The Russian vision of strategic balance in the 21st century in the spirit of political realism

Over the past two decades, Russian foreign policy has evolved significantly. Its aim is to seek a change in the global balance of power. This evolution proceeded from attempts to establish cooperation with the West, through a confrontational narrative, ending with political and military actions. The purpose of this article is to analyze the present Russian view of the current international order and to define its future shape based on assumptions and specific actions in the sphere of the aforementioned foreign policy. Particularly useful for the needs of the conducted research is the reference to the theory of political realism. This is determined by the fact that the Russian Federation, contesting the current hegemonic international order, aims to create a multipolar world with the key balancing role of the great powers.

Linear interpolated multi-objective economic emission scheduling using grey wolf optimizer: a strategic balance and solution with diverse load pattern

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the cost-effective and environmentally sustainable operation of thermal power systems to allocate optimum active power generation resultant for a feasible solution in diverse load patterns using the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. Design/methodology/approach The economic dispatch problem is formulated as a bi-objective optimization subjected to several operational and practical constraints. A normalized price penalty factor approach is used to convert these objectives into a single one. The GWO algorithm is adopted as an optimization tool in which the exploration and exploitation process in search space is carried through encircling, hunting and attacking. Findings A linear interpolated price penalty model is developed based on simple analytical geometry equations that perfectly blend two non-commensurable objectives. The desired GWO algorithm reports a new optimum thermal generation schedule for a feasible solution for different operational strategies. These are better than the earlier reports regarding solution quality. Practical implications The proposed method seems to be a promising optimization tool for the utilities, thereby modifying their operating strategies to generate electricity at minimum energy cost and pollution levels. Thus, a strategic balance is derived among economic development, energy cost and environmental sustainability. Originality/value A single optimization tool is used in both quadratic and non-convex cost characteristics thermal modal. The GWO algorithm has discovered the best, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable generation dispatch.

FEATURES OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

The article substantiates the relevance of strategic management of organizations in the digital economy, taking into account the specifics of the industry. The development of info communication technologies is currently one of the strategic directions for modernizing the economy not only in Russia, but also in all countries of the world in the context of digital transformation. In connection with the above, the ranking of countries by the Digitalization Index in 2020 has been studied, and the leading countries / markets of the world by the number of smartphone users in 2021 are presented. To improve the strategic management of organizations in the context of digitalization of economies, the key characteristics of internal and external strategic balance are shown, a model of strategic management of organizations - telecom operators is built

From Revolution to "Refolution" A Study of Hizb al Tahrir, Its Changes and Trajectories in the Democratic Context of Indonesia (2000-2009)

<p><b>Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) is a part of an international network organization called Hizb al-Tahrir (HT). The organization is commonly portrayed as an "anti-system" movement that seeks to overthrow democracy and revives the past transnational rule of the khilafah (caliphate). This view is justified by the doctrine of HT that promotes a revolutionary strategy of non-participation and envisages a political change outside the parliamentary process of democracy. Based on this ideology, many see the future of HT in its role of radicalizing Muslims that eventually lead to violence.</b></p> <p>This study evaluates the consistency of HTI in following its revolutionary strategy of non-participation. It argues that HTI is undertaking a strategic shift from a total non-participation to a selective participation. It establishes a strategic balance between revolution and reform by taking part in the democratic system for stirring opposition toward the existing political system. HTI focuses on challenging the legitimacy of democracy while at the same time engages with the supporting institutions and actors of the democratic system. This strategy resembles the model of political change called by Oxford University's political scientist, Timothy Garton Ash, "refolution." It aims to overthrow the existing political system without overthrowing the political regime. It seeks entry into the system to covert key elements of power holders and to persuade them to undertake a fundamental change from democracy to an Islamic government based on shari'ah law.</p> <p>This change is inevitable for HTI to adjust itself to the democratic context of Indonesia that integrates the majority of Muslims in the democratic system. This presence of Muslim actors in the system has created a perception of political opportunity for Islamization that prevents HTI from confronting the existing political process. This stance betrays HTI's revolutionary doctrine that requires it to uncompromisingly undermine the legitimacy of the democratic system and propagate political detachment. However, HTI understands that opposition to the Muslim involvement in the democratic process can isolate it from its most potential allies.</p> <p>Based on this, this study calls attention to the trajectory of HT outside the box of violent and revolutionary activism. The above path is especially likely for HT that operates in the context of Muslim democracies. HTI offers an alternative strategy toviolent activism and the moderate trend of Islamist movements. Evidence shows HTI is building support bases for the establishment of a pro-shari'ah or anti-system politics, either in the form of starting a new party or in creating a coalition between the existing parties.</p> <p>To support this argument, this study analyzes the nature of HTI's activities and its attitude toward the democratic structure. It is primarily based on a content analysis of HTI's discourse and activities recorded in two of its main publications: Al-Islam weekly bulletin and Al-Wa'ie monthly magazine. These sources cover HTI's activism from 2000 to 2009.</p> <p>Methodologically, it follows references and activities relating to key elements of Indonesian democracy (such as state ideology, democracy, election, the government, House of Representative, and political parties) and elements of Muslim society that are part of the democratic system. Drawing on the theories of political change, the analysis is based on the scope of change and the degree of opposition it promotes. Cases are analysed on a scale of 1 to 3 that represents moderate, radical and extreme. The finding shows mixed attitudes with a significant portion of radical character. This confirms the character of "refolutionary" strategy: it focuses on challenging political system over political institutions and combines political participation with anti-democratic campaign.</p>

From Revolution to "Refolution" A Study of Hizb al Tahrir, Its Changes and Trajectories in the Democratic Context of Indonesia (2000-2009)

<p><b>Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) is a part of an international network organization called Hizb al-Tahrir (HT). The organization is commonly portrayed as an "anti-system" movement that seeks to overthrow democracy and revives the past transnational rule of the khilafah (caliphate). This view is justified by the doctrine of HT that promotes a revolutionary strategy of non-participation and envisages a political change outside the parliamentary process of democracy. Based on this ideology, many see the future of HT in its role of radicalizing Muslims that eventually lead to violence.</b></p> <p>This study evaluates the consistency of HTI in following its revolutionary strategy of non-participation. It argues that HTI is undertaking a strategic shift from a total non-participation to a selective participation. It establishes a strategic balance between revolution and reform by taking part in the democratic system for stirring opposition toward the existing political system. HTI focuses on challenging the legitimacy of democracy while at the same time engages with the supporting institutions and actors of the democratic system. This strategy resembles the model of political change called by Oxford University's political scientist, Timothy Garton Ash, "refolution." It aims to overthrow the existing political system without overthrowing the political regime. It seeks entry into the system to covert key elements of power holders and to persuade them to undertake a fundamental change from democracy to an Islamic government based on shari'ah law.</p> <p>This change is inevitable for HTI to adjust itself to the democratic context of Indonesia that integrates the majority of Muslims in the democratic system. This presence of Muslim actors in the system has created a perception of political opportunity for Islamization that prevents HTI from confronting the existing political process. This stance betrays HTI's revolutionary doctrine that requires it to uncompromisingly undermine the legitimacy of the democratic system and propagate political detachment. However, HTI understands that opposition to the Muslim involvement in the democratic process can isolate it from its most potential allies.</p> <p>Based on this, this study calls attention to the trajectory of HT outside the box of violent and revolutionary activism. The above path is especially likely for HT that operates in the context of Muslim democracies. HTI offers an alternative strategy toviolent activism and the moderate trend of Islamist movements. Evidence shows HTI is building support bases for the establishment of a pro-shari'ah or anti-system politics, either in the form of starting a new party or in creating a coalition between the existing parties.</p> <p>To support this argument, this study analyzes the nature of HTI's activities and its attitude toward the democratic structure. It is primarily based on a content analysis of HTI's discourse and activities recorded in two of its main publications: Al-Islam weekly bulletin and Al-Wa'ie monthly magazine. These sources cover HTI's activism from 2000 to 2009.</p> <p>Methodologically, it follows references and activities relating to key elements of Indonesian democracy (such as state ideology, democracy, election, the government, House of Representative, and political parties) and elements of Muslim society that are part of the democratic system. Drawing on the theories of political change, the analysis is based on the scope of change and the degree of opposition it promotes. Cases are analysed on a scale of 1 to 3 that represents moderate, radical and extreme. The finding shows mixed attitudes with a significant portion of radical character. This confirms the character of "refolutionary" strategy: it focuses on challenging political system over political institutions and combines political participation with anti-democratic campaign.</p>

Study on Strategic Equilibria of Tobacco Industry Power Energy Markets in Post-epidemic Era

This paper aims to solve the strategic balance issues in tobacco industry energy markets in the post-epidemic era, based on the game theory, a strategic equilibrium model for power networks is proposed after evaluating users, power grid company in tobacco industry, and new power entities. By analyzing the claims and interests of relevant transaction subjects, an optimization computation model for tobacco industry power energy markets is constructed, meanwhile the flowchart of finding the Nash optimized solutions is also presented on basis of the genetic algorithm (GA), and the physical meaning of the Nash solutions are explained. The research results can provide some fundamental support and practical suggestions for the related aspects of the power energy markets, along with the economists who study the market design and prediction.

AFRICA AND THE ‘GLOBALIZATION BARGAIN’: TOWARDS A COLLECTIVE ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY

Africa’s existential situation in the prevailing global order is such that no state thereof can afford to take national sovereignty too seriously. Apart from the myriad of structural challenges imposed on the continent by globalization, Africa is faced with a gamut of political and economic problems that can only be meaningfully addressed through some form of strategic multilateral collaboration. Africa’s aspiration to economic sovereignty has been constrained by the structural conditionalities of globalization, which have kept the continent overly weak, dependent and underdeveloped. The constraint is so immanent that individual African states can hardly afford even the relative sovereignty to harness a strategic balance in the fast ossifying asymmetries of interdependence that characterize the contemporary global political economy. It is posited in this paper that the remedy for Africa lies in the ability of her states to transcend their disempowering territorial-cum-nationalistic divides and capitalize on the existing continental multilateral mechanisms towards mainstreaming collective sovereignty, based on the principle of pan-African supranationalism. To that end, leveraging and maximizing the gains and prospects of extant regional and continental supranational organisms would become both salient and expedient.

Global experience of applying marketing strategies

The article discusses the world experience in the formation and development of a marketing strategy. The strategy is designed to ensure the most complete and efficient use of both the internal resources of the company and the possibilities of the external marketing environment. At the same time, any successful strategy is based on continuous monitoring of the market in order to promptly respond to changing conditions. Thus, in order to maintain and increase the company's share in the market, it is important not only to have a competent marketing strategy, but also to diversify it immediately when economic conditions change. The main criterion for choosing strategies for the enterprise is the use of internal capabilities, depending on the emerging external conditions. The most important role in solving the strategic tasks of the organization is played by strategic planning, which refers to the process of developing and maintaining a strategic balance between the goals and capabilities of the organization in a changing market environment. The purpose of strategic planning is to determine the most promising areas of the organization's activities that provide the highest income at the lowest cost. “Strategic planning is an integral part of the broader concept of “strategic management”. In management, four of its generalized functions are usually distinguished – planning, organization, motivation and control”.