Patriotism as a basic component of the social health of youth in post-Soviet countries and the problems of its formation in the context of state youth policy

Introduction. The relevance of scientific research on patriotism as a basic component of the social health of youth in post-Soviet countries and the problems of its formation in the context of state youth policy is due to the fact that the values of patriotism and citizenship are able to unite representatives of various youth groups into a single socio-cultural community and act as the most important  spiritual basis for the national security of these countries.  
Purpose. The article analyzes the essence and main content of patriotism as a basic component of the social health of youth in post-Soviet countries and the problems of its formation in the context of state youth policy and the identification of promising areas of patriotic education.  
Methods. The paper uses methods of comparative, statistical analysis, secondary analysis of materials from applied sociological research, as well as scientific works by Russian scientists devoted to patriotism as a basic component of the social health of youth in post-Soviet countries and the problems of its formation in the context of state youth policy.  
Results. The formation of patriotism as an essential component of the social health of young people is one of the fundamental directions of state youth policy in post-Soviet countries. Patriotism currently acts as the most important factor contributing to the integration of representatives of various youth groups into a single socio-cultural community, which is especially relevant in the context of  a constant increase in internal and external risks. An analysis of empirical data indicates that there are certain contradictions in the minds of young people in Russia and other post-Soviet countries: despite the fact that the vast majority of young people in these countries declare their commitment to patriotic values and ideals, at the same time, a significant part of young people demonstrate their intention to emigrate from their country and realize their potential abroad. The State youth policy aimed at the formation of patriotism as a basic component of youth social health provides, along with the promotion of traditional values and appropriate patriotic education, comprehensive activities designed to promote effective self-realization of youth in various spheres of society.  
Conclusions. The work emphasizes that patriotism acts as a significant factor contributing to  the harmonious integration and integration of young people into society, contributing to the disclosure of their multifaceted potential and strengthening social health. A significant prerequisite for  the formation of developed and sustainable patriotic values in the minds of young people is a government policy aimed at creating favorable conditions for the self-realization of young people in  various spheres of public life, which includes opportunities to realize their abilities in work, as well as providing young people with high-quality medical, educational and other services. In the event that such a policy is characterized by a high degree of effectiveness, young people who feel taken care of by the state naturally develop a sense of social justice, and a high level of trust in state and public institutions is formed, which also promotes the establishment of patriotic attitudes. 

1. Ponomarev PA., Shalin VV., Samygin SI. Patriotic education of modern Russian youth: main problems and promising directions. Society: sociology, psychology, pedagogy. 2025;2(130):95–102. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.24158/spp.2025.2.9. EDN: ILEHXC.

2. Tursynbayeva SR. The concept of patriotism and its significance in modern society. Bulletin of teachers of new Uzbekistan. 2025;(3):50–53. (In Russ.).

3. Radugin AA., Radugina OA. Patriotism as an ideological construct and a spiritual and moral phenomenon in the spiritual and ideological process of modern society. Bulletin of Voronezh State University. Series: Philosophy. 2019;(4):28–40. (In Russ.). EDN: PYKQHE.

4. Pshegusova GS., Gafiatulina NH, Samygin SI. The role of patriotic education in shaping the social health of Russian students. Humanities, socio-economic and social sciences. 2018;(2):49–52. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.23672/SAE.2018.2.11479. EDN: YTMSUS.

5. Bykov AK. Civic and patriotic consciousness as an indicator of the social health of the younger generation. Educational resources and technologies. 2014;(3):62–67. (In Russ.). EDN: SUIMFL.

6. Gafiatulina NH, Zagutin DS, Samygin SI. Social health in the context of ensuring the socio-psychological safety of Russian youth. State and Municipal Management. Scholar Notes. 2017;(2):159–163. (In Russ.). EDN: YSRZEV.

7. Buriev II. The national idea and the problem of patriotic education of youth. A young scientist. 2016;(9):986–988. (In Russ.). EDN: VWEQUV.

8. Gorshkov MK., Sheregi FE. The youth of Russia in the mirror of sociology. To the results of long-term research: a monograph. Moscow: FNSC RAS; 2020. 688 p. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.19181/monogr.978-5-89697-325-6.2020. ISBN: 978-5-89697-325-6. EDN: BNSNDA.

9. Medvedev AV. On the issue of emigration sentiments of young Russians. News of higher educational institutions: sociology, economics, politics. 2020;(3):108–115. (In Russ.). EDN: MYXYQF.

10. Teshaboeva Z.T. The use of “social elevator” tools for effective integration of youth into society. Colloquium-journal. 2023;(23):61–63. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.24412/2520-6990-2023-23182-61-63. EDN: LXDMKX.

11. Rakisheva B. Youth of Central Asia. Comparative review. Under the scientific supervision of Prof. K. Khurelman and P. Teschendorf. Almaty, 2017. 90 p. (In Russ.).

12. Toleuov JS. Regulation of external migration processes of youth in Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan). Bulletin of Kemerovo State University. Series: Political, Sociological and Economic sciences. 2020;5(1(15)):33–43. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.21603/2500-3372-2020-5-1-33-43. EDN: BALXRT.

13. Sklyarova NYu., Litvinenko MP., Lutskaya EE., Belousova OI. Patriotism and civic engagement in the views of Russian youth: the experience of sociological analysis. Education and science. 2025; 27(10):124–159.