Modern Youth Foreign Policy Orientations in the Context of International Tension

Introduction. The study of the peculiarities of foreign policy orientations of various social groups is of great importance for modern Russian society and requires comprehensive analysis in the context of the ongoing transformations of the world order and international tensions. The purpose of the research is to determine the structure and dynamics of foreign policy orientations of Russian youth in modern conditions. Materials and Methods. Analysis of all-Russian surveys on similar topics was conducted; the results of quantitative and qualitative author’s studies conducted in 2023–2024 among youth of the Russian regions: Penza, Saratov and Tyumen regions were analyzed. This made it possible to identify the dominant foreign policy orientations of young people and reveal the degree of support for Russia’s political course in the international arena. Results. The author’s structural model is presented, reflecting the essential content and main components of the system of foreign policy orientations of Russians, based on the Russian foreign policy approach at three levels: cognitive, identification-evaluation and activity. The author’s research allowed to obtain new data on the system and dominant foreign policy orientations, their direction and current dynamics; the similarity of foreign policy orientations of youth in different regions was determined and some of their differences in the socio-demographic section were revealed. Discussion and Conclusion. The foreign policy orientations of modern young people are highly developed, which is reflected both at the cognitive and at the identification-evaluation level. A positive image of Russia has been formed in their consciousness; they fully share Russia’s leading role in the modern world order and demonstrate understanding and acceptance of the foreign policy decisions made. The obtained results can be used in improving the conceptual framework of youth policy and the system of civic education of modern youth.