The Journal of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Series: International Relations. Economics. Country Studies. Tourism

Institutional innovation in European security, and the rise of ethical-analytical centres

Salvatore Giacomuzzi, Ivan Titov, David Clowes, Markus Ertl — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Problem: Existing approaches to European security governance remain fragmented, focusing either on traditional deterrence or on sector-specific risk management. Such compartmentalization fails to capture the systemic complexity of hybrid threats, strategic volatility, and democratic vulnerabilities. Subject: This article examines the institutional design and function of ethical-analytical centres, focusing on the International Security Competence Center (ISCC) in Vienna and the Centre for Security Studies (CSS) in Kraków as innovative nodes within the evolving European security architecture. This perspective is enriched by insights from collaborating institutions such as the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the Hayek Institute (Vienna), the University of Southern Denmark, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Ivan Franko National Universities (Lviv and Poltava), and the UN U4SSC initiative in Vienna, forming a transnational reference frame that links ethical education, systems modelling, governance diagnostics, and resilience research. Goal: The goal is to conceptualize an integrated framework that combines ethical governance–value orientation, narrative competence, democratic legitimacy–with systems-based foresight, including policy simulation, resilience modelling, and governance diagnostics. Objective: Specifically, the study addresses the lack of a unified institutional model that translates foresight outputs into operational procedures while safeguarding democratic principles and proposes a pathway to close this translation gap. Methods: The analysis applies system analysis to map cross-sector vulnerabilities, narrative analysis to examine the role of ethical literacy and public trust in crisis leadership, and comparative institutional analysis to assess complementarities between ISCC and CSS. Results: The article identifies key gaps in operational metrics for ethical and narrative competence, cross-domain integration, and the education-to-policy pipeline. It demonstrates how hybrid institutions like ISCC and CSS can address these deficits by embedding ethical reflection and systems analysis into European security governance. Conclusions: The proposed framework positions ethical-analytical centres as prototypes for anticipatory, value-coherent, and operationalizable security governance, offering measurable dimensions – readiness, legitimacy, and narrative integrity–to guide future research, education, and policy implementation.

The African Union as a Model of Continental Integration: Experience, Challenges, and Prospects

Tetiana Mirosnychenko — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article investigates the integration processes within the African Union (AU) and examines the structural imbalances that hinder the formation of a unified economic, social, and political space across the continent. The purpose of the study is to identify the main challenges affecting inter-state integration and to assess the prospects for enhancing cooperation among member states. The subject of research includes economic, social, and institutional indicators of African Union member countries, with a particular focus on trade, logistics, human development, and political integration. The study employs a comparative and analytical methodology, combining quantitative analysis of socio-economic indicators, trade statistics, and governance indices with a dissimilarity index to evaluate disparities between countries. Data from international statistical sources and AU reports were used to construct matrices of intra-union trade, logistics performance, human development, and political and social integration. The methodology allowed for the identification of clusters of countries with similar characteristics and the analysis of structural gaps among economically advanced and fragile states. The results reveal significant heterogeneity among AU member states. Economic disparities are pronounced, with countries such as Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria leading in GDP and intra-regional trade, while smaller or fragile economies such as the Central African Republic, Chad, and Somalia lag behind. Social and political indicators demonstrate that most countries face low levels of human development, high multidimensional poverty, and weak institutionalization of democratic norms. Additionally, logistical inefficiencies and limited transport infrastructure restrict intra-regional trade and hinder investment. The dissimilarity index highlights high divergence across 24 of 45 analyzed country pairs, indicating structural obstacles to deeper integration. The study concludes that the African Union’s integration is constrained by economic, social, and political imbalances, underdeveloped logistics, and limited intra-regional trade. Addressing these challenges through coordinated policies and targeted investment in infrastructure, governance, and human capital is essential for accelerating the AU’s path toward full regional integration.

International security in international relations theory: levels of analysis and explanatory frameworks

Mykola Pysarevskiy, Iryna Panova, Mykhailo Sidorov — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the analysis of international security within contemporary International Relations theory, with a particular focus on levels of analysis and explanatory frameworks. The relevance of the topic is determined by the transformation of the global security environment in the early twenty-first century, manifested in the hybridization of armed and non-armed conflicts, the increasing role of non-state actors, the spread of cyber and information threats, and the growing technological dimension of security. Under these conditions, traditional military-centred approaches that long dominated International Relations theory appear limited in their capacity to explain current security processes. The subject of the study is theoretical approaches to the analysis of international security within the main paradigms of International Relations theory, namely realism, liberalism, and constructivism, as well as their corresponding analytical levels and explanatory frameworks. The aim of the article is to systematize theoretical approaches and levels of analysis of international security in order to establish a coherent methodological basis for examining contemporary security challenges. The objectives of the study include clarifying the conceptual boundaries of international security within International Relations theory, identifying the analytical potential of individual, state, and systemic levels of analysis, and conducting a comparative assessment of the explanatory capacity of the main theoretical paradigms. The methodological framework of the research is based on general scientific and specialized methods, including system analysis to identify interconnections between different dimensions of security, comparative analysis to contrast theoretical interpretations, structural-functional analysis to examine the role of institutional factors, and conceptual generalization. The results of the study demonstrate that no single theoretical approach provides a comprehensive explanation of contemporary international threats, while effective analysis of international security requires the integration of individual, state, and systemic levels of analysis. It is shown that the interaction of structural conditions of the international system, institutional regulatory mechanisms, and ideational factors related to identities and political discourses forms a coherent analytical model for the study of security processes. The conclusions indicate that the integration of analytical levels and explanatory frameworks ensures a holistic theoretical understanding of international security and enhances the analytical capacity for examining contemporary security dynamics within the international system.

Global Powers and Regional Instability: The Influence of External Actors on the Geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean

Saeidah Almuzoughi — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The relevance of the topic is due to the growing role of the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic region where the interests of global powers and regional actors intersect, which forms a complex system of interaction and competition and directly affects global security. The subject of the article is the influence of external actors on the level of regional instability and the dynamics of conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean. The purpose of the study is to examine the mechanisms of global powers’ influence on political, economic, and security processes in the region, as well as to identify the factors that increase or reduce the level of conflict. The research tasks include analyzing the political strategies of key actors, identifying the main factors of destabilization, and assessing the dual effect of external presence (stabilizing and destabilizing). The research methods include system analysis – to determine the role of the Eastern Mediterranean in contemporary geopolitics; comparative analysis of political strategies – to identify common and distinctive elements of global powers’ approaches; and analysis of official statistics, declarations, and open sources – to formalize the cause-and-effect relationships between the actions of external actors and the level of regional tension. The results of the study show that the presence of the United States, Russia, and China in the Eastern Mediterranean takes place through military bases, economic projects, and diplomatic alliances, which both support stability and create new sources of conflict. The analysis reveals that competition in the fields of security and energy, as well as the escalation of territorial disputes, increases regional tensions and complicates the search for compromises. The conclusions state that the dual nature of external influence requires the development of new approaches to international cooperation, aimed at multilateral dispute resolution, strengthening the role of international organizations, and forming innovative models of cooperation. The obtained results serve as a basis for the practical activities of international institutions and state structures to reduce regional tensions and to elaborate effective strategies for the interaction of external actors.

Audit committee characteristics and market value of deposit money banks in Nigeria

Aduwo Olola Olayeye — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study looked at how Nigerian market value deposit money banks were affected by audit committee features. Data were collected from the financial statements of listed DMBs in Nigeria during an eleven-year period, from 2011 to 2022, using an expo-facto research approach. Data from the annual reports of the chosen companies were gathered using a secondary source of data. Regression using panel data was used in the study. Panel data regression was used in the study as the estimation method. According to the study, market performance is positively impacted by the size of the audit committee. This is consistent with the agency theory's premise that a larger audit committee will enable the committee to fulfill its supervision role more effectively and enhance market performance. Furthermore, it was found that audit committee independence, audit committee gender diversity and audit committee meeting have negative and insignificant effect on market performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study concluded that audit committee size is an important for improving market performance. In view of this, the study recommends that the management of deposit money should maintain adequate audit committee size with adequate independent, gender diversity and meeting in order to reduce cost of monitoring, provide access to information and skills by incorporating the best committee member.

Impact of Financial Technology (FinTech) on Accounting Efficiency and Supply Chain Performance in Nigeria’s Logistics Sector

Akanbi Taibat Adenike, Gbadegesin Adeolu Emmanuel — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research examines how Financial Technology (FinTech) and accounting efficiency affect the performance of the supply chain in the Nigerian logistics industry. Using annual time-series data between 2000 and 2024, the study follows an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling strategy to estimate both short-run dynamics and long-run relationships. The value of electronic financial transactions is used as a proxy of FinTech adoption, financial reporting quality indices as a proxy of accounting efficiency, and composite logistics indicators as a proxy of supply chain performance. Descriptive analysis shows that there is a lot of variation in FinTech uptake but not much variation in accounting practices. Cointegration of the variables is supported by the ARDL bounds test. The long-run estimates show that the efficiency of FinTech and accounting have a statistically significant positive impact on logistics performance, with coefficients of 0.42 and 0.35, respectively. In the short-run, the efficiency gains of accounting have an immediate effect, and the benefits of FinTech are felt in a more long-term way. The error correction term implies a high rate of convergence to equilibrium (adjustment speed of 45%). Model robustness is validated by diagnostic tests. The results suggest that FinTech usage and effective financial management are mutually supportive factors of supply chain efficiency in Nigeria. Based on this, companies and policy makers ought to intensify the use of digital financial instruments and enhance accounting functions to promote robust and competitive logistics systems.

Effect of sector-specific domestic investments on economic growth in Nigeria: a comparative analysis of agriculture, manufacturing, and services

Babajide Francis Fadaka, Pelumi Abdulmalik Adewumi — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigates the relative contributions of industry, services, and agriculture to Nigeria's economic growth. The research study covers a period of 24 years, from 2000 to 2023. Data are obtained from the Central Bank Statistical Bulletin and World Development Indicators. The estimation technique employed shall be the Autoregressive Distributed Lag. These results make it clear that if economic development is to be witnessed in Nigeria, the country needs investments in domestic agriculture. On one hand, industry significantly negatively impacts economic growth in the long run while being insignificant in the short run, according to this research. Investment in local manufacturing negatively influences economic development in Nigeria; this suggests inefficiency or a structural bottleneck that may stand in the way of the capacity of the country for growth. However, the service industry is a major determinant of economic growth in the country because of its positive influence on the economic development of Nigeria. The findings of this study suggest that such policies aimed at increasing domestic investments in services and agriculture while tackling the challenges of manufacturing industries would be critical for long-term economic growth, considering the proportionate importance of each sector. Based on this, the report calls for an investment approach that is more sophisticated, taking into consideration the needs of individual sectors and their linkages to the Nigerian economy in general.

The Inflation Threshold and Economic Growth Dynamics in Algeria: A Smooth Transition Regression (STR) Model Study (1980–2024)

Belfodil Kamel — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to explore the complex and nonlinear relationship between inflation and economic growth in Algeria over the period 1980–2024, with a particular focus on identifying the “inflation turning point” at which inflation’s effect on growth shifts from positive to negative. The research is based on the hypothesis that the rentier nature of the Algerian economy coupled with its heavy dependence on oil price fluctuations and the central role of the state makes it difficult to analyze its behavior using traditional linear economic models. For this reason, the study employs the Smooth Transition Regression (STR) model, which is particularly suited to capturing gradual changes in variable effects at specific threshold levels. The analysis uses annual data spanning 45 years and includes five key variables: real GDP growth rate (GDPG), the log-transformed inflation rate (LNINF), credit to the private sector (FD), government spending (GOV), and the investment rate (INV). The data were sourced from reputable institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF. After ensuring the stationarity of the time series using ADF and PP tests, preliminary correlation and linearity tests were conducted before applying the STR model. The results revealed that the linear model fails to fully capture the dynamics of the Algerian economy. Investment had a statistically significant positive impact on growth (p < 0.05), while credit had only a weak influence (around 0.05). Inflation and government spending showed no clear effect unless a structural shift occurred. In the nonlinear segment of the model, inflation was found to become a constraint on growth after crossing a threshold of 0.708, corresponding to an annual inflation rate of approximately 5–6%. Beyond this point, inflation exerted a strongly negative and statistically significant effect on growth (p < 0.001), and the effectiveness of investment declined under high inflation conditions. Model diagnostics, including an R² of 0.9735, a strong F-statistic, and low Akaike and Schwarz information criteria, confirmed the adequacy of the STR model for this dataset. These findings underscore the importance of adopting more flexible economic policies, especially in maintaining inflation within safe bounds, improving the efficiency of spending and investment, and enhancing the role of financial intermediation in financing the private sector. The study also opens the door for further research using more advanced dynamic models such as LSTR or ESTAR, particularly in rent-based economies like Algeria.

Prospects and features of UAV production development in Ukraine

Andrii Danko — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the current state and prospects of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production sector in Ukraine under martial law and the transformation of the defense-industrial complex. The study focuses on managerial, economic, organizational-technological, and institutional aspects of the UAV market, as well as the potential for building an innovation ecosystem in this sector. The purpose of the research is to identify trends, problems, and strategic directions for the development of the Ukrainian UAV industry, considering its critical role in national security and the economy. The methodology includes secondary data analysis, content analysis of analytical and statistical reports, Porter’s Diamond Model, and comparative assessment of Ukrainian UAV characteristics versus foreign analogues. Results: The study identifies key factors of competitiveness, such as increasing demand from the Armed Forces, availability of highly qualified specialists, development of innovative startups, and the need to localize critical components. The research systematizes the main market participants and their specialization and reveals the prerequisites for creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem involving business, science, and the state. The findings serve as a basis for forming government policy to support the industry, for strategic planning of enterprises operating in the UAV sector, and for academic research in unmanned technologies and security. The conclusion states that the Ukrainian UAV industry shows strong development potential but requires institutional strengthening, R&D investment, and active involvement in global markets.

Dynamic relationship between central bank financial policies, capital market volatility, and macroeconomic performance in Nigeria

Lucky Saviour Ozabeme — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the dynamic relationship between central bank financial policies, capital market volatility, and macroeconomic performance in Nigeria from 1990 to 2023. Market capitalization is employed as a proxy for capital market dynamics, while Treasury bill rates capture the monetary policy stance of the central bank. Macroeconomic performance was assessed using annual GDP growth rates. Utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing framework, the analysis accommodates variables integrated at different levels and distinguishes between short-run and long-run effects. Unit root and co-integration tests confirm the existence of a stable long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables. The findings reveal that capital market fluctuations exert a destabilizing effect on macroeconomic performance in the short run but contribute positively to economic growth over the long term. Treasury bill rates demonstrate statistically significant short-term effects; however, their long-run impact is contingent upon the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanisms. Additionally, exchange rate movements and consumer price stability emerge as key influencers of macroeconomic outcomes. The study underscores the necessity for coherent policy measures aimed at strengthening capital market infrastructure, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing investor confidence. Furthermore, reinforcing the credibility and consistency of monetary policy frameworks is essential for achieving long-term macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

Public budget announcement and its implication on stock prices in Nigeria

Lucky Saviour Ozabeme — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The paper investigates the effect of budget announcements to the stock market of Nigeria using some the key macroeconomic indices such as budget size, fiscal deficit, exchange rate, and monetary policy rate (MPR) and inflation rate. The study is based on annual time series of 2006-2023 with the use of the Ordinary Least Squares regression model to examine the sensitivity of the All-Share Index (ASI) to fiscal and macroeconomic policy exhibits. Findings indicate that the stock market and macroeconomic indicators of Nigeria are highly volatile and are moderately correlated to the size of budget and exchange rate. The article reveals the relevancy of monetary policy as a determinant to the behavior of equity market investors in Nigeria.

The effect of electronic payment systems on economic growth in Nigeria: evidence from 2010 to 2023

Lukmon Ayobami Raji — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The effect of electronic payment systems on economic growth in Nigeria was investigated in this study using secondary data obtained from the CBN Statistical Database and NBS for the years 2010q1–Q4 to 2023q1–Q4. The impact of the transaction values of ATM, Mobilepay, POS, and Webpay on Nigeria's real GDP was specifically examined. The work used descriptive statistics and ARDL technique; and adopted an ex-post facto research design. ATM, Mobilepay, and Webpay were found to have positive and significant effects on real GDP in the short and long-term, with coefficient values of 0.26, 0.18, and 0.15 and p-values of 0.0000, 0.0482, and 0.0008 respectively, as opposed to POS, which showed a negative and significant effect on real GDP with a coefficient of -0.07 at a p-value of 0.0137. According to the study's findings, Webpay, Mobilepay, and ATM all positively impacted Nigeria's economic expansion while POS Payment System had a negative impact on real GDP growth. Given the beneficial effects of ATM use on economic growth, the study suggested that banks should promote and facilitate ATM access and use. Additionally, banks should work to increase cyber security and e-payments trust to maintain the positive effects of Webpay on real GDP.

Geo-information modeling of retail areas using databases and a program-analytical approach

Оlena Pomortseva, Taras Nalivayko, Viktor Kozyrenko, Volodymyr Pankiv — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the important issue of finding the best location for a retail store. The study focuses on using geographic information system (GIS) modeling to choose a location for an «Epicentr» chain store in Kharkiv, Ukraine, by applying two-dimensional geospatial models. The aim of the article is to find the most suitable place for a chain store using GIS tools. Since this task requires analyzing many different factors, it cannot be done without a database, GIS software, and programming tools to create custom queries and get accurate location-based data. The main goal is to analyze the service areas – also known as «trade zones» – of existing and destroyed «Epicentr» stores in Kharkiv. The study identifies so-called «white spots», or areas where people have limited access to these stores. General scientific methods of system analysis and geostatistics were used to convert data from a discrete to a continuous form during processing. A combination of geographic and probability models was applied using the Huff model. This helped measure the distance that customers need to travel to reach the shopping area. The study focused on how far potential customers would be willing to go, assuming that for a large chain store, close distance alone is not enough to attract buyers. The research analyzed medium and long-range trade zones, considering the urban layout of Kharkiv. As a result, the optimal location for a new store was identified to replace two that had been destroyed. The study also evaluated the methods used – such as transport accessibility analysis and isochrone mapping (areas reachable within a set time or distance). Both methods gave nearly the same results. The results can help business owners make better decisions when opening new stores. This can reduce risks and support the sustainable and balanced development of the city.

The moderating role of adoption of ifrs between tax avoidance and SMEs performance in Nigeria

Saheed Akande Shittu, Olushola Rasheed Jimoh, Mufutau Akanmu Popoola — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study examines the moderating role of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption between tax avoidance and the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This research explores whether adopting IFRS for SMEs mitigates the negative implications of tax avoidance, which may improve short-term performance but create long-term reputational and operational risks. Using a quantitative research strategy as well as a positivist research philosophy, the respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique based on the relevance of their SME activities and readiness to participate in the study. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to obtain the data from 502 SME owners and managers in Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered via Google Forms, and descriptive statistics as well as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to test formulated hypotheses. The results show that tax avoidance has a positive influence on SMEs’ performance, but its benefits are offset by long-term challenges. IFRS adoption moderates this relationship by enhancing financial transparency and operational efficiency. The study reveals how IFRS adoption can improve financial reporting practices, thus promoting sustainable business growth in emerging economies like Nigeria. The study also shows that IFRS adoption is not just a compliance requirement but can also be a strategic tool to enhance SMEs’ operational performance and reduce risks associated with aggressive tax avoidance.

Global market of sports tourism: current state, regional features, development trends

Taras Bezsmertniuk — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The relevance of this study is determined by the growing role of sports tourism, which is one of the most dynamic segments of the global tourism industry, in shaping the economic potential of regions, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting sustainable tourism development. The subject of the study is the current state, regional features, and development trends of the global sports tourism market. The purpose of the article is to identify the peculiarities of the functioning of the global sports tourism market. The objectives of the study are to analyse the current state of development of the global sports tourism market, characterise the regional features of the market, and outline the trends in the development of the global sports tourism market. To ensure the objectivity of the study, the following scientific methods were employed: analysis, synthesis, comparison, statistical analysis, structural-logical generalization, and systematization. The main results of the study show that the global sports tourism market in 2024 was estimated at $618.69 billion, demonstrating a stable growth trend. Passive sports tourism remains the leading market segment, accounting for the majority of tourist flows and financial revenues. Europe accounts for the largest share of the market (37%), due to its highly developed infrastructure and concentration of global sporting events. North America ranks second, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, where investments in sports infrastructure are intensifying. It has been determined that market growth is stimulated by the popularity of mass sporting events, urbanisation, the digitalisation of tourism services, and increased government support for the industry. Conclusions. The global sports tourism market has high potential for further development, which is associated with the diversification of sports, the growing role of digital technologies, and increased attention to sustainable tourism. Promising areas include the expansion of nostalgic and active sports tourism, the integration of innovative marketing strategies, and the strengthening of partnerships between sports and tourism organisations.

Evaluating the transformation of the contemporary Ukrainian tourist's cultural profile

Hanna Haponenko, Kateryna Mikulina — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the study of the transformation of the cultural profile of the modern Ukrainian tourist and ways of using it for the development of the tourism sector of Ukraine in the current conditions. The focus of the study is the modern Ukrainian tourist. The subject of the study is the cultural profile of the Ukrainian tourist. The purpose of the article is to study the process of transformation of the cultural profile of the Ukrainian tourist based on Hofstede's cultural dimensions and to identify their preferences, expectations, and “pain points” for further practical application in the fields of tourism and hospitality. The methodological basis of the study is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates methods of systems analysis, cultural studies, tourism studies, and sociology. During the study, the comparison method, analysis of scientific literature and secondary data, and a graphical method for visualizing the results were used. In addition, a survey method (questionnaire) was used to conduct empirical research. Changes in the cultural profile of Ukrainian tourists require travel companies to develop relevant, attractive tourism products, and local DMOs to improve communication methods and develop new development strategies. The current success of travel companies and destinations depends both on the quality of services and their ability to meet the cultural expectations and lifestyles of tourists. The study focuses on understanding the cultural motives and value orientations of travelers, as well as on developing culturally sensitive tourism offerings, which is becoming increasingly important for Ukraine's integration into the global tourism market and the development of its national brand. The results of the study, based on a portrait of the modern Ukrainian tourist and an analysis of the current economic conditions of Ukraine's tourism industry, include strategic guidelines for shaping culturally conscious Ukrainian tourists, a model for implementing priority areas for adapting tourism products to changing consumer cultural needs, and proposals for improving Ukraine's tourism policy and branding.

Overview of the global sustainable tourism council standards and suggested indicators for tourism and hospitality

Ganna Gorina, Tetiana Kozhukhova — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the context of rapid growth in the tourism industry and increasing attention to sustainability issues, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards have become an essential benchmark for the hospitality sector worldwide. As Ukraine moves toward integration into the global tourism market, adopting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards is crucial for maintaining environmental, social, and economic sustainability within the industry. The subject of the study is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards and indicators of sustainable tourism and hospitality development. The purpose of the article is to analyze international standards and indicators of sustainable tourism and hospitality development, particularly the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and to determine their significance for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry development. The objectives of the study are: to analyze the structure and content of international standards and indicators for sustainable tourism and hospitality development, with a focus on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria; to determine the significance and practical implications of applying GSTC standards for enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry. Research methods: generalization and systematization (to identify groups of criteria and indicators of sustainable development in the tourism and hospitality industry); systemic and comprehensive analysis (to determine the importance of applying global sustainable tourism council standards for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry development); graphical method (for visual representation of theoretical material). Results. A comprehensive review of the standards and recommended indicators of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for tourism and hospitality has been carried out, with a focus on their structure and key thematic areas. A detailed analysis of the four main blocks of GSTC criteria – effective sustainable management, socio-economic benefits, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental protection – has been conducted. The review demonstrates how these standards align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serve as a universal basis for assessing the sustainability of tourism enterprises and destinations. The necessity of applying GSTC criteria for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry has been substantiated, emphasizing their role in enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. The strategic importance of these standards for post-crisis recovery, shaping a positive image of Ukraine as a sustainable tourism destination, and ensuring long-term resilience through responsible practices has been highlighted.

Reputation as a factor of competitive advantages and long-term development of the company

Olena Yevtushenko, Hanna Haponenko, Irina Shamara — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the context of globalization, digital transformation, and information transparency, corporate reputation represents a strategic resource and a key factor in shaping a company's long-term competitive advantages. It has been established that in a world where more than half of the market capitalization of leading companies is formed by intangible assets, reputation serves as a crucial indicator of business resilience, trust, and investment attractiveness. Reputational capital integrates the economic, social, and ethical behavior of a company and is shaped by product quality, corporate culture, ethical management decisions, communication transparency, and stakeholder engagement. The aim of this study is a comprehensive examination of the role of corporate reputation as a factor in forming competitive advantages and ensuring the long-term development of a company in the modern business environment. The subject of the research includes the mechanisms through which reputation influences competitive advantages and long-term development, i.e., the ways in which reputational capital can be converted into economic and social value. The study employs a combination of theoretical and empirical methods: a systems approach, analytical and comparative analysis, content analysis, generalization, case study analysis of successful and crisis reputation management, analysis of corporate reputation rankings, and expert assessments from professionals in corporate communications and marketing. The integration of these methods provides a comprehensive approach to studying reputation and identifying practical trends for both Ukrainian and international companies. Special attention is paid to the relationship between reputation and competitive advantages, the systematization of management tools (internal, external, and digital), reputational risks, and principles of crisis response. It is demonstrated that reputation is integrated into sustainable development strategies and ESG approaches. The findings of this study can be used to develop corporate reputation management strategies, improve monitoring systems, train specialists in PR, management, and marketing, and guide further research on the impact of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and ESG transformation on corporate reputation.

Tourism cluster as an element of the territorial-functional structure of the recreational complex and an innovative mechanism of tourism development in the countries of the world

Inna Kovtunyk — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Modern world trends require the formation of new economic conditions with an innovative nature of economic relations. Domestic and foreign experts note that one of the most promising areas of innovative economic development of Ukraine is the cluster approach, which is the subject of scientific research, to structuring the economy, studying strategies of national, regional, international economic policy and increasing the competitiveness of products and services in the market. The implementation of the European strategy for the socio-economic development of Ukraine is aimed at creating competitive advantages of the state in various types of economic activity, including tourism, what is the purpose of scientific research. The following methods were used in the scientific work: general philosophical, systemic approach, structural analysis, induction, deduction, comparative, functional, modeling. Research results: The development of tourism clusters as a trend of increasing national and regional competitiveness is one of the components of a modern innovative economy. World practice shows that clustering has a decisive impact on the process of strengthening competitiveness and accelerating innovations, including in the tourism industry. The Podilsko-Bukovynskyi tourist cluster is unique in terms of the availability of tourist resources on its territory. This is explained by the advantageous features of its geographical location and the wealth of tourist potential. The Podilsko-Bukovynskyi cluster, called the “Podilsko-Bukovynske necklace”, includes the cities of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khotyn, Chernivtsi, thus forming a conditional necklace on the map. Scope of application of scientific research results: Tourism cluster created with the aim of tourism developing, its popularizing, attracting investment into the cluster, increasing tourist demand, promoting regional development. Conclusions: Studying the cluster is an important task in terms of its significance for the development of not only regional tourism but also national and international tourism.

The «Slow Food» concept as a tool for preserving gastronomic heritage and sustainable development

Larysa Obolentseva — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the study of the concept of "Slow Food" as one of the effective tools for preserving gastronomic heritage and implementing the principles of sustainable development in the context of globalization transformations of the modern economy. It is substantiated that the spread of fast food chains and the standardization of menus and raw materials lead to the gradual loss of local culinary identity, the depreciation of traditional gastronomic knowledge and the decline of the cultural role of food in society. In such a situation, the concept of "Slow Food" is considered as an alternative model for the development of the food and restaurant sector, aimed at restoring the value of local products, traditional cooking technologies and a conscious attitude to the consumption process. The work systematizes the ideological principles of the "Slow Food" movement, reveals its historical prerequisites and characterizes the key principles - "purity", "honesty" and "taste", which form the conceptual basis of responsible production and consumption of food products. It is proven that these principles cover not only gastronomic, but also ecological, social and ethical dimensions, ensuring the harmonization of interaction between producers, consumers and the natural environment. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the relationship between the Slow Food philosophy and the concept of healthy eating, in particular, in terms of the formation of conscious eating behavior, reducing the risks of excessive consumption, reducing food waste and improving the physical and psycho-emotional well-being of a person. It is substantiated that the integration of the Slow Food principles into the activities of modern restaurant establishments contributes to the development of short supply chains, supporting local farms, preserving traditional culinary practices and forming a unique gastronomic experience for consumers. It is shown that the implementation of this concept has a positive impact on the tourist attractiveness of regions, the formation of local gastronomic brands and increasing the socio-economic sustainability of territories. The article focuses on the peculiarities of the spread of Slow Food ideas in Ukraine, where, despite the growing interest in healthy eating, the philosophy of "slow food" and "slow life" remains insufficiently institutionalized. It is concluded that the concept of "Slow Food" has significant potential as a comprehensive tool for preserving gastronomic heritage, forming a responsible consumer culture, and implementing the principles of sustainable development in the face of modern global challenges.

Gastrodiplomacy as a tool of strategic communication: from local products to global impact

Tetiana Parfinenko — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The object of the study is gastrodiplomacy as a component of the state’s strategic communications within the global environment. The aim of the research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of gastrodiplomacy as a tool for transforming local gastronomic resources into an instrument of international cultural, economic, and political positioning. The methodological framework is based on an interdisciplinary approach that includes structural-functional analysis, comparative examination of global gastrodiplomatic practices, and content analysis of Ukrainian and international case studies. The study determines that gastrodiplomacy is a multilevel process involving state institutions, diplomatic missions, the private sector, media, and local communities. It is substantiated that local food products function as material carriers of cultural identity and serve as drivers of a state’s international representation. The research identifies mechanisms of gastrodiplomacy through global initiatives (such as the Global Thai program and the New Nordic Cuisine movement) and Ukrainian practices implemented by diplomatic institutions, chefs, and civil initiatives. The scope of results encompasses theoretical generalization of gastrodiplomacy, analysis of institutional models, characterization of the role of local products, and assessment of Ukraine’s potential within the field of strategic communications. The conclusions emphasize that gastrodiplomacy contributes to shaping a positive international image, strengthening intercultural dialogue, and integrating into broader cultural diplomacy formats. For Ukraine, it represents an important means of protecting cultural heritage, expanding international agency, and forming a sustainable global cultural narrative.

"Living history" as a tourist product: typology of international practices

Посохов Іван Сергійович — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the analysis of the phenomenon of "living history" as a tourist product, which is formed at the intersection of museum work, historical reconstruction, experimental archaeology and cultural tourism. The subject of the study is modern living history centers, represented by open-air museums, living museums, heritage centers and specialized tourist and scientific complexes. The goal of the work is to conceptualize the concept of "living history" in the tourist context and develop a typology of the corresponding centers based on international experience. To achieve the goal, the following tasks have been defined: to analyze the evolution of the concept of "living history" in humanitarian and tourist studies; to distinguish the related concepts of an open-air museum and a "living museum"; to systematize the key models of functioning of "living history" centers; to outline their tourist, scientific and educational potential. The methodological basis of the study is an interdisciplinary approach, methods of comparative analysis, typology. The results of the work consist in the proposed typology of “living history” centers, taking into account the configurations of combining reconstruction, experimental archaeology and the tourist component, as well as in determining the key characteristics of “living history” as a form of interpretation of cultural heritage. It is proved that in modern conditions “living history” is transformed from museum practice into an independent direction of tourist activity. The conclusions confirm the expediency of considering “living history” as a promising tool for the development of cultural tourism, as well as the relevance of further research into foreign experience and options for its possible adaptation in the Ukrainian context.