkey.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.39023

EDN: GTBGOW

Abstract: The study of this article focuses on the policy of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2001-2006) to establish the State as a great power. The subject of the study is selected aspects of this policy: rightconservatism, educational reforms, amendments to the constitution of Japan, military reforms, diplomatic activity in relation to the US, the UN and the Asia Pacific. The author pays special attention to the emergence of the political conjuncture that prompted Prime Minister Koizumi to carry out a series of reforms, and focuses on the transition from Japan’s economic weight to the political one during the premiership of Junichiro Koizumi. The study is based on the theory of political realism, namely, the expression of the national interests of the State in the international arena, such as national security, the interests of the national economy or the maintenance of world order. Similar political processes can be observed in Japan during the premiership of Junichiro Koizumi. In the process of research analytical method, problem-chronological and institutional are widely used. This choice is primarily due to the object and subject of the study. The author describes the course of Junichiro Koizumi: the whole set of measures and reforms is fairly comprehensive and at the same time radical. The author points out that Koizumi’s reforms have not been completed and have served as guidelines for subsequent prime ministers. The relevance of this study is conditioned by the increased political weight of Japan in both APAC and world politics; moreover, the attitude to Junichiro Koizumi’s course is polar: as P.V. Kulneva points out "On the one hand, the great-power policy of Junichiro Koizumi has become a reason for fear of a possible revival of Japanese militarism and nationalism; on the other hand, Japan’s policy of gaining political weight consistent with its economic power, is fully justified and is highly positive".

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.39082

EDN: EGKKFA

Abstract: The importance of the Middle East for China has recently increased, since it not only contains the energy sources necessary for China's growth, but also represents an arena of rivalry with great powers, primarily with the United States. The author considers China's presence in the Middle East as a strategically justified necessity in the context of confrontation with the United States of America. In light of Washington's "encirclement strategy" in East Asia, Beijing's behavior in the Middle East is largely influenced by it. It is emphasized that China is not ready and does not seek to play the role of a guarantor of security or replace the United States in the Middle East in this area in the foreseeable future, however, security issues at both national and regional levels are becoming increasingly relevant. China's strategic priorities and the main directions of its political presence aimed at balancing threats and opportunities in such a turbulent region have been identified. The study concludes that the future of China's presence in the Middle East is determined by China's global strategy, where internal and external factors have a significant impact on Beijing's position and role at the regional and international levels in such a rapidly and unexpectedly changing world.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.39110

EDN: DSSYXE

Abstract: This article is devoted to the study of the issue of leadership on the African continent, which is the object of the study, because, since 1963 Nigeria is a member of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union), the Economic Community of West African States since 1975, and the United Nations since October 7, 1960. The subject of the study is Nigeria’s foreign policy on the African continent, as since independence Nigeria has pursued a number of foreign policy goals: the eradication of colonialism and other external forms of exploitation, The oppression and marginalization of Africans. The main conclusion of the study is that Nigeria’s role in the formation of AU and ECOWAS, was in conformity with its national interest and foreign policy pursuit, which was designed to promote regional integration and cooperation within West Africa and Africa in general. The role of Nigeria is fundamental for African organizations and their leadership prospects. Historically, Nigeria's Afrocentric foreign policy and its national interest have made it possible for Nigeria to pursue African oriented policy. The authors applied a number of methods to carry out this research: historical, legal and analytical. The historical method allows us to give the chronology of Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa from 1960 to 2020. The legal method permitted the analysis of the legal instruments, particularly from different constitutions, treaties since Nigeria’s independence till date. The analytical method consists of the analysis of the evolution of different transformations that occurred in the African continent from 1960 to 2020.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.39027

EDN: VABEVL

Abstract: This article examines the impact of the special military operation carried out by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine on the interaction of Russia and Spain in the scientific and educational sphere. After February 24, 2022, the number of sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation by Western countries reached record levels. Against this background, after the start of a special military operation, Russian-Spanish relations radically changed the vector of development, the consequences of these changes manifested themselves both in the economic and political fields, as well as in the cultural, scientific and educational sphere. Almost immediately, Spanish government agencies called for an immediate freeze on any scientific and educational activities between Russia and Spain. Under this influence, most Spanish universities de jure announced the suspension of cooperation with Russian universities or organizations. This research is based on a number of scientific methods, including historical, institutional, systemic, as well as the method of comparative analysis. The authors consider the situation in the field of scientific and educational cooperation between Spain and Russia that has developed since February 2022 and they come to the conclusion that if the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is persistent and prolonged, it may lead to the final closure of joint educational programs, as well as to the termination of joint scientific research and the publication of articles by Spanish and Russian scientists. At this stage, as this analysis shows, individual cases of cooperation in the educational sphere initiated before the special military operation individually find ways to continue their implementation, Russian students continue to apply and enroll in universities in Spain. However, the tendency to curtail joint scientific and educational activities prevails.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0641.2022.4.38984

EDN: QZIKSE

Abstract: The article examines the current aspects of military-political relations between Russia and Turkey in the light of the events related to the protests and riots in Kazakhstan in January 2022. Building constructive relations with the Central Asian states, primarily Kazakhstan, is a significant vector of the foreign policy line of modern Turkey in the last decade (2012-2022). To implement this vector of its foreign policy, Turkey is working in various areas of interstate cooperation from trade and economic to military-political cooperation. The political crisis in Kazakhstan in January 2022 became a test for the multi-vector foreign policy of the state, due to the weak reaction of Turkey to these events. Russia, was able to respond promptly to the events in Kazakhstan by providing military and political support to President K.Zh. Tokayev.   The study identifies Turkey's current interests in the Central Asian region and examines their compatibility with the aspirations of the post-Soviet states of Central Asia. It examines common interests, as well as differences in views between key players in the region. While Kazakhstan and Turkey have found a common language in trade, cultural exchange and arms trade, they have somewhat contradictory positions on political Islam and state sovereignty. Despite the growing influence of Turkey in the Central Asian region in economic and political relations, Russia is neutral about the strengthening of Turkey's position, taking into account the preservation of the dominant Russian presence in the structure of economic and political life of Kazakhstan.