Vol 25, No 4 (2023): New Reversals in the Theory and Methodology of Political Science

Articles

New Reversals in the Theory and Methodology of Political Science: Introducing the Issue

Alekseeva T.A.

Abstract

The editorial board presents an issue dedicated to the consideration of topical subjects and variants of methodological approaches in modern political science. The editorial review examines the global trends of turbulence and nonlinearity of development, which pose new largescale tasks for political theory to comprehend new political processes and phenomena. To a great extent, they are associated with the assertion of a “post-non-classical” type of rationality, which requires a revision of established practices, methodologies and research methods. Yet, in conditions of chaos and uncertainty, the potential of political theory remains largely underestimated against the background of a passion for commenting on current politics.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):759-766
pages 759-766 views

THE WORLD OF THE POLITICAL

Eschatology of the post-Christian Republic

Sardaryan H.T.

Abstract

The author analyzes the development of the political and philosophical concept of republic as a common cause in the conditions of transformation of the value system of Western society. The main problem of the research is the reason why the existence of the republic in the conditions of modern ideological and theoretical foundations of the society of individual consumerism faces the impossibility of achieving the common good as the goal-setting of a common cause. The study traces the ontology of the republic in the political thought of ancient philosophers, medieval thinkers and modern representatives of Western political theory. The central role, in this sense, is played by Christianity, which for many centuries has been a systematic representation of the essence of the common good. In the conditions of modern Western society, it has ceased to be a transcendent system of values, giving way to relativistic concepts that are unable to act as a foundation for social harmony. The author comes to the conclusion that the modern era has led to the deprivation of the republic of goal-setting, replacing the collective essence of society with the individual egoism of a citizen, while postmodernism, rejecting any form of collective self-identification of a person, deprives him of the opportunity to act as a citizen.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):767-777
pages 767-777 views

The «Situational Nationalism»: A New Age of Nation and State Building in Montenegro?

Meleshkina E.Y., Pomiguev I.A.

Abstract

For a long time, the political development of Montenegro has been determined by the peculiarities of historical development and the legacy of the former Yugoslavia. The divisions between groups of citizens identifying themselves as Serbs or Montenegrins, as well as contradictions between the state and the church, have determined the configuration of political forces. The fear of national minorities of Serbian national policy and the skillful maneuvering of M. Djukanovic contributed to their support for his regime. However, the problems of economic development, Djukanovic’s miscalculations regarding the Orthodox Church, as well as the lack of serious progress on the way to the EU, led to an increase in opposition sentiment and the defeat of Djukanovic in 2023 presidential elections, and the DPS in the parliamentary ones. Representatives of the younger generation of politicians came to power in Montenegro, relying to a lesser extent on traditional ethno-confessional divisions for Montenegro and aimed at solving economic problems and accelerating the process of the country’s accession to the EU. The article concludes that the end of a long period of dominance of one political force does not mean the end of the process of democratization. The unresolved issues of national and state building, the influence of external centers, the lack of effective institutions for the achievement of compromise and the protection of the interests of minorities make political life unstable and complicate the adoption of effective political decisions. Despite the victory of a new generation of politicians in the last national elections, the country’s traditional divisions still determine the choice of many voters and may again become relevant under the influence of market circumstances.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):778-800
pages 778-800 views

The “Third Generation” Constructivism: Framing and Communication

Alekseeva T.A., Verkhovskaya Z.A.

Abstract

The research is devoted to the consideration of some new methodological trends in the constructivism of the “third generation” of scientists. Its representatives, while remaining committed to the basic postulates of constructivism, at the same time turned their main attention to issues related to the theory of communication to framing as one of the ways of constructing reality and saturating it with certain meanings. Based on Martin Buber’s theory of dialogue, constructivists draw attention to the dangers of universalism in the study of politics as a prerequisite and even a manifestation of the ideological fixation of certain concepts, positions, and theses. Meanwhile, the formation of a community as “we” presupposes a pluralism of approaches and recognition of different points of view, and at the same time “cleaning” the information space of many frames that allow, through the manipulation of “fakes,” stereotypes and false stories, to form an idea of reality that significantly distorts it and even modifying.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):801-816
pages 801-816 views

The Concept of the Political as a Space of Conceptual Controversies and Theoretical Debates

Prigorian N.

Abstract

In the field of political theory and philosophy, the concept of political has undergone a complex evolution over the past century. Since its inception in the pioneering work of K. Schmitt in 1927, this term has become a deeply controversial concept, the interpretation of which was carried out by the most significant political theorists and philosophers of the twentieth century. However, Carl Schmitt, Hannah Arendt, Jürgen Habermas, and John Rawls made notable contributions to understanding the term. This article aims to reveal and analyze the three main approaches to the conceptualization of the political and to identify the differences/similarities between the three formulations. Each conceptualization of the political is explored through the prism of three components: the perception of the other; the principle of building political relationships in society; and the nature of the conflict and the forms of its resolution. Based on the comparative method and cognitive analysis, the essence laid down by each author is derived: political as an existential confrontation between friend/enemy of K. Schmitt; political as an activity that realizes human freedom in the interpretation of H. Arendt; and political as the space of rational consensus in J. Habermas and J. Rawls. Nevertheless, common elements or consequences can be traced even in radical different formulations. The critical importance of the dynamic and evolving nature of the concept of the political is recognized, however, the explanatory power of each concept of the political reality of the present is questioned. In conclusion, a new level of conceptualization of the political is proposed, which considers the instability and uncertainty of the modern world.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):817-830
pages 817-830 views

The Artificial Intelligence in the System of Tools for Stabilizing the Political Regimes of World Powers

Laptev V.A.

Abstract

A stable idea in the doctrine of the typologies of a political regime indicates that their uniqueness is characterized by a set of appropriate methods and means of exercising political power, a system of social organization of interaction between power and society and other institutions of the state. The model of the political regime formed in the state is consistent, first of all, with political processes, including those occurring with the participation of citizens, social groups and society as a whole. The National Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Russia, approved in 2019, among the principles for the development of these technologies, enshrined the priority of protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as security. Management decisions made by artificial intelligence have expanded the possible areas of their use, including public administration. This study examines the degree of introduction of artificial intelligence technology, which has been developing in recent years, into political regimes in various states. An assessment is made of the work of artificial intelligence, which is forming a new “cyber-physical” society, in which the political needs and freedoms of citizens are realized with the support of digital technologies. Approaches are proposed for assessing the work of artificial intelligence, which contributes to the international and regional integration of countries with different political systems, as well as influencing changes in the qualitative characteristics of political processes as a whole or its individual elements. The study was based on an integrated approach to assessing artificial intelligence used in the regulatory sphere. Dogmatic approaches to factors influencing the formation of a political system in the context of technological progress are being rethought.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):831-847
pages 831-847 views

The Political Subjectivity of Digital Actors in the Context of Ensuring Digital Sovereignty

Romashkina A.B., Kirichuk D.A.

Abstract

The modern political life of society is being intensively transformed in connection with the development of the digital space of political communications. The emergence of new subjects of formation and management of discourse and processes of political coding (S.N. Fedorchenko) becomes a factor of redistribution of power in society and a challenge for the institutions of power. Based on the methods of structural-functional and discursive approaches, as well as a communicative approach to identify the importance of political communication in the digital space of the Internet in the processes of managing public consciousness and behavior of citizens. Using the methods of hermeneutics, general scientific descriptive methods, analysis and synthesis, the author’s approach to the study of digital sovereignty is presented. Based on the analysis of the algorithms in the digital Internet space, the risks and threats that a modern state may face are identified. New subjects of political coding are identified, and it is also shown in which cases algorithms on the Internet acquire the features of coding subjects. It is shown that this phenomenon can lead to the redistribution of actual power in society, as well as to the formation of noninstitutional forms of power, to which the state and its bodies are forced to obey in the absence of digital sovereignty. The loss of subjectivity in the processes of communication and the formation of discourse is a factor in the loss of power and loss of control over the processes of governance of society by the state. The achievement of digital sovereignty, the components of which are defined in the article, is the most important condition for protecting the value-semantic and information space from interference by external actors and the introduction of destructive narratives, which allows preserving the political stability of the state.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):848-861
pages 848-861 views

The Third-Way Trap? Constructivist Perception of Sanctions

Ananyev B.I.

Abstract

The study examines whether it is relevant to use constructivist research instruments in order to study the sanctions and the so-called countersanctions that were imposed on Russia and then by Russia after the events in Crimea in 2014 and February 24. I develop the arguments that were presented in the work “Sanctions in IR: Understanding, Defining, Studying” in an attempt to assess the explanatory capabilities of the three leading paradigms in IR. The question posed is: do realism, liberalism and constructivism coherently and consistently explain the nature of the fast-growing scope of sanctions that tend to be implemented without the UN Security Council’s approval? The third way (constructivist one) seems to be efficient since there are difficulties with studying sanctions from the perception of the overwhelming rationality. To be concrete, I test the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy that obtained proponents in psychology and the theory of decision-making as well but hasn’t been actively promoted in IR studies. Nevertheless, it seems to be useful to explain the sustainability of sanction’s regime, which - paradoxically - from the first glance brings no profit but harm to each party involved. Moreover, it corelates with realist scholars’ perception of IR nature (particularly, security dilemma). Finally, four basic and one extra preconditions for self-fulfilling scenarios in the international arena are outlined, applicable not just to the “sanction’s” field, but also to the current principles of cross-state interactions.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):862-878
pages 862-878 views

The Frame Analysis of Social Movements: The Illustration of A Dynamic Approach to Framing

Zhigadlo K.V.

Abstract

There is a diversity of approaches to the use of frame analysis in political studies of social movements. In this study, the concept of framing is considered as an analytical tool for considering the processes associated with civic activism of social movements’ representatives and their subjective coverage of these processes within the framework of positioning themselves in social media. The study presents the so-called “dynamic approach” to framing as the most adequate to the subject of research. It is presented in application to the case of the modern Russian political movement “Future. Society” and the campaigns of its activists to protect the Bitsevsky forest from development in 2022-2023. This example describes various opportunities provided to researchers by frame-analytical optics for working with the analysis of social movements. In particular, it can deepen the understanding of the reasons for the emergence of new social movements in modern Russian public space, their gaining popularity and support among the Internet audience and the mobilization of their activists. In addition, the study suggests that researchers consider a number of new questions about the essence of frames and their connection with narratives and storytelling.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):879-891
pages 879-891 views

The Influence of Interest Groups on U.S. Foreign Policy under D. Trump: An Experience of Cognitive Analysis

Sklyarov N.A.

Abstract

Significant changes in U.S. foreign policy, which were first declared during the election campaign and then began to be consistently implemented by Donald Trump and his administration, were in many ways a break with the established and successive foreign policy strategy, which has made this case the subject of numerous analyses and studies. This study attempts to examine the influence of interest groups on U.S. foreign policy under D. Trump through the prism of several approaches - interest group theory, network approach, cognitive analysis (using cognitive mapping methodology). As a result of the conducted research, practical results in the form of cognitive maps were obtained, and the limitations of the used methodology within the framework of the analysis of this case study were revealed.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):892-916
pages 892-916 views

THE POLICY ANALISYS

From Long-Distance to Economic Nationalism: India’s Diaspora Politics

Loshkariov I.D., Beliakova A.O., Saakian T.S.

Abstract

Based on the vast empirical material of India’s diaspora policy, which is understudied in the Russian academic field, the authors of the research enrich the scope of works dealing with the analysis of diasporas as non-state actors in the world politics. The study analyzes the institutionalization of India’s diaspora policy between 1999 and 2015, particularly the amendments to the citizenship legislation and electoral legislation, the establishment and reforms of specialized ministries, governmental structures and funds, introducing special celebration days. The study is based on neo-institutional analysis and reveals the sequence of actions of Indian governments that lead to the transformation of informal norms for the implementation of diaspora policies. Authors argue that shaping such infrastructure aimed at reviving the ties between emigrants and their country of origin, as well as involving emigrants into building a nation-state might be perceived as “long-distance nationalism”. Having analyzed the economic dimension of India’s diaspora policy, particularly the economic liberalization measures aimed at stimulating diaspora investment inflow, bilateral agreements on expatriates’ economic condition as well as emitting diaspora obligations the authors conclude that not only has India provided its diaspora with the access to funding households’ consumption and sporadic local projects, but also it has let the diaspora ensure the country’s macroeconomic stability, which is uncharacteristic of relations between diasporas and their countries of origin. The study also elaborates on the directions in which India’s diaspora policy has changed since N. Modi came to power. The authors come to the conclusion that since then diaspora policy has been losing its autonomy and has been reduced to accomplishing separate foreign and investment policy tasks. Thus, a major trend in India’s diaspora policy is the transition from “long-distance nationalism” practices to economic nationalism that implies a direct link between affiliation with a diaspora community and contribution to the development of the country of origin.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):917-927
pages 917-927 views

The Complexities of Cooperation Over Outer Space: Political Practice and Prospects

Solovyev S.V.

Abstract

The formation of the political and legislative regime concerning use of outer space becomes every day more relevant. The research is intended to further expand current studies devoted to this issue by providing thorough information on the formation of the world’s first international legal framework for outer space territories use. The author examines in chronological order the regulatory and institutionalization process of the world’s first informal system that determined interaction among the participants of the space race. At the same time, this study provides a detailed analysis of the problems related to the formation of a comprehensive international regime, allowing author to make a conclusion about the ineffectiveness of the current system based on targeted international treaties and the necessity of modifying the formalisation approaches. In addition, article proposes potential scenarios for the formation of a political and legal outer space regime. The author assesses the possibility of establishing military hegemony alongside militarisation of outer space, analyses prospects for a codified peaceful co-development regime in the absence of workable space diplomacy initiatives, as well as considers the possibility of privatisation of space under free competition and the probability of preserving the current regime.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):928-939
pages 928-939 views

The Patriotic Education Policy Within the Framework of Belarus and Russia Union State: The Potential for Institutionalization

Bakhlova O.V., Bakhlov I.V., Uliaskina E.G.

Abstract

Patriotic issues have been becoming now the focus of socio-political discussions and management practices. Multilayered challenges and determinants of world political development actualize the interrelation of internal and external tasks corresponding to ensuring national security, identity formation and achieving national consolidation. Patriotic education is gaining fundamental importance as one of the main directions on this path. Its constitution as an autonomous sphere of state policy implies the need to improve the previously established mechanisms and regulatory framework. Additional opportunities and tools are also available in the sphere of integration cooperation between the Russian Federation and its closest ally, the Republic of Belarus. The basis is a set of pro-integration factors that stimulate the humanitarian dimension. The institutionalization of the patriotic education policy is considered as a dynamic process of formalization and ordering of the corresponding expectations and intentions, clothed in the norms of national law and integration institutions. The normative and organizational elements characterizing its state and potential within the Union State are analyzed. The incompleteness of legislative institutionalization in the domestic dimension and the absence of specific integration regulations in this area are emphasized, which follows, among other things, from the institutional design peculiarities of the participating countries and the amorphous model of Russian - Belarusian integration, which does not have clear conceptual parameters and methodological foundations. The creation of a union system of patriotic education largely depends on the improvement of the overall integration system, including by deepening its institutionalization and the introduction of integration law.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):940-952
pages 940-952 views

Explaining Public-Private Partnership Through the Prism of Political Economy

Vaslavskiy Y.I.

Abstract

Unresolved issues and lack of models of national public private partnership (PPP) practices implementation predetermine limited use of the potential of various partnership forms between the state and private business, as well as lack of a generally accepted understanding of their role in shaping the future systemic integrity in the economy and society at the national level. We offer an interpretation from the perspective of the political economy of the phenomenon of partnership between the state and private companies in the organization of business, as well as factors that determine the diversity of organizational structures of partnership between the public and private sectors of the economy.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):953-961
pages 953-961 views

The Language Resources of the Russia’s Foreign Humanitarian Policy: The Digital Components

Yanush O.B.

Abstract

The rapidly changing geopolitical situation has dictated the need for a conceptual design of the humanitarian policy of the Russian Federation abroad as a direction of foreign policy that is gaining priorities. The formation of an objective perception of Russia in the world involves systematic interaction with foreign audiences through digital infrastructure. Numerous digital platforms, being created by foreign tech giants, with their own rules and standards, compete with states, influence public opinion and public discourse. The “Russian language” of one of the largest segments of the digital space is ambivalent: in other words, it does not always mean a complimentary attitude towards Russia and Russian culture. Based on the available and collected data of Internet statistics, an assessment is made of the role of Russian-language digital resources as an opportunity to achieve the goals of Russia’s foreign humanitarian policy. On the example of the RuWiki, the Russian-language section of the Wikipedia online encyclopedia, it is shown how social media can be used in an ideological and value confrontation. In a comparative vein, Russian initiatives in the creation and promotion of national digital platforms are described on the example of encyclopedic portals - “Knowledge” based on the Great Russian Encyclopedia and Runiversalis. The main directions of humanitarian policy in the digital space are outlined, considering the geopolitical context. It is concluded that the development of domestic digital infrastructure will create a common semantic field for gravitation towards Russia, the Russian language and culture, regardless of the geopolitical situation. It is suggested that the formation of a more pronounced Russian-speaking segment of the global network reflects the idea of a multipolar world defended by Russia.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):962-973
pages 962-973 views

Problem of Socio-Political Cleavages in Modern Russia

Shlykova D.N.

Abstract

The theory of socio-political cleavages can be successfully applied to the realities of modern Russian society. The purpose of this work is to consider the meaningful evolution of this concept in relation to Russia. The high level of social inequality and atomization of society makes it important, on the one hand, to identify conflict-causing factors and points of social tension, on the other hand, to search for grounds for consolidation and solidarization of society. Basing on the analysis of the statistical data the request for social justice is also comprehended through the prism of the structure of socio-political divisions, and a number of relevant divisions in modern Russian society with a high potential for registration in cleavages are formulated.

RUDN Journal of Political Science. 2023;25(4):974-985
pages 974-985 views

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