The current issue of IMEMO series «Global Development» is based on the agenda of the eponymous international conference of young scholars, which was held at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations (April, 22–23, 2021) devoted to the Year of Science and Technology in Russia 2021. The collection of articles encompasses the area of economical and political transformations in the modern world. The book focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the configuration of economic, political and information issues, as well as military and energy security dynamics. Special attention is paid to the development of national and supranational strategies for responding to the pandemic. This edition is addressed to the researchers, political and economic analysts, high-school teachers, post-graduate students and broader range of those interested in the world economy, policy, and international relations.