Izvestiya of Saratov University.
Sociology. Politology
ISSN 1818-9601 (Print)
ISSN 2541-8998 (Online)

A Word to Young Politological Scientists

The political internet meme as an instrument of propaganda: A theoretical model and normative assessment

Political internet memes constitute a specific form of political communication that combines visual and verbal elements and is characterized by rapid dissemination and strong emotional resonance. This article proposes a conceptual framework for analyzing political memes that integrates three analytical dimensions: purpose, authorship regime, and normative permissibility.

Spain’s migration policy towards the Maghreb countries at the present stage (on the example of Morocco and Algeria)

As part of migration processes from Africa and the Middle East to Europe, the route through the Western Mediterranean has gained popularity in recent years. In this regard, the relationship between Spain and the Maghreb countries in terms of migration is strategically important. This article identifi es the main immigration routes to Spain from the Maghreb based on statistical data from recent years. The innovations of 2025 in migration legislation are given. The main document introducing signifi cant changes in the fi eld of migration was Royal Decree No.

Artificial intelligence as a resource of digital neocolonialism and its impact on digital sovereignty

The aim of this study is to determine the role of artifi cial intelligence (AI) technologies in modern neocolonial practices and assess their impact on the digital sovereignty of developing countries. Today, artifi cial intelligence has become a strategic resource in geopolitical competition, exerting a signifi cant infl uence on political processes, digital transformation, and the national sovereignty of Global South countries.

Electoral behavior: Contours of the theoretical field

In the modern political landscape, where electoral processes are an integral part of politics at all levels, from municipal to federal, the study of electoral behavior is becoming particularly relevant. This article offers an in-depth critical analysis of the main theoretical approaches used to explain the motives and patterns of electoral choice.

Regional identity of youth as a factor of modern Russian politics

Modern Russian politics is characterized by the strengthening of the role of its regional level and the need to search for new indicators that reflect the quality of regional governance and social development prospects. In this context, a signifi cant object of analysis is youth as the most dynamic and sensitive to socio-political changes population group. The article analyzes the current state of regional identity of young people and argues for the possibility and need to take this state into account in assessments of the eff ectiveness of regional policy.

Political context of international sanctions against Russian athletes

The article contains results of political analysis of the sanctions imposed against Russian sports since 2015. All sanctions imposed during this time are conditionally divided into two groups: those related to doping violations and those caused by the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. The article highlights negative and positive consequences of the restrictions imposed. It also shows the negative consequences of sanctions for their initiators. The key subjects of sanctions pressure include states that are strategic opponents of Russia (i.e.

Digital propaganda as a tool of political communication within the Runet network space

The article examines the problem of accelerated development of information and communication technologies in the network society and associated increase in the role of social media in Russian public policy. The process of researching propaganda is becoming increasingly relevant due to the increasing complexity of managing socio-political processes and emerging crises. Digital propaganda in this context is the dissemination of political ideas through the use of social media and information technology to influence public opinion.

Features of the legitimacy of power at the level of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation in the context of the informatization of society

The study analyzes the problems of ensuring the legitimacy of power in the Russian Federation at the regional level. A description of the features of the legitimacy of power at the level of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation in the context of informatization of society is presented. The main threats to the legitimacy of power in the context of informatization and globalization are described.

Romania’s foreign policy between global ambitions and limited opportunities

The article examines specifics of determining the priorities of Romania’s foreign policy at the global level. The main strategic goals and objectives that the country faces in international relations are analyzed, as well as its role and influence on the world stage are assessed. The aim of the work is to identify the hierarchy of global guidelines of Romania’s modern foreign policy, for which a content analysis of the main strategic documents in this area, as well as a discourse analysis of the main foreign policy ideas, was carried out.

Ways of counteracting negative effects of politicization of sports in the assessments of expert survey’s participants

In the last few years, there has been unprecedented politicization of high-performance sports. Despite the fact that Russian scholars are actively analyzing various aspects related to this process, methods of combating manifestations of discriminatory policies towards Russian athletes remain insuffi ciently studied. The author off ers a set of options for counteracting the politicization of sports that Russia could hypothetically use in the current situation, and fi nds out the attitude of representatives of the expert community towards them.

Pages