Trust Dynamics in Socio-Political Institutions: A Comparative Analysis of Perceptions Among Younger Generations in Old and New Russian Regions

The significance of this study lies in understanding the mechanisms driving social and civic integration among young individuals residing in newly incorporated Russian regions. Central to these processes is the degree of trust they place in governmental bodies and public institutions. Drawing upon comprehensive empirical data collected by the researcher, the paper undertakes a detailed comparison between the patterns of institutional and personal trust exhibited by Russian youth hailing from established versus recently annexed regions. Key findings indicate distinct variations in trust levels across regional demographics. Specifically, younger inhabitants of newly integrated territories exhibit greater confidence both in central government entities as well as within their local networks of familial, communal, and societal connections. This phenomenon can be attributed primarily to two interrelated dynamics: firstly, the transformative experience of being formally absorbed into the Russian federation; secondly, prolonged exposure to life under conditions associated with ongoing armed conflicts, which has fostered robust community bonds and cohesive social structures. Moreover, the investigation explores how recent geopolitical developments-such as the commencement of specialized military operations-affect perceptions of trustworthiness among youth populations. It reveals that whereas in traditionally recognized Russian areas, these events lead to diminishing levels of trust, no similar erosion occurs in newer territories. Thus, incorporation into the Russian nation-­state emerges as the pivotal determinant shaping attitudes toward institutions and social relationships alike.