The new global trend of economic development – self-sufficiency and national autarky – is examined. The reasons and features of the transition to a self-sufficient industrial policy are identified in the context of the geopolitical fragmentation of the global economy and intensifying competition among major economies for technological leadership. Growing uncertainty and unpredictability in modern economic development, which are unacceptable for long-term investments, also drive this strategy. It is shown that protectionist policies and sanctions have had a serious impact on world trade, becoming a driver of the reorientation of trade flows between global economic leaders – the United States and China. However, this situation is likely to worsen due to the escalation of trade wars, which began with a sharp increase in US import tariffs on goods from more than 180 countries in April 2025 and provoked a strong response from China. This may lead to the breakdown of existing value chains and a global recession, significantly increasing the traditional costs of a self-sufficient industrial policy due to rising of production costs, dispersion and inefficient distribution of financial and material resources, accelerating of inflation, and a decline in the technological level and quality of goods. It is concluded that the trend toward national autonomy and self-sufficient industrial policy in the context of a changing world order may prove to be an extremely difficult task not only for the main players, but also for many other participants in the global economy.

The article examines the relationship between socio-economic development and a new wave of industrial automation using the examples of Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, the United States, Germany and India. A correlation analysis of industrial robotization rates and the dynamics of demographic change, unemployment, industrial value added, and investment in research and development is conducted, identifying the background and leading socio-economic determinants of industrial automation. The study concludes that demographic dynamics exert a background influence on the pace of industrial automation at the current stage. The potential for human capital formation in industrialized countries with natural population growth is becoming a benchmark for investment in research and development. However, changes in the age structure of the population show only a weak to moderate correlation with the pace of industrial robot installations. The revival of industrial automation in the second decade of the 21st century across countries at different stages of demographic transition highlights the leading role of other factors. These include the potential to increase industrial value added and the overall availability of labor, which determine the effectiveness of investments in industrial robotization. Based on this conclusion, a forecast is made regarding the emergence of an institutional factor, whose growing importance will likely slow the pace of investment in industrial automation.

The study addresses the nature of money and monetary systems, as well as problems related to the legal regulation of the corresponding relations. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set: to analyze existing theories of money and identify their shortcomings; to formulate and substantiate a new concept of money as a means of providing a service by its issuer to users of the monetary circulation system; and to identify problems in the legal regulation of monetary use in Russia. Each of these issues is addressed in a separate section of the study. The author criticizes the main thesis of evolutionist theory, which holds that money is a commodity and an independent economic good. In his view, individuals and legal entities do not directly use money itself, but rather the monetary circulation system, which constitutes the actual object of value. The management of this system is presented as a service provided by the issuer. This new conceptualization offers a different perspective on the legal regulation of the relevant social relations. The study finds a strong bias in favor of the Bank of Russia and an almost complete lack of protection for ruble users. It also reveals a contradiction within the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which simultaneously guarantees freedom of economic activity while restricting its implementation if the Bank of Russia fails to fulfill its obligation to maintain the stability of the ruble – due to the prohibition on the use of foreign currencies and monetary surrogates. The conflict was resolved in favor of economic freedom. The study proposes solutions to other regulatory issues, such as the absolute immunity of employees of the Bank of Russia.

The article focuses on digitalization process in the Nordic countries – Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway which are among the European leaders in this field. The issue is of considerable topical interest, as digitalization continues to evolve and expand. Given that Sweden is the largest country in the region, primarily attention is devoted to it, while the other countries are analyzed in comparison. The study emphasizes the particular features of digitalization in the 2020s. It explores developments in these countries over the past 5 years, which differ from оne another and occur in various regions. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the level of digitalization in the Nordic countries and to identify the measures implemented in each case. Digitalization is understood as the introduction of digital technologies into diverse spheres of human activity, ranging from everyday life to business, healthcare, and public administration. The author examines both the forms and dynamics of digitalization in the region. Particular attention is paid to the DESI index, developed by the European Commission, which assesses of digital competence, broadband and mobile networks, access to digital services in business and society, and the use of publicly available digital services. Between 2014 and 2022, the index provided a comprehensive overview of digital development in the EU countries as a whole and by individual country. Since 2023, under the Digital Economy Policy Program 2030, it has been incorporated into the State of the Digital Economy report. This report evaluates the EU in digital transformation across 4 key areas: digital infrastructure, digital skills, the digitalization of public services, and the digitalization of business. The 2024 report also considers critical factors and challenges such as the current geopolitical paradigm, the difficult economic context, and the impact of new technologies – including generative artificial intelligence – on competitiveness. According to these indicators, all Nordic countries have consistently ranked among the top five in recent years. Each country has adopted its own digitalization strategy. In Sweden, for instance, particular emphasis is placed on ensuring household and business access to broadband internet, promoting the adoption of digital technologies by citizens, firms, and government, strengthening digital skills, and enhancing national digital security. Overall, the Nordic countries maintain a leading position in the digitalization process in Europe.

The digitalization of public administration and the digital economy in both developed and developing countries is becoming one of the key factors of state sovereignty and stability, providing the technological and informational foundation for the effectiveness of domestic and foreign policy, as well as national security. The article examines the processes of digitalizing of public administration and promoting of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and other innovations in the digital economy using the examples of three leading East Asian countries – South Korea, Japan, and China. Based on a selective analysis of individual digital components of national digital models, the author identifies the key elements of digitalization in these countries and analyzes their level and efficiency, along with the special features and “bottlenecks” characteristic of each model. Methodologically, most digital projects can be reduced to the concept of “state digital platforms” (SDPs), the evaluation criteria of which include reducing the costs of state regulation, dynamically updating and analyzing of digital profiles and related functions. By projecting general and specialized indices onto the digital realities of the aforementioned states, the article determines the “digital position” of each among the three economic leaders of East Asia.

The course toward digitalization of the economy and public life pursued in the Republic of Korea in the 2020s aligns with the overall strategy of accelerated innovative development, aimed at maintaining progressive dynamics, ensuring stable growth, and achieving high living standards. At the same time, the concept of digitalization has been implemented in a consistent manner. Changes in the ruling administration allow for adjustments to the digitalization strategy but do not lead to its abandonment or to radical shifts in its content. A key feature of the long-term action plan was the linkage of the strategic digitalization program with the transition toward a green economy. A chronic labor shortage, stemming from demographic challenges, becomes a serious long-term constraint on South Korea’s economic development. One solution to this problem is the expanded use of robots in both industrial production and the service sector. The need to secure competitive advantages also drives the development of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Key digitalization projects include industries directly improving quality of life – primarily healthcare, education, culture, the environment, and housing-related services. Achieving these goals requires the advanced development of IT, building on the country’s scientific and industrial potential. Cooperation with foreign producers and consumers of digital products is an important dimension of South Korea’s strategy. American, European, and Japanese corporations remain significant external partners, but in recent years priority has been given to entering the Chinese market and deepening cooperation with Chinese companies. At the same time, growing attention is paid to new partners, including ASEAN countries and India.

The article identifies the main measures and administrative mechanisms for implementing technological forecasting in state technological policy, including public procurement of innovation. the creation of special economic zones, free trade agreements, the formation of knowledge networks, the training and development of human resources, national strategies, and support for innovative companies. The paper examines how these measures are applied within the technological policy of the Republic of Korea and highlights administrative mechanisms that have proven effective in achieving the desired outcomes. These mechanisms are classified in according to their legal, organizational, and freedom/obligation components. Such a classification illustrates possible approaches to managing technology policy and can serve as a guide for government agencies in selecting appropriate mechanisms for implementation, taking into account the cultural, managerial, and political characteristics of the country. The practical application of these administrative mechanisms is essential for creating a foundation to adapt and modify current technology policies in response to future technological trends. In addition, the experience of the Republic of Korea may be useful for Russia in terms of applying administrative mechanisms and strategic planning for innovative development.

Historically, relations between France and the United States have not been a “big calm river.” They have experienced both ups and downs, as was the case during the invasion of Iraq. France, which views the European Union as a counterweight to American influence in the world and aspires to a dominant role in a united Europe, regularly encounters opposition from the United States. Washington often reminds Paris of France’s surrender to the Nazis in 1940, its financial and economic difficulties, and criticizes its excessive ambitions and its aspiration to speak on behalf of Europe. Nevertheless, the two countries remain partners and cooperate in many areas. Since his election in May 2017, the French president has declared his intention to strengthen relations with the United States. Experts assess the interaction of political leaders during D. Trump’s first presidential term in different ways. Some argue that the relationship failed to develop, while others note, that despite contradictions, tensions were avoided. The article examines how relations between the two countries may evolve and what challenges France could face during D. Trump’s new presidential term.

The article examines the issue of U.S. participation in UNESCO during the first administration of D. Trump. While officially presenting itself as an upholder of the world order and an active participant in multilateral institutions, the United States has more often than others resorted to drastic foreign policy measures, exerting significant pressure on international organizations to advance its national interests. This ambiguity was most evident in U.S. policy towards UNESCO, a specialized UN agency playing an important role in addressing global challenges. The study seeks to clarify the logic behind the American foreign policy stance toward UNESCO addresses and, more broadly, the United Nations under Trump’s first term. In particular, it addresses the reasons that prompted the U.S. leadership to withdraw from UNESCO. The research is based on K. Waltz’s multilevel analysis of international conflicts. The findings indicate that systemic factors – such as the intensification of interstate rivalry within the UN system and the crisis of the neoliberal globalization model – contributed to tensions in U.S.–UNESCO relations. However, their explanatory power is limited, as they do not fully account for the abrupt decision to terminate U.S. membership. Particular attention is given to the first level of analysis, highlighting the pragmatic approach of the 45th president and his inner circle, who were willing to unilaterally reconsider unfavorable “deals”, especially when Israel’s interests were affected. The article also examines second-level variables, explaining why, despite the “system of checks and balances”, the Republican administration was able to make the decision to withdraw from UNESCO with minimal resistance.

The necessity of ensuring cybersecurity at both national and regional levels has grown alongside the advancement of communication technologies and the increasing number of active Internet users in developing countries. In this context, the United States perceives rising digital vulnerabilities that could negatively affect both Latin American countries and the United States itself. However, research on U.S. policy in this area remains limited, particularly within the context of U.S.–China rivalry in the region. This study aims to identify the specific features of the U.S. cybersecurity approach in Latin America, considering the dynamics of U.S.–China competition. The author introduces several legal instruments issued by U.S. government institutions into the academic discourse. The collection of official documents is analyzed through the lens of Regional Security Complex Theory and neoclassical realism. The analysis reveals bipartisan and public consensus in the United States on countering cyber threats. At the regional level, U.S. policy has been marked by reactivity and the establishment of ad hoc initiatives, regional response groups, and funding mechanisms to address the consequences of cyberattacks, alongside criticism of external actors for employing cyberterrorism. The findings suggest that, in the short term, the United States will seek to establish regional principles for information security based on its own national standards. These principles are likely to exclude or minimize the presence of Chinese-made software, hardware, and network infrastructure in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The article focuses on socio-psychological factors that hinder family formation and childbearing practices among young people, including students. The search for solutions to the challenges associated with the implementation of modern Russia’s demographic policy in the youth and student environment is carried out using an agent-structural model from the standpoint of social constructivism. Based on a stratified sampling survey of undergraduate and graduate students (n = 304) from Moscow, Vladivostok, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Surgut, and Cheboksary, it is concluded that the generational factor is of paramount importance in planning and creating a family, which is currently overlooked by demographic policy planners. The socio-economic tools currently proposed and applied serve only as an intermediate link in shaping young people’s sense of confidence in the future, which is in fact a prerequisite for starting a family. Uncertainty about the future and concerns regarding the well-being of potential children are significant factors influencing respondents’ reproductive intentions. The study puts forward proposals that could transform Generation Z’s underlying anxiety and reframe their fear of an uncertain future, using it as an emotional trigger to reset decision-making mechanisms. This publication contributes to the development of the current demographic agenda.

The review article presents research by scholars included in the book Medical Liability in Asia and Australasia, which examines the specifics of regulating medical liability in the legislation of 17 jurisdictions across the Asia-Pacific region. The authors are well-known experts in the field, focusing on the particularities of national healthcare systems and the key regulatory legal acts governing civil, corporate, administrative, and criminal liability of medical professionals for negligence and medical errors. The book provides numerous examples of judicial practice in reviewing patient complaints and resolving disputes over claims related to compensation for harm to health. This approach makes it possible to highlight the diversity of legal systems in the countries of these two regions, shaped by cultural (including religious), economic, political, and social factors, as well as by the structure of their legal systems. The review focuses on the 5 most economically powerful countries.