Том 27, № 3 (2025): Digital policies

The academic discourse examines how the specific features and attributes of network communication facilitate transversality in interactive exchanges. Scholars particularly emphasize two key phenomena emerging from networked communication: individuation (the personalization of participation) and network solidarity (collective identity formation). These dual phenomena develop within a communicative space characterized by cooperation, instrumental functionality, shared belonging, visual representation, personalization, and motivational stimulation. A central focus lies in how network communication achieves transversality through what we might term a “politics of difference” - the strategic intersection of diverse perspectives. This transversality manifests through several dynamic qualities: the contextual fluidity of communication processes, their inherent multidimensionality, the strategic adaptability of messages, critical receptiveness to opposing views, self-referential meaning-making, pragmatic interaction patterns, and permeability to institutional influences. Together, these characteristics fundamentally reshape behavioral strategy selection models. Where traditional public choice theory operates on causal logic, communicative transversality shifts strategic priorities toward: precautionary approaches (focusing on effects rather than root causes), trust-building through cooperation, and maximizing latent interaction potential.

This study proposes a novel methodological framework for analyzing key socio-psychological processes, namely in-group cohesion and affective polarization, within digital media during crises. By examining emotional dynamics in Russian-language Telegram channels (2.5k channels, 1.2M messages) across month preceding and following the onset of the Special Military Operation (SMO), we demonstrate an asymmetric transformation: intensified positive consolidation within ideologically aligned communities alongside heightened intergroup polarization, particularly in external engagements. Employing machine learning, text analytics, and network analysis, our work not only captures the specific reaction to the triggering event but also advances social identity theory by highlighting the fundamental role of emotional boundaries in shaping digital communities. These insights retain critical relevance for understanding social media dynamics in contemporary conflicts and societal divisions.

First- and third-person plural pronouns drive the construction and transformation of collective identities in digital protest discourse. Drawing on social identity theory and discourse-analytical approaches, the research analyzes a corpus of 100,000 tweets from July 2013 to December 2014. It examines changes in the use of “we” and “they” by Black Lives Matter (BLM) participants in online discourse before and after the emergence of the counter-protest movement All Lives Matter (ALM). Using trigram-based collocation analysis with Pointwise Mutual Information (PMI) scoring, the study reveals a shift from a diffuse and morally framed in-group identity in 2013 to a more consolidated and movement-specific identity in 2014. Simultaneously, the referents of “they” evolved from state institutions such as the police to include ideological opponents from civil society. These findings support the hypothesis that the emergence of counter-protests altered the discursive boundaries of opposition, resulting in a more polarized and dualistic structure of collective identity. The study contributes to scholarship on protest-counter-protest dynamics by highlighting the linguistic mechanisms through which group identities are formed, contested, and reconfigured in response to ideological confrontation.

In the context of digitalization of society, neighborhood communication is increasingly moving online. The communication of neighbors on public social media platforms creates extensive archives of data that can be used for political science research. These data open up new opportunities for the study of grassroots politics, group identities, political activism, etc. Nevertheless, there is currently a gap in research related to the lack of comprehensive methods that allow analyzing neighborhood online communities on a city scale, not limited to individual cases. The purpose of this work is to eliminate the existing gap by proposing a methods for identifying neighborhood online communities on a city scale using data from the VKontakte social network. Based on this methodology, an attempt is being made to identify in the discussions of the neighboring communities of the city of Volgograd an array of publications in which political categories occur. The paper describes the process of searching for neighborhood online communities, and also describes the preprocessing of text data. A mechanism is proposed for cleaning the corpus of texts from advertisements, which represented a wide proportion of publications, but acted as noise that hindered the main task. Publications mentioning political categories are identified by automatically encoding the cleared corpus into groups of keywords, followed by rechecking. The resulting archive, covering 17 years of neighborhood interaction, made it possible to determine, through the use of thematic modeling tools, the main periods of development of neighborhood communities. Starting from short non-political messages in groups of neighboring youth, ending with an established political repertoire: the work of homeowners associations; interaction with representatives of authorities, mainly executive ones, to solve local problems; organization and participation in local patriotic events. The most active types of neighborhood online-communities were identified: territorial public self-governments, communities of shareholders and microdistrict communities.

In the context of global technological transformations in the digital communication sphere, ensuring the digital sovereignty of a contemporary state is becoming increasingly urgent. This problem is of particular importance in the sphere of socio-political communications, which is characterized by its significant potential to influence mass consciousness and transform the traditional spiritual and moral foundations of state and society. The identified problem acquires additional significance for Russia, which is currently in a geopolitical confrontation with the collective West, many of whose countries are technologically advanced powers claiming a dominant role in the digital space. The authors studied current digitalization practices in various countries of the world and also conducted an international expert study, based on the analysis of the results of which several key conclusions were made regarding the content, structure, and degree of universality of models for ensuring the sovereignty of the digital space of socio-political communications. Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that sovereignization processes in modern states have national specificity, which raises the question of the need to develop a model of digital sovereignization based on national characteristics in contemporary Russia. In addition, the results of the study allow us to conclude that the digital sovereignty of the space of socio-political communications is a single system of interconnected infrastructural, communication, technological, personnel, competence, management and content (value-semantic) components that ensure in their unity, achieved with the help of national legislation and practices of its implementation, independent and successful functioning in the national interests of the socio-political sphere of life of a modern state in the digital space. The key components of the digital sovereignty system of the national space of socio-political communications identified in this study can be used as a basis for developing our own model of digital sovereignty for contemporary Russia.

The article explores key challenges in the formation and development of digital sovereignty across the South Caucasus region. Adopting a political science perspective, it outlines the conceptual framework of the study, which focuses on assessing the level of digital advancement and sovereignty in the context of emerging regional security risks and threats. The analysis examines the institutional foundations underpinning digital infrastructure development in the region, offering an assessment of national readiness for digital transformation. Particular emphasis is placed on the legislative regulation of the digital sector, as well as on strategic approaches to digital development and sovereignty as reflected in national policy documents. The study demonstrates that the ongoing strategic competition between the “North-South” and “East-West” transport and logistics corridors in the South Caucasus also shapes the logic and geography of emerging digital routes. In this context, multilateral integration into international internet traffic corridors is identified as a critical challenge for diversifying access routes, enhancing national digital security, and strengthening digital sovereignty. The analysis of the logistical architecture of digital corridors - at both regional and macro-regional levels - enables the identification of the main barriers and prospects for digital integration in the South Caucasus. Methodologically, the study employs a cross-country comparative approach alongside quantitative measures of digitalization, including the Network Readiness Index, mobile and fixed internet penetration, and related indicators.

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances the effectiveness of Russian youth policy implementation amidst technological advancements and digital transformation? The study’s novelty lies in its comprehensive analysis of specific mechanisms for integrating AI into the Russian youth policy system, considering national strategic priorities. Furthermore, it identifies personalized approaches to youth human capital management through AI. Analyzing the functional potential of AI technologies, the Russian Youth Policy Strategy to 2030, and relevant practices of applying digital technologies with AI systems in the context of youth policy, the authors highlight three key areas for AI implementation: 1) developing strategic monitoring and forecasting systems for youth vulnerabilities, 2) acceleration of transformation processes in the sphere of implementation of youth policy through the introduction of digital products with elements of artificial intelligence, and 3) optimizing processes for engaging youth in social dynamics, intensification of civic engagement. The article presents examples of successful national and international scenarios in these areas and proposes new approaches to enhance youth policy strategy implementation through innovative intelligent technologies. Significant limitations of AI application are noted, including ethical concerns and methodological challenges. The study outlines key risks in developing legislative initiatives aimed at regulating the use of AI within the youth human capital management ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation promotion with the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms in the digital environment.

Presently, the rapid evolution of digital technologies that profoundly reshape diverse facets of human endeavor stands as a pivotal theme in both scholarly discourse and practical application. Prominent among these advancements are artificial intelligence (AI henceforth) and neural networks, emerging as indispensable instruments within the realm of politics. The pervasive transformation wrought by integrating AI extends across numerous dimensions of political engagement - spanning strategic design of electoral campaigns through efficient governance mechanisms. Artificial intelligence can provide the opportunity to analyze huge amounts of data and is already being actively used in various countries, opening up new perspectives for understanding social dynamics. In this regard, the article analyzes the main risks and potential of introducing artificial intelligence technologies into the political sphere. The purpose of the study is to identify the main threats and opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence technologies in modern Russian politics. The methods of collecting empirical data were: in-depth interviews of experts (32 experts, representatives of the academic community, IT specialists, government officials, as well as experts in the field of implementation and implementation of digital technologies) from 7 regions of the country, a series of focus groups (5 focus groups) among young people (18-35 years old), average age (36-59 years); senior (retirement) age (60 and over). 10 respondents participated in each focus group. According to the results of the study, the main threats and opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the political sphere were identified.

Optimizing government-citizen engagement amid Russia’s digital transformation requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond technological solutions. To systematically analyze this issue, this study proposes and theoretically substantiates an integrative five- component conceptual model, which includes: technological infrastructure, an institutional and legal framework, mechanisms for civic participation, informational openness, and an environment of trust. The model’s validation, based on a series of expert focus groups with representatives from government, business, and the academic community, reveals a significant asymmetry in the development of its components. Despite technological progress, the research identifies a profound deficit of trust in the state’s digital initiatives, skepticism regarding the actual impact of e-participation mechanisms, and a weak dialogue between the authorities and society. The study argues that effective optimization is impossible without fundamental changes aimed at building trust, ensuring genuine citizen participation, increasing transparency, and improving institutions. Based on this analysis, practical recommendations for public policy are formulated.

Modern megalopolises are special socio-economic agglomerations in which the quality of life, comfortable urban environment, infrastructure development, high level of information technology and Internet accessibility create an attractive image of the territories for the younger generation. The conditions of communication and socialization of the urban environment in a modern megalopolis are determined by the high level of digitalization, speed and volume of information flows. All these factors influence the value orientations and political preferences of young citizens. The influence of digitalization on the formation of political norms, values and forms of political participation among the younger generation determines the relevance of the study. The purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between the value preferences of young people, the degree of inclusion in network communications and digital forms of political participation. The methodological basis of the study was the value concepts of R. Inglehart, M. Rokeach, the theory of civic culture of G.A. Almond and S. Verba, the theory of value schisms of S.M. Lipset - S. Rokkan. The empirical basis of the study was the results of an online survey of young people in large cities of the Russian Federation. Multivariate analysis methods allowed us to identify the connection between the model of political participation using digital technologies and the types of value orientations of urban youth. The results of the cluster analysis revealed two politically active groups that have different ideological and value vectors of activity. The basis for the divisions between the two segments is the axis with individualistic and collectivist poles, which are combined with liberal and conservative value priorities.