Aim. To examine manipulation technologies used in wars and revolutions of a new type, as well as to generalise existing technologies of political manipulation of mass consciousness drawing on the author’s concept of cognitive wars. Procedure and research methods. Widely used manipulation technologies were analysed on the basis of theoretical developments concerning wars and revolutions of a new type, mass control, and modern political conflicts. The methodological basis of the analysis was an axiological approach, in which manipulation technologies were considered as a derivative of the paradigmatic (value-targeted) foundations of political conflicts. Results: It is shown that modern political conflicts exist on the level of cognitive matrices, implying that, using manipulation technologies, conflicting parties strive to affect and transform the consciousness of their opponents. The empirical data were illustrated by examples of manipulation of the population’s consciousness during the demise of the USSR. Theoretical / practical relevance. The paper analyses wars and revolutions of a new type in the context of the ‘cognitive war’ concept. The findings can be useful for solving state tasks directed at increasing the national security in terms of counteracting cognitive manipulations from potential adversaries.

Aim. To clarify the concept of media literacy in the context of the information security system. Procedure and research methods. The paper presents a brief review of available literature on the problem of media literacy. The main research method was a qualitative analysis of specialized literature and legal documents contributing to the development of media literacy in Russia and abroad. Results. It is shown that media literacy plays a crucial role in modern politics, as well as in the information security of any state. Theoretical / practical relevance. The paper reviews theoretical and legal literature pertaining to the concept of media literacy. The definition of media literacy is formulated from the standpoint of information security.

Aim. To analyse how information and communication technologies affect contemporary governmental institutions and to determine their potential in transforming the modern political system and governmental institutions. Procedure and research methods. We conducted a structural and functional analysis of key characteristics of Internet communications on political topics and their affects on contemporary governmental institutions. Additionally, we carried a critical analysis of the basic characteristics of the network society and the network state. Results. It was established that Internet activities can threaten the stability of political systems. These threats are associated with the loss of the state monopoly on generation and broadcasting of political content, as well as on the formation of axiological models and mass representations of political reality. It was concluded that there exists a potential for conflict between the interests of the state and society. Thus, it is necessary to elaborate an effective scenario of how the network forms of the distribution and implementation of power will develop. Theoretical/practical relevance. Specific features of the structure of power relations in the network society were identified. Recommendations were proposed concerning the development of a scenario of interaction between state and society in terms of the distribution and implementation of power.

Aim. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the prospects and threats of artificial intelligence technologies to the political regime of modern Russia, as well as to study relations between such technologies and the legitimacy and information security of political regimes. Procedure and research methods. The existing political regime in Russia was examined using the methods of SWOT analysis and functional approach. Results. The advantages of artificial intelligence for the Russian political regime include the development of e-government, faster processing of citizens’ requests and possibilities of big data analysis. Among the risks of introducing such technologies are insufficient information security of cloud computing technologies related to artificial intelligence, dependence of Russia on foreign computer technologies and software, uncertainty in terms of the core value of artificial intelligence. Theoretical / practical relevance. An assumption is made that artificial intelligence can become the most promising direction in the promotion of soft power. Relying on API systems, e-government, the Internet of things, holograms, network communities, multiplayer games, cloud computing technologies, drones, computer vision, big data analytics and other innovations, artificial intelligence may become a foundation for the entire socio-political life of mankind.

Aim. To determine the role of computer games as a resource of the politics of memory, as well as to analyse prospects for the development of this resource. Procedure and research methods. The empirical analysis was based on such video games as the Call of Duty, Company of Heroes 2 and Commandos 3: Destination Berlin. A particular focus was on the representation of World War II events in these games. The research methodology was based on a combination of descriptive analysis, Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning, Tajfel-Turner’s social identity theory and Nikiforov-Belov’s concept of historical memory. Results. It is concluded that video games are an effective tool for reinforcing stereotypical representations of past events in the consciousness of the target audience through establishing symbolic and psycho-emotional connections between the user and the game character. At the same time, a significant part of existing foreign video games display World War II events in a negative way. Prospects for the development of video games based on historical and pseudo-historical discourses are related to expansion of their genre diversity and introduction of augmented reality elements. Theoretical / practical relevance. The influence of video games on gamers’ consciousness was empirically investigated in the context of existing theoretical concepts. The ways of using computer games as a politics-of-memory tool were determined. The effectiveness of computer games in terms of presenting images of the past was assessed.

Aim. To identify the influence of the ideological and political factor on the formation of theoretical concepts and practical methodological approaches by domestic Russian historians in the 1930s in the context of criticism of M. N. Pokrovsky’s concept. Procedure and research methods. The author reviewed official documents, state papers, publications in media, monographs describing the formation of ideas concerning the agenda of history as a research direction, as well as the methods of Marxist historians. Results. Approaches and methods of forming the discursive strategy of the Soviet scientific community, as well as its conceptual connection with the official rhetoric to the USSR leaders were investigated. Theoretical / practical relevance. The role of the ideological and political component in the activities of Soviet historians in the 1930s was actualised.

Aim. To consider the causes of the Cold War presented in Russian history textbooks. Procedure and research methods. 28 text history textbooks published in the period from the 1990s to 2020 were analysed from the standpoint of how comprehensively they describe the causes this international confrontation. Results. The analysis showed that the majority of the textbooks under study fail to comprehensively represent the causes of the Cold War, which contradicts current trends in development of the country. Theoretical / practical relevance. Recommendations are provided concerning the presentation of the whole range of economic, political, geopolitical, military and ideological factors that caused the Cold War in history textbooks.

Aim. To discuss the main positions of the American ruling elite concerning relations between the USA and the countries of Eastern Europe and the USSR, as well as to consider their evolution during the presidency of D. D. Eisenhower. Procedures and research methods. Original sources, including documents and reports of the United States Congress and the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, were analysed. Changes in the attitude of the American ruling elite towards Eastern Europe during the 1950s were assessed. Results. It is shown that, by the end of the 1950s, the Eisenhower administration had adopted the policy of non-intervention towards the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe. Such an approach was strongly criticized by the preceding administration of G. Truman. Theoretical / practical relevance. This paper reviewed a substantial amount of data from the official documents of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and both chambers of the United States Congress.

Aim. To examine how concert performances of the world-famous Don Cossack Choir of S. A. Zharov were perceived by US music community, theatre audience, and Russian immigrant community in the 1930s, before the World War II. Thus far, this topic has not been sufficiently studied. Procedure and research methods. Various aspects of the creative activity of the Don Cossack Choir during their tour across the USA were analysed. The study was conducted drawing on a set of scientific approaches, including historicism and systematic method, widely applicable in modern history. American newspapers and periodicals, as well as reports of the participants were used as the main source of data. Results. The Choir presented Russian folk art to foreign audience, successfully promoting Russian music abroad. Concert performances of the Don Cossack Choir made an unforgettable impression on American music community and wide audience. Theoretical / practical relevance. This research may be of interest to those investigating issues associated with Russian immigrant communities, Russian-American relations, and cultural links between the two countries.

Aim. To analyse the causes of deviant behaviour as reaction to food shortage among citizens in the Soviet Union and Germany in 1941-45. Procedure and research methods. Works by both Russian and foreign authors on the topic, as well as archive materials and memoirs of people living in the wartime, were reviewed. Results. The manifestation of deviation behaviour among the population of the two belligerent countries was caused by social problems, primarily, acute food shortages, which increased psychological tension significantly. These conditions provoked the emergence of illegal food trade both in the USSR and Germany. Theoretical / practical relevance. New materials on the problem in question were analysed. Recent research works by foreign authors were reviewed.

Aim. To analyse the current state of Russian-Chinese sociocultural relations: partnership of these two countries, their mutual interests contributing to the continuous development of new projects in all areas of international cooperation. While the issue of political and economic cooperation between the mentioned countries has been extensively analysed, the topic of cultural interaction between these states has so far attracted little attention. Procedure and research methods. The methods of comparative study and sociocultural analysis were used. Results. It is concluded that the number of people interested in studying the culture of the other country is constantly growing, which intensifies sociocultural interactions between the countries under investigation. Theoretical / practical relevance. The obtained data can be useful for describing the current status of Russian-Chinese sociocultural relations and developing projects aimed at their bilateral interaction.

Aim. To identify a correlation between the theory of possible existence of a pre-Mongol white-stone cathedral on the territory of the Dmitrov Kremlin and the materials of contemporary research concerning this issue. Procedure and research methods: Drawing on historical and historiographic research methods, the article focuses on issues related to the history and architectural development of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Dmitrov Kremlin. On the one hand, conventional methods of historical research were used. On the other hand, the theory of civilizations was applied, since the Dmitrov Cathedral was constructed in the 15-16th centuries, during emergence of the “Moscow - Third Rome” political ideology. Therefore, the civilization approach towards understanding of historical and socio-political processes became the basis of the research methodology. Results. The research results suggest that the problems of building a white-stone cathedral in the Dmitrov Kremlin could have been caused by the existence of an older white-stone cathedral on the same territory; archaeological analysis indirectly confirmed such a possibility. In addition, the article discusses a number of important issues associated with the history of the Cathedral, construction, such as the Italian influence on its architecture and the dating problem. Theoretical / Practical relevance. An assumption is made that the pre-Mongol white-stone church could have been built on this territory before 1212, during the reign of Vsevolod III, Grand Duke of Vladimir, Kiev and All Russia.

Aim. To examine the status of officer corps comprising Russian new order regiments at the end of 1655, in the period of suspension of military actions in a war with Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Procedure and Research Methods. Archive materials dated 1655 of Inozemsky Prikaz (Office for the Affairs of the Foreigners) on officers serving in new order regiments were collected and analysed. Results. The analysis identified the number of regiments on garrison duty in 1665, personnel and salary of their commanders, as well as main changes that occurred in officer corps of new order regiments. New data on the formation of officer corps and some commanders of new order regiments was presented. Theoretical / practical relevance. The obtained results can be used for reconstructing the Russian army at the beginning of the Thirteen Years' War in general and officer corps of new order regiments in particular, as well as for studying military service of foreigners in Russia.

Aim. To analyse the role and practical activity of prison wardens as a key element in the system of prison self-government after the reform of the late 1870s. Procedure and research methods. The article examines documentary evidence (personal dairies, memoirs, etc.) of witnesses and participants of the considered events occurring in Russian prisons at that time. An in-depth analysis was conducted, drawing on the idea of historicism, as well as using a systematic research method. Results. The importance of prison wardens as a key element in the system of prison self-government in the structure of penal institutions in the post-reform Russia is demonstrated. Specific relations of prison wardens with both prison authorities and prisoners are described. Theoretical / practical relevance. The obtained results can be used for preparing courses on the history of Russian penal institutions and pre-revolutionary social movements.

Aim. To describe the role of royal family members in the construction activity of the Ministry of the Imperial Court using a historical example. Procedure and research methods. The study involved the selection and analysis of archive materials. In comparison with previous researchers focusing on how the artistic taste of royal family members was manifested in the exterior and interior of their residences, as well as on the role of an architect as the sole creator, the author of the present work investigated administrative issues arising during the choice of an architect, execution of construction works and final inspection of constructed buildings. Results. The conducted study of archive materials demonstrated that Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich significantly contributed to the construction of his country residence Mikhailovskaya Dacha by making a number of important organisational decisions. Theoretical / practical relevance. The article elucidated the relations between the elite of the Russian Empire, members of the House of Romanov, and the bureaucratic elite, members of the Ministry of the Imperial Court. In a broad context, implicit patterns of managerial decision-making in Russia in the 19th century were outlined.

Aim. To consider the Soviet policy regarding the Republic of Armenia and the ‘Armenian question’ after the establishment of the Soviet regime compared to that in the preceding period of autocracy. The circumstances and conditions of Soviet-Turkish-Armenian relations and their consequences were assessed. Special attention is paid to the Karabakh and Nakhichevan problems. Procedure and research methods. An extensive collection of monographs on the Armenian question, the Karabakh problem, the legal status of the Nakhichevan autonomous republic within the Republic of Azerbaijan was reviewed. Legal regulations and diplomatic correspondence of various countries regarding Armenia during the 1920s were assessed. The Soviet-Turkish relations in the 1920s and the 1930s were described. Results. The study showed that Soviet Russia made a mistake in establishing close relations with Turkey, thereby losing diplomatic ties with its long-time ally Armenia. The alliance with Turkey did not prove successful, and the Armenian question was consigned to oblivion. Karabakh remains a volatile area in the Caucasus. The aforementioned events are manifested in the socio-economic situation in Armenia, which remains to be a focus of contemporary Armenian studies. Theoretical / practical relevance. The article explains and clarifies the nature of modern problems of Armenia in relations with neighbouring states and the Russian Federation.

Aim. To identify problems concerned with the development of an industrial base in the city of Glazov, Votsk Autonomous Oblast, during industrialization and implementation of the first five-year plan in the 1920s. Procedure and research methods. Based on archive materials and statistics, a plan for construction of enterprises and factories in Glazov was analysed. The plan included building an agricultural machinery enterprise, a cotton mill and a textile factory. The choice for a building site was determined by a number of factors: presence of raw materials and fuel, availability of labour force, proximity of a transport route (railway). The enterprises were to become the basis of a regional industry, supply products to both the entire Votsk Autonomous Oblast and the neighbouring regions. Results. It is shown that that the construction of the enterprises was fraught with many difficulties (both financial and organizational); thus, the enterprises were not put into operation on time. Theoretical / practical relevance: The article reviewed a substantial amount of archive materials of the city and regional levels, contributing to historical knowledge on the Soviet period of industrialization and the development of regional economy.

Aim. To develop a cognitive model of the historical component of Soviet propaganda during the World War II time, in connection with trends of the social and political development of the country during that period. Procedure and research methods. Drawing on the most effective methods of intellectual history presented in the works of Russian and foreign authors, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of sources depicting the history of the Soviet propaganda in the period from 1941 to 1945. Results. It is concluded that the active use of historical images in mass propaganda significantly altered the ideological system, internal politics, and forms of power implementation in the country. The authors’ thesis was confirmed, which claims that the Soviet society, as a traditional society, successfully used modern management and development tools for its preservation and reproduction. Theoretical / practical relevance. The obtained results can serve as a basis for further research in the field of history of social communication in the Soviet era, as well as for promoting patriotism among Russian pupils and students.

Aim. To identify factors determining a special place of the national park Losiny Ostrov in Russian history. These factors enhance the understanding of the significance of the first Russian national park located on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow Oblast. Procedure and research methods. The centuries-long history of the park was examined using the method of historical analysis focused on defining the role of the park in the history of Russian Christianity. Results. It was established that the national park Losiny Ostrov is a significant link in the urban development and city-planning of Moscow and the Moscow Oblast through improving the environment and uniting the city and suburban landscapes. Theoretical / practical relevance. Numerous studies on the significance of the national park Losiny Ostrov were reviewed. It is shown that Losiny Ostrov is a sociocultural object, which allows various aspects of relations between man, urban environment and nature to be investigated. This enhances the aesthetic and cognitive value of Losiny Ostrov, thereby contributing to patriotic education.

Aim. To identify the main characteristics of relations between the USA and the Islamic Republic of Iran after D. Trump came to power. The main focus is on Washington’s withdrawl from the “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” (JCPOA) or the Iran Nuclear Program. This agreement was reached between Iran and a group of six world powers P5+1 that includes Russia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany and France in 2015. Procedure and research methods. Civilizational analysis, historical, system-structural and formal-logical methods were applied. Results. The article examines the reasons that prompted Trump to withdraw from the JCPOA, despite the negative reaction of the entire world community, including close NATO allies. The respective position of the European Union, first of all, Germany, France and the United Kingdom were analysed. While maintaining their commitment to the JCPOA, these countries, in fact, opposed Washington and offered their own program for preserving trade and economic relations with Iran. Theoretical / practical relevance. It is concluded that the current crisis and escalation of tensions in the American-Iranian relations caused by the unilateral withdrawal of the USA from the nuclear agreement have a negative and highly destabilising effect on the situation not only in Iran, but also in the entire Middle East region.

Aim. To determine the influence of US soft power tools on the formation of the worldview of today’s Russian youth. Procedure and research methods. The results of the sociological study "the Attractiveness of the American way of life among modern students" initiated and conducted by the Department of Political Science and Sociology of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics were analysed. Results. The study revealed that the respondents do not consider the American way of life as an ideal in the context of modern society and note a number of problems in the American political system. Young people no longer seek to study and work in the United States. Theoretical / practical relevance. It is concluded that the American way of life as a soft power tool has lost its relevance among today’s Russian youth. The obtained data can be used by political analysts studying soft power problems, as well as by university professors teaching sociology and political science.

Aim. To study the establishment and development of Hispanophony and analyse its potential as a resource for shaping the foreign policy of Spain. Procedure and methods. Information provided by international consulting agencies and Spanish research institutions, as well as data gathered from Russian and Spanish scientific papers on the establishment of Hispanophony and its current state were generalised and examined. Results. The study revealed that the potential of Hispanophony has not been fully realized due to the lack of a unified strategic approach. However, the Government of Spain recognized the necessity to develop an integrated model promoting the Spanish language and culture during implementing its foreign policy. Theoretical/practical relevance. The paper identified problems and difficulties of the modern Hispanophone policy, as well as defined a number of areas in which Hispanophony can be used as a resource for promotion of political interests of Spain. Additionally, the formulated practical suggestions can be applied for elaborating the concept of Russophony.

This is the first adapted translation of the book “The History and Theory of Revolutions” by the American politician Joseph Clark. Undoubtedly, this work is of great research interest for historians, sociologists and political scientists, since it is one of the first theoretical studies into revolutions as a socio-political phenomenon. Clark’s ideas influenced significantly the entire development of the theory of revolutions in the 19th-21st centuries.