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.

DOI: 10.25136/2409-8671.2018.1.25576

Abstract: The article focuses on participation of Russia in conflict resolutionin Syria through public diplomacy. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of public diplomacy methods in improving the image of Russia as the main peace-keeping force in the Syrian conflict in the context of the negative information background formed due to the recent events in Ukraine. The author explores the areas for interaction between agencies of Russia and other countries involved in the settlement of the conflict, in particular, the provision of humanitarian assistance and the establishment of interfaith dialogue. The author also analyzes the coverage of humanitarian operations and Russia's participation in the conflict settlement both by Russian military structures and media outlets and by Western media. The methodological basis of the study includes a system approach, as well as general scientific and particular scientific methods, including analysis, synthesis, comparison, and historical method. Analyzing the humanitarian activity of the main Russian institutions of public diplomacy as well as their efforts to cooperate with Western military forces, the author comes to the conclusion that, generally, Western media outlets (which serve as the main source of information for a foreign audience) put a negative spin on it, and Russia has not progressed much in improvement of its image through a military campaign in Syria; but Russia's military operations together with civilian projects for rehabilitation of Syrian infrastructure, cultural events were significant in terms of ensuring success recognition of Russia's foreign policy in Syria.