The purpose of the article is to analyze the essence and main venues of the state strategy in the field of higher education of the Russian Federation. The relevance of the study is due to rapid changes in the educational environment, the need to adapt the education system to modern labor market requirements and global challenges. In the context of digitalization and international competition, the importance of higher education as a key factor in economic and social development is increasing. State policy in this area should take into account innovative approaches, ensure the availability of high quality education and support scientific research. Analysis of its essence and concepts contributes to the development of strategies aimed at improving the educational infrastructure and increasing the competitiveness of Russian universities in the global arena. The methodology of the research is based on a system approach. Analysis of regulatory legal acts, strategic documents and programs related to higher education allows us to identify the main directions and mechanisms of state policy. Methods of sociological research, such as surveys and interviews with experts in the field of education, help to deepen the understanding of current trends and problems. The authors pay special attention to the role of the state in the formation and development of the higher education system, as well as its influence on educational institutions and the student community as a whole. In the article, the authors rely on current research and data to present an overview of state policy in the field of higher education in the Russian Federation, highlighting the main trends, challenges and prospects for the development of this sector.

The article analyzes FAO’s efforts to assist North African countries in overcoming current famine conditions and addressing broader threats to their food security. Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia face significant challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, primarily due to rapid population growth, climate-related impacts, and acute underinvestment in agriculture. Special attention is given to FAO’s role in promoting sustainable water and land resource management in the region. The study utilizes quantitative data from official FAO statistics and discourse analysis. FAO’s initiatives include both medium- and long-term programs (such as water resource assessments, promoting water reuse, sustainable agricultural land management, and developing agricultural cooperatives) and immediate response measures (including financial assistance to agriculture, emergency grain purchases during lean periods, and seed provision). Nevertheless, considering the escalating and global nature of food security threats, international community efforts alone cannot fully resolve these challenges. To enhance Russia’s political influence in the region, it is essential to leverage FAO’s expertise and establish comprehensive, long-term partnerships for maximum impact.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the memory policy in the Kurdistan Region Iraq, the main events used in this policy, as well as their interpretation for solving current political problems. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of official statements of political leaders of the region as one of the main ways of interaction between the authorities and society. The events used in the memory policy are considered in the historical context. Monumental policy is analyzed separately. The priority events for the memory policy are related to the struggle for national rights and the repressive measures of the authorities against the Kurds and the population of Kurdistan. The authorities pay special attention to the role of all ethnicities and religious groups of Kurdistan society in the above-mentioned events. The author concludes that the memory politics in Iraqi Kurdistan serves three main purposes: legitimization of its own power, consolidation of a multi-component society, and formation of attitudes toward the central government depending on the current interests of the elite. It is found that the emphasis is on the unique historical experience of Kurdistan, without a common memory with the rest of Iraq, which contributes to the formation of the region’s own national identity and emphasizes the role of all peoples and communities of Kurdistan. Thus, in times of crisis and in controversial issues, the memory politics is an effective tool in shaping the necessary mood in public opinion by appealing to collective memory.

Many international experts believe that the world has entered a new Cold War. There are, however, significant differences between Cold War 1.0 and Cold War 2.0. Firstly, while the first Cold War (1945-1991) was fought in a bipolar world, the world is now polycentric – and this is an objective reality. Secondly, the nature of the ideological struggle has changed. During Cold War 1.0, it was a struggle between liberal globalism and Marxism-Leninism. Now we can talk about a confrontation between liberal globalism and the bourgeois nationalisms of the leading non-Western centers of power (Russia, China, etc.). Thirdly, during the first Cold War, it was the Soviet-American dialogue on strategic nuclear arms control that became the driving force behind the easing of international tensions (1970s-1980s). Today, the changing strategic nuclear balance does not give ground to believe that the dialogue on strategic weapons between Moscow and Washington will become the locomotive of a new détente. A new détente of the 21st century (like the first détente of the 20th century) will become possible only under conditions of weakening of the ideological struggle in the international arena.

In the 21st century, artificial intelligence technologies play an important role in shaping the balance of power on the world arena. They provide a significant advantage, which is why states are in a permanent race for the right to occupy leading positions. AI is intended to help mankind in further development, but there are already areas of application that are by no means peaceful and are destructive in nature. The aim of the work is to study the trends in the development of military AI and approaches to its regulation at the international level of AI on the basis of open sources of information. Methodological tools include discourse analysis of scientific literature and source base on the research topic. The author concludes that the field of military applications of AI is expanding, thereby modifying the nature of conflicts and posing new challenges to regulatory bodies. This field is gaining momentum and, as a consequence, legal regulation at the international level will develop. It is advisable for the Russian Federation to support the regulation of military AI and peaceful development of ICTs.