This study investigates the elite text of a welcoming inaugural address (“discours de reception”) delivered by philologist and Hellenist scholar Jacqueline de Romilly upon her election to the French Academy. The analysis reveals how this genre of elogium reaffirms before the academic elite the value of literary texts and scholarly knowledge in general. The reflexive discourse constructed by J. de Romilly regarding both André Roussin's creative biography and her own personal legitimation for future academic activities is examined from semantic and pragmatic perspectives. De Romilly's linguistic reflection involves commenting on, clarifying, or evaluating her own words or third-party statements while taking into account the audience factor. It has been established that de Romilly’s metalinguistic utterances correspond with key concepts crucial to her identity (French language, French literature, Greek language, literary studies, literary culture, literary text), which evoke cognitive tension due to the dissonance between her internalized Hellenistic cultural values and external circumstances surrounding the crisis in classical education. The identified individual semanticization of reflective expressions reflects the pragmatic component of the author's intention, expressed through promoting ideological codes associated with the French Academy (literary culture, quality of the French language).

This article examines the content of the term “functive,” which is used within morphological science to refer to specific units of the morphological system — lexemes and word forms. It highlights that these units perform functions characteristic of certain parts of speech but do not fully possess the expressional plan typical for such parts of speech. An attempt is made to broaden the concept of “functive” by transferring it from individual linguistic units to classes of units. In this regard, so-called “functive” parts of speech are analyzed, including words belonging to categories of state, copulas, modal words, and verbal interjections. Manifestations of “functicity” are explored when qualifying larger phenomena like zero signs, phraseologisms, compound lexemes, prepositional-case forms, morphemic structure, and asyntactic morphemes. The material studied consists of transitional lexemes and word forms of contemporary Russian language along with their part-of-speech classifications found in scientific, educational, and reference literature. The primary research method applied here is logical-linguistic analysis. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationship between function-centered and system-centered approaches towards linguistic units and their realizations in speech. The conclusion underscores the high explanatory potential of the notion of “functive” beyond morphology into other areas of linguistics.

This study analyzes Zhang Simon’s textbook “Intermediate Course in Russian Etymology” (1923), which was the first grammar book on Russian language written by a Chinese scholar specifically targeting Chinese learners. The analysis examines educational practices within the context of international cultural and linguistic interaction during that period, highlighting its significance to contemporary research. A wide range of textbooks and grammars (1898—1923) from both Russian and Chinese sources are utilized as materials for investigation. Comparative analysis reveals that Zhang Simon did not simply replicate any existing work but creatively combined selected content from various available resources with his own innovative ideas, prioritizing the needs and challenges faced by Chinese students learning Russian. Special attention is given to strategies employed in organizing instructional material and translating terminological systems into Chinese. It is concluded that this textbook played a crucial role in shaping the history of teaching Russian language in China and contributed significantly to integrating Russian-language instruction into broader trends in linguistics and foreign language pedagogy at that time.

This study provides a comparative analysis of phraseological units that incorporate air-related terms from five typologically diverse languages — Russian, English, German, Spanish, and Tatar — in a linguocultural perspective. The main focus is on identifying universal as well as unique patterns for representing symbolic meanings associated with air elements within these linguistic systems' phraseological inventories. A total of 188 units were analyzed. Comparative analysis revealed that only five phrasemantic groups exhibit universally shared symbolic representation of air, while over 50% of subcategories reflect language-specific symbolic interpretations. Among the studied languages, Russian and Tatar show the highest degree of similarity, whereas Spanish and English lead in the number of uniquely thematic groups not found elsewhere among the compared languages. Furthermore, it was established that neutral connotative phrases dominate quantitatively across all languages under investigation. These findings highlight significant diversity both semantically and culturally regarding how air symbols are expressed through idiomatic expressions in each language group.

The paper is devoted to the consideration of the category of Article in the German Language as a system means of individualization and categorising. The research thrives to reveal cognitively determined mechanisms governing classification of realia. The Research Methodology bases on the Class Theory implicating particular provisions of the Theory of Reference in order to provide a new linguistical consideration, which would not only prescribe the German Article a role of a solely grammatical indicator. This inflicts Key Statements, revealing Definite Article as a means of Individualization upon some unique feature of an object, whereas Indefinite Article is commonly used to categorise it as a class member by any common feature. The paper also offers a point of view, the status of “null article” as a type of syntactic null has wide discussion potential and hence considers revising. The offered Classification of Article Meanings is deemed scalable and allows for the conclusion, toponyms, oikonyms, astronyms, proper names, etc. can be used in order to create and provide content for object classes.

This study offers an analysis of punctuation stylistics in Russian sentimentalist literature, focusing on the deliberate use of punctuation marks to align with the aesthetic principles of this literary movement. The research material is drawn from the first publication of Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin's novella “Poor Liza”, which appeared in his own journal “Moscow magazine” in 1792. The relevance of this investigation lies in its application of a specific historical approach that takes into account both the particularities of late eighteenth-century Russian punctuation usage and codification practices as well as broader European sentimental trends. It has been established that the stylistic hallmark of Russian sentimentalism involves the linguistic expression of emotional sensitivity accompanying narrative dynamics, capable of evoking empathy in readers. In objectifying this stylistic focus, special prominence is given to a microsystem consisting of question marks, exclamation points, dashes, and ellipses. The expressive deployment of these four punctuation marks allows for precise graphic representation of emotionally charged speech by narrators and characters alike. Ultimately, it is concluded that the emergence of punctuation stylistics finds its roots specifically within Russian sentimentalism.

This article addresses challenges in interpreting linguistic-cultural units by highlighting the heuristic potential of cultural layers as representations of mental comprehension of reality and typical forms of cultural knowledge. It introduces an analytical methodology for studying language elements that function as cultural symbols. Through empirical research, we reconstruct a scenario for interpreting verbal signs of culture consisting of six stages, each associated with specific cognitive operators. We demonstrate how this interpretive algorithm can be applied to Russian and Serbian examples. Our findings indicate that such interpretation results in an interpretant, which is expressed through accurate understanding and appropriate use of cultural signs. Additionally, we explore the cognitive capacity of linguistic-cultural signs — including symbols, prototypes, naive measures, amulets, and names of nonexistent phenomena — and propose a typology of cultural layers emphasizing their link to speakers' cognitive experience. We argue that language acquisition is closely tied to developing cultural-linguistic competence, enabling proper perception and reproduction of cultural symbols. Furthermore, it is shown that interpreting these symbols requires consideration of broader contexts and extensive background knowledge. Key characteristics of linguistic-cultural signs reflecting fundamental aspects of national worldview and value orientations are identified. Finally, it is demonstrated that mastery of these signs enhances intercultural communication and deepens understanding of national identity. Importantly, systematic investigation into cultural layers and integration of our proposed method into foreign-language instruction (such as Russian or Serbian) are advocated.

This study reports on the results and potential for further research concerning Russian-language neologisms pertaining to the thematic group ‘Society,’ with a focus on their lexicographical characteristics. The relevance of the study is determined by public discussions on the issue of protecting the Russian language from excessive foreign borrowings, which underscores the importance of evaluating active nominative practices that utilize the inherent internal resources of the Russian language. It is noted that the results of the study are presented in a two-volume “Explanatory Dictionary of Russian Neologisms”, which contains over 3,000 linguistic units. The vocabulary is distributed across different volumes based on institutional or non-institutional social semantics, meaning it is differentiated by thematic criteria (with an appropriate system of labels) rather than stylistic ones. It is asserted that the inclusion of new words and phrases in the dictionary, whether of Russian origin or calqued and hybrid forms that contain Russian morphemes, allows for the observation of trends in the formation of Russian neologisms. The author suggests considering new linguistic units not recorded in normative dictionaries as nominations with a “borderline status”. As a prospect for research on Russian social vocabulary, an ideographic description is proposed, as well as the compilation of annual dictionaries organized not by chronological principles but by other criteria such as theme, origin, and so on.

This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of audiodescription (audio commentary for visually impaired audiences) as an intersemiotic translation form through the lens of historical linguistics and cognitive-pragmatic theories. The aim is to identify and describe linguistic patterns underlying high-quality audiodescriptions, focusing on principles governing verbal description construction within its dependence on audio-visual content. We introduce the concept of “audiovisual proposition,” where sound-image sequences and accompanying textual components are viewed as interconnected elements — psychological subject and psychological predicate respectively. This framework enables us to interpret audiodescriptions not merely as passive replication but rather as active processes constructing meaning that facilitate holistic film perception by blind or partially sighted viewers. An official tiflocommentary for the Russian film “Moskva slezam ne verit” (1979) has been analyzed in this context. Typical errors identified include text fragmentation, use of single-clause sentences without accessible contextual cues, inappropriate past tense usage, and attempts at describing character traits instead of observable behaviors. Based on principles of psychological syntax, specific recommendations for correcting these segments have been proposed.

This paper examines the structure of regional media outlets in relation to state and corporate funding sources. A multifaceted analysis of the media market in Lipetsk region was conducted. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between predominant formats, structural features, and local media characteristics vis-à-vis media economics. Special attention is devoted to analyzing data from media actors, regional economy, and their interactions. Official statistical information, reports, regional online publications, and websites served as empirical materials. The significance of existing funding models' impact on editorial autonomy underscores the importance of this study. Its novelty resides in comprehensively addressing institutional and economic factors shaping the regional media landscape. Challenges such as low competitiveness of independent media and insufficient digital integration are highlighted. Evidence demonstrates that a stable regional economy and support from major players underpin the resilience of the information market. However, future growth prospects hinge upon transitioning towards diversified and innovative development patterns. Establishment of transparent financing mechanisms and enhancement of digital competencies are shown to enhance media competitiveness. Authors conclude that institutional backing plays a critical role in fostering a balanced regional media environment.

This study investigates the lexico-thematic group of “Film Genres” as constructed through an analysis of German film discourse. Genre designations are examined with regard to the internal structure of this lexical group and the semantic relationships between nominations, thereby illuminating a significant lexical segment of the cinematic language. The analysis reveals a primary division within German film genres into two main categories: “der Film” and “der Trickfilm.” It is demonstrated that German lacks a rigid genre classification system, indicating that genres are dynamic and open to blending. Such combinations generate hybrids comprised of clichés and stereotypes, which undergo transformation and interweaving across diverse contexts, complicating systematic categorization. The research further indicates that filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers actively employ novel combinations of genre elements, rendering genre affiliation largely conventional. Analysis of genre nominations (e.g., Sci-Fi-Horror-Klassiker, Martial-Arts-Kinos, etc.) establishes a high degree of flexibility and mutability within the German cinematic genre system. The study argues that each film genre is further subdivided into subgenres, reflecting the inherent flexibility of its typology. It is concluded that this hierarchical structure of subgenres underscores the complexity and multi-layered nature of the contemporary cinematic landscape

This study investigates the influence of mytho-folkloric heritage on contemporary Russian literature through an analysis of selected works from Tuvan and Khakas literatures. The primary texts under examination are “The Story of a Bright Boy” by S. Sarığ-Ool (1966) and “Howl of the Gray Wolf” by A. Kotojekov (2022). The article aims to introduce Kotojekov’s novel into current academic discourse within the context of its comparison with Sarığ-Ool's earlier work, highlighting their shared folklore and mythological foundations. It identifies commonalities and unique features in the mythopoetic fields of these two literary works. Specific mythologems such as Earth, Horse, Mountain, Yurt, and Wolf are analyzed, revealing that they serve both narrative structuring and meaning-formulating roles in the narratives. Both authors artistically transform traditional elements to model the national worldview of their respective ethnic groups. The research confirms the genetic kinship between Tuvan and Khakas literatures, rooted in the relatedness of ancient cultures and unified cultural spaces of Southern Siberia. It further asserts that while Sarığ-Ool and Kotojekov differ in terms of how deeply mythology and folklore are integrated into their artistic creations, mythopoeic motifs play crucial roles in reinforcing ethno-cultural values, ensuring their preservation and transmission across generations.

This study focuses on an analysis of Gerold Belger’s novel “The House of Wandering”, specifically examining its initiatory narrative and deportation discourse. The primary objective is to reconstruct the phase structure of the text and describe mechanisms for forming hybrid identity. Using a work with autobiographical underpinnings as research material, structural and hermeneutic analyses are applied. The transformation of rites of passage motifs due to traumatic experience within the fictional context is explored. A comparison between the compositional structure of the novel and the classical cultural philosophy triad — “separation,” “liminality,” and “incorporation” — is conducted. It is noted that by the conclusion of the novel, the protagonist integrates into a new legal and linguistic-cultural order, while liminality undergoes transformation, becoming prolonged. The macro-level transition is modeled through the compositional triad “David-Hristian-Harry.” Within these parts, mini-triades are reconstructed. Threshold chronotopes such as roads, commissions, and special commandants’ offices, along with onomastic and legal markers of status like renamings and passports, are interpreted as textual representations of social rituals of exclusion and recognition. The functioning of the “house” as a semiotic center of integration is demonstrated, and the concept of “return through language” translates lived experiences from communicative memory into cultural memory.

This article explores the specifics of subjective organization in contemporary Belarusian and Russian rock poetry mediated by current gaming strategies. The author pays particular attention to understanding the problem of (self-)identification of the lyrical subject under conditions of fidgetalization, mediatization, and gamification of culture. Comparative analysis results are presented for verbal subtexts from musical groups such as “Vihilija,” “Niamiha,” “Bjarla,” and “Khren” over the period 2021–2025. The role of autocommunication and polyphonic constructs in shaping the image of the game-consciousness-and-speech subject as heir to the role-playing hero is discussed. Verification emphasis is placed on determining the impact of streaming communication strategies and computer-game aesthetics on rock poetics. The relevance of this study stems from the need for scientific comprehension of the relationship between transformations in the subjective organization of rock texts and crises in traditional forms of subjectivity. Concepts introduced include game rock stream, auto-communicative game code, nonsubjective player-hero. It has been demonstrated that the rock hero evolves from monologic “I-the Prophet” to modulated game projection. A classification of lyrical subject's game strategies is proposed: avatar-based, narrative-role-playing, auto-communicative, transmedia. An overview is provided regarding representation of one's own / other / alien consciousness within the focus of existential-virtual artistic being.

The contribution of Chinese journalist, literary scholar, translator, and public and political figure Qu Qiubo to the development of socio-political and cultural ties between China and Russia in the early 20^th century is considered. The relevance of the study is determined by China’s attention to disseminating information about Chinese figures who influenced the strengthening of relations with Russia as a tool of soft power. It is shown that Qu Qiubo played an important role in changing the perceptions of Chinese society regarding the revolutionary processes occurring in Russia at the beginning of the last century. As a journalist, he comprehensively described the social processes following the 1917 revolution and demonstrated to the Chinese that the socialist revolution was inevitable and just. It is noted that the transformation of Chinese society’s attitude towards post-revolutionary Russia was influenced not only by Qu Qiubo’s activities as a publicist and social activist engaged in spreading Marxist-Leninist philosophy but also by his literary studies and translations. The authors conclude that despite his early passing, Qu Qiubo managed to influence the development of Chinese revolutionary art in the 20^th century. 

The relevance of this study stems from the growing interest in both the work and personality of one of the most original and enigmatically complex writers of the twentieth century, Andrei Bely (1880–1934). This article aims to analyze the writer's early literary experiments such as “Pre-Symphony,” “Story No. 2 (Notes of a Civil Servant),” and their close relationship with his “Symphony No. 2 (‘Dramatic’),” published in 1902. These works are all examples of intricate artistic phenomena that blur genre boundaries between poetry and music. Their hybrid nature is characterized by an interplay of poetic sensibility and musical structure. A novel aspect of this paper lies in its reliance on biographical material, indispensable for understanding each stage of Bely’s creative development. It investigates the genesis of Symphony No. 2 through a detailed examination of the autobiographical context surrounding its creation. The analysis tracks the reception history of this symphonic text since its publication in 1902 up until today. Structural features of the text have been identified, along with key thematic motifs prevalent throughout Bely’s early period, including those related to Eternity, Ennui, and Dawn. Conclusions regarding the formation of Bely’s unique idiolect, marked by what he himself termed his ‘poetic dysfluency,’ were also drawn.

This article reconstructs the everyday life at mineral water resorts in the Caucasus region during the first two decades of Soviet rule. The primary source base consists largely of documents from two regional archives — the State Archive of Stavropol Krai and the State Archive of Recent History of Stavropol Krai. Many unpublished sources are introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time. The study examines how Bolsheviks organized resort activities under their regime. A novelty of this research lies in its focus on a specific type of daily life within narrow territorial and chronological boundaries. It concludes that the new authorities pursued purely utilitarian goals by stripping these resorts of bourgeois glamour and swiftly transforming them into health factories for Soviet workers. Attention is given to processes shaping new social realities and emerging leisure practices among visitors. Contrasts between pre-revolutionary and post-revolutionary clientele are highlighted. Additionally, various perspectives on the daily experience of Soviet resorts are presented, including material infrastructure, social composition of guests, living conditions, entertainment options, and therapeutic treatments.

This paper explores the pivotal role ideology played in shaping diplomatic strategies of Warsaw Pact countries amid intensifying international tensions in the mid-1960s, particularly against the backdrop of the Cold War and ideological divisions within communist movements. Utilizing official documents from the Bucharest Conference of 1966, statements issued by the Political Consultative Committee of the Warsaw Treaty Organization, publications in “Pravda,” NATO records from 1966, and collections compiled by the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the research underscores how leaders of socialist states deliberately employed Marxist-Leninist rhetoric and references to proletarian internationalism to solidify bloc cohesion. It is highlighted that showcasing ideological unity served as a response to rising military threats posed by NATO and internal ideological rifts exacerbated by Sino-Soviet splits. The final declarations from the 1966 conference emphasized unwavering solidarity among socialist nations committed to peace, thus delivering an important diplomatic message under conditions of heightened tension. The study concludes that ideological consolidation functioned as a soft power tool enabling these states to advance their interests through ideational means rather than solely relying on military force.

This article contributes to the study of military-political history in Bulgaria by reconstructing the ethno-political model of Danubian Bulgaria and identifying mechanisms for forming political elites, processes of ethnic integration, as well as the role of the Bulgarian-Slavic alliance in regional consolidation on the Balkan Peninsula. Source materials include Byzantine and Eastern Christian chronicles, archaeological findings, and works by Bulgarian, Russian, Turkish, and Western European scholars. Comparative-historical, source-critical, structural, and chronological methods are employed. The relevance of this research lies in its necessity for a comprehensive analysis of interaction between Turkic proto-Bulgarian ruling elite and Slavic populations whose integration formed the basis for stable early state organization and supra-ethnic political identity. It is demonstrated that the Turkic ruling class functioned as an integrative core, establishing effective governance systems and creating conditions for gradual Slavization and transformation of the state's ethnopolitical structure. The scientific novelty of this work consists in interpreting First Bulgarian Empire as a multi-level ethno-political system analyzed with consideration given to diverse historiographical traditions and comparison of written sources.

This study examines how events of the Soviet-Finnish conflict were portrayed by Norwegian media with a focus on evaluating Norway’s claims to neutrality during the Winter War (November 30, 1939—March 12, 1940). The analysis is based on seventy-four articles from “Arbeiderbladet,” the official organ of the Norwegian Labour Party, published throughout 1940. It demonstrates that Norwegian press coverage aimed at constructing a negative image of the Soviet side while presenting Finland positively. The newspaper consistently accused the Soviets of undermining negotiations regarding the Åland Islands, destroying civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage, and causing casualties among non-combatants. In contrast, Finns are depicted as victims. Additionally, it was found that Norway organized fundraising campaigns for Finland, supplied skilled labor, formed volunteer military units, and established medical facilities for treating Finnish soldiers. These actions contradict Norway's declared policy of neutrality. Ultimately, this research concludes that despite government statements affirming neutrality, the ruling party's newspaper served as an instrument for policies inconsistent with true neutrality.

This study investigates the mechanisms for organizing medical care within mining enterprises on the Urals region during the first half of the eighteenth century, as well as the regulatory framework governing workers' behavior through medical practices. An analysis is conducted using archival materials such as regulations issued by the Berg-Kollegium, reports from factory administrations, and medical journals. It demonstrates that the establishment of hospitals, mandatory medical examinations, and activities led primarily by professional physicians like Johann I. Sprinzel ensured a stable model of healthcare provision while simultaneously fulfilling disciplinary roles. The findings reveal how medical inspections became instruments to detect malingering, monitor workloads, and regulate legal statuses among employees. Illnesses were not merely seen as physical afflictions but also integral components of administrative practice. Additionally, measures such as funding medicine via deductions from wages, additional collections (“one kopeck per ruble”), and fines for breaches of labor discipline contributed to an economically sustainable system supporting hospital operations aligned with the administrative goals of the mining authority. Ultimately, it concludes that medical assistance in the Ural mining industry combined European therapeutic standards with social control functions, serving as a mechanism akin to “medical policing” aimed at safeguarding state interests in workforce management.

This article explores the confessional history of a Persian-origin religious community — the Bahá’í Faith (formerly known as Beháism or Behaitstvo in Russian literature) — on the territory of the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Russian Empire The study examines the historical-cultural foundations of this religious group from Persia, including reasons for its formation and unique characteristics of Baha'i diaspora communities within Tsarist Russia, particularly focusing on Ashkhabad. Drawing upon sacred writings by prominent Bahá’í figures translated into Russian, English, and Persian languages, along with works by pre-revolutionary Russian scholars studying this phenomenon, the authors analyze the cooperation between the Bahá’ís and Imperial administration across Central Asia and Transcaucasia, where they were granted protection. Utilizing a civilizational approach, the research situates these findings within broader relationships between the late imperial Russian state-civilization and an immigrant religious community (the Bahá’ís) alongside a major Asian neighbor (Qajar Iran). Emphasis is placed on the historical discourse of “The Great Game” — a geopolitical rivalry involving Russia and Britain over influence in the Middle East — wherein Iran was subjected to peaceful subjugation by both European powers, impacting the situation surrounding the Bahá’í faith.

This article examines the positioning of social issues within Russian public discourse during the First World War. By analyzing the public deliberation surrounding war-related social problems, the authors trace the impact of this discourse on the nascent configuration of Russia’s social welfare institutions. The study draws upon archival materials from the State Duma and State Council, sessions of the Supreme Council for the Relief of Mobilized Families, congresses and conferences of public organizations, as well as records from the Zemstvo Union and the Union of Cities. Methodologically, the research is grounded in deliberative democracy theory, which frames governance as the outcome of dialogue between state authorities and civil society. The analysis reveals that politically engaged segments of Russian society repeatedly addressed the issue of social support for war victims, advocating for modifications to the existing system of relief in order to expand social guarantees. Crucially, the public sphere witnessed the formation of a demand for the recognition of assistance to those affected by the war as a state obligation. The model that emerged envisioned direct relief efforts being administered by local self-governance bodies, supported by state funding. The authors conclude that the procedural formality of this dialogue, and the organizational involvement of state authorities in addressing social problems, indicate a discernible degree of democratization within the political sphere.

This article examines literary texts, journalism, and documentary materials from the Soviet period (1950-1980) to illuminate the historical context of evolving cultural identities in the Russian North. Drawing on sources from regional and central archives – including holdings from the Archive of Contemporary Russian History (formerly the CPSU Central Committee Archive) and the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art, specifically the collections of the Soviet Writers’ Union – this study identifies key themes that preoccupied “Northern Writers” in the latter half of the twentieth century. These themes centered on grappling with socio-economic transformations and their impact on everyday life. The analysis demonstrates that Party control exerted significant pressure on the literary sphere, shaping creative output through demands for socialist realism and a focus on depicting socialist life. Based on a close reading of literary works, this article argues that by the early 1990s, value systems and behavioral norms in the Russian North had undergone a discernible shift, marked by a decline in traditional work ethics, a growing disconnect from the land, a fading understanding of the peasant mindset, and a weakening of established customs. The study concludes that the literary community played an active role in interpreting these societal value shifts, articulating premonitions of change within the historical and cultural space of the rural Russian North, and participating in broader public debates.

This study reconstructs Japanese foreign policy towards the Caucasus in the 1920s and 1930s within the broader context of Tokyo’s anti-Soviet strategy. Drawing primarily from materials related to the Tokyo Trials for war crimes, this research employs a methodology that combines historical reconstruction with comparative geopolitical analysis and regional studies. It demonstrates how Japan established extensive intelligence networks across the Middle East and Europe, recruited agents among Caucasian émigrés, and developed theoretical foundations for subversive activities aimed at fostering separatist movements. A significant finding is the conclusion of a German-Japanese agreement in 1937 providing joint support for anti-Soviet forces, under which the Caucasus was designated as Japan’s area of responsibility. Despite some efforts toward implementation, large-scale plans for creating a “fifth column” in the region ultimately failed due to vigilance by Soviet state security agencies, geographical distance between Japan and the Caucasus, Japan’s involvement in the Sino-Japanese conflict, and ineffective collaboration within the Axis powers.

This article examines the history of constructing telegraph and postal lines across the territory of the Transcaspian region and its north-eastern border areas with Persia during Russia's late imperial period. The primary sources for this study are unpublished documents from two central archives: the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire and the Russian State Historical Archive. These materials provide insights into internal bureaucratic discussions among Russian officials as well as diplomatic negotiations between Russian representatives and Persian authorities regarding technical aspects such as route planning, line length, and financial considerations related to these telecommunication projects. It is concluded that there was a close interconnection between the establishment of mail-telegraph infrastructure and transportation networks in the South Caspian region. The importance of communication development in facilitating bilateral export-import operations with northeastern Persia is highlighted. Some proposed postal initiatives linking the Transcaspian area and Persia were not implemented. Ultimately, it is argued that an integrated Russian-Persian infrastructural framework emerged by the turn of the nineteenth century, which played a significant role in enhancing bilateral trade-economic relations and consolidating Russian influence within Persia.

The article aims to describe demographic policy measures implemented by the Soviet Union towards multi-child mothers during the post-war period. Sources include materials from the State Planning Committee of the USSR, All-Union population censuses of 1939 and 1959, reports, official notes from central government bodies, document collections, dictionaries, and publications from major newspapers. It raises questions regarding the timeliness and effectiveness of these measures aimed at compensating for wartime demographic losses through support mechanisms for large families with multiple children. The authors conclude that this period coincided with the second stage of the demographic transition. By mid-1950s, pre-war levels of population were restored due to state policies and compensatory post-war fertility increases. However, it is shown that implementing such demographic policies faced significant challenges. It is noted that the state managed to support mothers with many children and mitigate the negative impact of wartime and post-war years. It is emphasized that restoring the extremely high birth rate as well as the traditionally large proportion of multi-child families in Soviet society was not feasible. Additionally, there was an observed shift away from associating multi-child families with traditional institutions like full-family structures and marriage.