No 6(33) (2013)
View or download the full issue
PDF (Russian)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
9-13 1744
Abstract
The author devoted his research to the role of the UN Security Council at present time and the challenges to its existence as the linchpin of preservation of universal peace, security and stability at the time of transformation of the modern world under the impact of globalization. The research article sheds some light on the process of reforms of the UN Security Council and discussions on this issue in the UN , positions of the permanent members of the SC (“P-5”) and different scenarios of the expansion of the composition of the Security Council (permanent and non-permanent members).In contrast to some optimistic assumptions on the perspectives of the reform the author reinforces a pragmatic approach to the issue. Special emphasis is made on the importance of preserving the exclusive position of permanent members of the SC (“P-5”) as the guarantor of global stability and security. The reform process is closely entwined with another direction of the reform of the SC – strengthening its core functions and strategic role in prevention of international and regional crises. The conclusions and recommendations contain some ideas aimed at strengthening the reform process of the SC and its effectiveness. The SC should be more involved in planning and implementation of the UN peace- keeping operations. The functions of Military Staff Committee should be expanded and the process of consultations within the “P-5” Group should be reviewed with emphasis on taking political decisions on the basis of consensus.
15-24 1052
Abstract
The article deals with the evolution of Poland’s foreign policy towards its closest eastern neighbours: independent Ukraine, Lithuania and Belarus. It’s commonly referred to in the Polish historical science as the “Eastern Policy” and the countries themselves as the “Eastern outskirts” as opposed to the classical western understanding of “the East”, for which the Latin word “Orient” is used. Throughout Poland’s history this region was of a prominent role, at times being a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and at other times some kind of a “no-man’s land”, while taking its current shape only after the USSR and the Eastern block collapse.Though Russia is often considered to be a part of Poland’s “Eastern Policy”, the difference is clear in the nature of relationship between Warsaw and Moscow and that of the “ULB” (Ukraine, Lithuania and Belarus). In addition, Poland’s area of responsibility as an EU member included Ukraine and Belarus rather than Russia, which predominantly remained a priority of the “old” EU member states. Therefore the Russian-Polish relations figure here as a background, while the focus is on the “ULB” states. Increasing integration of the Polish “Eastern Policy” into the EU’s framework necessitated touching upon Moldova as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, which were invited along with Ukraine and Belarus to participate in a major European initiative– the “Eastern Partnership”. For the same reason two phases were outlined: before and after Poland’s accession to the EU which formally took place on 1st of May, 2004.
25-33 538
Abstract
The economic crisis fueled contradictions among the parties and weakened public support of internal and external policies of the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia). Natural necessity to abandon previous one-sided Euro-Atlantic foreign political and foreign economic orientation in favor of more balanced approach towards relations with Eastern neighbours (primarily with Russia) has become the issue of key importance that turned out to be a stumbling block for main political parties (ruling parties, opposition, so called ‚Russian‘ parties) in the Baltic states. The attitude to this problem became crucial during recent political crisis in Latvia, whereas in Lithuania and Estonia it led to changing rhetoric on foreign political issues by opposition parties. It is possible to nominally define the political situation in Lithuania as partisan consensus, whereas in Latvia and Estonia foreign political strategies complicated by unresolved domestic ethnic and language minorities problems are a battlegroud for ruling right-wing conservative coalitions and social-democratic oppositions. So, main social and political forces in the Baltic states faced the task to find a new consensus on foreign political issues in order to efficiently develop national economies under the conditions of financial economic turbulence in the EU and worldwide as well as to support social unity.
34-41 1220
Abstract
The article deals with a current situation of water problems of Central Asia. It is noted that problems in this sphere began in the thirties the 20th century. The author specifies that in long-term prospect the problem of water management in the Central Asian region will become aggravated because of high rates of an increase in population. It is spoken about contradictions between the states in the hydro-electric sphere, noted that the states of Central Asia, most likely, can't develop new approach to joint development of an energy potential of the region, and the mechanism of management of hydro-electric resources which would answer the political, economic and ecological goals of each state. It is said that now, each of the countries of the Central Asian region seeks to solve a water problem unilaterally, favorable only to it. The author defines the main contradiction that interests of the countries users water resources don't coincide. Some countries want to use water in an irrigational mode, others – in a power mode. As a result of it also there is a conflict situation. It is specified that in an irrigational mode water resources need to be spent in summer, and in a power operating mode the main water consumption is used in winter. It is noted in article that as in the territory of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan lands generally for agriculture are located, these countries being in lower reaches, are interested to use water resources in an irrigational mode. As for interests of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan located in highlands and having only limited reserves of oil and gas, they mostly use water in a power mode. The special attention in article is paid to hydroenergy resources of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan because these states possess their considerable stocks. Possible measures for stabilization of the situation for this problem are considered. On this basis some recommendations for Russia’s policy in this question are formulated.
42-48 1071
Abstract
Throughout the history The Black Sea region attracted attention of both regional states and those lying far beyond its borders . One of the main reasons for increased attention to the Black Sea coast is its transit location : it is crossed by transport routes connecting the West with the states of Central Asia and Transcaucasia that are rich by hydrocarbon resources . A large-scale and fairly ambitious gas pipeline projects that are scheduled to take place on the territory of the Black Sea countries and across the Black Sea lead us to expect the increasing role of the Black Sea region in the world economic system. In this regard, the author brings to light the problem of the main stages of the development of cooperation among the Black Sea countries be means of analysis of the most successful attempts at regional cooperation. Special attention is paid to the policy of Turkey in the Black Sea and on the interactions of two major regional actors (Russia and Turkey) . In addition, the work highlights the most promising areas of transport, logistics , trade and economic development of the region , including the project of ring highway around the Black Sea, as well as prospects for the intensification of maritime transport and the development of new marine transportation routes. To summarize, the author concludes that , despite the development of cooperation in the region , there are problems in the formation of a comprehensive system of regional security and cooperation, so as major obstacles to the successful implementation of the plan of cooperation in the Black Sea region still remain .
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF MGIMO FACULTY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
49-61 568
Abstract
The article analyzes how professors and students of MGIMO-University’s School of International Relations perceive innovations in language teaching.As a synergy system, language teaching relies on selfdevelopment based to a great extent on innovations, which can be initiated either from the inside or from the outside. To identify the basic features of innovations in foreign language teaching, the authors conducted a survey of professors and students of the School of international Relations. The results suggest that for most respondents the main purpose of innovations in foreign language teaching and learning is to attain a significantly higher level of communicative competence, which is seen as feasible only if fundamentally new teaching materials and computer technologies are used. According to the survey, the success of innovations largely depends on their source (innovations ‘from the top’ and innovations ‘from the bottom’) and commitment on the part of professors and students to participate in them, the latter being often prompted by their discontent with the state of play. Innovations ‘from above’ tend to be more encompassing and affect the entire system of language education, whereas innovations ‘from the bottom concern the teaching process per se. Though the survey suggests that it is innovations ‘from the top’ that tend to be more successful, the authors conclude that language education as a synergy system adopts only non-shattering innovations that address its most vital needs, thus encouraging its sustainable development.
62-66 697
Abstract
The article attempts to articulate the conceptual characteristics of an up-to-date tertiary-level foreign language coursebook. In order to meet the requirements of modern national educational standards and be in line with the aims of foreign language teaching, a new generation coursebook, whether printed or electronic, is to be based on a set of such general didactic principles as competency-based approach, interdisciplinary approach, multilevel approach, modularity, and proximal development as well as such specific language teaching principles as authenticity, up-to-dateness, informativeness, and functionality. The authors substantiate the need for an integrative approach to developing an innovative coursebook, which consists in blending a printed and an electronic version, thus allowing for a more optimal organisation of the teaching-learning process due to a more rational proportion between classroom and self-study activities. The effective organisation of the process, in its turn, is instrumental in achieving the aims and goals of foreign language teaching. New generation coursebooks can be used not only to organise independent and self-study activities of full-time students of higher education, but also to provide a basis for various forms of distant learning, which will enable up-country students to receive high-quality (language) education.
67-71 570
Abstract
The article focuses on the perspectives of FL methodology at tertiary level and the nearest objectives for the system of upgrading professional qualification for the staff members of language chairs. There are some objective problems that universities face in respect to FL teaching that secondary schools don’t. The main problem lies in the lack of transparent and clear-cut system of expectations for the level of language proficiency for graduate students. The number of credits for the FL course at some universities is reducing, while the expectations are growing. It is crucial to develop national curriculum in FL teaching for different universities and departments majoring in Humanities, Arts, Science, Engineering, etc., otherwise it will be difficult to develop realistic syllabi and the system of FL assessment and evaluation In the process of curriculum and syllabus design it seems important to rethink the correlation between possible patterns of language use that are relevant for different target groups: EGP, EAP, ESP. In terms of achieving international academic mobility it is important to design new curriculum according to ECTS, to raise the degree of learners’ autonomy. It means new forms and formats of teacher- student and student-student interaction should be implied for contact hours and the system of independent work on the course. The role of IT and the transparent system of assessment in this respect needs to be predetermined. It is equally important to develop a feasible system of re-training staff members so that they could meet new challenges well equipped.
72-76 453
Abstract
The development level of e-learning in Russian, European and American universities is analyzed in the paper on the basis of latest statistic data. Russian system of education is standing behind western countries in this field. The reasons for this are characterized in this paper, and the necessity of accelerated introduction of e-learning as the means of survival and preservation of competitiveness of national system of education is argued.The author believes that in the era of open knowledge society, when different universities offer distant education allowing to study without leaving house, the introduction of e-learning is the only way to fight for survival of national system of education. Therefore universities in different countries pool their intellectual and financial resources in order to gain their own niche in the market of cross-border education. The author comes to conclusion that in the situation, when Russia is threatened with not only real but virtual outflow of students as well, we have to admit that fast development of distant education is the only way to save national intellectual capital. Introduction of distant education should create the alternative to traditional methods and become an important part of overall strategy of Russian national universities.
77-82 433
Abstract
This paper considers innovative approaches to foreign language teaching in higher education, especially to the teaching of grammar, using the textbook Le français.ru B2-C1. A competence-based approach, the application of the principle of «student-centricity» and the concept of «tasks» help to optimize the learning process. Using the principle of «student-centricity» when introducing new grammar enhances cognitive motivation of students, makes them formulate themselves grammar rules, by analyzing wellchosen examples and answering teacher's questions. Another on important point in the presentation of a new grammar material is its correlation with their native language as well as their own search of the laws of this comparison. This could help them understand the examined phenomenon and it could help prevent possible interference errors. Using the concept of «tasks» and active exercises contribute to better acquisition of grammar and found it in the speech. That is why traditional grammar exercises should be accompanied with supplementary active exercises aimed to fulfill certain tasks. The competence approach, the use of information and communication technologies, the study of language material in the direction «from the value to the form» does not replace but enrich the traditional methods of teaching foreign languages.
83-89 768
Abstract
Every EFL teacher who teaches native speakers of Russian knows that the main roadblocks encountered in the classroom pertain to acquisition of articles, prepositions, and grammatical forms of the verb. With regard to articles, the situation is clear: as there are none in Russian, the student needs to understand their role and function in English. It's a bit different with prepositions: even though there are prepositions in Russian, their number and usage in English very often cause confusion. Finally, as far as the so-called tenses go – which are, in fact, tense-aspect forms – many students experience difficulties in developing necessary skills for a simple reason. Being used to the three tenses in Russian (the present, the past, and the future), they are often incapable of understanding the organizational and functional logic of a system which comprises twelve forms in the active voice. With this in mind, the problem of tense acquisition is shown to be rooted in inadequate metalinguistic knowledge pertaining to the meaning and function of the categories of tense and aspect in Russian. Since cognitive structures underlying these grammatical categories are grounded in perceptual experience and are similar in both languages, a cognitive approach, by using the native language as scaffolding, allows the student to benefit from a simple algorithm for choosing a tense in discourse. This radically facilitates grammar acquisition, eliminating many imaginary difficulties. The described approach to instructed tense–aspect acquisition has been successfully used by the author and his disciples and colleagues in educational institutions of different levels for over twenty years, proving to be much more efficient than traditional techniques.
90-94 767
Abstract
This article is aimed at arguing a professional type of intercultural communication,
at substantiating status equality as a paramount distinctive feature of professional intercultural
communication and also at presenting some of the strategies associated with it.
Thereupon, in the article:
– the notion of professional intercultural communication is validated and its integral part – status
equality - is grounded,
– original strategies of equal status intercultural communication are presented, some of which include:
rabulistic strategies of communicative attack, eristic strategies of communicative self-defense,
– hypothetical interaction patterns of certain strategies are described, including: compliment - witty
remark pattern, bluff - improvisation pattern, negative imperative - negative imperative transformation
pattern,
– the hypothesis is proved that for successful intercultural communication to take place, the partners
must be equally aware of the communicative attack and self-defense strategies.
Acquiring and mastering the communicative attack and self-defense strategies enables specialists
in international relations to participate in equal status intercultural communication the content of which
is characterized by high effectiveness.
at substantiating status equality as a paramount distinctive feature of professional intercultural
communication and also at presenting some of the strategies associated with it.
Thereupon, in the article:
– the notion of professional intercultural communication is validated and its integral part – status
equality - is grounded,
– original strategies of equal status intercultural communication are presented, some of which include:
rabulistic strategies of communicative attack, eristic strategies of communicative self-defense,
– hypothetical interaction patterns of certain strategies are described, including: compliment - witty
remark pattern, bluff - improvisation pattern, negative imperative - negative imperative transformation
pattern,
– the hypothesis is proved that for successful intercultural communication to take place, the partners
must be equally aware of the communicative attack and self-defense strategies.
Acquiring and mastering the communicative attack and self-defense strategies enables specialists
in international relations to participate in equal status intercultural communication the content of which
is characterized by high effectiveness.
95-100 593
Abstract
The given paper deals with certain lexical peculiarities of contemporary German sociopolitical discourse which may cause certain difficulties when translating into Russian. The interest in the lexical system is deliberate as this system is the most dynamic level of a language and as it reflects all the changes of the outside world. The main emphasis in it is placed on common nouns and proper names as well as on the lexical units formed as a result of the deonimization process. The distinctive feature of the modern German language is popularity of such lexical tokens as the linguistic expressive means, their clearly expressed negative connotation and the loss of relatedness with concrete people. The study of proper names and common names, created by the former including the comparative aspect may be of practical interest particularly at the lessons of the socio-political translation, as well as from the point of cultural linguistics since such lexical units express the specificity of the cultural background of the German native speaker. The deonimization process has universal character and is common for many European languages. Its study, in the comparative aspect, becomes extraordinary relevant especially today due to the process of globalisation when intercultural contacts gain special importance. Besides, proper names cross the language borders easily, however, if they contain changed meanings, they can cause a misunderstanding and as a result even a distortion. The main purpose of socio-political translation classes in a university is the development of the professional competence as well as the linguistic one. These lexical peculiarities have special importance as in the final analysis they will let graduates accomplish communicative tasks in their professional sphere.
101-105 913
Abstract
The notion of scientific paradigm has taken some time to be accepted by linguists, and even
today the problem of boundaries of coexisting nowadays linguistic paradigms remains debatable. Although
methodological guidelines of a paradigm of scientific knowledge in linguistics have in principle been
worked out, the fact that linguistics is intensively approaching interdisciplinarity entails the appearance of
overlapping zones “on the boundaries” of linguistic paradigms as well as “on the boundaries” of linguistics
and other cognitive sciences. Cognitive-discursive paradigm offers results of research, devoted to the role of
language unfolding in thought. Being both fundamental and experimental, cognitive approach contributes
significantly to the development of applied sciences, in particular to the theory and methodology of language
teaching. The approach gives opportunity to study conceptualization and categorization processes, lexical
and discursive competence in the view of applied teaching goals.
The article stresses that cognitive-discursive paradigm:
– is increasingly growing in its interdisciplinary nature, thus approaching even closer the EFL teaching;
– investigates represented in the language knowledge and experience structures, introducing the
experience of the world around us into lexical competence of EFL students;
– considers one of its major tasks further investigation of mental lexicon;
– as the discursive practice is becoming even more accessible for EFL students in the course of on-line
communication, it offers new methods of teaching communication, based on cognitive theory of discourse.
today the problem of boundaries of coexisting nowadays linguistic paradigms remains debatable. Although
methodological guidelines of a paradigm of scientific knowledge in linguistics have in principle been
worked out, the fact that linguistics is intensively approaching interdisciplinarity entails the appearance of
overlapping zones “on the boundaries” of linguistic paradigms as well as “on the boundaries” of linguistics
and other cognitive sciences. Cognitive-discursive paradigm offers results of research, devoted to the role of
language unfolding in thought. Being both fundamental and experimental, cognitive approach contributes
significantly to the development of applied sciences, in particular to the theory and methodology of language
teaching. The approach gives opportunity to study conceptualization and categorization processes, lexical
and discursive competence in the view of applied teaching goals.
The article stresses that cognitive-discursive paradigm:
– is increasingly growing in its interdisciplinary nature, thus approaching even closer the EFL teaching;
– investigates represented in the language knowledge and experience structures, introducing the
experience of the world around us into lexical competence of EFL students;
– considers one of its major tasks further investigation of mental lexicon;
– as the discursive practice is becoming even more accessible for EFL students in the course of on-line
communication, it offers new methods of teaching communication, based on cognitive theory of discourse.
106-110 483
Abstract
The paper is devoted to the problem of devising a new ESP curriculum for university students within the framework of Federal State Educational Standards of Higher Education. The necessity to introduce innovations into foreign language teaching at universities is fore grounded. It is claimed that in spite of some ambiguity in specifying the students’ competence in foreign languages put forward in the Standards, it is possible to design an effective educational curriculum for this university subject. It is proved that this can be realized if a competence-oriented approach is implemented. The process of designing a new competence-based curriculum for foreign languages is being described. A model modular course in foreign languages for the university students majoring in Regional Studies is presented. Some strategies to further develop teaching foreign languages at universities are mentioned. It is also argued that the course under discussion has proved to be attractive for the university applicants, provides for the quality of language education and meets the needs of the regional business community in the specialists of this kind.
HISTORY
ECONOMICS
117-126 606
Abstract
The paper considers two main original approaches to investing the assets of institutional investors (the total amount of their assets in the world is about 100 trillion dollars) – the one of Norway's sovereign wealth fund Global and approach of Yale's endowment fund. Fund Global with assets of $ 716 billion dollars is the largest institutional investor in the world, its strategy is based on the assumption that markets are efficient and their long-term growth lies in the balance of investment in stocks , bonds, and , since more recent time - in real estate. Financiers of Yale in the 1990s revolutionized the approach to investment, firstly, by reducing the proportion of stocks and bonds in favor of private equity and real estate, and secondly , by shift from investments in the domestic market to foreign markets. Not all institutional investors are ready to follow these strategies because of the risk of negative returns in times of crises, but in the medium- and long-term, these approaches allow to beat inflation. For example, Yale's endowment has grown since 1985 to 2012 from 1.6 to 19 billion dollars, and high yield allows to transmit 1 billion dollars (!) to the budget of the university annually. Endowment funds are one of the key sources of revenues of leading American universities. Analysis of the investment policy of endowment funds and sovereign wealth funds shows that fundamental changes in the concept of investing began to occur since the late 1980s - early 1990s . Institutional investors of both these types ceased to focus on conservative instruments - bonds and deposits , and use other options: Global - stocks , Yale – private equity , hedge funds, real estate investments , etc. With the expand of the spectrum of instruments in which the funds are invested the income volatility increases either, and therefore the institutional investors should be both transparent and explain to the public the motives of investment strategy changes.
127-133 603
Abstract
The article deals with characteristics and problems of world natural hazards insurance market. Special attention in this article is paid to activity of direct and indirect participants of the market: policy holders, insurance intermediaries, insurers, reinsurers, companies of construction industry and real estate, banks and other financial institutions, investors, rating agencies, Government. The article underlines the importance of adequate natural hazard risks assessment. The article describes factors that influence demand and supply aspects on the market. The supply is constrained by insurer’s and reinsurer’s capacity and the willingness of investors to finance natural hazard insurance market. Low interest of potential policy holders to buy natural hazard insurance is explained mainly by practice of post-disaster government relief programs. As insurance component increases in natural disaster compensation schemes, moral hazard decreases, but adverse selection goes up.
134-140 1252
Abstract
The debt crisis is continuing in the eurozone, putting on agenda a question about the future of the euro and European integration. In 2012 none of the Southern European states could achieve the EU average GDP per capita. If the Greece’s GDP reduces in 2013 by 4,5% as expected, the Government will hardly fulfill its objective to achieve the growth in 2014. Moreover, Europe has become divided into two macroregions: poor South and prosperous North. The differences between them seem to be predefined because of specific EU policy during the creation of the economic union and when the euro was being introduced; these differences are one of the main causes of the crisis. Inspite of the fact that the Southern countries are still in economic decline, the Northern counties are insisting on austerity measures without any plans to reindustrialize Greece, Spain and Portugal in perspective. The «troika» of lenders saved the eurozone on account of multi-billion aid but it is still nothing done to cope with existing political and economic contradictions such as: trade deficit between «North» and «South», dependence on exports, specific international specialization of Greece, Spain and other countries. Three scenarios can be worked out to foresee the situation in the EU: optimistic, pessimistic and neutral. The pessimistic scenario was widely spread in the expert community. However, it is not that popular at the moment. A strong political will is needed to realize the optimistic scenario in the EU, mainly that of Germany and the Netherlands. At the moment the occasions meet the neutral scenario. It means that the euro area still exists but the coming years can become a «lost decade».
141-148 939
Abstract
The article highlights the transformation of financial market, which determines its insulation as an independent economy sector. The tendency was first analyzed in late XIX century and has been developing since then, resulting in dissociation of real and financial sectors. Due to uncertainty traders lack decision guidelines, as speculative transactions do not imply property management. As a result, their decisions are based on expectations and market value losses any connection to real sector performance. Financial derivatives development through late XX century has brought financial market independence to a new level and inflation of the sector to values, exceeding world GDP. Stock market has provided the basis for property and management separation, and derivatives, in turn, separate returns from property and risk from asset. As risk valuation turns out to be the measure of market expectations, it is sure to affect the basic asset prices even more than underlying real capital. The imbalance is believed to have been one of the determinants of the modern financial and economic crisis. Financial market has evidently transformed to a casino to a greater extent, than Keynes identified.
149-154 523
Abstract
The article is devoted to the issue of the impact of Russian-Chinese Inter-regional and Crossborder Cooperation on Entrepreneurship during the Global Economic Crisis. Currently, the two main directions of development of the economy is the economic globalization and regional economic integration. Inter-regional and cross-border cooperation between Russia and China - an important part of bilateral relations, as well as a significant factor in promoting socio -economic development of neighboring regions and business between the two countries. The year 2008 was difficult for the world. Against the backdrop of a slow recovery of the global economy after the financial and economic crisis, Russia and China jointly overcome the difficulties of post-crisis, deepen strategic partnerships and actively explore new areas of cooperation. The effect of cross border cooperation on entrepreneurial activity in the recent years is shown in the border areas, in which accumulate significant experiences of using the potential of entrepreneurship for the high dynamics of the economic growth. In the aftermath of the crisis, the Russian and Chinese governments actively strengthened their cooperation. This provided more opportunities for the further deepening of enterprise development. Within the framework of regular meetings between the two governments signed a series of agreements and contracts in the oil and gas industry, the coal industry, as well as in the nuclear power industry and in the field of high-speed rail train and automobile, etc. More opportunities for investment and a better business environment in the border areas promote enthusiasm in the entrepreneurial activity. To ensure the implementation of entrepreneurial potential is necessary to create a favorable legal and economic conditions for the intensive development of the business, stimulating the formation of the market structure and the competitive environment. Entrepreneurship plays an important role for the development of border areas. The active level of the business not only strongly influences the development of cross-border and inter-regional cooperation, but also for the development of the border areas. The bilateral economic cooperation is helpful for the improvement of social and economic situation in the border areas.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
155-159 812
Abstract
The paper describes some peculiarities in evolution of the State family politics and policies in Russia since the beginning of the XX century to present time. The aim of the paper is to shed light on the family state policy in Russia during the different periods of time. We define here the family state policy widely enough as the various state activity (ideological, legislative, economic, social) concerning institute of family. The analysis of the state measures concerning the family in different social and political contexts allowed us to allocate the five main stages and models of the family state policy in Russia. They are: the post-revolutionary model (1917-1926), the «Stalin» model (1927-1953), the "welfare" Soviet model (1954-1991), the yearly post- Soviet model (1991-2005), the modern model (since 2006). The paper is based on the some demographic and sociological surveys data and devoted to an analysis of the family changes in these various periods. On the one hand, the family policies were a reaction to new social requirements and demographic changes (decline of fertility, for example). On the other hand, the state activity concerning a family itself caused transitions in the family institute. We show how various measures of soviet and post-soviet family policies and public interventions in family life have influenced on the family relations.
160-169 703
Abstract
The article reviews the current and future directions of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states’ cooperation. The author emphasizes the need of the comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to the de-velopment and expansion of contacts of the countries participants of the organization. Analysis of the key areas of cooperation showed that the greatest prospect projects are in the areas of interaction such as infrastructure construction, transport, energy, technology, agriculture, humanitarian, cultural, and military cooperation. However, the article implies that the economic cooperation within the SCO is the weakest area of activity of the organization, the multilateral economic projects successfully implemented, in fact, are not yet available, as the bilateral cooperation is often implemented without the SCO (despite the fact that the SCO will promote its activation). The author believes that the connection to the SCO such national economies as India and Pakistan can greatly stimulate the development of economic cooperation, to give impetus to the beginning of a number of important multilateral projects. In addition, one of the main causes of economic cooperation deceleration in the SCO, he said the lack of dedicated funding mechanism for multilateral projects.The paper identified the medium-term prospects for international cooperation within the SCO, which have become more apparent in June 2012, at the regular meeting of the SCO Council of State’ Heads, held in Beijing, a brief review of the approved there important documents defining trends of the organization over the next decade.
170-176 443
Abstract
The article reflects the author's position as to the role of global public blessings in the period of transition to new models of development. The present stage of development of a society is considered as transitive. The maintenance of this transition is a formation of the information society. The information society leans against a new basis: the new base resources, new structure of a society, global character of the functioning, new collective reason. Expansion of a circle of the global public blessings can become one of possible ways of formation of the given society. In their structure articles of prime necessity at global level are allocated. We have carried the ecological blessings to them; the creative blessings; equality; the first material benefits – habitation, transport, a food and clothes. The nature of the global public blessings in modern conditions is characterized much more deeply, rather than principles of public using. Deep fundamentals of blessings of the given level are defined. Following lines are carried to them: first place in comparison with market interests of the countries; their dominating role in formation of new model of development of world economy; definition of their essence on formation stages, instead of distributions. Their manufacture should be planned by the world regulating centre. The role of global public blessings as tools of development and growth of new economy is defined. Radical difference of character of public blessings in the present system and global public blessings in the transitive society is revealed. Object of research is the modern stage of development. Targets of research are the global public blessings. Novelty of the article is caused by the author's scientific vision of the role of global public blessings in the formation of the new information society as defined.
LAW
177-182 632
Abstract
As a result of long-term accession process Russia became WTO member, which stipulates adequate analyze of relevant consequences both for Russia and its bilateral relations with trade partners. Taking into consideration the fact, that EU is Russia’s main trade partner and significant role of customs issues in ensuring smooth trade flows across the border, author provides legal assessment of Russia WTO accession influence on Russia-EU customs cooperation legal base. Author comes to the conclusion that due to trade, but not customs nature WTO addresses customs to prevent it from being obstacle to trade. Besides, during accession process Russia in general provided correspondence of its legislation to WTO norms. For example, Russia-EU customs cooperation is based on WTO norms from the date of Partnership and Cooperation Agreement entering into force, in which included references on General Agreement on Tariff and Trade. These facts minimize Russia WTO accession influence on the process of Russia-EU customs cooperation legal base construction. At the same time author proves Russia-EU customs cooperation instrument fruitfulness in elimination of risks arising from Russia WTO accession. Such instruments will support effective customs administration without unreasonable interference in trade flows, including within WTO. At the same time it will be important factor for economic, national security as well as for increase of investment attractiveness of Russia.
183-189 577
Abstract
Research issue raised in this paper is the most pressing at the moment because of international campaign to prevent money-laundering and tax evasion. From the solution to the problems that will be discussed here may depend the degree of how strong the whole state (country) may become. At the moment there is a legal knowledge gap on this matter caused by the lack of basic scientific research. In the first part of the paper the focus will be made on the definition of the "offshore mechanism" concept which will help to stay objective in further judgments on the phenomenon. Moreover, the author will carefully analyze what reasons push many companies and individuals to use this financial mechanism. In the second part of the paper the author will discuss about the fundamental problems in application of the services from offshore financial centers. Particularly, the author will describe the main application fields of this mechanism and the methods for the tax planning. In addition to that the author will investigate the application of European VAT system, and the ways it can be associated with the application of offshore mechanism under European Union. A special attention will be given to analyzing abuses associated with the usage of the European VAT system. Since only by knowing all these problems in details it will be possible to prevent such mistakes in future.
190-196 501
Abstract
The present article is dedicated to the problem being side-effect and directly related to the anti-money laundering fight: the infringement of the constitutional rights. In 2013 the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation gave the judgment that the Federal law has a discretionary power to provide in the legislation certain methods preventing terrorism financing and money laundering, obliging financial and other institutions, conducting money transfers to identify their clients. The analysis of such position is given in the present article. The author does not share such position. Analyzing money-laundering especially in the context of renunciation of presumption of innocence, the author shows the deliberate crime. Such deliberate aim shall be stated in the legislation, that means that while concealing, non-reporting, taking or granting funds the person shall mentally understand the illegal origin of such funds: actions shall be dedicated to concealing, covering or assistance in money-laundering. The article analyses Russian and foreign legislation in dealing with the matter, their principles and acts: special legislation on moneylaundering fight, privacy principles, special legislation on “know you customer” programme. The author researches Russian and foreign experience in dealing with anti money-laundering taking into account observance of constitutional rights of people.
SCIENCE STUDIES
197-205 558
Abstract
The article describes the role and place of the German Science and Research Association (DFG) as one of the leading science support organizations in the science policy of Germany. It gives a thorough analysis of its inner structure that includes such bodies as General Assembly, Executive Committee, Senate, Joint Committee and expert boards as well as the way of their formation and scope of their powers. The legal nature of DFG as a science support organization reveals through its goals and functions stated in the Charter. They are as follows: financial support of scientific and research projects, training of young scientists, international scientific cooperation and transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice. The German Science and Research Association also stands for equal possibilities for men and women in the academic community and consults the state bodies on the science policy. The author pays particular attention to the cooperation of the organization with the state and subjects (lands), including financial issues and participation of DFG in the federal state program «Exzellenzinitiative». Moreover, the author touches a debating point of correspondence of the status of the organization to its public activity as DFG is a private law association that includes universities and other science and research institutions as its members. Finally, the article gives a comparison of the German Science and Research Association to the similar organizations in other European countries, particularly to the Danish agency on science, technology and innovation and the French National research agency. The author comes to a number of conclusions respectively the procedure of peer review and need for effective remedies to appeal the rejected project.
206-214 1329
Abstract
When the status of the federal state at the international arena is in major defined by its scientific and technological potential, migration of the highly trained professional from or to Russia acquires a strategic status. The article is devoted to the consequences of the intellectual migration in Russia and proposals for optimization of the management policy at this direction. Authors regret that at this time in Russia the migration outflow of scientists and other specialists in quality and quantity figures substantially exceeds the inflow. This hinders plans on the modernization of the Russian economy and postpones refusal from extractive development model. Authors suggest expanding the governmental regulation of the intellectual migration in Russia by adopting special programs on the basis of the international experience. It shall be based on the principles of the differentiated and targeted approach to the intellectual migrants, effective monitoring, and effective feed-back relations when the decision are being implemented. The funding of the science also shall be increased both, by means of the target projects and exemptions to the science-driven business. The significance of these steps is high, particularly in the light of outflow of the Russian specialists abroad. If the positive tendencies will be supported by the active governmental policy and social-economic increase, in the mid-term perspective this may drive to turning point in the still negative situation with "brain drain" from Russia. It is worth to pay additional attention to the educational and scientific immigration to Russia as to an important offsetting factor if we do not want to lose this chance.
215-219 420
Abstract
The article analyses the state of the art and the prospects of the Russian political science in terms of scientific communication. Political science develops through discussion on key problems of its subject matter: political power, legitimacy, justice, political regimes, etc. The quality of the discussion shapes the development of political science. The basic medium of the discussion remains an article in a scientific journal. Editorial policy of the leading journals is a key instrument for shaping the discussion and defining its norms and standards. There are few challenges for the Russian political science with respect to the development of a dialogue among its authors and scientific schools. First, it still has a form of a monologue rather than dialogue. There are a number of attempts to establish a dialogue with the leading foreign authors and a deficit of discussion among Russian political scientists. Second, double blind peer review still remains a rear practice. It is the only means for ensuring the high quality of scientific communication. Third, the quality of the discussion directly depends upon the differentiation of political science in the form of scientific schools. The Russian political science has a low degree of school differentiation. And the few schools that did manage to get established evade a dialogue on constitutive questions on theory and practice of political science. The author suggests that coordination of the leading journals’ editorial policy through different forms of institutional interactions including the Russian Political Science Association and the Russian International Studies Association might be an effective tool to encourage the discussion in the Russian political science and dialogue among its schools.
SOCIOLOGY
220-224 651
Abstract
The author analyzes new vulnerabilities appeared as a result of the becoming of the complex socium that has become a topical subject of debate in social science. It is shown that these vulnerabilities manifest new risks for the functioning of the society and its members. The self-sufficiency of the modern society is in real danger: the formation of a complex society passed the barrier, after which the viability of the society is by no means guaranteed. On the one hand, society can hardly keep up with the increasing chaos of values and normative referents , undermining its internal functioning adequately, on the other hand, it is obvious that the relationship between social and natural systems significantly impaired. There appeared vulnerabilities in the form of unintended consequences of the openness of the society, that increases the production of new marginalized groups – people who are not temporarily unemployed, but those who do not adapt to the cultural innovations of the open society. The complex socium has the potential of new catastrophes provoked by “normal accidents”. For solving these problems there proposed a humanistic turn that presupposes the integration of Sociology with hard and humanitarian sciences. It will be an intellectual instrument for overcoming the appeared challenges. The article discusses five vulnerabilities appearance is caused by the emergence of a complex society.
225-229 1049
Abstract
The research deals with the information system of public administration aimed at decision-making and communication with the society in a crisis. The system’s functionality depends on adequacy of goal-setting and on correspondence of the chosen strategy to a crisis type which differ by social response. The author substantiates traditional model of crisis communications and information management for solving conflict crises, while consensus crises require participative model, and polemic crises are recommended to be managed by negotiation and dialogue facilitation model. The negotiation and dialogue facilitation model for managing polemic crises is aimed at realization of a communicative action concept advocated by J. Habermas. As long as modern complex crises require participation of multiple actors which have different visions of a crisis situation and specific interests, “crisis decision making in such context can be seen as a negotiation process” [16]. On the level of information processing the primary step is to discover both major crisis tendencies in each of the core social systems, and social groups whose opinions and interests should be considered. After that definition of possible crisis triggers, forecasting and crisis planning are realized taking into consideration interests and expert recommendations of different social groups’ representatives. Two basic ways of coordination are suggested: public discussion of issues, or collaborative problem-solving. The first way requires organization of a public dialogue in a form of discussion, citizen jury, or negotiations. Coordination through collaborative problem-solving implies fragmentation of a complex subject which means reducing it into concrete practical questions that require discussion and decision-making. Communication within the framework of the described model is remarkable for the supra-communicative practice of facilitating the interaction of the crisis management participants.
230-233 1400
Abstract
The paper analyzes the problems of social inequality and life chances of modern Russian youth. Theoretical grounds of the research are the classical and the contemporary social theories concerning social inequality (Parsons, Weber, Sorokin, Warner). The traditional and new forms of inequality are discussed in the paper. The results of the author’s online survey are presented. The aim of the survey is to find out the actual social inequalities which draw a distinction between Moscow youngsters.
Particular attention has been given to the determinants of social inequality. The results of the survey show that among the priority ones there are the five major determinants:
– the first one is the material status;
– the second place goes to temporal factor. Spare time for communication with friends, self-education, hobbies and leisure has become not easily available for many young people;
– the third determinant is the place of living and living conditions: the comfort and prestige of city district, its safety and infrastructure;
– the fourth place is taken by mental outfit and social capital, in other words, by the body of knowledge and skills which is in demand on the labour market;
– the fifth factor is the power, the ability to influence other people (relatives, friends, colleagues, government)
We have found out that along with the traditional inequalities the new form of inequality – the temporal
inequality – is becoming more and more significant for the Russian youth.
Particular attention has been given to the determinants of social inequality. The results of the survey show that among the priority ones there are the five major determinants:
– the first one is the material status;
– the second place goes to temporal factor. Spare time for communication with friends, self-education, hobbies and leisure has become not easily available for many young people;
– the third determinant is the place of living and living conditions: the comfort and prestige of city district, its safety and infrastructure;
– the fourth place is taken by mental outfit and social capital, in other words, by the body of knowledge and skills which is in demand on the labour market;
– the fifth factor is the power, the ability to influence other people (relatives, friends, colleagues, government)
We have found out that along with the traditional inequalities the new form of inequality – the temporal
inequality – is becoming more and more significant for the Russian youth.
234-240 495
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the analysis of the social issues caused by mass-media impact on individuals and society. The author bases on reflection of sociological theories and discourses of late modern and postmodern and thus shows the transformation of media and their audience on the society’s way to the postmodernity. Postmodern media are viewed as a specific social institution of postmodernity; the author also emphasizes the basic peculiarities of its institutionalization. Structural integrity between mass-media and society is ensured through mass communication in its one-sided direction of the only communicator to the masses, often turning into an influence on recipients. The article stems from the premise that a modernday person is included in qualitatively and quantitavely other communications than in a preceding era of late modernity. Mass-media’s influence on society is thus specific. Messages, images, symbols, signs created by media not only form our perspective, but also serve as keys to the perception of reality. A subject today is involved in endless interconnected streams of information, hence a subject doesn’t consume information in discreet blocks anymore. Rather, we can imagine a subject standing knee-deep in a vast stream grabbing whatever he or she may find interesting. Under the certain conditions the very reality is being substituted by the virtual reality. The author shows and analyses the communication model of the basic information producers and recipients.
241-246 576
Abstract
The author analyzes online social network as a social institute of a virtual type where individuals can present themselves to others by means of special practices. At the same time he indicates that these practices are similar to real ones by their relative equality in particular space and time due to reflexivity of actors. There are three major functional regulators of users behavior in online social network: 1) quantitative restrictions on self presentation determined by information formats; 2) qualitative matter of self presentation conditioned on norms of Russian and International legislations; 3) rituals of virtual interaction. The study shows what role VK-user profile plays in modern human interactions and how it affects communication practices. Case-study analysis of the standard form of VK-user profile allowed to learn the features of communication tools of the social network that on the whole are used for exchanging self-presentation data between its users. The author particularly focuses on instrumental capabilities of a section of VK-user profile form called “Personal views” that includes closed questions about existential and social values. A person can partially present him/her self in the network by selecting a short templated response to each closed question from a narrow range of alternatives. The study also considers the functions of authorized pages of celebrities who are some kind of “significant others” to their multiple admirers.
CULTURAL STUDIES
248-253 432
Abstract
This paper deals with the concept of the translation approach to the problem of interaction of language and culture in terms of determination of the translation solutions by linguoethnic factors. The authors pay main attention to the analysis of the notion of culture. The concept proceeds from the views and opinions regarding the culture and its role in shaping the identity of the person introduced by the honorary doctor (doctor honoris cause) of the MGIMO-University Federico Major in his book «New page». Sharing the point of view of F. Major , the authors come to the conclusion that culture is a knowledge, based on which an individual perceives and evaluates his performance and behavior. Projecting such a position on the verbal behavior, the authors highlight the leading role of culture in the process of producing a speech act played when choosing the individual models of behavior on the basis of the knowledge of the communicative situation. Based on F. Mayor`s opinion that culture unites rather than divides people, the authors note the presence of universal and unique linguoethnic elements in the cultural knowledge of the representatives of various ethnic groups which determine the degree of similarities and differences in the ways of expressing knowledge in different languages. In this paper the authors reasonably use the term «linguoethnic» to describe the cultural-cognitive peculiarities inherent to individuals as representatives of different ethnic groups, as well as give comparison of the terms «linguoethnic» and «linguocultural».
PSYCHOLOGY
254-262 720
Abstract
The article attempts to evaluate the influence of one of the main works of S. Freud on the psychoanalysis of culture “Totem and Taboo”. The authors offer an overview of the history of the book’s creation including its psychoanalytical, anthropological and historical sources, analyze its main concepts among them the connection between ancient prohibitions and limitations imposed by neurotics on themselves, similarity between neurotic behavior and behavior of primitive people, examine the place of the book among other works by Freud such as “Mass psychology and Ego analysis”, “Cultural sexual morality and modern neurosis” and others. The article also investigates the main criticisms against Freud’s work launched from historical and psychological positions and tries to single out its constructive elements. The authors trace the reception of the book by literary circles, among others by T. Mann, who suggested viewing “Totem and Taboo” rather as a new kind of myth creation than a work of science. And then the article turns to attempts to apply the book’s ideas to the analysis of such events of modern history as the denazification of Germany and student uprising in the late 1960s following the works of the psychoanalyst M. Erdheim and philosopher O. Marquard. The authors conclude the article by offering their view of the possible applications of Freud’s concepts in the analysis of social processes, which could be based on combining the scientific approach favored by Freud himself, despite his leanings toward speculative theory, with methods of reflection typical for art, which build upon free associations of events and are directed towards the wide public rather than a narrow group of specialists.
PHILOLOGY
263-268 530
Abstract
The current article is devoted to the analysis of word formation processes in Modern Standard Arabic from the point of view of Arabic and Eastern linguists. Due to the fact that modern Arab studies in Russia lack systematic coverage of word-formation processes while existing works – monographs, thesis’s and articles are written about unconnected with each other aspects of this theme, which scrutinize the problem in two ways: by approaching the issue in terms of terminology and by overviewing only methods of word formation, it is interesting to observe the formation of words with general meanings. This paper contains approaches of different foreign linguists to the articulated problem, and also includes the author’s vision on the structure of the Arabic word-formation. In addition to that the article covers the historical periodization of the Arabic lexicon and some linguistic features related to Modern Standard Arabic. The article also describes the main attitude of the Arab linguists to the problem of arabic word formation and names the primary Arabic Linguistic Academies, dedicated to the process of term accumulation and treatment. All methods of word formation in MSA are illustrated by numerous examples of modern Arabic terms from different fields, some of which are pure neologisms.
269-274 577
Abstract
One of the crucial points of the article is an overview of the development of negation in linguistics which is considered to be one of the fundamental categories. The article explores the change in the paradigms of understanding negation in linguistics: from the structural approach to the cognitive one. The author presents such approaches as structuralism, the pragmatic conception and the cognitive approach. Besides, the peculiarities of functioning and the performance of the category are revealed in the article. Particular attention is paid to the cognitive approach as one of the main trends of modern linguistics. The focus on negation from the cognitive perspective allows to analyze both its functions in diplomatic text (some of them are represented in the article) and its dependence on external factors. Being a universal category, negation is reflected in all types of discourse, and the article concentrates on diplomatic discourse as the least studied one regarding its peculiarities from the linguistic perspective. On writing the particular features of negation from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, the author represents the analysis of oral diplomatic text and reveals the reciprocal conditionality of the semantic and formal aspects of negation. Also the dependence of its semantics on the opposition “my – foreigner’s” is presented.
275-278 1485
Abstract
The article is devoted to the correlation between concepts of mentality and language worldview in modern linguistics. Considering mentality within modern linguistics reflects the principle expansionism which consists in the fact that no science can remain within the borders of itself, it needs access to the adjacent areas of knowledge to produce the most comprehensive research. That is why linguistics is to use the data provided by such sciences as cultural studies, anthropology, sociology, etc. The paper highlights the main approaches to the issue of language worldview. The most relevant modern theory concerning the topic is the hypothesis of linguistic relativity in its weak form, which consists in the fact that language is only one of the factors that influence the way in which we conceptualize reality. Further in the article we put definitions of language worldview and give our own definition of the term. The part of the article dedicated to the mentality also provides definitions of the concept, indicates the relative novelty of studying the mentality of a nation within language sciences, it also provides a comparison of the given concepts. The author finds both similarities and differences and comes to the conclusion that, despite the apparent synonymy of the discussed concepts, there are important differences: they deal with different sides of world perception, they put emphasis on peculiar features of reality. Mentality is associated with the cultural aspect and the language worldview – with the liguocultural aspect. What is important is that both concepts are relevant to modern linguistics.
PEDAGOGY
280-284 419
Abstract
The article presents the results of the psycho-pedogogical research in the field of technology of professional training of Japanese language specialists. The author analyses the theoretical approaches of the modern knowledge in the humanities to defining the concept of “intercourse” and analyses its correlation with the term “communication”. The author comes to the conclusion that it is important to work out a modern technology which would help to imorove the efficiency of building the competence of intercultural intercourse of future specialists. The technology is to include three interconnected stages of training students in an artificial, synthetic and authentic linguistic environment. The suggested technology of stage-based training of Japanese language specialists has a big potential and can be effectively used in the open educational environment of modern Russia. The author further argues that if we look at the process of intercourse through the prism of modern integration processes, we will see that the modern system of education in Russia needs more sophisticated educational technologies aimed at preparing university graduates for full-scale cross-cultural communication with representatives of various languages and cultures.
MGIMO GOLDEN FUND
BOOK REVIEWS
SCIENTIFIC LIFE
ISSN 2071-8160 (Print)
ISSN 2541-9099 (Online)
ISSN 2541-9099 (Online)