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The paper considers the UK policy towards Japan defined as its key ally in Asia. In light of upcoming Brexit, Great Britain tends to intensify the political dialogue with Tokyo in order to demonstrate alliances with «natural partners» all over the world. The option of a no-deal Brexit deeply concerns the Land of the Rising Sun since Japanese producers consider the UK as the main gateway to the EU. London in turn looks at Japan as a platform for further strengthening its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region. The UK-Japan security dialogue is actively developing along with military cooperation. Although the rise of China poses concerns for Japan and the UK to a different extent, both countries appreciate significant economic opportunities offered by trading with Beijing.

After a short period of respite, that followed after Central Europa had become amember of NATO and the European Union, there began a new phase of the global struggle for the region. Most probably, on the one hand these countries are seen in World capitals as a weak link in the competition with the European Union, which gained strength in the first decade of the 21st century. On the other hand, against the background of the escalating global confrontation that followed the Kiev Maidan in 2014, this could be estimated as an attempt to use the region in a new re-distribution of world roles. For which extent might be relevant the Mackinder scenario today? How do the countries of the region see the battles unfolding around them? How relevant are concerns about a new wave of interference in the policies of the countries of the region from outside? At a time when Central Europe is a part of the European Union, and Russia continues to be the nearest global subject of international politics, the unfolding battle between the US and China for the Eastern part of the European Union brings many questions. The paper attempts to analyse the real extent of opportunities as well as possible influence of global players in the region.

The regular World Economic Forum (WEF) took place in Davos against the background of aggravation of the geopolitical and trade conflicts, strengthening of protectionism, deterioration in an economic situation in the EU and uncertainty with Brexit. A number of world leaders refused participation in it at the last minute. It caused pessimism of participants and raised an issue of future role of Davos as leading discussion platform on world economy and policy. The paper considers results of the 49th WEF and the prospects of the further development of WEF.