ANALYTIC MODEL FOR THE QCD RUNNING COUPLING WITH UNIVERSAL (ALPHA)OVER-BAR(S)(0) VALUE

We discuss the new model expression <(alpha)over bar>(an)(Q(2)) recent ly obtained for the QCD running coupling with a regular ghost-free beh avior in the ''low Q(2)'' region. Being deduced from the standard ''as ymptotic-freedom'' expression by imposing the Q(2) analyticity-without any adjustable parameters-it has nice features: (i) The universal lim iting value <(alpha)over bar>(an)(0) = 4 pi/beta(0) expressed only via group symmetry factors and independent of experimental estimates on t he running coupling <(alpha)over bar>(s)(Q(2)) (of QCD scale parameter Lambda). This value is stable with respect to higher order correction s. (ii) Stability of IR behavior with respect to higher-loop effects. (iii) Coherence between the experimental <(alpha)over bar>(an)(M-r(2)) value and integral information on IR <(alpha)over bar>(s)(Q(2)) behav ior as extracted from jet physics data.