2022 Issue №4

Cultural heritage sites play an important role both in terms of the study and preservation of the culture and history of a particular territory, and in terms of their importance in recreation and tourism as a “soft power” for shaping a positive image in the geopolitical arena. These two components are directly related: the maintenance of cultural heritage objects in proper condition allows them to be used in economic activities, for example in tourism; and the economic well-being of their owners, in turn, allows them to seek funds for their restoration and reconstruction. Legal aspects have a key role to play in optimising the system of “protection-use”. Different countries have different laws governing this relationship. While both Russia and Germany are at the forefront of this issue, there are also differences, which, if identified and compared, would further optimise the legal framework. The aim is to compare the experiences of Germany and Russia in the preservation and use of cultural heritage objects. The methodology of the study is based on a study of the legal framework of these states in this field. The study compares the laws and provides concrete examples of the legal framework. Particular attention is paid to public-­private partnerships. It has been revealed that Russian legislation is more restrictive in terms of protection of cultural heritage, while the legal provisions and their practical application have stimulated the development of public-­private partnerships (PPP) in Germany, which in turn has helped to preserve and put into modern use a significant number of cultural heritage objects. This experience can also be applied to Russia.

The article examines the essence of the geopolitical security phenomenon, studies the specifics of the geopolitical security of modern Russia. The main threats and vulnerabilities affecting the current state of Russia’s geopolitical security are highlighted. The author determines necessity, content and structure of the process of monitoring the geopolitical security of our country. As a part of monitoring the process of threats and vulnerabilities development, it is proposed to use such sociological technologies as content analysis and event analysis. The purpose of the study is to reveal the specifics of the phenomenon of geopolitical security of the Russian Federation and some ways to ensure it. The author employs systematic, comparative and phenomenological research methods. The author suggests definition of the “geopolitical security” concept as such a state of security of the geopolitical space of society from threats and vulnerabilities that it can ensure the unhindered survival and development of this very society. It is argued that geopolitical security is a systemic phenomenon, and its implementation is also a systemic phenomenon, for which constant monitoring of its current state is important. The author’s definition of the concept of “monitoring the state of geopolitical security” is given as a study of the process of formation, changes in time and ways of eliminating and/or preventing threats and vulnerabilities for the existence and development of this society.