Papers

Online sales and the challenges facing it (on the example of Georgia)

Shalva Kvezereli, Ketevan Chiabrishvili — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

In the work: "Online sales and the challenges facing it - on the example of Georgia", the strengths and weaknesses of online sales are discussed. This issue is based on the example of the Georgian market and it describes the main challenges that local online stores have today.
Discussion of online sales in the paper is given on the basis of a unified system, which includes two groups of issues. The first group is the impact of online sales on customer satisfaction and includes such issues as: response time; product diversity; availability; user attitude (experience); time to market the product; order visibility; the ability to return to Prokut; Direct sales and flexible pricing. The second group - the impact of online sales on the company's costs, and it consists of the following issues: supplies; Buildings (objects); Transport and information management.
The online store Veli Story operating in the Georgian market is discussed in the later part of the paper. The main stages of its operational activities are given. Here, in the form of a table, the operations of Veli Stori are evaluated based on the above-mentioned unified system. The main challenges faced by this company and the local online companies of the Georgian market in general are highlighted separately.
In the final part, the discussed issues are reconciled and the main theses are voiced, which if successfully solved, local online stores will be able to increase their competitiveness and compete properly with foreign companies in the given industry.

The role of reservist units in total defense

Gocha Batadze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

As it is known, today Georgia has two types of reserves, active and mobilization reserve. The active reserve specifically includes the reserve of specialists and the union of volunteer population selected on the territorial principle, that is, the territorial reserve, who are enrolled in the territorial defense units of the National Guard of the Defense Forces of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. Law of Georgia - according to the Defense Code.
Mentioned units (territorial defense battalions) are located according to the regions of Georgia and they are staffed by the population living in the region, whose registration, assembly and retraining are carried out according to the rules established by law and according to the plans and schedules prepared in advance in the units.
Joining the territorial defense units is voluntary, by signing a 4-year contract. These units unite Georgian citizens of different ages, professions, nationalities and religions. Training meetings help the citizens of one region, who are members of the territorial reserve, to get to know each other better, get closer and unite as a team, which is a prerequisite for the formation of capable units, which units will be used, if necessary, to support local self-government as part of the defense forces of the country during emergency situations, natural disasters and during the state of war in the country. And all measures taken for defense.
The present article deals with the presentation of the role of territorial defense units in the general context of total defense, in parallel with the ongoing reforms in the defense system of Georgia, and their importance in terms of strengthening the country's defense capability, which in their essence represent the so-called part of total defense, the implementation of which was announced by the Government of Georgia years ago.

Regarding engineering development issues

Zurab Samkharadze, Givi Sanadze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The paper discusses the main stages of engineering development and its role in the development of civilization. Emphasis is placed on the use of simple mechanisms from the ancient period to the creation and subsequent evolution of grandiose structures for that period. Engineering has gone through quite difficult stages and has become one of the main forces in the development of civilization. Engineering arose when people felt the need to transform the nature around them and created simple mechanisms such as pulleys, levers, wheels, etc. However, the term "engineering" itself has a more recent origin. An engineer in the Middle Ages was a person who designed, built, and operated siege weapons such as catapults, trebuchets, and more. Sumerian and Akkadian Ziggurats, Pyramids and Lighthouse of Alexandria in Ancient Egypt, Indus Valley Cities, Aqueducts in Minoan Crete, Parthenon and Colossus of Rhodes in Ancient Greece, Roman Aqueduct, Appius Way, Roman Coliseum and Pantheon, Pre-Columbian Cities and Pyramids, Great Wall of China and many other structures It testifies to the ingenuity and skill of ancient engineers. Huge structures were created using simple mechanisms, such as the Pyramid of Cheops. The first minister of Pharaoh Djoser, the founder of the third dynasty of ancient Egypt, who is known to us as Imhotep, is considered to be the first architect and engineer. Early machines powered by water - the water wheel and the water mill - first appeared in the Achaemenid Empire in the early 4th century BC. The ancient Greeks created machines for both civilian and military purposes. They are credited with creating the Antikythera Mechanism - one of the first mechanical computers created in the 2nd century BC. The famous philosopher Archimedes was not only fruitfully engaged in theoretical research, but he also created several mechanisms, such as the Archimedes screw, which was used as a pump. The first attempt to consider engineering as a special type of activity can be considered the work of Vitruvius "Ten Books on Architecture". It makes the first attempts to describe the engineer's activity process. Vitruvius focuses on methods important to the engineer, such as reasoning and invention. In the Middle Ages, people were able to harness the power of the wind. The windmill and the wind pump appeared in the 9th century in the Abbasid Caliphate, which was then in its golden age. Later, windmills became widespread throughout Eurasia. In the first millennium, gunpowder was invented in China, which soon began to be used in military affairs. Gunpowder fireworks, used for public entertainment at celebrations and festivals, gave rise to the first military rockets. In 1698, Englishman Thomas Severy invented a steam-powered water pump for pumping water out of mines. In 1712, another pump was created by Thomas Newcomen based on the design of the French explorer Denis Papin. The 19th and 20th centuries were a time of great social transformations that would not have been possible without the achievements of science and engineering. The 19th century is associated with the "appearance" of electrical equipment. Early in this century, theoretical research on electricity by Alessandro Volta, Andre-Marie Ampere, Michael Faraday, Georg Ohm, and other researchers led to the invention of the electric telegraph, the electric motor in 1872, the telephone in the 1870s, and the electric tramway in the 1880s. The role of this field in the development of civilization can be seen from the discussion of the stages of engineering development. Engineering has gone through quite difficult stages. Its evolution was related to human needs and became one of the main forces in the development of civilization.

State of the Art Artificial Intelligence

Ketevan Kveselava, Zurab Samkharadze, Nino Verulava — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The article provides a brief history of work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), describes the directions of artificial intelligence, the paper also discusses the current state of research and development of AI systems, and lists a general overview of the main trends. The authors of the paper focus on research and development (R&D) in the field of artificial intelligence, which shows the possibilities of using artificial intelligence systems in the field of public administration. The article also points out, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has a significant impact on the education sector, and advances in AI solutions have enormous potential to achieve social good and sustainable development goals. The authors emphasize that realizing this potential in practice requires systemic changes in regulatory policy, enhanced ethical oversight, and comprehensive engagement with practitioners and academic researchers worldwide.
The paper also examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of modern human development, The authors highlight both its achievements and the problems associated with it. The article analyzes various aspects of the use of artificial intelligence in key areas such as healthcare, education, finance and transportation. Special attention is paid to the impact of artificial intelligence on the efficiency of work processes and the quality of people's lives. In addition, critical issues related to the social aspects of the development of artificial intelligence are discussed, including issues of data privacy and replacement of human labor. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of AI, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and informed approach to its further development and integration into society.

The causes of the war between Russia and Ukraine

Zurab Mchedlishvili — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

In this work, the causes of the war in Ukraine are analyzed; The factors that led to the start of full-scale hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. The political context that became the cause of this very tense conflict between the brotherly nations is analyzed in detail. Russia's position is unequivocal - it will no longer tolerate the existence of neo-Nazi movements in Ukraine and the country's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance; Russia also categorically demands Ukraine's declaration of neutrality.
Before the aforementioned military confrontation, the parties were gradually advancing. After the "Maidan" in Kiev, Russia carried out direct aggression on the Crimean peninsula, which it later declared as a territory belonging to Russia. Military formations were also brought into the Donetsk and Luhansk districts on the grounds that the ethnic Russian population living in the said territories was being bombarded and harassed by Kiev.
After V. Zelensky and his party ("Servant of the People") came to power in Ukraine, the situation became extremely tense. The new government clearly announced that its goal was to join Ukraine in the North Atlantic Alliance as soon as possible and to return the territories occupied by Russia by any means, that is, to restore the country's territorial integrity with the help of Western structures. As a result, Russia directly intervened and started a war.
At this stage, Ukraine is supported by the so-called Global West, and on the Russian side we look at the so-called BRICS countries. The war brought huge losses to Ukraine, the country's economy was destroyed, millions of people became refugees, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed, but the end of the war is not in sight.

The Role of Motivation in Improving the Quality of Teaching and Learning

Sophiko Tskhelishvili — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Learning is a challenging but engaging process. Students come to school with varying levels of motivation, and their readiness and determination are crucial in this process.It is also essential to consider the structure of each subject in terms of content and the objectives set. However, there is no doubt that the teacher's behavior, skills, methods of conveying and explaining concepts, both formal and informal interactions with students, and a learning environment tailored to outcomes all play a significant role in enhancing student motivation. This article precisely addresses these topics. The article reflects observations and activities I have carried out over recent years of my teaching career, conducted at the Cadets Military Lyceum. The paper discusses issues related to learning motivation in Georgian language and literature lessons at this school, as well as the changes planned and implemented to address these problems. Motivation significantly influences a student's achievements. Educational psychologists highlight two main factors in discussing learning motivation: external and internal. Internal motivation is more intrinsic and driven by the desire to study a particular subject or topic. It is primarily influenced by a student’s inherent interests and their need for personal development. In most cases, such students are not motivated by rewards or incentives. External factors are often driven by a student’s desire to avoid negative assessments or punishment. Experts believe that teachers should place more importance on internal motivation. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case—they frequently stimulate students artificially in the learning process and try to increase both motivation and learning quality through engaging activities. Every student should feel like a part of a learning-oriented community, and a positive and comfortable environment should be created for them to express their skills and aspirations. In the teaching and learning process, a results-oriented teacher must be able to take this into account. Both the literature reviewed and personal experience have made it clear that more attention should be given to certain factors essential for increasing motivation, such as: providing positive feedback, setting achievable goals, incorporating realistic, interest-based topics, granting the freedom of choice, fostering a sense of belonging, building supportive relationships, considering each student’s interests, and developing corresponding learning strategies.

Analysis of Cybersecurity Challenges in the Context of Modern Military Conflicts

Nani Arabuli, Romeo Galdava, Giorgi Kokhreidze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

This paper examines cybersecurity challenges in the context of modern military conflicts, their impact on countries' defense capabilities, and the key directions that define successful cyber defense. The research analyzes critical infrastructure protection, government agency security, economic security, protection of democratic processes, and military advantage from a cybersecurity perspective. Special attention is paid to the statistical analysis of cyber-attacks based on modern conflicts, their forms, and impact on military operations. The paper also proposes an organizational structure model for cyber units, discusses the specifics of their defensive and offensive operations, and justifies the necessity of creating a specialized cyber unit in Georgia, which would significantly strengthen the country's defense capabilities.

Censorship and freedom of speech

Nino Gogilava — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Censorship and freedom of speech are two significant concepts that often intersect with each other. Freedom of speech allows individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and emotions on any subject. This right is crucial for the protection of democratic society and fundamental human rights. However, freedom of speech is not absolute and has certain limits to prevent discrimination, defamation, or the disruption of public order. Censorship, in most cases, refers to actions taken by the government to restrict or ban certain content, such as for political reasons or to protect public safety. However, censorship is often criticized as it can be repressive and limit personal and professional freedoms. Therefore, censorship and freedom of speech are constantly in a delicate balance that requires responsibility and a well-considered approach.

The negative influence of fragile and non-established states on the world order

Paata Maisuradze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

There is discussed the fragile and non-established states in this work, which are characterized by identical systemic vulnerabilities, weak governance, and unstable social-economic backgrounds. In general, the term "fragile states" refers to countries that face challenges such as weak governmental institutions, politically unstable environments, and high levels of poverty. Such states cannot ensure such important factors as human rights and the rule of law on the one hand, and complete control of the country's territory on the other hand. That ultimately leads to the promotion of extremism and transnational crime, the disruption of vital functions for the country and causes the creation of alternative power structures. Understanding the root causes of state fragility plays an important role in developing effective and efficient action plans, as it ensures that fragile states are prevented from fragility and maintain sustainability. The factors that contribute to the process of state collapse are very complex and they come from political, economic and social conditions. Accordingly, international efforts should be united and directed towards promoting the development of fragile states. In the conditions of globalization, international security is directly related to the stability of each state. Therefore, the negative impact of non-developed countries is reflected on other states as well, which once again emphasizes the need for joint strategies to promote sustainable development.

The role of the United Nations in international relations

Sergo Tevzadze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The topic "The role of the United Nations in international relations" discusses the historical precedents of the establishment and development of the mentioned organization, including the diversity of its activities and the stages of development of both the organization and its activities, the peace missions carried out in different parts of the world, determining the necessity of its involvement in maintaining world peace.

Significant attention is paid to the contribution made to the maintenance of world peace and stability, carried out after the end of hostilities between the opposing parties, through the processes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, through the implementation of political, economic, social and cultural programs. The topic clearly shows both the strengths and weaknesses of the United Nations Organization, their impact on the organization and the projects and programs implemented by it, as well as the opinion and views of the world community in relation to the international organization. The activities of the United Nations emphasize the importance of implementing actions focused on peace and stability in the post-conflict period, the need for the development of political and civil organizations, and the unconditional protection of human rights.

The paper also discusses the compatibility and cooperation of the organization's activities with other international organizations, difficulties and challenges, the prerequisites for cooperation with it and the peculiarities of the directions of activity, as well as the growth of the role and need of the United Nations in maintaining world peace and stability for a long time.

The dynamics of US-Iran relations - from alliance to hostility

Ioseb Turashvili — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, US-Iranian relations entered a heated phase. In the same year, after Iranian students stormed the US embassy and took embassy employees hostage, the United States and Iran severed diplomatic relations in April 1980. After that date, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran did not have official diplomatic relations. However, until 1979, the two countries had a clearly different relationship. For the United States, Iran was one of the most important bulwarks in the Middle East and was even called the "island of stability" and the "gendarme of the Gulf", which indicates the importance of US-Iranian relations to each other. Before the Islamic Revolution, for the United States, Iran was a deterrent to the spread of the Soviet Union and communism in the Middle East. Iran was also a regional counterweight to the Arab countries united in the Middle East, opposing the main US ally - Israel.

It should be noted that after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran was the most active supporter of terrorism in the world. For years, Iran has been arming, financing, training and providing various types of assistance to anti-American and anti-Israeli terrorist organizations. The list of these terrorist organizations supported by Iran includes Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas, etc. For more than four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been posing a great challenge to the international community. On the one hand, the Iranian regime’s radical Islamist ideology, support for terrorism and regional subversion, and on the other hand, its pursuit of illegal nuclear weapons potential, have made it a dangerous revisionist force, which has led to the confrontation and the formation of hostile relations between the US and Iran.

Methodologically, the work falls into the category of qualitative research, and various qualitative research techniques were used to collect data during the research process.

The work is based on the assumptions and conjectures of dominant and influential theories of international relations, namely neoclassical realism and holistic constructivism.

The study has shown that Iran’s attempt to create nuclear weapons is conditioned by the desire to change the balance of power in the Middle East region, which has led to the formation of hostile relations between the US and Iran. Iran's nuclear program, which was supported by the United States before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, became a threat to American political elites after the revolution. In the context of constructivism, it is precisely the change in identity and perceptions between countries that led to the confrontation between them and the transformation of foreign policy. Neoclassical realism believes that state action in the international system can be explained by: the intervention of systemic variables - such as the distribution of power in countries; cognitive variables - such as the accuracy of a state's perception and prediction of other states' intentions and alleged foreign policies; internal variables - such as perceptions of leaders, state institutions, political parties; ruling elites, which influence the power and freedom of action of decision-makers in foreign policy. According to neoclassical realism, distrust and misperception among states, the lack of ability or inability of state leaders to mobilize state power and public support, can lead to insufficient or excessive balancing, which leads to imbalances in the international system, the rise and fall of great powers, and war.

Disinformation in the Digital Age: Challenges, Consequences, and Solutions

Sofia Sivsivadze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

In the digital age, the spread of misinformation has become an important global problem. The rapid growth of social media and digital platforms has allowed false and misleading information to reach a wide audience within minutes. Dissemination of false information can happen unintentionally. However, disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of incorrect or misleading information to the public, often for political, social or financial purposes. Misinformation is a significant challenge of the modern world, which prevents the development and establishment of democracy in any state. It is designed with the intention of manipulating the public to deceive and sow discord. Its main purpose is to make a specific profit or spread information that will influence the formation of public opinion and change people's actions. Despite their diversity in terms of political systems, media and civil society development, countries around the world face many challenges when it comes to disinformation. This article discusses the challenges of disinformation in the digital age, its broad implications and possible solutions to prevent its harmful effects.

Renewable Energy Factor in Ensuring the Country's Security

David Tabatadze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Renewable energy sources play an important role in strengthening the country's energy and political security. Their use reduces dependence on imported energy, ensures a sustainable and stable energy supply, promotes economic growth and improves environmental standards. Georgia, with its hydropower, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal resources, has the potential to develop renewable energy sources and contribute to the country's energy independence and strengthening its international position. Despite the existing technological and financial challenges, both energy and political security can be strengthened through the right policies, international support and investments. The development of renewable energy creates significant social, economic and environmental benefits, which are essential for the country's sustainable development.

“Georgia aspires to become an advanced developed country, part of the Western democratic world, a member of the European Union and an equal partner of NATO member states. The country's energy policy, whether in terms of security, decarbonization, economic cooperation, social, research or other aspects, is a key direction for ensuring these aspirations."

Challenges of planning, programming, and budgeting in crisis situations from the perspective of law enforcement agencies

Nugzari Kvariani — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Planning, programming, and budgeting are essential and significant processes in any organization. Equally important is the environment in which the management and responsible individuals of an organization operate. This is particularly relevant for institutions such as the Ministry of Defense or other security agencies. Often, during the Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (PPBS) process, challenges arise that are made more difficult by the operational context. In times of crisis—such as natural disasters, pandemics, or armed conflicts—effective planning, programming, and budgeting (PPB) are vital for military organizations to respond swiftly and efficiently. However, crisis situations present unique challenges that complicate the PPB process. This paper examines the main challenges faced by security agencies during the PPB process in crisis situations. Through the analysis of examples, the challenges are identified, and strategies for addressing and overcoming them are proposed. The paper aims to demonstrate the critical role of planning, programming, and budgeting in managing and effectively resolving crisis situations for security agencies.

US-China competition and international order

Shota Otkhozoria — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The article discusses the competition of the main actors of the modern international system, the United States and China, and their influence on the global political and economic order. Despite the current challenges, the United States still remains the world's most powerful global power, which is being challenged by the dynamic rise of China, which is reflected in its rapid economic growth and expanding global influence.

The article also outlines the importance of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.) as a collective alternative economic and political power to the West.

In the context of the competition between the United States and China, the paper also discusses the influence of "hard" and "soft" forces on the international order.

The main challenge of the international system is to manage the tensions between the great powers so that the competition does not turn into an open conflict.

The stability of the international system will largely depend on the extent to which global powers can establish cooperation. The future of the world will depend on the balance of competition and cooperation between the great powers, which will determine the stability and development vectors of the international system.

Cooperative development in Georgia, opportunities and challenges

Merab Khimshiashvili — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Cooperative development in Georgia is an important key process that contributes to the stability of the country's economy and the development of farmers. Cooperatives, as organizations established based on cooperation, create a variety of opportunities, which is especially important for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Cooperatives, as a collective entrepreneurial model, provide more efficient mechanisms for the production and sale of products, which contributes to the effective use of local resources and the economic development of the population. The aim of the article is to share with the reader the importance of cooperatives in the process of economic development of the country, including in the field of agriculture and local businesses, as well as to analyze the role of cooperatives, the existing opportunities and challenges faced by this model in Georgia, their impact on the socio-economic development of the country, as well as the essential importance of state support policy. The Georgian agricultural sector, in the process of transformation, is full of challenges, however, cooperatives allow the rural population not only to improve the quality of their own products, but also, to cooperate and develop specific sectors based on common interests and needs. Through cooperatives, entrepreneurs and farmers unite under a single product, which allows them to produce a more competitive product in the market, which is of course also reflected in prices. The article will also discuss international experience in terms of the development of cooperatives, as well as successful models of various countries that can be used for Georgia. For example, in European countries, cooperatives play an important role in the process of rural development.

Digitalization of public services

Aluda Silagadze — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The development of digital services is one of the most critical aspects of modern public administration, aiming to provide citizens with faster, more transparent, and efficient services. This study evaluates the importance of implementing digital services, identifies existing challenges, and proposes effective solutions, while also analyzing successful international case studies. By combining theoretical analysis and practical examples, the research offers a comprehensive perspective on the potential of digital transformation.

The successful implementation of digital services depends on several critical factors, including developing technological infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity mechanisms, promoting digital literacy, and designing citizen-centric services. The study examines successful cases from Estonia, Singapore, and Scandinavian countries, which are widely recognized as global leaders in digital governance. These countries demonstrate that the integration of digital services not only simplifies administrative processes but also increases citizen engagement and trust in government institutions.

However, significant challenges accompany the implementation of digital services. A primary issue is the lack of technological infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, where internet access remains limited. Additionally, insufficient digital skills hinder citizens and public sector employees from effectively utilizing digital platforms. Cybersecurity also remains a critical challenge, as the protection of personal data continues to be one of the major vulnerabilities of digital transformation.

To overcome these challenges, increased investment in infrastructure is necessary, including the acceleration of nationwide internet coverage and the integration of innovative technologies. Furthermore, digital literacy programs should be introduced at all levels, from schools to public sector training, ensuring improved digital skills among the population. Strengthening cybersecurity mechanisms and adopting modern data protection standards are equally vital for the successful implementation of digital services.

The recommendations proposed in this research include:

Enhancing technological infrastructure – ensuring high-speed internet access in all regions.

Promoting digital literacy – through educational campaigns and training programs.

Encouraging public-private partnerships – to accelerate technological innovation.

Developing citizen-centric services – by creating simple, user-friendly platforms.

Strengthen cybersecurity standards to ensure high levels of information security.

The development of digital services is not merely a technological innovation but a critical tool for strengthening the relationship between the state and society. Its success relies on inclusive approaches, systematic investments, and the creation of services tailored to citizens’ needs. This study's findings highlight that digital transformation will play a pivotal role in improving governance efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement in the modern era.