At the round table organized by the electronic journal Bulletin of Moscow Region State University, a discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the modern world that is familiar to us was held. The main topics of discussion were: assessment of the psychological state of people in Russia and other countries, their reaction to anti-epidemic measures taken by governments; identification of changes in the social, economic, political spheres, as well as in the areas of digitalization and education, brought by pandemic; forecasting geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts that may occur in the world; determination of the place of Russia in the future world order. The experts at the round table were political scientists from Lomonosov Moscow State University, Higher School of Economics, Institute of Sociology of the Federal Scientific Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ural Federal University named after the first President B. N. Yeltsin, Academy of Social Management, International Organization for Election Monitoring CIS-EMO, Moscow Region State University.

Purpose. The article attempts to reconstruct a range of historical analogies used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic in American and Russian public discourse in March 2020. Methodology and Approach. The methodological framework is set by the tradition of collective memory research (“memory studies”). The source base is materials posted on official websites of “The New York Times”, “The Washington Post” and “The Wall-Street Journal”, as well as materials from the Russian-language media discourse selected by search queries in the “Yandex News”. Results: the analysis of the media discourse allowed the author to identify three types of appeals to the collective past: “military”, “economic and “epidemiological” analogies. It is noted that the repertoires of “military” and “epidemiological” analogies in Russian and American media discourse are almost identical. Theoretical and/or practical implications. The study allowed testing the author’s methodology for the analysis of historical analogies in the media discourse, and its results open perspectives to further study of the problem.

The purpose is to conduct a critical analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of the problem of the Byzantine civilization’s influence on the civilizational development of Russia, which is characteristic for the authors representing conservative discourse in Byzantium studies - historians, political scientists, cultural scientists, and philosophers. Methodology and Approach. The article uses dialectical-materialistic positions and the principle of historicism for the system analysis and comparative studies in order to investigate the content of conservative scientists’ views. Key provisions and conclusions that define the essence of the conservative discourse in Byzantium studies are singled out. To solve this problem a wide range of scientific publications and sources on the history of Byzantium and Russia were involved. Results. The analysis suggests that the authors of this discourse are characterized by: the desire to idealize the state and political structure of the Byzantine Empire, the exaggeration of the degree of the Byzantine civilization’s influence on the civilizational development and historical destiny of Russia, the image of Russia as the immediate historical successor of Byzantium, identification of models of their historical development based on the mythologization of the concept of “Moscow is the Third Rome”. It is concluded that such attempts to draw subjective analogies between Byzantium and Russia (not only in its historical development, but also in modern one), their civilizational identification threatens to make mistakes not only of a scientific nature but also of a political one. Theoretical / practical implications. Comparative analysis of models of civilizational development of Byzantium and Russia significantly expands the discussion field of Russian Byzantine studies. The revealed specifics of the civilizational development of Byzantium and Russia can be taken into account by the state leadership of the Russian Federation in developing strategic priorities, goals and objectives, as well as ways to carry out political activities.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine the possibilities and limitations of applying the principles and technologies of consensus-building during multilateral negotiations and decision-making on environmental conflict management. Methodology and approach. The author uses the comparative method and content analysis to summarize the experience of developing principles and technologies for building consensus in multilateral negotiations and decision-making in situations of environmental conflicts, and also analyzes the advantages and limitations of these technologies using environmental conflict management in the United States as an example. Results. The author proposes a sequence of steps to achieve consensus (consent) for making a decision acceptable to all parties in a situation of environmental conflict, as well as provides a description of technologies and techniques for implementing the principles of achieving consensus in practice. The advantages and disadvantages of mediation as an institution of conflict resolution are analyzed. The theoretical implication of the study lies in the fact that the proposed principles of consensus building can be used for further development of the theory of the negotiation process, collective decision-making in conflict situations and management of environmental conflicts. Practical implication is the potential application of PM principles and consensus-building technologies in multilateral negotiations for managing environmental conflicts and their successful resolution.

Purpose. The article reveals the features of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), considers its condition, difficulties and problems, as well as development prospects. Methodology and Approach. The authors analyze the issues of updating the legal regulation of the NSR use; they are exploring the restructuring and increase in freight traffic, as well as measures to develop the Northern Sea Route, improve the organizational structure of management, ensure the safety of shipping, and develop port infrastructure in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. As research methods, systemic, content and statistical analysis, an institutional approach, as well as empirical research methods are used. Results. It reveals the measures taken by the Government of the Russian Federation to further develop the modern icebreaker fleet, as well as the advantages of the adopted innovative approach, which provides for the allocation of the Northern Sea Transport Corridor (SMTK) as an integral object for managing the development of the Russian Arctic transport system. It is noted that a new approach to the functioning of the Arctic marine transport system of Russia consists in a significant increase in its cargo transportation with the parallel development of the Russian Arctic territories within the framework of development support zones. The authors conclude that at present, the development of the NSR and SMTK as a whole is more aimed at solving the interlinked tasks of ensuring national security and the socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic. Theoretical / practical implication. The article outlines promising national and international aspects of the NSR and SMTK development, which can be implemented.

The purpose of the article is to identify theoretical approaches to mass media role’s evaluation widely spread within contemporary political communication studies, as well as to pinpoint those of them that are most effective while analyzing journalists’ capacity to affect public conscience and - which is also very important - for defining ways to counteract media manipulations. Methodology and Approach. The main methods of the paper are content and discourse analysis which allowed us to single out the most commonly used tools of research on political functionality of mass media. Results. The author concludes that, firstly, many theoretical and methodological devices, used by Russian scholars, were initially borrowed from the Western discourse and, secondly, there is still no agreement on both the subject, theoretical, methodological and conceptual bases in the Russian political communication studies. Theoretical implication of the article is in the analysis of the most commonly used methodological approaches to examining political functionality of mass media.

The purpose of the article is to identify the characteristics and problems of the political perception of Russian Federation by its own citizens. Methodology and Approach. This article is based on the results of opinion polls obtained during the study of the image of one’s own country among different generations of Russian citizens conducted by the Department of Sociology and Psychology of Politics of Moscow State University Lomonosov. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, which included focused semi-standardized interviews, as well as a picture test and subsequent coding of the obtained data, the authors were able to identify the political image of the country, as it exists in the minds of citizens of the Russian Federation aged 18 to 30 years old. The Results. Studies have shown that the political image of the country within the mass consciousness of citizens contains mainly positive rather than negative or neutral characteristics. Moreover, this image appears to be holistic with slight differences at the rational and unconscious levels of perception. The theoretical implications of the article is in the scientific potential of the research results that can complement a specialized academic course in political psychology. Practical implications. These studies can also be used to assess the general state of political consciousness of Russian society.

The purpose of the study is to identify factors that affect the degree of effectiveness of digital online platforms in expansion of political involvement. Methodology and Approach. The author analyzes the practical experience of using digital tools in Iceland and Estonia at the local, party and national levels, sociological data on the level of citizens participation and the main results of these platforms work. The research methods are based on a comparative case study using the formal-logical method, structure-function and SWOT-analysis. The results. The key efficiency and implementation problems of digital tools are identified. The paper concludes that the use of new technologies does not directly correlate with better quality of the political process, however it improves legitimacy of decision-making and broadens the electoral base of political parties. Theoretical Implications. The empirical material related to the research is summarized, the need for a differentiated approach to improving political participation with digital tools at different levels is formulated, as well as socio-cultural changes that should make this process more effective.

The purpose of the study was to identify trends in the forms and directions of political activity of Russian youth over the past decade. Methodology and Approach. During the research, the methods of questioning, observation and content analysis were used. In the course of the research, we analyzed the results of the author’s empirical research and data from various research centers (VCIOM, The Public Opinion Foundation, Levada-Center), as well as materials and statistics presented on the Internet. Results. The main forms of political activity of young people were identified and characterized: electoral participation, participation in the activities of youth socio - political organizations and movements, participation in the activities of youth representative institutions under government bodies, professional (socio-political) activities. Technologies of political activity of youth are considered. Theoretical / Practical implications. The article systematizes data on the forms of political activity of young people, identifies trends in their development in modern conditions. The focus on the development of subject-subject relations between the state and youth through the creation of conditions and the use of technologies to involve the young generation in social and political life is revealed.

The purpose of the article is to identify the causes of the emergence of the protest movement in Iraq and its prospects. Methodology and Approach. The author analyses the beginnings and the development of protests using T. R. Gurr’s deprivation theory and up-to-date factual and statistical data. Systemic, comparative and sociological methods are used. Results. The analysis has revealed that deprivation in Iraq is caused by the socioeconomic issues, and the discontent was directed at the political system which is deemed corrupt and ineffective. Practical implication. The author tries to predict the prospects of the protest movement and suggest ways for Iraqi government to resolve the issues.

Purpose. On the example of Germany the article focuses on the study of the influence of the consequences of the situation connected with the coronaviral epidemy on the people’s psychic state (especially those suffering from various mental diseases), as well as on the problems of psychological and psychotherapeutical aid for patients during the coronaviral epidemy. Methodology and Approach. On the ground of the analysis of the psychological literature, mass media messages and work experience as psychotherapeutist the concrete organizational measures of the psychological and psychotherapeutical assistance for different strata of population have been characterized. Results. The article describes the experience of the practical work with patients during the COVID-19 epidemy at the medical psychotherapeutical centre; in particular, how to overcome the consequences of the self-isolation and other restrictions, which negatively influence the human’s full-fledged social and psychological functioning. The emphasis is put on the remote patient work forms, such as video consultations. Theoretical and Practical implication. The article makes some contribution to the study of the epidemy’s social and psychological consequences and organization of the psychological assistance system for different strata of population in epidemic conditions. The psychological assistance methods, set forth in this article, can be useful for their practical application to cope with the negative consequences of the epidemy.

In the situation, associated with the introduction of the self-isolation regime during the COVID-19 pandemic, the remote form of psychological assistance has confirmed its relevance. Features of the development of anxiety reactions in people who seek psychological help have shown the need to introduce information hygiene rules. A sense of danger and an excessive flow of information about it accelerate the development of stressful reactions in people with different levels of perception of the situation. Continual information on the topic related to mortal danger is a trigger for the development of hysteria, panic attacks, conflicts and domestic violence, disorders of the depressive spectrum and, including paradoxical behavior, a complete denial of danger. These and other issues are covered in the interview with D. N. Efremova, the practicing psychologist. Questions were asked by N. S. Kramarenko, the deputy editor-in-chief of the electronic journal Bulletin of Moscow Region State University, Doctor of Psychological sciences.

The purpose is to conduct a comparative analysis of an empirical study of the perception of personal security threats in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted by a team of scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine (California), Ikan School of Medicine (New York), and the authors of the article. Methodology and Approach. Russian sample medical personnel were asked to answer questions using Google Forms that reveal anxiety and fears associated with the risk of coronavirus infection. Each detailed answer was assigned a category. The names of categories and the correspondence of the text to their meaning were determined by a group of experts. Some answers contained several semantic categories. The received text data was processed in the IBM Watson Studio program (Version 1.1.0-177). Cluster analysis was performed using the K-Means model. Results. The Russian sample revealed differences in awareness of the problem at the level of indicators such as fears, problems, requests and decisions depending on the position of physicians: nurses working without direct contact with doctors, doctors and nurses working in direct contact (conditions of wards). It is shown that out of the eight factors identified during the diagnosis of US physicians, Russian physicians do not verbalize the need for employer responsibility for providing the possibility of caring for a child during an increase in working hours and closing schools, for providing competent medical assistance in case of redistribution of personnel, and for lack of access to relevant information. Practical implication. The information obtained during the study can be used by psychologists in individual psychological counseling to reduce the level of personal and situational anxiety among medical workers working in conditions of increased danger; to develop a program of psychological support for the adaptation of medical workers to work in conditions of increased risk; to develop a system of incentives for medical workers; to increase the professional motivation of medical workers.

The purpose of the article is to review and analyze operations for the perception of the source text in the process of translation from German into Russian. Methodology and Approach. In the article a comparative study of the vocabulary of German and Russian is conducted, the group of operations on the semantic perception of the source code is analyzed, as well as the ways of translating complex German words into Russian are considered. The comparative method and the method of psycho-semantic analysis of the original text is used in the article. Results. It is empirically proven that the translation process cannot be based solely on the assimilation of conceptual diversity of elements, values, i.e. ready-made forms of activity. This assimilation should be supplemented by the development of students-linguists’ skills of extra-linguistic knowledge, referral, psycholinguistic analysis, as such skills are necessary at the first stage of the translation process. Theoretical Implication of the article lies in the consideration of the original texts from the point of view of psycho-semantics, as well as identifying ways of translating complex German words into Russian. Practical Implication is in the fact that the material presented in the article can be used in courses on comparative typology of German and Russian languages, in lectures on psychology and translation theory, as well as in practical classes on German and translation.

The purpose is to study the role of different types of phraseological units in increasing the attraction potential in the headlines of advertisements in the professional Customs discourse. Methodology and Approach. The headlines containing different types of phraseological units are studied, the potential and effectiveness of each type of a phraseological unit to increase the attraction of the headline and the impact on the reader is analysed. The main methods of research are observation, synthesis, and interpretation of results, discursive and statistical analysis. Results. The results include the analysis of functions and pragmatic aims of different types of phraseological units used in advertisements headlines in the customs press. The author defines the effectiveness of use of various types of phraseological constructions in the professional advertising discourse, as well as the means enabling phraseological units to achieve their pragmatic aim and efficiently influence the reader.

The purpose. To describe the multi-level structure of the content of value, consisting of the components, forming the unified space of the semantic field. Methodology and Approach. The author analyzes the definitions from the encyclopedic, lexicographic sources, contextual use of the value power in the corpus of texts, semantic groups based on the associative dictionary entries analysis were identified, as well as proverbs with the help of the component method. The results of the study revealed that the scientific picture of the world reflects positive or neutral perception of the value power, and in the naive picture of the world not only positive, neutral but also negative attitude to this value is represented. Theoretical and Practical Implications: the new approach to the semantic field arrangement that helps to represent the level of social, intermediate and common consciousness in the language, as well as to the research basis forming in the field of political technologies and social psychology.

The purpose of the article is to show the translation of film titles into English and their retitling to develop in parallel, and both processes involve transformations. Methodology and Approach to analyze the Internet sources materials are based on comparative and descriptive method of their linguistic and lexicographic constituents. The results. Differences of film titles in the source and target languages are resolved in course of the realization of translational strategies, based on transformations and modulations. The presence of variations in translation into one and the same language is caused by the practice to demonstrate films in various countries. Theoretical and Practical Implication. General approach to film titles translation once again proves transformation to be the principle means to reach understanding of the target audience along with strategies of modulation and retitling. The analysis of the material is useful for theoretical and applied translation studies, including compilation of special dictionaries and manuals and teaching wide profile translators.

Purpose - to describe the structure and reveal the content of the concept of “Liberalism” in the modern Russian society. Methodology and Approach. The study is performed using linguistic, linguoculturological and cognitive analysis of lexemes denoting liberalism and its modern manifestations. Results. The concept “liberalism” realized in mass media communication is analysed. Methods of selecting adequate and necessary material for linguistic analysis are tested; structuring of a concept based on the common theme of discourses is proposed. As a result, a complex, multi-dimensional structure of the discussed concept is determined, which is characterized by polycentricity, confrontationality, content volume, evaluation, and expressiveness. Theoretical / Practical implication. Due to the targeted analysis of the discussion contexts of the concept and its assessments in the media, a variety of worldviews, behavioral models, ideological preferences, and moral principles forming the attitude of various society groups to liberalism is described. A new view on this sphere of social images and the scope of the modern concept “Liberalism” is identified.