№ 3 (2024)

Effectiveness of antitrust policy is actively discussed within the framework of both economic theory and practice of government regulation. Although the antimonopoly legislation in the modern sense has formed relatively recently, the theory of antimonopoly regulation was established over centuries under the influence of the greatest economists of the past and historical processes. The most important stages in the development of this theory are examined. The contribution of ancient philosophy and politics in the formation of basic ideas on competition and monopoly is analyzed. The revolution produced by classical political economy is studied. Specific (but historically important) Marxist and socialist positions on competition, free trade and monopolization are demonstrated. It is shown that these complicated historical discussions are important for solving current problems in the field of competition.

The importance and urgency of low-carbon development and adaptation to climate change are becoming one of the central trends in long-term environmental strategy of Russia. It is concluded that the changes taking place in Russian legislation are confirming the country’s unchanged course to participate in the global climate agenda and search for new opportunities for economic growth (including sustainable development and the green economy). Proposals have been developed to mitigate threats to the implementation of the green agenda in the Russian economy. In particular, it is proposed to introduce new forms of international cooperation, such as active involvement in the Green Coalition of the New Silk Road, as well as increased participation of business in this and other areas.

Canada, like many other countries, is increasingly focusing on transition to a green economy, realizing the problems associated with climate change, carbon emissions and the growing need for energy conservation. Canada is a large country with huge resources and potential for the development of a green economy. The Canadian approach to implementing a green strategy based on clean technologies and best production methods is comprehensively explored. Key government policies and programs to stimulate the development of green sectors of the economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change are analyzed. The main projects and initiatives aiming to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and increase the level of energy efficiency, as well as measures to stimulate environmental consumption among the population and attract foreign investment in the field of green economy, were studied. The role of provinces, territories and municipalities in the development of a green economy are also discussed.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the electoral behavior of Russian youth of the digital generation (aged 18–24 years). The empirical basis of the study was made up of data from an interregional youth survey conducted by the authors in 2023, as well as data from a WCIOM study in 2024. The relatively low level of their participation in the electoral process and in general in socio-political activities is considered as a feature of the electoral behavior of young people of the digital generation. At the same time, a steady trend towards a decrease in youth absenteeism has been identified, which is manifested in the formation of an intermediate group of young people with a more positive attitude towards elections. Subject to comprehensive constructive actions on the part of the state and civil society institutions, this group can be included in the electoral process. The study showed that young people of the digital generation are quite well informed about the possibility of online voting, although the vast majority of young people aged 18–25 years do not have practical experience in participating in remote electronic voting. For young people who ignore the institution of elections, the form of voting is not significant. A tendency has been discovered towards a decrease in the electoral activity of girls of the digital generation, who are inferior to young men in other indicators of socio-political activity.

Based on the presented classification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the specifics of their use in modern conflicts are examined. The main trends in the procurement of UAVs are analyzed. It is indicated that the use of UAVs in combat is not limited to the functions of reconnaissance, target designation and strikes, as well as the detection and destruction of terrorist groups, as was the case in Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Thе UAVs are increasingly used within the framework of reconnaissance and strike complexes on the battlefield. The R&D and production of small and mini-drones, as well as of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of remaining invulnerable to air defense systems, are actively developing. Other modern technologies of unmanned systems are being advanced. Due to the fact that in recent years the trend of massive use of small and mini-UAVs in conflicts has prevailed, supplies to the armed forces of various countries of heavy and a number of medium (tactical) high-altitude and medium-altitude drones are decreasing, while the purchases of small drones, as well as light civilian UAVs with reconfigured software, are increasing.

The change in the migration policy of the Czech Republic after 2015 with focus on illegal migration control and asylum policy are discussed. The authors preferred a separate consideration of the Czech position to a more widespread regional approach, allowing deeper understanding of the priorities of national migration policy. Analysis revealed that until recently this country was affected by the European migration crisis only slightly, but the narrative formed under its influence caused the growing popularity of anti-migrant sentiments, that influenced the change of the migration policy towards securitization and externalization. In the wake of theUkraine crisis these trends have become stronger. It is shown that the Czech Republic was able to neutralize the consequences of the current migration crisis, but it revealed a number of systemic problems related to the implementation of migration policy. The Czech Republic’s migration policy is guided by pan-European standards, but her impact on changes in EU migration legislation is becoming more noticeable. With the support of the Visegrad Group, Prague insists on the voluntary nature of the implementation of the directives of the European Commission and the principle of flexible solidarity, defending the national approach to solving migration problems.

A new index for assessing the performance indicators of supervisory authorities (SA) is developed, based on an analysis of the existing assessment system. The hypothesis was tested about the presence of parallel operating key performance indicators (KPI) systems of the SA, which do not focus on assessing the level of protection of protected values and do not give a clear idea of the quality of the work of the SA, and are not aimed at minimizing corruption risks. The approaches to improving the methodology for assessing commissions are developed, taking into account the positions of business, citizens, and experts as the most important sources of feedback when assessing the activities of commissions. This will make it possible to make adjustments to the further activities of the SA (including anti-corruption ones) based on the data received. The research methodology involves analytical and comparative legal approaches. The authors’ concept of a new assessment index of the indicators of KPI of the SA is presented, including an analysis of its advantages and limitations, as well as of the prospects for implementing the index.

The relevance of the problem of energy-saving behavior and the negative contribution of households to climate change is dictated by the need to reduce the burden on the environment. Based on a meta-analysis of scientific publications, an overview of modern behavioral approaches in this area is provided. Results of a survey of experts in the energy sector are presented. The conclusion is that the energy saving strategy is being implemented due to savings, with increasing dynamics of involvement, and the main barriers in this case are the technical limitations of households and economic investments in energy-efficient equipment. Waste management in households is associated with increased demands of citizens for comfortable infrastructure and the reluctance to create additional time costs. The same can be said about the use of personal transport, here the impediments are the desire to maintain mobility and save time. Key energy-saving strategies include reducing resource use, avoiding unsustainable practices and increasing environmental awareness. Institutional barriers to energy-saving behavior are identified: household infrastructure, which does not allow energy efficiency, lack of environmental culture and insufficient interaction between the authorities and the population. Knowledge about environmental problems and understanding the contribution of anthropogenic influence on climate change do not always guarantee the implementation of pro-environmental energy-saving practices. In-depth work to raise knowledge of environmental problems, introduce incentives, spread values and strengthen motivation is necessary.