In this Issue

Abstract

The relevance of political research is determined by significant changes occurring in the contemporary world order, particularly the transformation of the international regime of civiliarchal democratization, liberal hegemony, the protection of human rights and freedoms, nuclear non-proliferation, and so on. These transformations are occurring simultaneously with a redistribution of power centers within the international system, further exacerbating the tendency toward destabilization of international relations. By studying the mechanisms behind the formation of a new order of hard, soft, and smart power—a new nuclear order—it is possible to formulate optimal approaches to decision-making to reduce threats to international security. The current period of global politics has been marked by the increasing instrumental role of nuclear weapons both in countries’ national security agendas and in discussions within international institutions. An assessment of these processes has been reflected in political science discourses, as in recent years the nuclear factor and the role of nuclear weapons have become a cause of war and confrontation.