Khraban I.
Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Professor of the Department of National Security, Public Management and Administration, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor, https://оrcid.org/0000-0003-3319-8538.
Grubov V.
Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, Professor  of the Department of National Security, Public Management and Administration, Doctor of Political Sciences, e-Professor.
https://оrcid. org/0000-0002-3048-3280.
Svynarenko V.
National Defense University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovsky. Kiyv, https://оrcid. org/0000-0001-7514-1535

Abstract
The article analyzes the history of creation and some directions of activity of private military companies (PMC) in performing tasks of a specific nature and protection to corporate and state interests of individual countries of the world. It is noted that as a new but effective tool, both representatives of big business, “big” and “small” countries come to the services of the PMC when they consider it necessary not to reveal their interests and remain in the “shadows”. The following research tasks were solved:
– to investigate the existing theoretical approaches in assessing the functioning of military companies;
– to analyze the world experience of creating and applying PMC;
– to examine the specifics of tasks and operations of the PMC;
– to determine the development prospects of the PMC institute in the system of promoting national interests.

 Keywords: private military companies, mercenary, war, legal support, Swiss initiative, military operations.

Frunzeti T.
Professor, PhD, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
Academy of Romanian Scientists
Miu V.
PhD candidate, Carol I National Defence University, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract
The 2024 elections present a unique sociopolitical landscape marked by a resurgence of radicalization across various spectra. Radicalization profoundly impacts electoral dynamics, shaping voter behavior, political discourse, and policy agendas. Extremist groups and individuals seek to influence elections through disinformation campaigns, targeted propaganda, and online manipulation, sowing seeds of division and undermining democratic norms.

 Keywords: radicalization, extremism, populism, 2024 elections, Europe, United States

Sulym B.
Associate Professor, Candidate of Political Sciences,
Docent of Department International Relations and Diplomacy,
Ivan Franko National University of Lviv

Abstract
Aggression of Russian against Ukraine in 2014 became a serious challenge for European security. It demonstrated the need for a strong and effective security architecture on NATO’s eastern flank, where Ukraine plays a key role. This article will examine Ukraine’s role in ensuring the security of NATO’s eastern flank. In particular, the article considers the following issues:

• The geopolitical importance of Ukraine at the crossroads of Europe and Russia, as an important aspect of international cooperation.
• Ukraine’s military capabilities due to access to military forces and the ability to make a significant contribution to the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
• Reforms in the security and defense sector of Ukraine in order to increase its compatibility with NATO.
• Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO within the framework of various programs aimed at increasing its defense capabilities.

The balance of power in the world is constantly changing, so it is important to take into account current threats and challenges when forming a security architecture. Each country has its own national interests that must be taken into account when developing a common security architecture. No country can guarantee its security alone, so it is necessary to develop cooperation with other countries and international organizations.
The paper examines NATO’s main functions in ensuring cross-border security: guaranteeing collective defense and deterring potential aggressors; participation in peacekeeping operations and security capacity-building programs in various regions of the world; supporting the development of democracy and the rule of law for its members and partner countries; active fight against international terrorism through joint military operations and other measures and others.
The tools of NATO for the formation of a security space were considered: powerful military forces used to deter aggression and protect the members of the Alliance; regular political consultations among its members on security and defense issues; cooperation with other countries and international organizations in order to strengthen international security.
The main principles of building a security architecture:

1. The security of one country cannot be guaranteed at the expense of the security of another.
2. Security architecture should be able to deter potential aggressors.
3. The security architecture should be transparent and predictable for all participants.
4. The security architecture must be able to adapt to changes in the geopolitical situation and the emergence of new threats.

Keywords: Ukraine, NATO, eastern flank, security, geopolitics, military capabilities, reforms, cooperation

Mudrinić L.
Docent, Pravni fakultet, Univerzitet Megatrend, Beograd

Abstract
Lobbying is a special form of gaining influential individuals or groups. It involves the process of developing effective communications with those who have a certain power. The process is considered successful if influential individuals or groups manage to support certain initiatives in the future and intensify their activities in the direction of realizing the planned goals. Lobbying means a way of representing interests in politics, in the executive and legislative power, and influence through personal contacts on public opinion through the media. This is where the method of selective influence on decision-making with a certain strategy comes to the fore. The main goal of lobbying is to gain influence in decision-making and it concerns the relationship with legislative and executive bodies. The term lobbying is associated with a negative perception due to its association with corrupt criminal acts, giving and receiving bribes, trading in influence, and the like. Legitimacy of lobbying derives from the legal regulation, which defines lobbying participants, the conditions they must fulfill in order to participate in the lobbying process, rights and obligations, the manner of conducting lobbying procedures, the content of the lobbying contract, keeping records, submitting reports, as well as penal provisions for non-fulfillment of rights. and the obligation of lobbying participants. That is why it is important to introduce lobbying activities through legal regulations both for action at the supranational European level and at the national level.
Is it and how is it possible to suppress corruption in the highest authorities through legal regulations and lobbying strategies and techniques?

 Keywords: lobbying, democracy, corruption, legal regulation