The modern world has changed, continuing to transform in a crisis-like manner in all significant parameters. The fact that the former world system has passed the point of no return is a geopolitical reality. The objective need to reformat the world order is an immutable imperative of the time. The geopolitical status of the US as a hegemon is becoming a thing of the past. The key centers of power are shifting towards non-Western countries. But the reliance on power dominance has not disappeared from the US foreign policy strategy.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the types of hyperrealistic distortions, from the simple and everyday ones to the super-complex and occurring only once throughout the civilizational history. The most large-scale hyperrealistic shifts have a determining, civilization-forming character, overthrowing and replacing the previous civilizational foundations, never coinciding with the ‘real’ reality, but determining the key vectors of the further civilizational development.

The article examines the problems of the ruling coalition of the Austrian People’s Party and the Greens, led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer. In the context of growing escalation in Europe and the world, it is becoming more difficult for Vienna to maintain its previous position as a neutral state. Will the ruling circles take into account the voters’ request to preserve the previous comfort of life and the worthy position of Austria on the continent will be shown by elections to the European Parliament and the National Council in 2024.

The latest practices of social and psychological engineering are significantly changing the mental environment of modern societies: the human brain is becoming the battlefield. Achievements in the sphere of high technology, associated with information operations and using the tools of “soft power”, make it possible to introduce false paradigms, falsify meanings and values into the minds of large masses of people. The article shows the evolution of the concept of “cognitive warfare” on the basis of analytical materials, analyzes the methods of forming the image of a hostile “alien”.

In the context of a dynamically changing structure of international relations, it is important to improve the quality of Russia’s dialog with its partners, including Iran. The intensification of bilateral relations will provide both sides with a mutually beneficial opportunity to increase economic potential.

Euroscepticism as an indicator of a healthy society is presented in the Republic of Estonia governed by pro-European Union political elites as an existential threat to the very existence of the country. The article examines the process of marginalization of Euroscepticism in Estonia – both before and after its accession to the European Union in 2003. The study identifies various formats and mechanisms of marginalization of Eurosceptics by the political elites of the state and identifies systemic constraints for the expansion of Euroscepticism in Estonia.

Academic freedoms, including freedom of speech, were one of the fundamental pillars of the university system. They allowed the European medieval society to consolidate and form nation-states. But in their competition, freedom of speech was seen by the authorities as an obstacle to achieving world leadership. With the end of the Cold War, the perception of freedom of speech changed, on the one hand enhancing the freedom of movement of students, but on the other hand limiting it to a utilitarian approach to learning.

The authors analyze the current level of study of the problem of formation and development of solidarity economy and the role of cooperation in its structure, focus on the system-forming qualities of solidarity economy: democracy, immanence of ecologically sustainable development, justice and social mutual assistance, achievement of public benefit.

The article analyzes the arguments of Vietnam and China on the ownership of the Paracel Islands and the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea. The evidence base of the parties is based on historical justifications, which do not include all the islands of the archipelagos with geographical coordinates, have no data on permanent human habitation and economic activity. The International Tribunal in The Hague (2016) issued a verdict that China’s claims to “historical rights” over the maritime areas of the South China Sea contradict the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and are null and void.

The authors attempted to point out the conceptual and normative problems of the Marrakesh Compact for Migration, which predetermined the declarative nature of many of its provisions and, consequently, its ineffectiveness. The Marrakesh Compact is an important step towards the beginning of international cooperation of states in regulating irregular migration, which is a real challenge and threat to international security.

The article provides facts and historical reproductions of the revival of genocide in the context of the geopolitical situation, taking into account the legal assessment.