EVOLUTION OF THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN RUSSIA UNDER CONDITIONS OF INCREASING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of sustainable development strategies implemented by the European Union, the United States, China, and Russia. The methodological basis of the research includes comparative and statistical analysis. The study’s novelty lies in examining the implementation of the sustainable development concept in Russia within the context of intensifying global economic and geopolitical competition among major centers of power.
The results demonstrate that the European Union follows an ideologically driven model focused on achieving carbon neutrality, which often leads to higher economic costs and slower growth. The United States exhibits political polarization in its approach: while the Democratic Party promotes environmental initiatives, the Republican Party prioritizes industrial competitiveness, resulting in policy inconsistency. China’s sustainable development policy is characterized by pragmatism and export orientation; state subsidies and industrial incentives have turned the country into a global leader in clean technologies.
In Russia, sustainable development evolved from market-driven ESG adoption by large businesses in the early 2000s to a state-coordinated model integrated into national strategic planning. The Russian approach seeks to balance economic efficiency, social progress, and environmental protection, emphasizing technological sovereignty and long-term stability. Cooperation with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation reflects Russia’s aspiration to develop alternative frameworks for sustainable development that consider national interests and economic realities.