Вестник ВолГУ. Серия: История. Регионоведение. Международные отношения @hfrir-jvolsu
Статьи журнала - Вестник ВолГУ. Серия: История. Регионоведение. Международные отношения
Все статьи: 1810
Methods of missionary activity of the Jesuits in Vietnam in the 17th and 18th centuries
Статья научная
Introduction. The purpose of this study is to reproduce precisely and accurately the process of conquering the faith of various social strata in Vietnam by analyzing the missionary methods of evangelization applied by Jesuit missionaries operating in Vietnam in the 17th and 18th centuries. Methods and materials. The author used the original historical materials recorded by Western missionaries working in Vietnam during the 17th and 18th centuries and research works by Vietnamese and international scholars related directlyor indirectly to the missionary methods of Jesuits in Vietnam of the 17th and 18th centuries. The author combines the historical and genetic method with other research methods (systemic approach, analysis, synthesis, comparison, etc.). Analysis. In the 17th and 18th centuries, to conquer the faith of the people in Tonkin and Cochinchina (Vietnam), Jesuit missionaries adopted several measures such as establishing relationships and attracting the upper classes to the Christianity, “missionary academic”, “missionarybibliography”, disputes and religious conversion of the leaders of indigenous denominations, etc. These measures have been more or less effective and allow Jesuit missionaries to introduce and develop the Christianity in Vietnam during this period. Results. The research results presented in the article will contribute to the study of the historyof Christianity and missionary activities of the Jesuits in Vietnam in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Бесплатно
Network diplomacy: approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Статья научная
Introduction. The aim of the article is to to analyze the concept of modern network diplomacy as well as to illustrate possible solution approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the abovementioned mechanism. Network diplomacy is defined as the multi-level communication, representation, and negotiation of an idea or a set thereof through a set of actors, which may extend beyond traditional, rigid state sponsored institutions and encompass other actors integrated with the idea or parties involved. Methods and materials. The research involved a combination of analytical empirical research containing justification for case selection and qualitative research. The author mostly approaches the topic through liberal paradigm of international relations, accentuating mutual benefits of international cooperation, arguing that flexible formats of diplomacy can be an effective way to help states to interact with each other in an honest manner and support nonviolent solutions to conflicts. Analysis. The analysis is based mainly on case study research, which helped to generate the results. The article will be structured in several parts. The introduction will render an overview of the network diplomacy concept followed by a historic background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its ideological underpinnings, and so inform a set of theories as pertaining to the potency of network diplomacy in the solution process, which will be outlined in the parts following it. These theories will then be evaluated in the context of the overall environment and specific cases- NGOs as a reach out function in water management at the municipal level, academic institutions establishing communication channels independent of the larger political environment, and a short summary of European Union outreach to non-state actors as an illustrative case of state to non-state actor diplomacy. Moreover, the article includes the study of citizen diplomacy, civil society-based approaches, economically driven incentives and other cultural initiatives such as sports-based diplomacy as possible mechanisms. Results. Network diplomacy may feature a multi-pronged approach to diplomacyrepresented through a mixture of, for example, state actors and non- governmental organizations (NGOs). Network diplomacy is particularly potent in spreading ideas as it allows engagement of a multitude of actors directly, and is subject to comparatively low transaction costs. Network diplomacyappears to be a promising approach to the solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which is characterized by juxtaposing ideological underpinnings in addition to issues of realpolitik, and a multitude of actors including non-state actors.
Бесплатно
Non-orthodox labour in early modern Russia
Статья научная
While the Tsardom Russia in Early Modern Times till the 18th century experienced a constant demographic loss to slavehunters supplying the markets of Muslim Empires, there also was an influx of Non- Orthodox Prisoners of War (from Muslim Tatars to Protestant Swedes) and socially weak people from annexed territories. Most Jasak-paying communities remained ethnically Non-Russian, but some Non-Orthodox “foreigners” by being sold or selling themselves left their communities and entered the status of peasants respectively kholops. These mostly were integrated into the Russian Orthodox flock. By prohibiting Orthodox people to serve in Non- Orthodox households clergy and government hoped to safeguard laypeople against other creeds, but strengthened the labour-market of Non-Orthodox servants. Muslim estate-owners, Armenian merchants, German doctors, Scottish officers etc. wanted servants in house and garden to care for their households and keep their social standings. Non-Orthodox servants, referred to but not regulated in the basic law of 1649, remained ethnically Non-Russian and confirmed Russia's character as “multi-ethnic Empire”.
Бесплатно
October 2020 protests in Poland. A case study of Olkusz
Статья научная
Introduction. In October 2020 the most extensive social protests took place in Poland since the democratic transformation in 1989. They were caused pertinently by the Polish Constitutional Tribunal’s decision and government policy on abortion. Numerous protests were held all over the country, both in larger cities, smaller towns and villages. Methods and materials. The study presents the results of the internet surveying method (CAWI) and snowball sampling. These were the only methods which can be used to study protest participants themselves (busy straightening in the streets), but also useful because of the pandemic situation in Poland. A 30 question survey was filled by about 200 people who took part in the protest in Olkusz city. Analysis. Research was made in time of “first main wave of protests” period, i.e. October 24-26, 2020. The author underlines the role of youth in the protests, and wants to answer two main research questions, first of all: what was the role of ‘Generation Z’ in October protests, and as well: what are the political views of the protesters. Researches about the first “hours” of protest are mostly extremely rare, the article also allows to see not only new youth Gen Z, but also modern civil protests. Results. Results show that the participants comprising mostly youth were not conservative, and could easily be considered a new generation of Poles - quite different from their older colleagues. But how and why are youngsters so politically different?
Бесплатно
Статья научная
Introduction. The task of the study is to identify and characterize the means of popularization of the regional historical and cultural heritage on the example of archaeological monuments of Volgograd Oblast. Taking into account the need to diversify regional cultural and educational tourism, to actualize new practices in heritage tourism we consider it necessary to focus on the archaeological heritage unique for most regions. Due to its interactivity and the possibility of combining several forms of recreational and cultural and cognitive activities, archaeological tourism can also become one of the most promising forms of promotion of cultural and historical heritage. Developing a methodology for assessing the archaeological potential of the region in the field of tourism will allow us to understand the principle of formation of a unique geo-cultural image of the region as the basis of cultural and historical framework. Methods. Assessment of the archaeotourism potential of Volgograd Oblast is possible with a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC), and applied methods, such as the questionnaire and Geographic Information System (GIS). Analysis. We identified the criteria for assessing the archaeotourism potential of the region the number of which can be limited to 1 quantitative and 7 qualitative indicators ranked on an assessment scale with 4 rating points - 0, 2, 4 and 5. Since the selected evaluation criteria play an unequal role in the formation of the tourist potential of the territory, it was necessary to determine the weighted coefficients for each of them. Results. The development of archaeological tourism acting as the most accessible and most popular forms of popularization of cultural heritage will be provided by the development of the territory’s historical and cultural framework based on a comprehensive assessment of the tourist potential of the region. The methodology was proposed in the framework of this study. Authors’ contribution. V.A. Zolotovskiy prepared the part devoted to the actualization and identification of the research topic. P.I. Lysikov developed an adequate methodology for assessing the archaeotourism potential of the Volgograd Oblast.
Бесплатно
On the origin of the Caspian culture
Статья научная
Introduction. The territory of Lower Volga occupies a special place in studying the cultural genesis of Eastern Europe. Prominent cultures of the Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age were formed there and played an important role in the formation of the Volga-Ural hearth of cultural genesis. Equally important is the problem of the origin of the Caspian culture, with which researchers associate the beginning of the spread of cattle breeding and the emergence of the first copper products in the Volga steppe. Methods and discussion. The researchers expressed quite similar views on this issue. The process of Caspian culture origin in the Lower Volga region was considered as autochthonous with the participation of northern components. The substrate basis was the Oryol culture, and the superstrate was the societies of the Volga region forest-steppe. The comprehensive analysis of Volga steppe materials allows offering an alternative view of the Caspian culture genesis. The appearance of several features (collar-like thickening, a combed stamp, the technique of increased spin, producing economy, the dominance of quartzite raw materials for the manufacture of tools, the technique of forced squeezing in the receipt of logs, the emergence of producing farming in the form of cattle breeding, etc.) is associated not with the northern forest- steppe and forest-steppe, but with western components. The comparative analysis of radiocarbon dates of the forest-steppe and steppe Volga, Northern Caspian Sea and Don area supports this version. The chronological priority is fixed for materials of the Don area and Azov region. It is in these areas that the leading features characteristic of the Caspian culture appeared earlier. Results. The earlier complexes of the Caspian culture were formed in the Northern Caspian about 5700 BC. Later its penetration into the Lower and forest-steppe Volga Basin was recorded.
Бесплатно
On the universal power of socioeconomic rights: a comparison between Thomas Pogge and Rainer Forst
Статья научная
Introduction. This article investigates the universal power of socioeconomic rights assessing their theoretical conceptualization and practical implication. Methods. Taking theoretical and empirical research into account - at the level of public ethics and political theory - the article carries out a comparative analysis of the elements of global economic justice theory, moral universalism and institutional understanding of human rights of Thomas Pogge and the critical theory of political and social justice and the moral constructivist conception of human rights of Rainer Forst. Analysis. On the one hand, Pogge’s cosmopolitan approach underlines serious non- compliance of socioeconomic rights at the global level because of the unjust distribution of rights and duties enforced by the current global institutional order. In this vein, the protection of socioeconomic rights is conceived as a (moral) negative duty not to deprive people of secure access to a basic human rights object, and socioeconomic rights, by imposing upon them unjust coercive social institutions. On the other hand, Forst’s perspective maintains that each right needs to be constructed on the very basic moral right to reciprocal and general justification which is conceived as the most universal and basic claim of every human being. Results. Drawing on the above-mentioned outlooks on socioeconomic rights, the universal power of socioeconomic rights is assessed in light of the satisfaction of universal basic needs, whose object is also the object of socioeconomic rights - a ‘conditio sine qua non’ for a worthwhile life - and the justification of the assigned duties at the global level.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Order 227 of July 28, 1942, known as the Order “No one step back!”. This Order reflected the crisis situation on the southern flank of the Soviet-German front and the disastrous results of the Red Army defeats. The Order outlined severe measures for establishing discipline in the troops and for preventing unauthorized retreat. Distributed to the Combat Army, the Order provoked contradictory, in most cases positive assessments by soldiers and commanders who fought in the large bend of the Don at that time. 6 penal battalions and more than 30 penal companies, several dozens of barrier troops were formed and took part in battles in the large bend of the Don in the August-September of 1942. G.G. Matishov characterizes the circumstances of issue of Order 227 and draws the conclusion. V.I. Afanasenko reveals the data about penal units in the large bend of the Don in the summer and autumn of 1942.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
There are a lot of scientific papers about Russian cities between 16th and 17th centuries, however the discussion is focused mainly on economic activities and duties of citizens. The article presents the results of the study of transfer deeds of homesteads in Novgorod and Yaroslavl during the Time of Troubles. The dependence between the social status of the owner of a house, the value of his homestead and the character of its development is not always obvious. It turned out that in spite of the disorganization of state administration during the civil war, there was no mass transition of taxable households to ‘ belomestsy ’ in the cities studied . One of the most important factors of the economic crisis of the early 17th century was military and political violence, which resulted in mass death of men and deformation of the family sex and age structure.
Бесплатно
Origins of the northern selkups based on anthropological data
Статья научная
The authors examine the origins of the Upper Taz Selkups based on craniology and dental anthropology. They are one of the least studied groups of the indigenous population of Western Siberia. Judging by historical and ethnolinguistic data, the Northern Selkups moved to the Upper Taz region in the 17th - 18th century. Anthropological materials of the Northern Selkups were first obtained only in 2013 and 2016 during the excavations of Kikki-Akki burial ground. Recorded according to archaeological data, the burial rite has direct analogies in Southern Selkups burial grounds of the 17th - 18th centuries, with the exception of the selected individual features of the Eastern Khanty traditions. The craniological sample from Kikki-Akki burial includes 21 skulls - 13 males and 8 females. The dental sample includes the teeth of 22 individuals - 10 male, 6 female and 6 children. During the study the authors examined the anthropological materials based on the method of description of dental and cranial morphology, performed statistical integration. Characteristics of the series were compared with the obtained data of West Siberian near-recent samples. The analysis of the data shows that the Vakh Khanty represent the closest analogy to the series from Kikki-Akki, but the female part of the craniological sampling has a strong resemblance to the groups of the Southern Selkups. The results confirm the available historical and ethnolinguistic data on their formation due to the resettlement of a part of the Southern Selkup group from the Ob River Basin to the north, i.e. to the upper reaches of the Taz River. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the Selkup appearance changed quite a lot in a short period of time (200-300 years) that passed since their migration. The Northern Selkups acquired a significant resemblance to the Vakh Khanty - the only population with which the Selkups could maintain marital relations during their resettlement from the Middle Ob River to the Taz River.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
Introduction. The author provides data about coming into being of Uzbek and Azerbaijani scientific collaboration during the years of independent development of the two countries. The article deals with solid contractual basis in the scientific sphere, including the agreements between the Ministries of Public Education, Academies of Sciences, higher education institutions of the two countries, and with the collaboration in the field of the attestation of highly-qualified scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel. Methods and materials. The given article also contains information about the direct co-operation of the two states in the sphere of natural, exact sciences and humanities, furthering close and fruitful interrelation of the two countries’ scientific circles, covering all the given sphere’s branches of partnership relations. Analysis. The article analyzes the process of multifaceted scientific cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, which occurs through the establishment of close contacts between scientists and research centers of the two countries, the implementation of joint research on pressing issues, mutual internships and scientific business trips, as well as the participation in international scientific conferences and symposiums. Close mutual contacts are also carried out in the form of the exchange of scientific personnel and work. Results. The multifaceted Uzbek-Azerbaijani scientific cooperation considered in the article is represented by the following factors: bilateral agreements and arrangements in the scientific field; direct development in the field of natural, exact sciences and humanities; implementation of mutual internships and scientific missions; exchange of scientific personnel and labor.
Бесплатно
Parabiblical and biblical chronographic compilations in Simeon's Bulgaria
Статья научная
The paper explores the role of a lost Byzantine chronographic compilation in shaping Bulgarian historiographic model in the early 10th c. The compilation was translated into Bulgarian by order of Tsar Simeon the Great and survived in five Russian copies of 15-16th cc. belonging to a closed textological recension with strong traces of a Glagolitic Old Bulgarian original. The first part of the compilation contains a large and coherent excerpt of Africanus Chronography that gives a concise but exhaustive account of the Christian history of the world from the Creation up to the Resurrection of Christ. The second part includes a shorter excerpt, taken from a codex, which contained the second volume of the Chronicle of Synkellos and the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor. Unlike Synkellos/Theophanes text, Africanus excerpt reveals traces of a serious editorial intervention. The Greek editor(s) left aside all Africanus notices about the pre- Olympic history of all other nations besides the Jews but kept intact his Christological and chronological concepts that treat the history of human kind as a predetermined execution of the Divine Providence in Six Millennia/days. The recent studies on the structure and sources of an impressive chronographic compilation ordered by Tsar Simeon and known as the Chronograph of the Archive or Jewish Chronograph allow us to presume that this Chronograph represents an enlarged version of Africanus excerpt, in which the paraphrase of the first nine biblical books is replaced with a large Old Testament compilation.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
Introduction. The article examines the key paradiplomacy areas of the Sverdlovsk region. The analysis focuses on the aspects distinguishing the region from other subjects of the present-day Russian Federation, which allowed it to become one of the leaders in developing international activities during the post- Soviet period. Methods and materials. The methodological basis of this work is constituted by the approaches devised by I. Duchacek. Paradiplomacy is defined as international contacts of regions with different actors in international relations regarding economic, political, cultural and environmental issues. These contacts move in the same direction as activities undertaken by central authorities. Approaches by I. Duchacek, R. Kaiser, A. Kuznetsov, Yu. Akimov were applied to study the motives and factors for active paradiplomacy development of the Sverdlovsk region. To examine the modalities of implementing paradiplomacyin the Sverdlovsk region, scientific and analytical materials were used along with statistic data and indicators provided by the Ministry of International and Foreign Economic Relations of the Sverdlovsk Region and by the Russian Export Center JSC. Analysis. It was found that the Sverdlovsk region became the first to base its paradiplomacy on the regional identity. On the one hand, the regional identity development was marked by a conflict between the region and the central authorities; on the other hand, the local ruling groups deliberately fostered the policy of regional uniqueness. Mainstreaming the regional identity served the practical interests of elites both in internal political legitimation and in establishing their international economic, political and cultural personality. In the 2000s, the paradiplomacy model of the Sverdlovsk region transformed from conflict to cooperation based on partnering and seeking a compromise with the federal government. Results. The strategy of paradiplomacy development chosen by the region is evaluated as a success. The emphasis put by the regional authorities on implementing large-scale international projects and developing foreign trade relations allows the Sverdlovsk region not only to keep the indicators of foreign economic activities stable, but also to retain elements of its regional identity.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
Introduction. Sweden and Finland obtain a special position within NATO strategy towards neutral states. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the background and perspectives for Sweden and Finland to join NATO in the 1990s - 2000s. This issue appeared on the top of agenda after these countries had entered the EU, and right after the Baltic states became members of NATO.Finland started to distant itself from Russia in 1990-1992, right after recognizing itself free from militaryand technical limitations set in the Peace treaty signed in 1947 and gaining an ability to arrange political and military alliances with other countries. Joining the Alliance has first appeared on the Finnish political agenda in the first half of the 1990s, though the political elite of Finland defining its practical relations with NATO also took into consideration the position of Russia since both countries had a long joint terrestrial border and close economic relations. Sweden started revising its foreign policy vector in 1991. The governing elite had an active discussion which ended with a compromise decision on preserving the neutral status of the country alongside with enforcing its defensive capacities.Since 1992, Finland and Sweden became participants of various agreements with NATO. Their armed forces and armaments systems have adopted the NATO standards, and have been working out their practical interaction during the joint militarymaneuvers and within Partnership for Peace program. In 2009 Nordic defense cooperation emerged, including three NATO participants - Iceland, Norway and Denmark. In April 2014 theysigned an agreement on close military cooperation. Results. We can state without any doubt that Finland and Sweden would join NATO only when they face a real threat towards themselves. Russian policy in the region can be a trigger for that. After Crimea annexed Russia, the amount of advocates of joining NATO increased. Nevertheless, they still remain a minority. In this situation a referendum on joining NATO appears to have no perspectives. On the contrary, we should mark that both countries became involved into “crawling” integration into NATO structures: alongside with official Partnership for Peace program it takes place in the official European integration institutions. After joining the EU in 1995 Sweden and Finland are obliged to obey the joint European security and foreign policies, i.e. arranging their military and foreign policies with basic principles and directives developed jointly with other EU members, who are also participants of NATO. Thus, neutrality of these two states becomes a phantom, especially towards Russia.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
Introduction. The research topicality is determined by the necessity of interior political proving of regions stable development in the conditions of religion institute politicization in 20th - 21st centuries. The purpose of the work is to analyze the influence of the confessional factor on the domestic political process in the Latin American region in the context of global trends of our time. Methods. The work uses methods of theoretical and applied political science analysis, methods of forecasting and modeling. The methodological basis of the work was the principles of systemic and constructivist approaches. Analysis. In the result of political science analysis of stable social and political issues development questions the explicative model of religion institute politicization processes influence to the sustainability of the Latin American region was offered. The theoretical importance of the research is in the reasons and tendenciesrevealing ofreligion institute politicization in the Latin American region. The practical importance of research is determined by the possibility of recommendation output of interior political support of the Latin American region in the conditions of social and cultural uncertainty. Authors’ contribution. E.V. Efanova - the concept of the study, collection and processing of materials; E.M. Drinova - research methodology, writing of the main text; N.Yu. Veremeev - analysis and translation of foreign sources.
Бесплатно
Статья научная
Introduction. The radical transformations of recent decades have significantly changed the lives of ethnic groups like the Udis. Due to their small numbers and poor degree of protection, ethnic groups are the first to feel tension, crises, and conflicts in society, the sequelae of political, social, economic, and cultural modernization, and growing risks and threats in the global world. Methods. The systematic method made it possible to determine the contradictory and conflicting nature of modernization taking place in post-Soviet societies. The dialectical approach, the principle of unity in diversity, as well as the synergetic approach have revealed ambiguity, dynamism, and conflict in the emergence of both ethnic and general cultural identity. Analysis. Studies of the real state of post-Soviet societies have shown the unbalanced and diffuse nature of modernization, the ambiguity of the present, and uncertainty of the future. Considering the Volgograd region, the authors point out relatively stable interethnic and interdenominational relations. Simultaneously, it was revealed that the absence of a national ideology and common objectives and values problematize the issues of the joint existence of nations and ethnic groups, and hamper the search for a common cultural identity. Results. The paper reveals the complex nature of the dynamics of heterogeneous Russian society and the inadequacy of calls for unity and integration of peoples while the society continues to be fragmented, polarized, and its citizens being alienated and atomized. The agenda for national minorities and ethnic groups includes issues of determining genuine national interests by the authorities, the formation of an all-Russian identity, and patriotism as the basis of stability and sustainable development of the country. The complex environment of social communication is replete with various multifaceted processes and influences that will allow representatives of ethnic groups to become carriers of common rules, common moral norms, and cultural meanings, values, traditions and customs. Authors’ contribution. As a representative of the Udis ethnic group, R.A. Danakari considered the socio-political existence of his native ethnic group. The author argues convincingly that modern forms and types of modernization destroy the “life world” and traditions of most Udis, leading to marginalization, i.e., loss of origins and roots, as well as assimilation and acculturation. V.Yu. Podurueva-Miloevich focused on the political dynamics and psychological characteristics of the rapid transformation of the modern world. As a result, the author reveals the inability of most minor ethnic groups to adapt to postmodernity, to make the transition to a new identity, and to achieve self-realization.
Бесплатно
President Andrew Johnson impeached: the first presidential impeachment in American history
Статья научная
Introduction. The article is devoted to the mechanism of impeachment procedure on the example of the first practical application of it in the history of the U.S. in relation to President Andrew Johnson. This created a necessary precedent in the further political struggle between the branches of government and has made the study of the history of the first presidential impeachment an urgent problem. Impeachment cases were brought against six subsequent presidents: Cleveland, Hoover, Truman, Nixon, Reagan, and G.W. Bush in the lower house of Congress. W. Clinton and D. Trump’s impeachment was discussed in the Senate, but was not successful. Methods and materials. The article is based on materials from the American press as well as cartoons. The novelty of the source base is in combination of verbal and visual materials. The author used theoretical concepts developed within the framework of interdisciplinarity. The problem-chronological approach was the methodological basis of the research. In American historiography, Johnson is regarded as the “worst” President in U.S. history. However, the debate over the legitimacy of the first impeachment of a President in U.S. history has not subsided until now. In American studies, the impeachment of Andrew Johnson has not been specifically considered. Analysis. The conflict between the President and Congress was caused by the Reconstruction policy. The confrontation between the two branches of government led to impeachment. The President was charged in connection with the dismissal of Secretary of War E. Stanton, which was a violation of the Tenure of Office Act. The article examines how the impeachment procedure was implemented by Congress and why it failed. Results. Despite the failure, the first impeachment of a President in the history of the United States showed the effectiveness of the “checks” and “balances” mechanism in implementing the principle of separation of powers. It has become a deterrent to the relationship between the President and Congress.
Бесплатно
Promoting the Russian language and culture in Spain as a soft power tool of the Russian Federation
Статья научная
Introduction. This work inspects the activities of Russian institutions (government agencies, foundations, public associations and educational organizations) as instruments of soft power in the field of the dissemination of the Russian language and culture in Spain. The pre-requisites of establishing the language strategy as a foreign policy instrument, the main forms and sphere of activities in promoting and supporting the Russian language in Spain are analyzed in this article. Methods. The comparative historical method is used to substantiate the aspects of the formation and development of the language policy program of the Russian Federation in Spain and other European countries in the historical retrospective. The systematic approach is used to formulate a holistic view of the policyof promoting the Russian language and culture in Spain as an instrument of soft power. Also, the institutional and neo-institutional approaches are used to identify formal and informal institutions of soft power in the field of popularization of the Russian language and culture in Spain. Analysis. As a result of analyzing the problem, the legal foundations and institutional foundations of the activities of the Russian Federation to popularize the Russian language and culture in Spain have been studied. The main directions and results of the soft power policy in the field of popularizing the Russian language and culture in Spain and their role in creating a positive image of Russia in Spain have also been identified. Results. The study shows that in recent years, thanks to the soft power policy, the Russian Federation has managed to maintain and, in some positions, expand its presence in Spain in the humanitarian and information space.
Бесплатно
Reflecting the cold war in “Atomic Heart”
Статья научная
Introduction. The present study is devoted to the study of the influence of artifacts of the symbolic politics of the USA and the USSR on the positioning of the respective socio-political systems in modern video games. The article includes the content of the “Atomic Heart” video game studies and analysis from the point of view of the theory of social memory and symbolic politics. Methods and materials. A certain number of methods were used to solve the actual tasks in the article. In particular, case-study methods and elements of structural and comparative analysis were used. Analysis. The game “Atomic Heart” was chosen as a research case. The choice of the case is due to the high popularity of this game both within Russia and internationally, as well as the connection of the plot to the topic of the confrontation between the USSR and the United States after World War II and the presence of a wide representation of the symbolism of this conflict inside the game (up to the reproduction of real campaign materials). On the one hand, the ways of representing the USA in Soviet propaganda and their interpretation by video game developers are studied. On the other hand, the positioning of the Soviet Union by game designers and screenwriters by exploiting the images and stereotypes of perception that were formed in Western culture during the Cold War is examined.
Бесплатно
Regional security integration in the SADC region
Статья научная
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is one of Africa’s most vivid examples of security integration. As the regional group aspires to promote political and economic independence, peace and security are considered indispensable for regional development, as instability in one member state could harm neighboring countries. Methods and materials. Relevant literature was critically analyzed, and the study adopted a secondary data collection method as an approach. Using the theory of security communities and theories of integration, this paper analyzed the historical security cooperation between the countries in the region as the first step towards regional integration in Southern Africa, that is, the restraining of the apartheid regime in South Africa. Analysis. The analysis further focused on establishing and evolving the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security (OPDS) and its institutional relationship with the SADC Summit. Results. The findings showed that SADC faced more internal challenges than external ones, which led to regional integration. Leading factors in the lack of peace and security were armed conflict, legacy of violence, and poor governance, among others. SADC envisioned peace and security through the adopted Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO). The author concludes that the SADC Summit and the OPDS are the leading platforms for managing security issues in the SADC region.
Бесплатно
