The article examines the application of the concept of “soft power” in Russia’s foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region through the prism of cooperation in the field of nuclear medicine. Attention is focused on the activities of Rosatom State Corporation, the state’s leading holding company in the field of nuclear energy, in the dissemination of Russian nuclear technologies and the establishment of medical infrastructure facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of the study is to identify the role of Russia’s cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region through the activities of Rosatom State Corporation in the field of nuclear medicine as a tool for implementing “soft power”. The research methodology includes an analysis of documents, materials from official sources and the media, and a comparative analysis of Rosatom State Corporation programs in the Asia-Pacific region. The study uses the concept of “soft power” proposed by Harvard University Professor J. Nye in 1990, which consists in achieving foreign policy goals through the organization of mutually beneficial cooperation and the spread of influence by creating a positive image of the state. In Russia’s foreign policy, this concept is interpreted as “humanitarian cooperation”. One of the methods of “soft power” in Russian foreign policy is the promotion of Russian technologies related to peaceful atom on international markets, including the markets of the Asia-Pacific region. Nuclear medicine is one of the most sought-after innovative humanitarian areas of cooperation between states. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the application of the concept of “soft power” to Rosatom Group’s projects in the Asia Pacific region. For the first time, Rosatom State Corporation projects in the field of nuclear medicine in the Asia-Pacific region have been studied from the point of view of their use as tools for implementing “soft power” in Russia’s foreign policy. The main conclusion of the study is that Rosatom State Corporation, offering advanced technologies in the field of diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, contributes to the improvement of healthcare systems in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. This, in turn, creates a positive image of Russia as a reliable partner, strengthens humanitarian ties and creates favorable conditions for the development of cooperation in other areas of nuclear energy. The implementation of Rosatom’s projects in the field of nuclear medicine demonstrates the potential of this area to expand Russia’s positive influence in the Asia-Pacific region based on mutually beneficial partnership.

The purpose of the work is to identify and consider key modern areas of the Russian Arctic infrastructural and technological development, the facilitation of which affects the possibilities of transporting Arctic LNG to the end user in the Asia-Pacific region in light of restrictions. The objectives are to characterise the Russian Arctic natural gas reserves and specify the main LNG projects; study the reasons complicating the production, sale and delivery of LNG from Russian Arctic projects; determine the impact of the current international situation on Russia’s ability to export Arctic LNG; define the role of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in its transportation to the Asia-Pacific countries. The potential for increased Russian Arctic gas production and the implementation of LNG projects is linked to the long-term prospect of building logistics for gas exports to the East and the development of the Russian ice-class fleet. As the NSR becomes more and more attractive with regard to the world economy and trade, the interest of the Asia-Pacific countries in using the route is growing. Concurrently, when producing and transporting LNG, it is necessary to take into account not only the extreme climatic Arctic conditions, but also an increase in the number of sanctions since 2022, insufficient transport infrastructure, the significant geographical length of the NSR, the difficulty of ensuring year round LNG transportation to the Asia-Pacific markets, resulting risks due to the reorientation of sales markets as well as capital and resource intensity of projects. Nevertheless, the sanctions policy has positive consequences for Russia, in particular, concerning import substitution of certain components and details through domestic production, the improvement of the icebreaker fleet characteristics, infrastructure development and the establishment of more effective cooperation with non-regional states. Despite the sanctions pressure combined with technological and logistical constraints, the importance of the NSR as a corridor for the transportation of national and international goods is likely to increase. It is concluded that the expansion of cooperation with Asian countries based on the existing partnership in the framework of LNG transportation along the NSR seems promising. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the difficulties associated with the organisation of year-round navigation in the eastern part of the NSR, the high logistical costs of icebreaker support and the impact of secondary sanctions. The NSR as an eastbound LNG transportation route is certain to advance owing to the construction of vessels of various classes, domestic shipbuilding components production, port expansion, the creation of river hubs on northern rivers and the introduction of additional government support measures.

The issue of illicit drug trafficking in the Asia-Pacific region is a significant and multifaceted challenge, with specific cultural and historical characteristics. The countries of the region are working to address this issue at a national level, and are actively engaging in cooperation in this area. This paper will examine specific examples of this collaboration and its outcomes. We will also consider cooperation within international and intergovernmental organisations that play a crucial role in the global fight against drug trafficking. The significance of this research stems from the fact that, despite the long history of the drug issue in the region, the harm it causes to the populations, environment, and economies of these countries continues to increase annually. The forms of trafficking are also evolving, blending with other criminal activities, making it more difficult to monitor. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive approach to the study of the issue, which incorporates both quantitative and qualitative analysis as well as a comparative examination of various countries in the Asia-Pacific region and their approaches to drug control. The theoretical foundation of the research is based on works in the fields of criminology, international relations, and sociology, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the nature of drug-related crime and potential methods to reduce it. Given the narrow scope of the topic, the study requires data from a diverse range of fields, including history, criminal law, and international law issues. The primary objective of this research is to examine the extent and characteristics of illegal drug trafficking in the Asia Pacific Region (APR) and to investigate the mechanisms of cooperation among states in addressing this menace. It is crucial to identify how international efforts, regional arrangements, and bilateral relations impact the efficacy of the fight against illicit drug trade. The study aims to delve into the historical backdrop that has contributed to the proliferation of drug trafficking within the region. It will analyze the current state of drug trafficking issues in the Asia-Pacific, including statistical data and identified trends. Additionally, legislative and it will scrutinize enforcement measures implemented by various countries in the region to combat the drug challenge. Furthermore, the research will explore the sources and significant international agreements in place in this domain.; Consideration of the roles of international organizations and initiatives, such as the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), in coordinating the efforts of countries in the region, is essential. An assessment of the roles played by customs and law enforcement agencies, as well as their associations, in addressing this issue is also crucial. Various methods will be employed to accomplish these tasks. A qualitative analysis of data will serve as the primary approach, allowing for an evaluation of the existing regulations and practices of countries within the region. In addition, a quantitative approach will be utilized for statistical analysis of information on illicit drug trafficking, significant aspect will be the application of theories of globalization and transnational networks as drug cartels operate across national borders through these networks. including international reports organisations, from government documents, and academic papers. The use of comparative analysis will aid in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of various countries’ approaches to addressing the issue. The study will employ several theoretical frameworks. Firstly, these are frameworks of international law which consider the responsibility of states to combat transnational crime. Additionally, sociological and economic theories will be utilized, analyzing the factors contributing to the proliferation of drug trafficking such as poverty, corruption, and social instability. A Various sources were consulted in the preparation of this report. These include the fundamental international treaties of the United Nations, such as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, which forms the basis for the statistics presented in this report. Statistics were also drawn from the UNODC’s annual World Drug Report and the WCO’s Illicit Trade Report. Domestic and international experts in law, sociology, and security were consulted, as were relevant articles published in academic journals on transnational crime and successful cooperation between countries in the fight against drug trafficking. Special attention was paid to examples from countries in the Asia-Pacific region, given the similarities in context.

The panel discussion «300 Years of Confrontation: How to Build Relations with the Anglo-Saxons», held by the Anglo-Saxon Club of the MGIMO Student Scientific Society on April 25, 2025, served as a crucial platform for a comprehensive analysis of the long standing confrontation and contemporary challenges in Russian-Anglo-Saxon relations. The discussion encompassed issues of international security, diplomacy, sanctions, as well as strategic partnership and multipolarity in the context of the current international crisis, with a particular focus on Russia-US and Russia-UK ties. During the discussion, experts examined the impact of the Russian factor on the domestic policies of the US and the UK, including sanctions pressure, espionage scandals, and the Ukrainian crisis, which significantly complicate dialogue and necessitate new diplomatic approaches. Current trends in international diplomacy, issues of nuclear disarmament, the role of NATO, and prospects for multipolarity in the modern world were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to the role of Canada, where the Ukrainian diaspora exerts significant influence on domestic and foreign policy, complicating bilateral relations with Russia. A key part of the discussion was the analysis of Russia-UK relations, characterized by cyclical patterns, espionage scandals, sanctions policy, and the influence of post imperial and Irish factors, including through the lens of the Belfast Agreement and Brexit. Participants emphasized that the UK acts as the ideological architect of the anti-Russian consensus, actively supporting sanctions, military cooperation with Ukraine, and promoting a negative narrative about the “Russian threat” within the EU and NATO. At the same time, experts noted the hidden competition between the US and the UK for leadership in the anti-Russian agenda and stressed the need for a pragmatic and realistic approach to relations with London. The role of former British colonies, such as India, in contemporary global politics and their attitude toward Russia as a potential economic and strategic partner was also discussed. Experts highlighted the importance of Russia actively expanding cooperation with these countries. Special attention was given to the influence of public opinion in the US on foreign policy formation, support for sanctions, and the perception of Russia as a key rival. It was noted that public sentiment significantly impacts decisions made by Congress and the administration, as well as the prospects for lifting or maintaining sanctions. In the concluding part of the discussion, experts examined the future of NATO, its internal contradictions, and its impact on the architecture of European and global security, including the topic of usurpation in Europe. Experts agreed that the alliance’s future largely depends on the transformation of US foreign policy priorities and the consensus among member states regarding Russia. Studying the experience of countries over centuries allows for a deeper understanding KEYWORDS of the priorities and principles of Russia-US and Russia-UK relations, acknowledging successful and unsuccessful diplomatic steps, and identifying factors that determine the level of international relations between states with differing interests. The discussion fostered a deeper understanding of the multi layered aspects of Russian-Anglo-Saxon relations, encouraged the exchange of views among experts and young researchers, and underscored the importance of developing new formats of interaction based on national interests, pragmatism, and diplomatic balance. The panel discussion contributed to increasing the interest of aspiring researchers in the trends of Russian, US, and UK foreign policy and to the exchange of views between experts and students alike.