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The latest developments in world politics have invariably shown the growing role of non-state actors (NSAs) in international affairs. Although this factor has drawn increased attention in both academic discourse and applied research, problems related to NSA typology remain unclarified. The present paper analyzes existing approaches to the categorization of various NSAs operating in the global political arena and proves that the available classifications of NSAs fail to represent present-day political realities, particularly in the Middle East. Proceeding from Phillip Taylor's renowned classification of NSAs, the authors offer a new approach to differentiating NSAs acting in the Middle East, and suggest using such criteria as their relation to the state in terms of functions, state orientation, objectives, and system of management. For reasons of space, the present paper does not discuss the funding of NSAs' operations and the extent to which they resort to violence in their activities.

The article examines the competition assessment methodology for retail electricity markets, practiced by antimonopoly regulation agency in Russia. On the side it reviews the system of ranking competition assessment used by regulatory authorities in the European countries with electricity markets successful liberalization and competitive environment. The appropriate recommendations are developed to enhance the competition assessment methodology for retail electricity markets in Russia.