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The COVID-2019 pandemic has sparked a wave of discussions on further understanding the positive and negative aspects of urbanization, and the possible loss of the city's advantages. The problem has socio-economic, environmental, medical, architectural, managerial aspects and recommendations for changing the strategy of economic development, development of territories and settlement. The need to revise various decisions and types of socio-economic policy and regulation is largely manifested.

The article is devoted geopolitical features of the Caspian region and the factors that determine its importance for Russia. The author analyzes in detail the risks of a change in the situation in the Caspian in the face of geopolitical challenges, including the war and the end of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, changes in Turkey's foreign policy and EU sanctions against Turkey. The article also touches on the issue of a possible change in the cooperation ties of the Caspian states in connection with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the image of the China in the international arena.

The article is devoted to the consideration of the infodemia phenomenon as a result of massive fakes injections associated with the 2019-nCoV pandemic. Author analyzes the global social and political consequences of disinformation in social networks and messengers on the topic of health, official health statistics and government methods to combat the spread of the virus. There is a decrease in trust to government authorities and official information sources and also an increase in the popularity of conspiracy narratives. Author identifies methods to deal with infodemia and analyzes their effectiveness.

One of the greatest challenges that faced typical employees throughout their working life is life after retirement. Despite government roles at providing social security, retirement epoch has been a tension provoking and overwhelming phenomenon in Nigeria and other emerging economies of Africa, Asia and Latin America. A close observation of many retirees in Nigeria society and the problems they are facing draw the attention of all and sundry. These problems seem to range from sudden death, dwindling status, lack of occupation, loss of the usual monthly salary, decreased strength and deteriorated health condition, physical disabilities, aging and anxiety about a residential home. In Nigeria, the regular non-payment of pensions and gratuities benefits has brought untold hardship and sudden death to many retirees, thereby making retirement something that is dreaded by workers. This problem is further compounded to lack of planning and management of post-service epoch and conditions. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to identify and discusses strategies available for managing post-service condition in Nigeria. The paper calls on Nigerian workers to embrace one of the options to remain moderately productive and healthy after retirement. The paper suggests, among others, that both employers and government should undertake regular pre-retirement training for their workers in order to save the country the embarrassment of seeing their retirees going to early graves or turning into destitute on the streets.

This article presents an unambiguous evolutionary sequence of historical events leading to the development of customary international law, seen with reference to the mutual influence and transformation of legal philosophy, practice and codification on plundering cultural property during wars. The contemporary legal rules and customs working against taking cultural property as spoils of war are rooted in the eighteenth century, and were consistently developed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Restitution appears the best remedy for the country of origin, especially in the condition where the plundered cultural property is existent and identifiable. Achieving this goal depends on the cooperation and coordination throughout the world, based on a wider customary international law space.

In the paper, the author, revolving around the Supreme Court’s ruling linking close human relations in the workplace to the deterioration of management practices, critically analyses the dominant viewpoint espousing the need to strike out intimate behaviours from organizations. The author points to the significant impact of management theories, feminist trends and managerialization of law on the escalating de-sexualization of the workplace. In the article, it is evidenced that the overbearing conviction about the negative impact of intimate and sexual bonds on the working relations demands reinterpretation. It is alsoshown that consideration of sexual and intimate behaviours in organizations, irrespective of sex structures in these organizations, may paradoxically contribute to sex discrimination. The author offers the idea to modify the rules of employers’ liability depending on the sex structure and the number of women holding positions of authority and responsibility.

Prison disciplinary actions constitute one of the essential and – at the same time – necessary elements of penitentiary proceedings, which serve to ensure order and institutional security. When they are undertaken and conducted in a reasonable and moderate, and especially fair manner, then these activities not only protect the health, safety and security of all people participating in prison life, but also constitute a positive factor in the process of rehabilitation of prisoners. The article presents the rules of disciplinary proceedings in the State of New York.

In the period of Nobles’ Democracy, the art of war of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth attained the highest level, making a real phenomenon in the then Europe. It owed its development, among others, to outstanding Hetmans of the Crown and Lithuania, victors in many battles, leaders surrounded by fame and admiration, genuine patriots. In the hall of fame of Grand Hetmans, Field Hetmans and Lithuanian Hetmans, a most prominent place is taken by Stanisław Żółkiewski (1747-1620).On 13 June 2019, Members of Parliament passed an occasional resolution dedicating the year 2020 to Stanisław Żółkiewski. The resolution reads, among others, “Stanisław Żółkiewski always put the good of Poland above his own benefits, stood faithfully on the side of successive kings, also in internal conflicts, despite the critical opinion of Sigismund III’s politics. He advocated religious tolerance and easing conflicts. […] The Seym of the Republic of Poland, upon acknowledging the great contributions of Stanisław Żółkiewski,creator of the victory of Klushino and a conqueror of Moscow, tenacious defender of the Mother Country for which he sacrificed his life, establishes the year 2020, which marks the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his death, the Year of Hetman Stanisław Żółkiewski.”

The Austrian Civil Code (ABGB), which was in force in the districts of the courts based in Lvov and Krakow in the Interwar period, stipulated the principle of freedom of testing by the testator. That freedom, however, could harm the inheritance rights of the persons who were the nearest to the testator. The institution protecting the rights of these persons was the legitimate share which they were entitled to as heirs-at-law. The basis to assess the height of the legitim was the size of inheritance. However, while estimating thelegitimate share, donations which the heirs-at-law (persons entitled to the legitim), heirs and legatees had received from testators were taken into consideration as well. The ABGB provided that in the case where the legitim which the heirs-at-law were entitled to was depleted (not at full height) they could demand completion of it. Questions concerning which donations were taken into account and which were not while estimating the height of the legitim due to different practices in this respect were the subject of many courts’ adjudgments. The jurisprudence in this sphere was not uniform. It stipulated compensation of the depleted legitimate share both in kind (in the form of proportional part of the donation) and as a financial benefit, with time evolving towards the latter to a greater and greater extent.

This gloss summarizes and analyzes one of the recent key judgments of the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) in the case concerning Ukraine, while considering the context of hybrid warfare and the special place case-law of the ECtHR has in the Ukrainian legal system. The judgement addresses both: the right to access to the courts and the issue of suspended social payments due to hostilities, the extent of obligations of the state defending itself against aggression towards its nationals and the delicate balance between security, human rights and humanitarian considerations; and as such has much deeper relevance and applicability than to Ukraine alone.

The local government reforms of the 1990s created a three-tier local government system. The results of the reform are generally perceived as positive. However, it is pointed out that the legislator has not completed the political transformation process. This is the outcome of a failure to introduce an adequate and effective system of managing large cities - metropolises. In 2017, the first “metropolis” was established in the form of the GornośląskoZaglebiowska Metropolia (Upper Silesia-Dąbrowa Basin Metropolis, GZM). The act sparkeda nationwide discussion with other metropolises voicing their demands, including Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot, which make up the core of the Tri-City. The Senate of the Republic of Poland, having listened to the Pomeranian (Pomorskie Province) local government officials and experts, put forward a legislative initiative. This article discusses it.

A violência contra a mulher apresenta grande incidência em Fortaleza-CE e é considerada uma grave violação aos direitos humanos. A Lei n. 11.340/2006, conhecida como Lei Maria da Penha, é considerada pela Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) uma das três melhores legislações do mundo voltada ao enfrentamento à violência contra a mulher. Nesse sentido, a Polícia Militar do Estado do Ceará (PMCE) oferece um serviço de proteção e cuidado às mulheres que sofrem violência doméstica e familiar, denominado Grupo de Apoio às Vítimas de Violência (GAVV). Este estudo teve por objetivo conhecer a atuação desse grupo nos bairros Siqueira, Bom Jardim e Granja Lisboa em Fortaleza, onde se localiza a 4ª Unidade Integrada de Segurança (UNISEG 4) durante a pandemia de Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). O estudo teve caráter qualitativo, com uso de técnicas de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com 5 profissionais de segurança pública que fazem parte da UNISEG 4; eles relataram experiências do trabalho da equipeocorridas durante a pandemia no ano de 2020.

Legal access to death certificates varies widely from state to state. Because death records are crucial to in-depth journalistic reporting, we examined laws related to data access across the United States to determine how possible such reporting would be in each state under current laws. In addition to conducting a survey of state legislation on death certificates, we also conducted a meta-analysis of state legislative history related to these records, sought stories that have relied on death records, and interviewed the reporters who wrote some of those stories. We found that state laws could be categorized in three ways: open access, partial access and closed or very limited access. Only 12 of 50 states were found to have laws that could be considered “open.” We propose solutions and call for actions from key stakeholders to change these laws.

As the U.S. has grappled with COVID-19, the government has resisted repeated requests to follow open records laws, which are essential to transparency. Current efforts to reduce access to death records and other public information amid the pandemic jeopardizes government accountability and undermines the public’s trust. Given that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected low-income Americans, incarcerated populations and people of color, access to government-held data has serious implications for social justice. Importantly, those goals can be met without violating personal privacy. After analyzing state open records laws, court decisions and attorney general opinions, the author has developed a set of best practices for advocating access to death records to provide journalists and government watchdogs with important public health information that’s squarely in the public interest.

This study critically explores the extent to which the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) (such as the African Standby Force (ASF), the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), Panel of the Wise (PoW) and the Peace Fund (PF)) have been successful in achieving their institutional objectives, as well as the degree to which they are able to contribute to the work of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC). The AU PSC as a key pillar of the APSA is the main decision-making body regarding issues of peace and security. In order to achieve its responsibility, the AU PSC shall be supported by the African Standby Force, the Continental Early Warning System, Panel of the Wise and the Peace Fund. APSA is the umbrella term for the key African Union (AU) mechanisms for promoting peace, security and stability in the African continent. More specifically, it is an operational structure for the effective implementation of the decisions taken in the areas of conflict prevention, peace-making, peace support operations and intervention, as well as peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. APSA is envisioned as a means by which Africa can take a greater role in managing peace and security on the continent, with the objective of offering African solutions to African problems.

This article discusses one of the key components of the mechanism of formation of the ruling elites in the United States - economic. Representatives of large business, financial circles and political clans, capable of fighting for power and possessing the necessary resource base and tools, form elite groups. The authors focus on the study of US large business as a supplier of cadres for the American political elites that determine US domestic and foreign policy. In their work, the authors set the following tasks: to analyze the mechanism of the formation of political elites in the USA; to consider the experience of Trump Organization in the context of the acquisition by her leader of the highest political status in the USA in 2016 and the prospects for his re-election to this post in 2020; to assess the role of large business in the formation of political elites in the United States. To achieve the objectives, the authors used a few methods of political science: structural, systemic, functional, comparative and historical methods. The methodology of economic science was also involved: the method of scientific abstraction, the method of normative and functional analysis. The study, in its conceptual basis, is based both on the theory of political elites and on the economic theory of competition.

Women are half of the worlds total population. Their condition around the globe is drastic. Womens empowerment is much underscore issue of the 21st century. The West, which got phenomenal prosperity, is a direct result of empowering their women. It is a proven fact that without empowering the half of the population, a country cannot achieve prosperity in any field. Several governmental and non-governmental organizations are working intensively on womens empowerment issue, but the United Nations (UN) contributions are above all, as its charter ensures the basic rights of women. During the last two decades, the UN has held many conferences, seminars and workshops on women rights to launch a global strive. A number of the UN agencies are working on this issue, but most effective work on womens empowerment has been carried out by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It works throughout the world by advocacy, partnerships, and provides technical support and financial aid to government and non-governmental organizations. In Pakistan, women are 51.73 percent of the total population. The condition of female population specifically in rural areas is adverse. Women are deprived of their basic human rights, and the literacy ratio among women is also alarmingly low. Being a developing state, Pakistan depends upon financial aid and technical support from international agencies. After the 18th amendment to the Constitution, provinces receive all sorts of aid directly from the donor agencies. The UNDP operates throughout the country known as the UNDP Pakistan. Because of dire situation in rural areas, the UNDP is working for rural uplift. This study has highlighted the socio-economic impacts of UNDP initial program on women in detail.

The history of Nigeria is tainted with the absence of good moral and ethical values in the conduct of the ruling elites; this has adversely affected economic growth and development. Continued poverty reinforced by acute youth unemployment is a barrier to Nigerias quest for consolidating her democracy. A society of beggars, parasites and bandits cannot develop. Youth unemployment has been and is still a major problem in Nigeria. The statistics is staggering despite the political clamours against unemployment. The root of this problem originated in the visionless, selfish, mediocre, tribalistic and opportunistic small money-minded people masquerading as leaders who have continued to regenerate Nigerian political landscape over time. It is against this backdrop that this study examines the relationship between leadership failure and acute youth unemployment in Nigeria. A cross-sectional method was adopted and data was collected via a survey of three hundred (300) respondents in south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria using non-probability sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using correlation and linear regression analysis with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The results of the study revealed that there is significant relationship between leadership failure and acute youth unemployment. As predicted, the study also showed that leadership failure exerts a positive and statistically significant impact on acute youth unemployment in Nigeria. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends among others that the government at all levels should empower the jobless youths through genuine empowerment schemes that would equip them to be self-employed and employer of labor, revamped agricultural development schemes to create job opportunities for the unemployed youths roaming about on the Nigeria streets and the actualization of youth empowerment would be impossible if the war against corruption is not intensified.

Federations are institutional and structural arrangements with the tenets of shared rule and self-rule. These federations may be formed through coming together, holding together or putting together processes. Both holding together and coming together federations are established through democratic bargain while putting together federation is imposed coercively by the winners. Hence, this article aims to situate Ethiopia in to one of these three variants through critical [re]examination of the transitional activities. The data were collected through interviews and document analysis. A qualitative analysis was employed to analyze the data. Accordingly, the paper argues that Ethiopia is a putting together federation because of the major flaws committed during the transition. Particularly, the absence of an organization that could represent Amhara during the Peace Conference, exclusion of the major political organizations from the conference and the aftermath processes as well as the inhuman and extrajudicial treatments against those who were explaining their discontent in the restructuring processes are some of the justification to level Ethiopia’s federation as putting together. Moreover, the electoral frauds that forced the major political parties to boycott the elections (the 1992 and 1994 elections) and the manipulation of the drafting and ratification processes of the constitution by TPLF/EPRDF can justify this position. Hence, it is recommended to restructure the federation through democratic bargaining for the putting nature of the federation is facing a legitimacy crisis due to the different questions rooted in the formation processes.

Imperial constitutions make the basic source of Roman law in the period of the Principate or the Dominate. They present the Roman manner of unifying multicultural law of the Empire, consisting of various legislative practices and organization of the judiciary, in which it was necessary to solve different problems resulting from managing the state. Following the division of the Empire into the eastern and the western parts, there arose the problem of securing legal power of constitutions implemented by one of the rulers to be binding on the whole territory of the Empire still treated as one whole body. The analysis of the imperial constitutions introduced in the Serdica of old provides certain answers in this respect.The city appears to have been one of the temporal capitals of the Empire in the East, while awaiting Constantine who would confirm its key position by uttering the words: “Serdica mea Roma est”. In the years 2011-2012, in the University of Sofia there was a scientific project run, whose goal was to present the palingenesis of the imperial legislation enacted in Serdica as well as the position of the city in the period of late Empire. Apart from this, it was attempted to prove that the imperial law remained ‘alive’ in the uneasy period between the end to the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century. The analysis of the kinds of constitutions and their content allows us to discover the first stages of deep transformations of the Emperor’s power, which occurred at that time, as well as to get to know about the realization of the reforms launched by Diocletian and implemented until the rule of Constantine. First of all, we can see the picture of Emperor Constantine the Great – legislator, administrator, judge, who would promote abiding by the Emperor’s cult in the time when Christianity was winning more and more stable position in the Empire. The Edict of Tolerance, which was issued by Galerius in Serdica on 30 April 311 CE, should be regarded as the one laying the foundations of legislature favourable to Christians and, at the same time, opening the door to passing the Edict of Milan in 313 CE.

The review of Francis Fukuyama’s book “Political Order and Political Decay: From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy” examines the processes of political development and modernization. “Political Order and Political Decay” is the second volume of a large-scale study. Both books adhere to the paradigm that a successful liberal democracy combines three main elements: the state, the rule of law, and accountability - and the balance between them is crucial. Fukuyama recognizes that there is a link between economic prosperity and democracy but does not claim that one automatically leads to the other. Fukuyama believes that Chinese phenomenal economic growth combined with an authoritarian government will not be able to persist, but does not conclude that a democratic revolution in China is inevitable. Fukuyama also became disillusioned with the possibilities of exporting democracy. The author warns that political decline is more pronounced in the United States than in other democracies, because the latter have demonstrated a greater ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

The article presents the characteristics of research interest and its development on the example of University students bachelors degree qualification, the analysis of publications of domestic and foreign authors on the subject, the factors contributing to the formation and development of research interest, its importance in the cognitive activity of the student and the results of its manifestation in the educational process of the University. The article is written on the basis of prolonged observations of students and interim results of these studies. In the analysis of the intermediate results involved the students themselves. The criteria of positive result of the development of research interest: the desire to continue learning in the magistracy, initiative and diligence in selecting topics and preparing the content of future scientific publications, participation in scientific conferences and competitions. Research interest is considered from the point of view of the continuing educational activities of the University student, is its qualitative characteristics, which confirms the perceived need of the student in independent scientific work. Currently, due to the current tasks of the students bachelors degree qualification with modern requirements to educational activities and rapidly changing conditions of modern life and the demands of implementation in the profession, creativity becomes a necessary component of cognitive activity and its specific directions. The article considers creativity as the main outcome of interest and the possibility of further professional development. The paper proposed specific measures in order to develop the research interest of the students bachelors degree qualification in the learning process highlighted the importance of qualifying work in the process of formation of key qualifications, including research activities.

Since the year 2013, Nigeria’s northeastern region epicenter of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency waging war for the establishment of an Islamic State has witnessed mass participation of people in a civil militia group. The militia group colloquially describing itself Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was formed to combat the Boko Haram rebellion. Perhaps, the participation of the CJTF in the combating activities was reportedly influential in reducing the Boko Haram hostilities in most communities. Prior to the CJTF, the counterinsurgency approaches of the Nigerian governments’ Special Joint Task Force and the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Member States of Lake Chad Basin Commission was faced with lackadaisical performances. Whereas the CJTF was reportedly successful, however, the interrupted participation of the people despite the attendant human and material cost has risen suspicion among the population and the critical literature about the groups’ true motivation. This article, therefore, investigated the motivations of the CJTF in northeastern Nigeria. The study was conducted through a qualitative approach designed in a case study. The data was collected from thirteen informants from three groups - CJTF, Community Leaders and State/Local Government authorities. The technique of data collection is in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. The finding revealed personal incentive factors of monetary/material gains, and the futuristic interest of employability drives peoples’ participation. To address the economic interests of the CJTF and as a panacea to prevent the manifestation of the security threats associated with the CJTF group, the study recommends for the establishment of charity centers to receive contributions from well to do citizens to ameliorate the economic needs of the participants. The government should also propound strong legal mechanisms to regulate the activities of the CJTF militia.

This review focuses on analysis and determination of problematic field based on phenomena and related concepts such as micronation, cyber-state, virtual state and others. Actualization of this topic is carried out due to the technological development of modern society, the emergence of new social, political, economic and other actors, the concentration of a large amount of resources by them which could make them an influential power or an alternative of social and political organization. Using scoping methods, comparative and content analysis, as well as services of network and statistical analysis the article examines the level of virtual states embeddedness into Russian political and social sciences, the formation of the corresponding research field, direction or school. Special attention is paid to the Russian segment of world science in the framework of the study of virtual states and problems are faced by Russian researchers. This will allow researchers to see the context, the most relevant areas of work, help to correctly use the concepts in Russian and English academic texts.

This study critically explores the extent to which the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) (such as the African Standby Force (ASF), the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), Panel of the Wise (PoW) and the Peace Fund (PF)) have been successful in achieving their institutional objectives, as well as the degree to which they are able to contribute to the work of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC). The AU PSC as a key pillar of the APSA is the main decision-making body regarding issues of peace and security. In order to achieve its responsibility, the AU PSC shall be supported by the African Standby Force, the Continental Early Warning System, Panel of the Wise and the Peace Fund. APSA is the umbrella term for the key African Union (AU) mechanisms for promoting peace, security and stability in the African continent. More specifically, it is an operational structure for the effective implementation of the decisions taken in the areas of conflict prevention, peace-making, peace support operations and intervention, as well as peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. APSA is envisioned as a means by which Africa can take a greater role in managing peace and security on the continent, with the objective of offering “African solutions to African problems”.

The article reveals the features of the relationship between the state and religious organizations during a pandemic. There are two strategies of state policy for the functioning of religious buildings: liberal and strategic. It has been proven that conditioned by one or another form of government and understanding of the role and significance of religion in society. The leaders of states in their decisions regarding the functioning of religious organizations in such a crisis period proceeded from the number of cases in a particular country, as well as from the traditions of key religious beliefs in a particular state. It was revealed that religious organizations were faced with a collision: either to submit to the decisions of the authorities of a certain country or to go «against» and thereby inflicting danger on the population. Therefore, it was possible to observe that if the leaders of religious organizations urged believers to adhere to the restrictive measures established by the authorities, then some believers in a number of countries did not obey quarantine measures, explaining this either by their religious beliefs or apocalyptic sentiments.

Modern states are actively working to create their image. This effect is largely achieved through the visualization of power: the sum of explicit or implicit properties aimed at the visual presence of domination. Sport is an essential tool for continuing politics and is actively used to visualize a political line. The 2018 FIFA World Cup held in several cities of Russia formed a new vision of the country among foreigners.

The article deals with the discovery of instruments of modern political franchising that means a practice of a political brand using for electoral campaigns. There are investigated the technologies of political franchising as a special kind of political technologies of informational influence. There are determined the main mechanisms of political franchising for political election.

This article discusses the position of women in the political life of Iran, the increase in the level of education among Iranian women before and after the Revolution, the connection between the presence of women in Parliament and in higher education at Iran, as well as the progress made by women in Iranian government organizations. The number of female students increased with increasing capabilities of universities, every day they stood out a large percentage of potential. Therefore, this article raises the following question: did the increase in the level of education among women affect their participation in the political sphere of the country or not?

Jordanian womens participation in public policy dates back to 1950s. However, political activism came to a halt in the period between 1956 and 1992. In 1992, the new Political Parties Law granted women the right to participate in political parties. Since then, women became an active member of political parties, but their participation remained largely symbolic and not influential. Women did not seek to join parties. As a result, women are still largely unrepresented in the state. In addition, and the number of women involved in these parties remains low. There are a number of challenges that prevent womens participation in political life in Jordan, such as social restrictions resulting from the traditional structure of Jordanian society. This article discusses the political participation of women in Jordan and addresses the most prominent challenges facing the political work of women in Jordan.

There is a robust literature examining financial vulnerability and demise of nonprofit organizations, particularly in the United States. However, much of this knowledge stems from inconsistent definitions of nonprofit demise. Using eight comparative case studies, this study revisits traditional definitions of nonprofit life and death to better reflect actual organizational operating status. Following this reclassification, findings from this study show that certain internal and external characteristics are more important in determining a nonprofit’s operational status. In particular, nonprofits whose missions involve a particular regulation are more likely to close due to mission completion or obsolescence; however, these nonprofits also tend to either reincarnate or expand scope if other factors are favorable. The findings also appear to show that the existence of conflict or competition with an outside entity boosts nonprofit cohesion. Internal tensions, however, are particularly harmful.

Apart from the past ideological differences, distrust, divergence of the interests, US and India relationships has been transformed from the estrangement to partnership and at least into potent nexus with the awake of the twenty first century. Since the threshold of the century, Asia is the central part of the world politics where several regional and extra-regional actors are trying to secure their interests and want to maintain their hegemony. Apart from India, China and Japan, the US and Russia are the powerful players in the Asian political theatre. After the collapse of the USSR, India and China have emerged as strong regional powers and they are playing their imperative role in the Asian affairs. Fast growth of Chinese economics, arms modernization, advancement in the technology and its course of actions in Asian region and in the sea lane of transportation push the US leadership to reshape its security policies and choose new alliance by adoption of alliance making theory in the context of balance of power in the Asia to secure its position in the region and balance or counter rising threats. Besides this, due to Indian democratic values, rising power, strategical position near the Indian Ocean, nuclear potential and power to contain China, Delhi is perceived in Washington as a valuable ally. The ‘India VS China’ in the context of economic race, past rivalry, and border issues and ‘The US VS China’ indicate that the US takes India as a countervail power to balance China in Asian periphery and wants balance of power. According to Chinese political analysts, the aim behind the ongoing US-India juxtaposition is to counter the rising China. This article tries to answer the following questions: “What is the crucial factor behind the inauguration of current US-India Nexus and specially in East and Central Asia?”, “What is the general perception of China regarding US-India nexus?”, “And what is the course of actions of three powers in Central and East Asia to preserve their positions and interests in respective regions?”.

Powołując nową strukturę – Krajową Administrację Skarbową, prawodawca miał prawo określić nowe warunki pracy lub służby osób, które znajdą w niej zatrudnione. Organy KAS miały złożyć odpowiednio pracownikom oraz funkcjonariuszom w terminie do dnia 31 maja 2017 r. pisemną propozycję określającą nowe warunki zatrudnienia albo pełnienia służby. W przypadku niezłożenia takiej pisemnej propozycji bądź odmowy jej przyjęcia dotychczasowy stosunek pracy lub służby wygasał.Prawodawca nie przewidział jednakże formy decyzji dla formalnego zakończenia stosunku służbowego funkcjonariuszy, którym nie przedstawiono pisemnej propozycji zatrudnienia albo pełnienia służby, czy też tym, którzy odmówili przyjęcia takiej propozycji. Nie wskazał także kryteriów, wedle których organ KAS może nie przedstawić funkcjonariuszom propozycji zatrudnienia bądź służby.Standardy konstytucyjne oraz zasady decyzyjnego rozstrzygania o treści i bycie stosunku służbowego wymagają wydania decyzji stwierdzającej wygaśnięcie służby. Wskazane regulacje nie odpowiadają więc standardom związanym z ochroną stosunku służbowego oraz prowadzą do arbitralności organów KAS w tym zakresie. Selekcja osób pełniących służbę publiczną nie może być przeprowadzana w sposób arbitralny jako element procesu reorganizacji aparatu państwowego, a sama reorganizacja nie może być wykorzystywana jako okazja do wymiany funkcjonariuszy. Stanowiłoby to bowiem obejście przepisów gwarantujących funkcjonariuszom zwiększoną trwałość ich zatrudnienia.

This article analyzes the potential impact of Turkeys foreign policy on Russias soft power in several regions of the world. The author believes that the policy of President R.T. Erdogan in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Aegean Sea can cause significant damage to the image and international prestige of Moscow. The article argues that Russian policy should minimize the toxic impact of R.T. Erdogans foreign policy on Russias soft power in the considered regions.

The paper is devoted to presentation of the one aspect of the research project dedicated to study of political administrative elite in contemporary Russia. It is based on the network analysis methodology that is not widely used by Russian scholars of elites. The authors establish their approach on the mapping of the social networks within elite groups. Although the explanatory power of the network approach is still comparatively weak it is applied as exploratory method for structuring of empirical data, find the trends and set the research questions and hypotheses. The study of networks based on the birthplace is presented in the paper. The key research question is the following: are there cohesive subgroups based on birthplace compatriotship in federal executive branch of power? Federal ministers, deputy ministers and heads of departments are included into sample. The authors find that regional compatriotship is not the important factor of the recruitment of the federal political administrative elite. However, in some cases the cohesive groups based on compatriotship ties appear within one ministry. For example, when the authors reduce the sample to those who were born after 1970, several cohesive subgroups of regional compatriots are found.

This article revises and extends Leland and Thurmaier’s (2004a, 2004b) City—County Consolidation (C3) model by synthesizing it with Johnson’s (2004) Theory of Local Constitutional Change (LCC) and Hughes and Lee’s (2002) Evolutionary Consolidation Model (ECM). The result, we find, is a more general model of local government consolidation. Our model is applicable to a wider variety of consolidation types and incorporates a full consideration of varied charter development processes. Ultimately, this allows for acknowledgment of the possibility that consolidation attempts may be halted prior to a referendum campaign and that those attempts may reflect either conflicts of interest or consensual efforts at problem-solving. We focus specifically on Indiana after enactment of the 2006 Government Modernization Act. After enactment of the act, Indiana experienced seven consolidation efforts from 2008 to 2012. Examination of these efforts provides a robust comparative case study of consolidation efforts occurring during a narrow timeframe and under a common institutional context. The study not only illustrates the suitability of our revised and extended model, but it also confirms a number of Leland and Thurmaier’s (2005) findings from their reassessment of the C3 model.

The article analyses Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap in Australia that is used by the United States to controls satellites pinpoint airstrikes around the world. The Joint Facility rises political controversy in Australia (especially after Edward Snowden’s revelations) as many doubt if it is in Australia’s best interests to contribute data for drone assassinations and targeting US nuclear weapons. Considering Australia’s policy towards Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap the author raises the question whether national security can be “outsourced” to save budget funds. The article concludes that in Australia it is noticeable that human intelligence potential in financial terms is less valued than some construction, manual jobs. Considering that Russia and China, which are in the focus of Pine Gap intelligence gathering do not outsource its national security and were more successful in preventing major information leaks, moreover in preventing major terrorist attacks on their soil, is indicating that national security should not be privatized.

The article analyzes the social phenomenon of single-industry towns (company towns), their role in the modern market economy, their genesis in Russia and other countries. The author observes historical stages of development of single-industry towns in Russia, as well as the features of their occurrence in the Soviet Union in connection with city-forming enterprises, which in addition to economic activities performed social functions. The characteristics of the development of single-industry towns in Europe, North America and are being compared. Distinctive features of the industrial enterprises of the cities formed in the Soviet Union are allocated. The article analyzes the problems of functioning and development of single-industry towns, examines foreign and domestic strategies for the rehabilitation of single-industry municipalities, including current measures to support such towns in the Russian Federation.

Until March 2020, online learning had not been a common practice in Ukrainian universities. Typically, Ukrainian universities used online learning as an auxiliary tool only in a blended form. After the introduction of quarantine measures in Ukraine to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease, online learning has become the dominant form of teaching and learning in Ukrainian universities. However, the introduction of online learning in university practice has led to several problems related to the sustainability assurance of online educational services. This paper presents the main results of the authors’ research of critical problems that arose in the management practice of Ukrainian universities after the full transition to online education and ways of solving them using the experience of the People’s Republic of China Universities. Based on the analysis of the successful experience of organizing online university education in China under quarantine restrictions, the authors proposed a three-level (e-learning software, quality assurance, ethical standards) management model of sustainable online education in Ukraine, justified the effectiveness of management experience in sustainable online education of China for Ukrainian universities.

The article is devoted to the consideration of political and non-political component of public opinions expression in contemporary Russia. The authors highlight the most popular channels for expressing public opinion on pressing issues through existing public institutions. The participation of population in the existing civic and social practices is analyzed, and the potential for increasing civic and political involvement is revealed. The paper focuses on the reasons for the low level of citizen political participation in Russia, formulates potential ways to solve this problem, including usage of modern communication tools. The classification of the most popular sectors of civic participation is also presented. Based on the analysis of sociological data, the authors highlight the relationship between the complexity of public participation and the number of citizens involved in various forms of civic initiatives. The article presents the socio-political agenda of the protests of 2017-2018 in Russia as well as its reasons. A forecast for the development of the protest agenda in future is also given in the article. In conclusion there is a forecast for the further development of political and non-political citizen participation in public life of the country and solution of pressing problems such as socio-political, economic, environmental and other spheres of public life.

The article analyzes the potential of using deepfake technologies for political purposes. It is noted that in the near future, deepfakes may affect various levels of public and political life and contribute to the spread of a wide range of threats: from reputational risks for celebrities and individuals, to the development of organized crime and problems of social stability and national security. The authors evaluate potential threats, prospects and main directions of state regulation of deepfake content in the broader context of political and legislative initiatives to counter the spread of disinformation and fake news.

Papua Province is an area whose development is still lagging behind in Indonesia. The continually conflicts causes the development of the Province of Papua is very behind compared to other regions. To overcome this problem, the government provides special autonomy funds to make improvements in the fields of education, poverty, health, economic improvement and infrastructure. This study analyzes the differences in the fields of education, health and poverty before and after the granting of the Papua special autonomy fund. By analyzing these areas, we can see the effectiveness of the special autonomy fund after 18 years of funding by the central government. This study is a policy study (policy research) by collecting data and then analyzed into a conclusion and recommendation. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques are done through literature study and Focus Group Discussion. The results of this study indicate that the conditions of education, health, and poverty alleviation before and after special autonomy did not change significantly. The change is very slow when compared to the large amount of special autonomy funds allocated each year. This is caused by the institutional system of government that has not worked effectively and efficiently as well as in the quality and quantity of existing human resources.

South Lampung is one of the areas that still upholds customary and cultural values. Including one of them is in terms of preserving the environment. On the other hand, development in the area continues. However, the development discourse initiated by local governments, both district and provincial, often conflicts with the interests of local communities. One of them is the refusal, such as the local community and non-governmental organizations in the Rajabasa sub-district of South Lampung, against the exploitation of sand in the waters of the Anak Krakatau mountain by a private company that has obtained a permit from the provincial government. This study aims to determine the perspective of local non-governmental organizations and local governments in interpreting the existence of natural resources in the regions. The research method used is qualitative with a discourse analysis approach. Data collection comes from literature studies such as books, journals and news. The results show that the community has a perspective in looking at natural resources in the area, namely that they must maintain the status quo by assessing that natural resources need to be preserved as local wisdom without exploitation while the government assesses natural resources through proper exploration of natural resources. in fact, it can optimize regional income and create welfare for the community

In this paper, the author presents intellectual property law policies related to geodata. The sole purpose of this paper is to open up this problem for further investigation and discussion. The concepts of geodata and legal interoperability have not received as much scholarly attention as they merit. Drafting one single model for geodata access is especially hard, given that geodata is produced and maintained in multifold environments. This makes it important to confront and discuss the factors influencing the licensing of geodata. On this basis the author proposes a taxonomy of the extremely diverse licenses for geodata.

The sentence which the gloss refers to presents the breakthrough stance of the Supreme Administrative Court, where it is acknowledged that the decision issued by the Minister of Health, concerning the refusal to refund a medicament containing medical marijuana, infringes on the patient’s rights in the sphere of selection of an effective method of treatment in the situation where conventional methods have proved inefficient. In the opinion of the Court, eventual doubts – with reference to both the interpretation of theregulations dealing with healthcare and evaluation of the factual state of the case in question – should be settled in favor of protection of life and human health. Treatment with preparations including medical marijuana writes into the current of in dubio pro vita humana.

The legal aspects of preventive vaccinations are one of the elements of broadly understood sanitary law and medical law. Protective vaccinations, as one of the fundamental measures in the protection of public health, are undoubtedly an extremely efficient method for battling numerous infectious diseases. The effective implementation of the universal vaccination obligation, imposed by the legislator, ensures a high level of the population immunization and prevents the epidemic spread of infectious diseases.

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The article describes the solution of the problem of managing a preschool educational institution in the context of an innovative approach. After all, the problem of reforming preschool education in modern conditions involves a radical restructuring of management, its democratization, decentralization and humanization. The article aims at scientific and practical substantiation of mechanisms of state management of innovative development of preschool education in Ukraine and definition of strategic directions of their improvement and reveals essence of innovative approaches to management of preschool educational institution, and also research of priority of innovations in management of preschool educational institutions. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the transition to new educational standards, integration into the European and world educational space have brought to the fore the problem of innovative management in preschool educational institutions. Functional changes in the activity of the head of the preschool institution are analyzed. The methodological basis of the study is the need to modernize preschool education in Ukraine, which is associated with European and global trends and challenges, the growing attention of the international community to this level of education.The introduction of innovations in the management activities of the organization, which is associated with the inconsistency of the needs management process, due to the environment of its operation. The introduction of innovations in the management of the organization helps to avoid such negative effects and factors as reduced productivity, active and passive resistance to change, exclusion of employees from the work process, conflicts in the team, professional exhaustion, voluntary dismissal, slow assimilation of changes, dismissal etc.Such tasks as solving the problem of managing a preschool educational institution in the context of an innovative approach remain relevant for preschool education in the near future. Thus, the use of innovative approaches will ensure high efficiency of preschool education management

The article examines the impact of political processes caused by political decisions of various branches of government, and their consequences for the participation of persons with disabilities in the socio-political life of the state. The legislation of Ukraine on the regulation of public relations in terms of integration of persons with disabilities into society through employment is analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of growth in the number of people with disabilities, which is associated with the general aging of the population and increasing the risk of disability, the reduction of economic activity in this category, which in some countries translates it into subsidies at the state level. The normative regulation of integration processes and stimulation of labor activity of persons with disabilities in the developed countries of the world is considered. It was found that the policy aimed at social integration of people with special needs needs to be modernized and improved at all levels, including the activities of local governments, national and international level. The author notes that only in synergy and joint work, using common socio-political tools, it is possible to achieve the inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of communities and achieve high results in the development of the state. Based on the declared, defined in the Constitution of Ukraine content, activities, directions and direction of development of the state in relation to the citizen of Ukraine, it is proved that the relationship of every citizen, not excluding people with special needs, should be considered as a union of power-man relations. And if a person with a disability has the right, it means that the state is obliged to provide him with the opportunity to exercise this right. It was stressed that social security, which guarantees the right of a citizen to a decent standard of living, should not be limited to the payment of benefits, subsidies, but should be aimed at creating conditions for "disclosure" in various spheres of public life, including formal employment. It is proved that in Ukraine there are measures to create conditions aimed at socialization and participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the state. But given that at the constitutional level, persons with disabilities have equal rights along with other categories of citizens, there is a need to amend the Constitution in order to improve the legal framework for persons with disabilities, as the terms "equality" and "non-discrimination" in relation to the disabled are not identical and differ significantly in content. According to the author, this will allow to realize the strategic goal of a modern civilized state - to provide high living standards for its citizens, taking into account the category of people with special needs.