NONE20260528230105565Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal Universityno-reply@balticregion.kantiana.ruImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal UniversityBaltic Region2079-85552310-052405282026181Геостратегические территории: история понятия, особенности и критерии определенияV. A.KolosovInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2817-9463O. I.VendinaInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3650-1299A. A.GritsenkoInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9335-4761M. V.ZotovaInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9162-4932M. S.KarpenkoInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5262-944XA. B.SebentsovInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9665-5666N. L.TurovInstitute of Geography of Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7611-4985The term ‘geostrategic territory’ was introduced in the Spatial Development Strategies of the Russian Federation, adopted in 2019 and 2024. However, the principles for identifying such territories remained ambiguous, with no clear priorities or differentiation criteria spe­cified. This study aims to conduct a substantive analysis of the concept of geostrategy and its derivatives across various fields of scholarly knowledge, drawing on both international and Russian literature. Historically, in international scholarship, geostrategy was associated primarily with military geography and geopolitics. Today, geostrategic analysis encompasses not only the potential use of military force beyond national borders but also the pursuit of national interests through non-military means. In Russia, a strategic territory is defined as a region facing actual or potential external threats to its security, necessitating specific policy measures to eliminate or mitigate their consequences. The term ‘geostrategic territory’ refers to the sources of such threats — specifically, a territory’s position within a multi-scale spatial system of network structures. External challenges are closely intertwined with internal ones, including the need to overcome economic backwardness, poverty, depopulation, and related socio-economic problems. The analysis demonstrates that a geostrategic po­sition is dynamic and historically contingent, shaped by the geostrategic characteristics of individual settlements and strategic facilities. At the same time, similar geostrategic properties may also characterise extensive macro-regions encompassing several admi­nistrative units (e. g., the Arctic or the Russian Far East). The assessment of geostrategic position is inherently discursive, depending not only on material factors but also on the civic identity of the population, including their perception of global political actors, as­sessment of national security threats, and attitudes toward neighbouring countries. The article concludes by proposing criteria for classifying geostrategic territories and offers a refined definition of the concept.0528202642210.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-1https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16064/93618/Kuznetsova, O. V. 2019, Problems of Elaboration of Spatial Development Strategy of the Russian Federation, Spatial Economics, № 4, p. 107—125, doi: 10.14530/se.2019.4.107-125Leksin, V. N. 2019, The roads that we do not choose (On the Government “Strategy of spatial development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025”), Russian Economic Journal, № 3, p. 3—24, https://doi.org/10.33983/0130-9757-2019-3-3-3-243Mikheeva, N. 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N. 2020, “Geostrategic territory” as a form of spatial regulation of the economy, Vestnik Instituta Ekonomiki Rossiyskoy Akademii Nauk (The Bulletin of the Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences), № 6, p. 126—141, https://doi.org/10.24411/2073-6487-2020-10074Mikheeva, N. N. 2025, Priority geostrategic regions of spatial development strategies for Russia, EKO=ECO, № 3, p. 40—55, https://doi.org/10.30680/ECO0131-7652-2025-3-40-55Buchwald, E. M., Valentik, O. N. 2024, Spatial development strategy: stage of radical renewal, Regional Economy. South of Russia, vol. 12, № 1, p. 4—14, https://doi.org/10.15688/re.volsu.2024.1.1Kolosov, V. A., Vendina, O. I., Zotova, M. V., Savchuk, I. G., Gritsenko, A. A., Krylov, M. P., Zhurzhenko, T. Yu., Herzen, A. A. 2011, Russian-Ukrainian borderland: twenty years of separated unity, Moscow, 352 p., EDN: SUOSZJAnisimov, A. M., Glinkina, S. P., Vardomsky, L. B., Kolosov, V. A., Barinov, S. L., Vertinskaya, T. S., Gertsen, A. A., Golovina, E. D., Gritsenko, A. A., Evchenko, N. N., Zotova, M. V., Kiryuhin, A. M., Libman, A. M., Lobanov, M. M., Pylin, A. G., Sebentsov, A. B., Turaeva, M. O., Ushkalova, D. I., Chasovsky, V. I. 2013, Trans-border cooperation in the regions of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, St. Petersburg, Eurasian Development Bank, 100 p. (in Russ.), EDN: UBDBVNPilyasov, A. N. 2025, The space we lost (on the new strategy for spatial development of Russia-2036), EKO=ECO, № 3, p. 7—39, https://doi.org/10.30680/ECO0131-7652-2025-3-7-39Pilyasov, A. N. 2024, Composition of Arctic territories for state support: which way to choose?, Arctic and North, № 56, p. 92—111, https://doi.org/10.37482/issn2221-2698.2024.56.92Golunov, S. 2012, EU-Russian border security: Challenges, (mis)perceptions, and responses, EU Russian Border Security Challenges Misperceptions and Responses, 208 p., https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203106969Panov, P. V. 2020, Multifaced regionalism, Bulletin of Perm University. 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V.YurkPrimakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO)https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3485-8588This article analyses the place and role of the Baltic States in the U. S. policy in the context of the transformation of transatlantic relations. The topic has received only fragmentary co­verage in the academic literature, which underscores the relevance of this study. The article aims to identify the factors that have shaped the position of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in Washington’s strategy since the restoration of their independence, as well as to examine how the Baltic States have used interaction with the United States to strengthen their security and advance their national interests. Methodologically, the study relies on a comparative analy­sis of two principal dimensions of cooperation: the political-­diplomatic and the military-­­political. The theoretical framework draws on alliance theory and scholarship on the foreign policy of small states, which emphasises their dual character — simultaneous dependence on great powers and the capacity to influence them. The findings demonstrate that the United States views the Baltic States as a “forward line of containment” vis-à-vis Russia, reinforcing its military presence and infrastructure in the subregion. At the same time, the Baltic States actively promote an anti-­Russian agenda and seek expanded political and military support from Washington. Thus, the Baltic States are both instruments and autonomous actors within U. S. policy, a pattern consistent with theoretical interpretations of the role of small states in asymmetric alliances.05282026233910.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-2https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16065/93619/Vorotnikov, V. 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O.TrunovInstitute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Scienceshttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7092-4864Germany and Sweden have significantly increased military spending and have also sought to dramatically expand their armed forces, distinguishing themselves from several other NATO member states in this regard. A key objective of this militarisation is to enhance their contributions to NATO’s deterrence posture against Russia, thereby advancing their respective leadership aspirations within the Alliance. At the same time, cooperation has consistently outweighed competition in German-Swedish security and defence collaboration. This article examines the dynamics and evolution of this military-political partnership in the late 2020s, with particular emphasis on Sweden’s NATO accession in March 2024. Methodologically, it draws on political neorealism and theories of armed forces development. Historically, the two states’ peaks of power never coincided, sparing them large-scale conflict and creating a favourable backdrop for cooperation. In the mid-1990s, West Germany viewed Sweden’s de facto rapprochement with NATO positively. This process gained greater scale and depth amid the Euro-Atlantic confrontation with Russia that intensified after 2014. Germany pursued a strategy of gradual and consistent deterrence; in the mid-2010s, Berlin still considered formal Swedish NATO membership overly provocative, communicating this stance through the N3 + 1 format (2014—2019), which involved the Nordic EU member states. By the end of the decade, however, Germany had come to accept and actively support Sweden’s abandonment of its non-aligned status, as evidenced by the N5 + 1 platform (from 2019, encompassing all five Nordic states) and high-level bilateral contacts. The study compares both countries’ militarisation models. Germany particularly values Sweden’s reinstatement of conscription in 2017, which has substantially boosted troop numbers, especially in ground forces. It details Armed Forces cooperation in manning NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroups in the Scandinavian-Baltic region, including geographic burden-sharing. Special focus is given to the risks posed by strengthened German-Swedish eFP contingents, particularly concerning potential attempts to blockade the Kaliningrad region from the east.The conclusions identify the drivers of harmonisation achieved by Berlin and Stockholm in coordinating their military-political plans and actions under NATO auspices.05282026406210.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-3https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16065/93620/Trunov, Ph. 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M. 2022, The Republic of Belarus and the Kaliningrad region of Russia as a sub-regional security complex, Baltic Region, vol. 14, № 3, p. 64—82, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2022-3-4Schneider, P. 2025, Schutz maritimer Kritischer Infrastruktur in der Ostsee: Braucht es den Schuss vor den Bug?, Bundesakademie der Sicherheitspolitik Arbeitspapier Sicherheitspolitik, № 4, 7 S.Trunov, Ph. O. 2024, Burden-sharing between western states in containing Russia and China case of land forces usage, Mezhdunarodnye Protsessy, vol. 22, № 1, p. 80— 105, https://doi.org/10.46272/IT.2024.22.1.76.4Frelin, J., Jakobsson, E., Lövström, A. S. 2025, NATO’s Forward Land Forces. A new type of international military operation for Sweden, Stockholm, 12 p.Klemeshev, A. P., Vorozheina, Ya. A. 2024, Exclavity of the Kaliningrad Region: experience of explication, Baltic Region, vol. 16, № 2, p. 4—17, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2024-2-1Trunov, Ph. O. 2025, The reelection of Donald Trump (2024) and the US — Germany relations in the sphere of security and defense, Aktualnye problemy Evropy = Current problems of Europe = Urgent Problems of Europe, № 2, p. 220—241, https://doi.org/10.31249/ape/2025.02.1Образ России в шведском национал-консервативном дискурсе, 2014—2024 годыG. S.RagozinNorthern Arctic Federal University named after M. V. Lomonosovhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8695-4096This paper examines the evolution of Swedish national-conservative discourse on Russia between 2014 and 2024, focusing specifically on the Sweden Democrats (SD) and their affiliated magazine Samtiden. Having become Sweden’s second-largest political party, the SD effectively broke through the political ‘cordon sanitaire’ in the Riksdag prior to the 2022 elections. Throughout this process, the concept of the “Russian menace” played a pivotal role. Employing methodologies from historical and political imagology, the study analyzes the image of Russia within SD narratives and its transformation over time, as the party strategically invokes the “Russian menace” myth for political mobilization. Prior to 2014, the Sweden Democrats did not perceive Russia as an existential threat to Sweden —a position that clearly distinguished them from other Swedish right-wing actors, particularly the conservative Moderate Party (Moderaterna). Following the 2014 Ukrainian crisis, however, the SD began reevaluating their stance. Before the 2018 Skripal case, both the party and its affiliated commentators largely framed Russia as a legitimate participant in the international order. Subsequently, their discourse gradually shifted toward more pronounced criticism of Russian foreign policy and political system. Since February 2022, the Sweden Democrats have actively employed the “Russian menace” narrative more intensively than any other Swedish political party. In doing so, they frequently reference arguments from historians, political scientists, and international relations scholars. These discursive developments have profoundly shaped the party’s evolving position on Sweden’s NATO membership and constitute a central pillar of its broader political messaging. Within this context, the “Russian menace” narrative has emerged as a cornerstone of the Sweden Democrats’ political agenda.05282026637610.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-4https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16065/93624/Boldyreva, S. Y., Boldyrev, R. Y., Ragozin, G. S. 2020, A ‘secret alliance’ or ‘freedom from any alliances’? Nato accession debate in Sweden and Finland, 1991—2016, Baltic Region, vol. 12, № 2, p. 23—39, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2020-2-2Åselius, G. 1994, “Russian Menace” to Sweden. 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(red.). 2012, Medierna och demokratin, Lund, Studentlitterat.Roslyng-Jensen, P. 2012, From World War to Cold War: Scandinavian media attitudes to the Soviet Union 1945—1948, Scandinavian Journal of History, vol. 37, № 4, p. 526—548, https://doi.org/10.1080/03468755.2012.708260Petersson, M. 2012, Sweden and the Scandinavian Defence Dilemma, Scandinavian Journal of History, vol. 37, № 2, p. 221—229, https://doi.org/10.1080/03468755.2012.667311Kuldkepp, M. 2022, Baltic liberation first-hand: Sweden’s pro-Baltic foreign policy shift and Swedish diplomatic reporting in 1989—1991, Scandinavian Journal of History, vol. 47, № 3, p. 325—346, EDN: TCOWGX, https://doi.org/10.1080/03468755.2020.1843531Forsberg, T., Vaahtoranta, T. 2001, Inside the EU, outside NATO: Paradoxes of Finland’s and Sweden’s post-neutrality, European Security, vol. 10, № 1, p. 68—93, https://doi.org/10.1080/09662830108407483Alberque, W., Schreer, B. 2022, Finland, Sweden and NATO Membership, Survival, vol. 64, № 3, p. 67—72, EDN: TDHOBI, https://doi.org/10.1080/00396338.2022.2078046Odgaard, L. 2022, Russia’s Arctic Designs and NATO, Survival, vol. 64, № 4, p. 89—104, EDN: RLMVVK, https://doi.org/10.1080/00396338.2022.2103259Depledge, D. 2020, NATO and the Arctic: The Need for a New Approach, The RUSI Journal, vol. 165, № 5-6, p. 80—90, EDN: WEWCIP, https://doi.org/10.1080/03071847.2020.1865831Toptunov, A. 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S.LeonovMGIMO Universityhttps://orcid.org/0009-0008-5801-3070This article examines Denmark’s digital development trajectory and the strategic role of technological diplomacy in elevating ‘small states’ on the global stage, with Denmark as a prime case study. The introduction of technological diplomacy into Danish foreign policy documents is contextualised against the backdrop of accelerating political and economic digitalisation, alongside the transformative impact of cutting-edge technologies — including big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and neural networks — on the global economy and international relations. Denmark pioneered the appointment of a Technology Ambassador, the world’s first, to bolster the country’s presence at key multilateral tech fora, draw investment, and pave the way for Danish firms in global markets. The country also led in crafting an industry-specific methodological framework by embedding technology agendas into core foreign policy strategies. Denmark’s digital leadership stems from historical foundations, seamless integration of digital tools into domestic governance and economy via phased, comprehensive sector reforms (notably e-government), widespread upskilling in digital competencies, and robust network infrastructure development. The nation now stands poised for the next leap — ‘smart government’ — fueled by AI, metaverses, blockchain, and VR across public administration and business.05282026779510.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-5https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16065/93625/Remili, K. D., Bouzourine, N., Hartani, R., Belouchrani, A. 2025, Tech diplomacy and Critical Technologies: Case of the LEO satellite internet, Telecommunications Policy, vol. 49, № 4, EDN: RHVVJA, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2025.102947Navasardyan, A. 2014, Features of the Diplomacy of Small Countries (Machiavellianism as a Prototype of the Diplomacy of Small States. 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N. 2010, Theory and practice of organizing clusters: international experience, Problems of Economics (Kharkiv), № 2, с. 9—15, EDN: NTPTEC (in Russ.).Trushkina, N., Shiposha, V. 2021, Clustering Of The National Economy As An Effective Tool For The Sustainable Development Of European Countries, Three Seas Economic Journal, № 2 (4), EDN: KVIOZF, https://doi.org/10.30525/2661-5150/2021-4-1Falch, M., Henten, A. 2000, Digital Denmark: from information society to network society, Telecommunications Policy, vol. 24, № 5, EDN: DYUXQL, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-5961(00)00028-8Kholodnaya, E. V. 2020, On the digital transformation of public administration in Denmark, Bulletin of the Saratov State Military Academy, № 4, p. 230—234, EDN: XBNRFQ, https://doi.org/10.24411/2227-7315-2020-10121Grinderslev, O. J., Kramp, P. L., Kronborg, A. F., Pedersen, J. 2017, Financial cycles: what are they and what do they look like in Denmark?, Danmarks Nationalbank, working paper, № 117.Telkhigova, M. Sh. 2011, Danish business structure features, Transport business of Russia, № 4, p. 36—38, EDN: QIPPRDAndersen, K. N., Lee, J., Kim, S. 2024, MetaVerse+ in South Korea and Denmark: Snapshots from Two Leading Digital Nations, Proceedings of the 25th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research, p. 827—831, https://doi.org/10.1145/3657054.3657149Melnichuk, M. V. 2019, International experience in a digital economy development in the European Union countries, Modern Science: Current Issues of Theory and Practice. Series: Economics and Law, № 6, p. 97—103, EDN: XDDSSR (in Russ.).Calista, D., Melitski, J. 2007, e-Government and E-governance: Converging Constructs of Public Sector Information and Communications Technologies, Public Administration Quarterly, vol. 31, № 1/2, p. 87—120.Leonov, E. S. 2019, New trends in the development of digital diplomacy in the context of COVID-19, International life, № 1, p. 20—27, EDN: MOIUDWPolyakova, O. E., Lavrova, E. V. 2024, Digital trasformation in state and municipal management: international experience, Management Accounting, № 9, p. 141—147 (in Russ.), EDN: QQPEAGKholodnaya, E. V. 2019, Digitalization in Denmark: the experience of a leader in implementing the “electronic government” project, in: Problems and Challenges of the Digital Society: Trends in the Development of Legal Regulation of Digital Transformations. A Collection of Scientific Papers Based on the Proceedings of the First International Scientific and Practical Conference, p. 165— 167, EDN: AXKWLOAnishchenko, A. I., Sokolovsky, V. S. 2024, Digital transformation of public administration in Denmark: success factors, Electronic library of BSU.Tashenova, L., Mamrayeva, D., Kulzhambekova, B. 2024, Digital transformation of the economy: the experience of Estonia and Denmark, Bulletin of the Kazakh University of Economics, Finance and International Trade, № 3, p. 186—195 (in Russ.), EDN: JTKWZO, https://doi.org/10.52260/2304-7216.2024.3(56).20Stan, M., Ciobotea, M., Voda, A. M., Badea, D. L. 2025, Artificial Intelligence Landscape in the European Union. A Comparative Study, Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, vol. 19, № 1, p. 3432—3445, EDN: BMNPDV, https://doi.org/10.2478/picbe-2025-0262Frolov, A. V., Lysunets, M. V. 2022, Relevant aspects of the digital transformation of the economy of the european region, Bulletin of the Moscow University Named S U Vitte Series 1 Economics and Management, № 1, p. 61—71, https://doi.org/10.21777/2587-554x-2022-1-61-71Okonta, E. D., Rahimian, F., Agu, N. L. 2025, Emerging Policies for Ethical and Effective AI Implementation in Smart Cities, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, № 591 LNCE, p. 702— 712, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_68Lemke, F., Taveter, K., Erlenheim, R., Pappel, I., Draheim, D., Janssen, M. 2020, Stage Models for Moving from E-Government to Smart Government, in: Chugunov, A., Trutnev, D., Khodachek, I., Misnikov, Y. (eds.), Electronic Governance and Open Society: Challenges in Eurasia — 6th International Conference, p. 152—164, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39296-3_12Ørskov, P. T., Lichtenstein, M. B., Ernst, M. T., Fasterholdt, I., Matthiesen, A. F., Scirea, M., Bouchard, S., Andersen, T. E. 2022, Cognitive behavioral therapy with adaptive virtual reality exposure vs. cognitive behavioral therapy with in vivo exposure in the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, Frontiers in Psychiatry, № 13, p. 1—12, EDN: LZZOCI, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.991755Graae, A. 2024, Servers Before Tanks? Defence AI in Denmark, The Very Long Game, p. 173—194, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58649-1_8Bollmann, A., Jacobsen, K. 2023, Militær dataoversættelse og digital transformation. Erfaringer fra Ukraine og fokusområder for det da nske forsvar. DJØF forlag and Center for Militære Studier, Københavns Universitet.Nielsen, M. M., Jordanoski, Z. 2023, Digital Transformation, Governance, and Coordination in Times of Crisis: An Analysis of Australia, Denmark, and the Republic of Korea, Digital Government: Research and Practicv, vol. 4, № 4, p. 1—20, EDN: ATEYYQ, https://doi.org/10.1145/3604569Двусторонние отношения между Китаем и Латвией в контексте глобальных геополитических изменений: свобода выбора или геополитические императивы?S. I.ChernovShanghai Universityhttps://orcid.org/0009-0000-1261-3283Yi.LiuShanghai UniversityThis article examines the dynamics of bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Latvia. Drawing upon established theoretical models, it identifies the key factors shaping these interactions and thereby provides a basis for projecting their probable development in the coming years within the evolving global order. Particular attention is devoted to the paradigm of interaction between great powers and small states that are not historically, politically, or geographically connected. The primary objective of this study is to assess the explanatory value of selected theoretical frameworks for analyzing a highly asymmetric and geographically distant bilateral relationship, exemplified by Sino—Latvian relations. The authors conclude that the development of relations between Latvia and China is entirely determined by the current stage of evolution of the international system and its contemporary geopolitical context, which reaffirms the validity of political realism theory.052820269611610.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-6https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16065/93626/Muhindo M., Calenzo, G. 2011, Neorealism and International Subsystems of Small States, Academic Interdisciplinary Political Studies, vol. 2, № 1, p. 148—160, https://doi.org/10.1285/i20398573v1n2p148Archer, C., Bailes, A. J. 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M. 2023, Three Russian Baltic Regions in the context of confrontation between Russia and the West, Baltic Region, vol. 15, № 4, p. 24-41, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2023-4-2Lanko, D. A., Dolzhenkova, E. 2015, Latvia in the system of European territorial security: a view from the inside and outside, Baltic Region, № 1, p. 56—66, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2015-1-4Vivtonenko, S. V. 2008, Latvia and NATO: integration and cooperation, Bulletin of the Military University, №3, p. 76—84 (in Russ.), EDN: JNTOIRPospelova, E. A. European vector of Latvian foreign policy, Post-Soviet Studies, vol. 1, № 1, p. 119—126 (in Russ.), https://doi.org/10.24411/2618-7426-2018-00023Vinogradov, А. О., Danilyuk, S. A. 2023, China’s relations with the three Baltic States — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — in the context of Sino-European relations, China in World and Regional Politics (History and Modernity), № 28, p. 57—76 (in Russ.), https://doi.org/10.48647/icca.2023.23.67.006Valodzkin, A. А., Jie, X. 2021, «Development of Bilateral Relations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with China in 1991—2018», Journal of International Law and International Relations, № 2, p. 28—37.Khudoley, K. K. 2019, The “cool war” in the Baltic Sea region: consequences and future scenarios, Baltic Region, vol. 11, № 3, p. 4—24, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2019-3-1Tsvyk, A. V. 2019, The “Belt and Road” initiative: A view from Europe, Sovremennaya Evropa, № 1, p. 104—112, https://doi.org/10.15211/soveurope12019104112Mezhevich, N. M. 2014, Major infrastructure projects and the foreign policy of the Baltic states in 2010—2014, Baltic Region, № 1, p. 4—2, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2014-1-1Vinogradov, I. S. 2022, China and the Baltic countries, Cooperation problems, East Asia: Past, Present and Future, р. 71—81, https://doi.org/10.48647/icca.2022.32.41.032Golubkin, A. V., Yakovlev, A. A. 2018, Economic mechanisms of the penetration of the people’s republic of China into the Post-Soviet countries of the Baltic Region, Economics: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, vol. 8, № 8А, p. 284—297, EDN: YTHDVJ苑生龙.拉脱维亚总体形势及中拉共建“一带一路”的前景与建议[J].中国经贸导刊 [Yuan Shenglong. 2015, The overall situation in Latvia and the prospects and suggestions for China-Latin America to jointly build the “Belt and Road”], China Economic and Trade Guide, № 27, p. 54—56 (in Chinese), CNKI:SUN:ZJMD.0.2015-27-038穆重怀,宋殿娇.“一带一路”倡议中的中国与拉脱维亚.侨园 [Mu Chonghuai, Song Dianjiao 2018, China and Latvia in the ”Belt and Road” Initiative], Qiaoyuan, № 7, p. 8—10 (in Chinese), CNKI:SUN:QYZZ.0.2018-07-004苏安娜.中国和拉脱维亚文化合作与发展：2001—2011.浙江大学, 2012. [Su Anna 2012, Cultural cooperation and development between China and Latvia: 2001—2011], Zhejiang University (in Chinese). CNKI:SUN:QYZZ.0.2018-07-004赵莎.2020年1～7月中国与拉脱维亚双边贸易情况[J].中国海关 [Zhao Sha 2020, Bilateral trade between China and Latvia from January to July 2020], China Customs, № 9, p. 62 (in Chinese), CNKI:SUN:ZGHG.0.2020-09-037Sarkar, B. 2024, The Baltics and China: Changing Equations, in: Sarkar, B. (eds.), The Baltics in a Changing Europe, Singapore, Palgrave Macmillan, EDN: IIVDME, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-5890-6_9Andžāns, M., Bērziņa-Čerenkova, U. A., Kante, J., Mačikėnaitė, V., Mikelsaar, A. 2022, China in the Baltic States — from a Cause of Hope to Anxiety, Riga, Rīga Stradiņš University.Andrijauskas, K. 2021, The Chinese Factor in the Baltic States’ Security, Journal on Baltic Security, № 7, p. 15—25, https://doi.org/10.2478/jobs-2021-0005Scott, D. 2018, China and the Baltic States: strategic challenges and security dilemmas for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, Journal on Baltic Security, № 4, p. 25—37, https://doi.org/10.2478/jobs-2018-0001Melnikova J. 2023, China and Europe: What Was It? The Rise and Crumbling of the ‘16 + 1’ Format, Russian international affairs council.Druzhinin, A. G., Dong, Y. 2018, One Belt — One Road Initiative: A Window of Opportunity for Russia’s Western Border Regions, Baltic Region, vol. 10, № 2, p. 39—55, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2018-2-3Kaledin, N. V., Elatskov, A. B. 2024, Geopolitical regionalisation of the Baltic area: the essence and historical dynamics, Baltic Region, vol. 16, № 1, p. 141-158, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2024-1-8Оценка энергоэффективности регионов России в контексте декарбонизации экономики и устойчивого развития территорийV. I.BelovNorthwestern Institute of Management — Branch of RANEPAPushkin Leningrad State Universityhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2910-3014In modern conditions, boosting the energy efficiency of regional economies by reducing energy consumption by businesses and households stands as an imperative for their greening. Russia’s legal regulations establish concrete deadlines for reaching sustainable development targets. Against this backdrop, the study aims to evaluate the current energy efficiency status of Russian regions, thereby identifying prospects (by 2030) for achieving decarbonization and sustainable development goals in their economies. The author’s methodology, spanning multiple stages, centres on calculating growth rates for relevant energy efficiency indicators over 2016—2022, followed by their extrapolation to 2030. The findings indicate that few Russian regions can meet the established targets by the deadline. The reasons behind this projected shortfall are as diverse as the regions themselves. However, data analysis reveals a common trend: insufficient growth rates in reducing industrial energy intensity, energy consumption by economic entities, and atmospheric pollutant emissions across most Russian regions. This, in turn, underscores the need for regional authorities — accounting for each subject’s unique developmental specifics and features — to implement active regional policies whose tools align seamlessly with all sustainable development components. The practical value of this research lies in its preliminary energy efficiency estimates for regions, which not only spotlight emerging ‘energy’ issues but also enable authorities to adopt congruent, timely decisions based on their identification, fulfilling the immanent sustainability tasks set by national leadership.0528202611713310.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-7https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16066/93627/Antal, M. 2014, Green goals and full employment: Are they compatible? Ecological Economics, № 107, p. 276—286, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2014.08.014Fücks, R. 2014, Intelligent wachsen. Die grüne Revolution, WSI-Mitteilungen, vol. 67, № 7, p. 560—561, https://doi.org/10.5771/0342-300x-2014-7-560Shmatko, A. D., Ivchenko, B. P. 2022, Decarbonization of the economy: problem analysis with allowance for regional speci cs and the need to develop the educational system, Economics and Management, vol. 28, № 3, p. 219—225, http://doi.org/10.35854/1998-1627-2022-3-219-225Lebedeva, M. A. 2022. Decarbonization problems of the Russian economy, Problems of Territory’s Development, vol. 26, № 2, p. 57—72, http://doi.org/10.15838/ptd.2022.1.118.5Safonov, G., Kozeltsev, M., Stetsenko, A., Dorina, A., Saphonova, Y., Semakina, A., Safonov, M. 2022, Perspectives of Decarbonization of World Economy in the Context of Implementation of the UN Paris Climate Agreement, International Organisations Research Journal, vol. 17, № 4, p. 38—61, http://doi.org/10.17323/1996-7845-2022-04-02Porfiryev, B. N. 2021, About the green vector of the strategyof social and economicdevelopment of Russia, Scientific Works of the Free Economic Society of Russia, vol. 227, № 1, p. 128— 136, http://doi.org/10.38197/2072-2060-2021-227-1-128-136Ershov, D. N., Sigova, M. V., Nikitina, I. A. 2023, Reflection of the concept of energy transfer in the development strategies of industries and regions of Russia, Vestnik Sankt Peterburgskogo Universiteta Ekonomika, vol. 39, № 1, p. 73—101, http://doi.org/10.21638/spbu05.2023.104Gilmundinov, V. M., Pankova, Yu. V., Tagaeva, T. O. 2023, The concept of regional differentiation of the processes of decarbonization of the Russian economy, Studies on Russian Economic Development, vol. 34, № 6, p. 786—793, http://doi.org/10.1134/s1075700723060059Glazyrina, I. P., Zabelina, I. A. 2018, Spatial Heterogeneity of Russia in the Light of the Concept of a Green Economy: The Social Context, Geography and Natural Resources, vol. 39, № 2, p. 103—110, http://doi.org/10.1134/S1875372818020026Gainanov, D. A., Gataullin, R. F., Safiullin, R. G. 2023, Typology of Russian Regional Systems in Connection with the Decarbonisation of the Economy, Economy of Regions, vol. 19, № 1, p. 29—44, http://doi.org/10.17059/ekon.reg.2023-1-3Rokhorov, V. V., Pogorelov, I. Z. 2022, Measures Of state support for the development of regional clusters in the conditions of decarbonization of the economy, Management Accounting, № 2-2, p. 347—353, http://doi.org/10.25806/uu2-22022347-353Ladykova, T. I. 2023, Cluster analysis of indicators characterizing decarbonization processes in the regions of the russian federation, Oeconomia et Jus, № 4, p. 22—32, http://doi.org/10.47026/2499-9636-2023-4-22-32Peshkova, G. Yu., Bondar, E. G. 2024, State policy of the Russian Federation in the field decarbonization of the energy sector, The economy of the North—West: problems and prospects of development, № 2 (77), p. 57—68, http://doi.org/10.52897/2411-4588-2024-2-57-68Dikovenko, A. G. 2024, Current areas in decarbonization of the oil and gas industry, Naukosfera, № 3-1, p. 171—174, http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10829617Kovalev, I. V., Afteni, I. V., Kovaleva, O. Ya. 2024, Decarbonization project management in the russian fuel and energy sector: current challenges and prospects, Nauсnoe obozrenie: teoria i praktika [Scientific Review: Theory and Practice], vol. 14, № 3 (103), p. 499—510, http://doi.org/10.26088/2226-0226-2024-14-3-499-510Shershneva, V. A., Baranova, V. N., Niskovskaya, M. Yu. 2022, The main aspects of the Russian oil refining industry decarbonization, Bulatovskie chteniya, vol. 2, p. 146—148 (in Russ.).Matsko, N. A., Kharitonova, M. Yu. 2023, The effect of the decarbonization process on the profitability of the non-ferrous metallurgy (on the example of the copper industry), Property Relations in the Russian Federation, № 8, p. 19—27 (in Russ.).Popova, E. A. 2024, Substantiation of methods for choosing investment decisions of oil and gas companies in the context of decarbonization, Economic systems, vol. 17, № 1, p. 132—140 (in Russ.).Plyaskina, N. I. 2023, Energy transformation of oil and gas companies in the context of decarbonization: assessment of the effectiveness of investment projects, in: Proceedings of the Third Granberg Conference, Collection of reports from the All-Russian conference with international participation dedicated to the memory of Academician A. G. Granberg, Novosibirsk, p. 276—279 (in Russ.).Salita, S. V., Golubtsova, O. A. 2022, Analysis of trends in socio-economic development of the region in the format of sustainable development, Vestnik of Lugansk Vladimir Dahl National University, № 9, p. 133—138 (in Russ.).Sheveleva, N. A. 2023, Development of approaches to the economic evaluation of decarbonization projects in the oil and gas complex, Problems of economics and management of oil and gas complex, № 8, p. 28—36 (in Russ.), http://doi.org/10.33285/1999-6942-2023-8(224)-28-36Nekhoroshkov, V. P., Sokolova, D. A. 2022, The impact of decarbonization trends on the development of the coal industry, Ehkonomika i biznes: teoriya i praktika, № 6-2, p. 100—104, http://doi.org/10.24412/2411-0450-2022-6-2-100-104Ilyinsky, A. A., Kalinina, O. V., Khasanov, M. M., Afanasiev, M. V., Saitova, A. A. 2022, Decarbonization of the oil and gas complex: priorities and organizational models of development, Sever I Rynok Formirovanie Ekonomiceskogo Poradka, vol. 25, № 1, p. 33—46, http://doi.org/10.37614/2220-802X.1.2022.75.003Kalitseva, K. A., Charaeva, M. V. 2023, Development and systematization of indicators of sustainable development of south Russian regions based on the concept of sustainable development, Finances, money, investments, № 3, p. 3—9, http://doi.org/10.36992/2222-0917_2023_3_3Preobrazhensky, B. G., Fedorov, Ya. A. 2023, Environmentally sustainable development as a paradigm of modern policy of ecological development of regions, Region: systems, economy, management, № 4, p. 12—28, http://doi.org/10.22394/1997-4469-2023-63-4-12-28Borodin, S. N. 2023, A Model for Assessing Regional Sustainable Development Based on the Index Method, Economy of Regions, vol. 19, № 1, p. 45—59, http://doi.org/10.17059/ekon.reg.2023-1-4Aleshnikova, V. I., Burtseva, T. A. 2023, Integral measurer of environmental development of regions, Region: Systems, Economy, Management, vol. 61, № 2, p. 41— 49, https://doi.org/10.22394/1997-4469-2023-61-2-41-49Alferova, T. V. 2020, Sustainable development of the region: Approaches to selecting evaluation indicators, Perm University Herald. Economy, vol. 15, № 4, p. 494— 511, https://doi.org/10.17072/1994-9960-2020-4-494-511Hickel, J. 2020, The sustainable development index: Measuring the ecological efficiency of human development in the Anthropocene, Ecological Economics, № 167, art. № 106331, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2019.05.011Bardakhanova, T. B., Eremko, Z. S., Munkueva, V. D. 2019, Methodical approach to the integrated assessment of the level of ecological and economic development of regions, Business. Education. Law, № 3, p. 26—31, https://doi.org/10.25683/VOLBI.2019.48.305Bobylev, S. N., Kudryavtseva, O. V., Solovyeva, S. V., Sitkina, K. S. 2018, Sustainable development indicators: regional dimension, Lomonosov Economics Journal, № 2, p. 21—33 (in Russ.), https://doi.org/10.38050/01300105201822Неравенство и пространственные эффекты в развитии цифровой экономики российских регионовS. N.RastvortsevaHSE UniversityFinancial University under the Government of the Russian Federationhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1599-359XE. E.KolchinskayaHSE UniversityLeontief Centre — International Centre for Social and Economic Researchhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0077-8173S. A.PanasiukHSE Universityhttps://orcid.org/0009-0001-7545-0626The relevance of the study stems from the growing digital inequality among Russian regions amid the rapid development of the digital economy. Disparities in digitalization levels perpetuate existing interregional gaps and create risks of concentrating human and technological potential in a limited number of regions. The aim is to identify and quantify the dynamics and spatial structure of digital inequality in Russian regions (2011—2023), differentiating it into primary (infrastructural — internet access) and secondary (human capital and competency-based — ICT employment) levels. The methodology combines cartographic methods of quantile classification, the Gini index, kernel density estimation (KDE), and Moran’s index to verify neighborhood effects. The results indicate divergent dynamics: a steady reduction in the infrastructural gap in internet access is accompanied by an increasing concentration of human capital in ICT. Significant spatial autocorrelation is confirmed, manifested in the formation of stable clusters of leading and lagging regions. Conclusions. The key challenge for regional development is shifting towards overcoming the secondary divide, necessitating a transition from universal infrastructure policies to targeted measures that stimulate the diffusion of digital competencies and the development of human capital in peripheral regions.0528202613415810.5922/2079-8555-2026-1-8https://balticregion.kantiana.ru/baltic_region/16066/93628/Van Dijk, J. 2020, The Digital Divide, Cambridge, Medford, Polity Press, 208 р.Goroshko, Yu. D., Baglaev, S. A. 2024, Studying the impact of digital technologies on the well-being of the population, XXXIX International Scientific and Practical Conference, Pensa, p. 36—39, EDN: IUFQCGZemtsov, S. P., Demidova, K. V., Kichaev, D. 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G., Guan, C., Dattakumar, A. 2019, A maturity model for digital literacies and sustainable development, in: Advanced Methodologies and Technologies in Library Science, Information Management, and Scholarly Inquiry, https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-7659-4.ch006Bimber, B. 2000, Measuring the gender gap on the Internet, Social science quarterly, vol. 81, № 3, p. 868—876.Čižo, E., Bogdanova, N., Mietule, I., Kokarevica, A., Kudins, J. 2024, Inequality among residents and enterprises in the Latvian online market of digital marketing, Baltic Region, vol. 16, № 3, p. 136—162, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2024-3-7Wan, Q., Tang, S., Jiang, Z. 2023, Does the development of digital technology contribute to the innovation performance of China’s high-tech industry?, Technovation, № 124, art. 102738, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102738DiMaggio, P., Hargittai, E., Celeste, C., Shafer, S. 2004, From unequal access to differentiated use: A literature review and agenda for research on digital inequality, Social inequality, vol. 1, № 1, p. 355—400.Lam, D., Levison, D. 1991, Declining inequality in schooling in Brazil and its effects on inequality in earnings, Journal of Development Economics, vol. 37, № 1-2, p. 199—225, https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3878(91)90088-DDeursen, A. 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C. 2020, Application of the kernel density function for the analysis of regional growth and convergence in the service sector through productivity, Mathematics, vol. 8, № 8, art. 1234, https://doi.org/10.3390/math8081234Cheruiyot, K. 2022, Detecting spatial economic clusters using kernel density and global and local Moran’s I analysis in Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality, South Africa, Regional Science Policy and Practice, vol. 14, № 2, p. 307—328, https://doi.org/10.1111/rsp3.12526Lavrikova, Y. G., Suvorova, A. V. 2020, Optimal Spatial Organisation of the Regional Economy: Search for Parameters and Dependencies, Economy of Regions, vol. 16, № 4, p. 1017—1030, https://doi.org/10.17059/ekon.reg.2020-4-1Manaeva, I., Rastvortseva, S. Kanishcheva, A. 2022, Evaluation of interrelatedness of cities in the territorial space of Russia, Journal of Economic Structures, vol. 11, № 1, art. 24, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40008-022-00288-2Kurilova, A. 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A. 2025, Analysis of the convergence of digital inequality across Russian regions, Baltic Region, vol. 17, № 1, p. 117—140, https://doi.org/10.5922/2079-8555-2025-1-7Ghorbani, R., Golambossaini, R., Alizadeh, S. 2023, An analysis on the impact of spatial structure factors on travel behavior in Tabriz city with a low carbon city approach, International Conference on Environmental Leadership and Sustainability (ICELIS).