Bibliometric analysis of scientific research on the financial mechanism of NATO activities in the enlargement process

Methods. In the process of scientific research, a set of general scientific and specific research methods was applied. In particular, structural and functional analysis were used to identify internal relationships between key components of the financial mechanism of NATO activities in the process of enlargement. The method of analytical synthesis ensured the formation of a holistic theoretical and methodological model of the study. The bibliometric approach allowed for a quantitative and qualitative assessment of scientific productivity in the relevant field of knowledge, to identify leading research trends and to determine the level of interest of the academic community in the issue of NATO financing. The use of trend analysis made it possible to trace the dynamics of changes in publication activity according to the data of the Scopus scientometric database, taking into account chronological and geographical factors. Cluster analysis, implemented using the VOSviewer toolkit, ensured the construction of a visualized bibliometric map that reflects the spatial and thematic distribution of scientific publications, as well as the intensity of scientific interaction in the context of the researched issues. Results. The author conducted a phased bibliometric analysis of scientific publications devoted to the financial mechanism of NATO's functioning in the process of enlargement. Based on the analysis of Google Trends data, the level of public interest in the topic was determined, which demonstrates a correlation with periods of heightened geopolitical tension. Using the analytical tools of the Scopus database, the dynamics of publication activity, its geographical differentiation, and sources of funding for research projects were studied. Visualization of terminological and conceptual connections, carried out through VOSviewer, made it possible to identify key clusters of scientific discourse, as well as leading countries-generators of knowledge in this area. The results obtained indicate the insufficient development of the financial aspect of NATO's activities in the domestic scientific space, which determines the relevance of further research in this area. Research related to the political, security, and geostrategic aspects of cooperation with NATO prevails. Novelty. A comprehensive bibliometric study of scientific activity on the NATO financial mechanism was carried out, taking into account the context of NATO enlargement. The structural features of the scientific discourse were established, in particular the dominance of political and security topics over economic ones. A terminological model of NATO financial research in the international and national academic space was formed, which creates a basis for further empirical research. Practical value. The results of the study can be used to form scientific research strategies in the field of security and defense, as well as to improve approaches to financial planning within the framework of cooperation with NATO. The collected bibliometric database serves as an analytical tool for scientists, defense policy experts, think tanks and government agencies working on issues of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration.