Vol 13, No 2 (2026): STATE R EGULATION OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: CURRENT TRENDS A ND PROSPECTS

This study analyzes the prospects for Russia’s international cooperation in nuclear technology with friendly countries amid the global energy transition and geopolitical tensions. The relevance is justified by nuclear energy’s growing role as a stable low-carbon source ensuring energy security and compensating for renewable intermittency. The study aims to identify competitive advantages of the Russian nuclear industry and key challenges to expanding its global presence under sanctions pressure. The methodology employs systematic and comparative analysis of IEA, IAEA, and Rosatom data, along with case studies of foreign projects. The results show Russia’s global leadership in the number of nuclear power plants simultaneously constructed abroad. Rosatom’s competitive advantages include technological superiority, lower construction costs compared to Western competitors, and flexible financial mechanisms such as intergovernmental loans and build-own-operate models. Particular attention is given to African markets, where demographic growth and energy deficits create demand for small modular and floating nuclear power plants. The discussion highlights the uniqueness of Russia’s integrated approach combining turnkey solutions with local production localization and personnel training, fostering long-term technological dependence and political loyalty of partner countries. Challenges include growing competition from Chinese and Korean companies and the need to adapt technologies to developing economies’ specific conditions. The conclusion emphasizes that in a multipolar world, nuclear energy serves not only as an energy transition tool but also as a lever for Russia’s geopolitical influence, enabling high-tech export diversification and strengthening ties with Global South states. A distinctive feature of the study is its focus on the dual role of nuclear technologies as both a sustainable development driver and a factor shaping new international economic relations amid global fragmentation.

Russia’s roadmap for achieving strategic objectives amid hybrid competition with the West represents a comprehensive framework of targeted measures to strengthen capacities across all domains, coupled with the dynamic advancement and renewal of technological capabilities. The state interests of the Russian Federation include the sovereign right to import and export goods. To successfully implement this right, it is necessary to develop a high-quality transport infrastructure as well as cargo and passenger transportation. To achieve this goal, it is essential to implement the most modern global models and practices, increase the number of people, and the capacity of the transport infrastructure. Russia cannot afford to lag behind in this area. After analyzing the information and interviewing experts on the transport infrastructure of the Pre-Caspian Region, we can say that the region has a weak innovative approach to railway transport policy. High-speed railways are the minimum that the Russian Federation should strive for and create infrastructure projects in this area. Transport infrastructure is one of the key resources for regional development. The Pre-Caspian Region of Russia, which includes the Astrakhan Region, Kalmykia, and the Republic of Dagestan, has a unique strategic position in the network of international transport and trade corridors connecting Europe and Asia. The Pre-Caspian Region is forming a transit hub that will stimulate economic growth, expand foreign economic relations, and increase the country’s transport and logistics attractiveness. The study examines the current state of railway transportation in the Pre-Caspian Region, analyzes the infrastructure potential, development level, and prospects for modernization. It assesses the challenges and opportunities of the existing transportation system in the region. The study explores the implementation of new technologies to enhance transportation efficiency and improve the quality of services for both cargo and passenger traffic. It also focuses on issues related to government regulation, security, and international cooperation. As an example, the experience of China as one of the leading countries in the field of transport communications and infrastructure projects is analyzed. The possibility of adapting successful infrastructure transport projects and innovations in Russia is considered. The transport policy of the Russian Federation in the Pre-Caspian Region should be aimed at gaining a leading position and an innovative approach. Unlike other studies, this research does not simply consider infrastructure in Russia as a whole, but focuses on the Pre-Caspian Region and uses China’s experience in high-speed rail as a model for adaptation.

The relevance of the study is determined by the significant environmental impact of Russia’s metallurgical and chemical complexes, which are key industrial sectors and major sources of pollution. The tightening of environmental legislation and the introduction of new oversight tools necessitate a comprehensive research of their effectiveness. The study aims to analyze the system of state environmental supervision over these sectors and assess practical measures to reduce their negative environmental impact. The study is based on a systematic approach and an analysis of the regulatory framework, including federal legislation, by-laws (such as Government Decree No 1096), and industry strategies. The methods of comparative analysis of supervisory practices in the two sectors, examination of statistical data from the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, case studies of specific enterprises (PJSC “Norilsk Nickel”, PJSC “MMK”), and generalization of materials from scientific publications and official reports were used. Results. The structure and key mechanisms of federal environmental oversight, carried out by Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, are identified: risk-based inspections, automated emission monitoring, integrated environmental permits (IEP), and strict liability for violations. It is shown that a combination of administrative measures (fines, suspension of operations), economic incentives (subsidies for best available technologies (BAT) implementation), and corporate initiatives lead to environmental modernization. It was found that, despite common tools, supervision has industry-specific features: in metallurgy, the focus is on emission reduction under the national “Clean Air” project, while in the chemical complex, it is on building a chemical safety system and remediating legacy pollution. It is concluded that state regulation has entered a phase of eco-oriented transformation, where supervision acts as a driver of modernization. However, challenges remain, related to the wear and tear of assets and the need for large investments. Promising avenues for further research include the study of regional aspects of supervision, assessing the economic efficiency of BAT implementation for individual enterprises, and studying the adaptation of industries to new climate requirements, including cross-border carbon regulation (CBAM).

Youth is one of the priority management segments at all levels of the territorial organization - federal, regional, local. In the current governance structure at the State and municipal levels, there is a lack of clear and comprehensive parameters for measuring the effectiveness of policies for the younger generation. The Government is implementing a special strategy aimed at youth, which aims to ensure the successful inclusion of young people in various public institutions and processes. Russia’s domestic policy includes youth policy implemented by government agencies. Projects for young citizens are implemented in the context of the state strategy, which aims to provide favorable conditions for developing the potential of the younger generation and eliminating existing difficulties. Youth-oriented initiatives represent a strategically significant area of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation and are a key element of the government’s strategy for working with the younger generation. They help young people reach their potential, become active citizens, and prepare for their future careers. The Government actively supports such initiatives through funding, administrative assistance, and the creation of a supportive environment where the younger generation can develop their creative and professional skills. Youth initiatives are implemented using a specialized set of techniques and tools that make up the toolkit of project management, adapted to work with a young audience. The authorities create conditions for young initiatives by forming the necessary base. Such a ==strategy reveals the potential of young people, promotes mutual enrichment of ideas and competencies, forming fertile ground for the realization of youth ideas. The authors show that unlocking the opportunities of the younger generation is the key focus of Russia’s youth strategy. Usually, the initiatives of young people are aimed at improving those aspects of social reality that directly affect their own interests. Nevertheless, the strategic goals of the state adjust the direction of project initiatives in accordance with long-term national perspectives.

Despite full enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime in 2015 to centralise public funds, enhance fiscal transparency, improve financial accountability, and curb corruption, financial irregularities persist across federal universities. Focusing on the Niger Delta region, the research highlights unique geopolitical constraints affecting policy outcomes. Grounded in Agency Theory, this study examined the effectiveness of the TSA policy in enhancing fiscal transparency, improving financial accountability, and curbing corruption in Nigerian federal universities, specifically UNIPORT, UNICAL, and UNIBEN. The study relied on mixed methods combining quantitative survey data (n = 158) analyzed via Chi-square tests with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and interpretation of secondary data from World Bank and Transparency International. Findings showed that while TSA has significantly enhanced fiscal transparency and accountability (p = 0.004), its implementation is marred by bureaucratic rigidity, operational delays, and circumvention strategies by institutional actors. Consequently, corrupt practices have not been fully abated due to reconfiguration into less traceable forms such as procurement fraud, contract inflation, and off-book cash payments. Despite savings exceeding ₦10 trillion nationally, Corruption Perception Index scores remain low, indicating systemic challenges beyond cash management. The study concluded that although the TSA regime has closed certain financial leakages, it is insufficient as a standalone measure. It recommends a holistic reform that integrates TSA with complementary anti-corruption strategies, including strengthened monitoring mechanisms, improved digital infrastructure, continuous staff training, and limited financial autonomy for universities. External oversight by agencies like EFCC and ICPC is also advocated to ensure comprehensive fiscal integrity within the higher education sector.