The welfare state in modern Russia: theoretical, historical and legal analysis

Relevance. In the context of dynamic socio-economic transformations and globalization, the role of the welfare state in Russia is becoming particularly important as a guarantor of social justice and sustainable development of society. Despite the consolidation of the status of a welfare state in the Constitution of the Russian Federation, there is no unified understanding of its essence and implementation mechanisms in Russian legal science and practice, which requires a deep theoretical, legal and historical analysis. The purpose of the research is to systematize and analyze the main theoretical approaches to understanding the welfare state, to determine its essence in modern Russia through the prism of social justice and social policy, as well as to identify the features of its formation and implementation in the historical and legal context. Objectives: to form a comprehensive definition of the welfare state, taking into account constitutional provisions, historical experience and modern social realities; to substantiate the role of social policy as a key instrument for the implementation of social obligations of the state and mechanisms for ensuring social justice. Methodology. To achieve the purpose of the work, the methods of theoretical-legal and historical-legal analysis, the comparative-legal method, as well as a systematic integrated approach to the study of legal institutions were used. Results. The multifaceted nature of the welfare state, including formal, legal and practical levels, is revealed. The key functions of social policy are defined: protective, regulatory, redistributive, preventive and integration. The article traces the evolution of the institution of the welfare state in Russia from a passive and institutional model to a more active one, taking into account the influence of the Soviet experience and modern challenges. The role of judicial practice in protecting the social rights of citizens is noted. A comparative analysis with foreign models of the welfare state is carried out. Conclusion. The welfare state in Russia is a complex institution that is being formed under the influence of historical, legal, and socio-economic factors. To ensure social justice and sustainable development, it is necessary to further improve social policy, expand social guarantees and enhance interaction between state and non-State actors. Judicial protection of social rights plays an important role in the implementation of the constitutional principles of the welfare State.