Political Science and Security Studies Journal

The reconciliation of ideological perspectives within BRICS: exploring geopolitical, economic, and cultural threads toward a unipolar world system

Hasib Bin Shaharia — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This research investigates how the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – have reconciled their disparate ideological viewpoints and how this has affected the existing global power dynamics. It examines how the BRICS bloc interacts with the Western-led international order while operating within distinct political, economic, and cultural frameworks. This study critically explores whether BRICS ultimately strengthens or weakens the prevailing unipolar global system, dominated by the United States and its allies, or contributes to a shift toward a bipolar or multipolar world. The study focuses on how BRICS functions within the parameters of the existing global system while simultaneously advocating for transformation.

Assessment of threats to Ukraine’s national security through the prism of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ experience

Ivan Tkach, Yana Martynenko, Andrii Zdorovylo, Tetiana Cherneha — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The current state of threats to Ukraine's national security has been analyzed through the lens of the experience of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Common and distinct aspects of hybrid threats have been studied, including cybercrime, disinformation, and espionage. An analysis of key provisions of national and international approaches to protecting critical infrastructure and the information space has been conducted. Conclusions have been drawn regarding the feasibility of adapting effective practices from the Netherlands to the realities of Ukraine.

The Strategic Position of Chile in Latin America

Mohsen Zamani — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Chile, a narrow and elongated country on the southwestern edge of South America, holds a prominent position in Latin America due to its unique geographical location, abundant natural resources, and open economic policies. With over 4,300 kilometers of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, Chile enjoys exceptional access to Asian and Oceanic markets, serving as a gateway for international trade in the region. Its extensive coastline and strong maritime connectivity have positioned Chile as a critical hub for the transportation of goods and the expansion of regional and trans-regional trade. Economically, Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper, a resource that secures its vital role in global markets. Copper exports, along with other mineral resources particularly to Asian countries constitute the backbone of the Chilean economy. Membership in trade agreements such as the Pacific Alliance and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has enabled Chile to play a central role in regional and international free trade. Chile's economic policies focus on free trade, foreign investment, and economic stability, making it one of Latin America's most successful economies. From a geopolitical perspective, Chile’s position in the Pacific region allows it to act as a bridge between Latin America and Asia. Additionally, Chile is an active member of regional institutions such as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Pacific Alliance, which aim to strengthen economic integration and regional cooperation. Stable relationships with the United States and the European Union further underscore Chile’s geopolitical significance. In the energy sector, Chile is recognized as a regional leader in renewable energy. Extensive solar and wind energy resources, particularly in the Atacama Desert, have positioned the country as a key player in the transition to clean energy. The development of sustainable energy sources has not only reduced dependence on fossil fuels but also played a critical role in fostering sustainable regional development. However, internal challenges such as economic inequality, social tensions, and reliance on raw material exports remain major obstacles to Chile's efforts to solidify its strategic position. Recent protests highlight the need for structural reforms to maintain political and economic stability. In conclusion, Chile's strategic position in Latin America stems from its advantageous geographical location, successful economic policies, and active participation in regional and trans-regional cooperation. Nevertheless, its long-term success depends on its ability to address domestic challenges and strengthen regional and global ties.

The political and economic aspect of the balance of relations between China, India and Pakistan

Oleksandr Mishkov, Oleksandr Mishin — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The main topic of the article is the economic and political aspect of maintaining balance in the triangle of countries China-India-Pakistan, which are presented in this study as elements of the subregional system of international relations in close connection with the algorithms of the functioning of the Asia-Pacific region.

The work begins with a characterization of the Asia-Pacific region and an analysis of the place of South Asia in this region. A review of Sino-Indian and Sino-Pakistani relations is made with the corresponding conclusions. Given the new challenges to international security and taking into account the significant role of the economy in the development of certain countries, new threats and new opportunities for difficult interstate relations are considered.

The work highlights the economic aspects that influence politics; restraining factors of the antagonistic relations of the “triangle”. The key question remains whether China can cooperate with both warring parties, avoiding provocations. Only balanced political steps can save Beijing from the collapse of its South Asia policy. The economic and political instruments of implementing such a policy towards India and Pakistan are highlighted in this article.

Conceptual Principles of the Foreign Language Aptitude Assessment of Candidates to Ukrainian Higher Military Education Institutions

Mariia Rafalska — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes the approach to the selection process of the higher military education institutions’(HMEI) candidates, in particular using the Foreign Language Aptitude Assessment (FLAA) as a tool and its conceptual principles. This article also examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the FLAA, outlines the key principles and functions of language aptitude, the criteria for evaluating language aptitude, and the relevance of modern technological tools, such as the Moodle platform, for organizing effective, objective, and standardized language testing. The Moodle-based FLAA is a complex three stages assessment conducted at Yevhenyi Bereznyak Military Academy and is aimed at determining the level of applicants’ language aptitude and, as a result, to ensure the qualitative selection of specialists who will be able to master foreign languages (FL) within the limited period of time in order to perform professional tasks.

Adaptability of Ukraine’s Public Procurement System in the Context of Two Significant Crises: the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Full-Scale Military Aggression of the Russian Federation

Liudmyla Nefodova, Vitalii Kushch, Maksym Bondarenko, Yaroslav Vovk — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes the adaptability of Ukraine’s public procurement system in the context of two significant crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation. The article examines regulatory changes in the functioning of the Prozorro platform and identifies fundamental differences in state approaches to procurement in the medical and military security sectors. It was found that during the pandemic, targeted regulatory mechanisms were introduced to ensure the speed and targeting of procurement while maintaining a certain level of transparency. However, the military crisis led to a more significant reorientation of the system towards efficiency and confidentiality, which resulted in a reduction in competitive procedures and temporary restrictions on information disclosure. The dynamics of key procurement performance indicators (number of procedures, contract volumes, declared budget savings) in 2019–2023 were analyzed. It was proven that despite significant challenges, the Prozorro system demonstrated its ability to quickly restore competitive mechanisms and transparency after the acute phase of crisis situations. At the same time, the article emphasizes the need to improve the methodology for assessing budget savings for a more accurate analysis of the effectiveness of the procurement system. The results obtained are important for the formation of further regulatory strategies in the field of public procurement in Ukraine.