Bulletin of Perm University. Political Science

POLITICAL-GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: NEURAL NETWORK CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS

Viktor Blanutsa — 2026-04-15

The study assesses the possibilities and limitations of neural network algorithms in political-geographic research using a global selection of journal articles. It examined the nature of artificial neural networks, compiled a database of relevant studies, evaluated their heuristic capabilities for current and future research, and identified methodological limitations. Using an author-developed semantic search algorithm based on machine learning, over seventy journal articles were retrieved, with their distribution by year and country analyzed. These articles covered conflict studies, elections, world order, and anti-corruption within political geography. They employed single- and multi-layer perceptrons, self-organizing maps, convolutional, recurrent, and graph neural networks. These algorithms enabled predictions of armed conflict timing and location, election outcomes, shifts in the balance of power, and territorial corruption risks. They are characterized by self-learning, detection of complex nonlinear dependencies, simultaneous analysis of diverse data types, fault tolerance, noise resistance, and high performance. Future applications in border studies, regional studies, cross-border interactions, and the diffusion of political ideas were outlined. Analysis of the articles revealed ten main limitations of artificial neural networks, and six initiatives were proposed to address them in future research. These findings guide the emerging field of neural network analysis in political-geographic processes

THE SYSTEM OF POLITICAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION’S HIGHER EDUCATION: STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF THE CURRENT STATE

Nikita Zaripov — 2026-04-15

The article compares the curricula of political science programs at universities in the Russian Federation as part of the institutionalization of the discipline, previously addressed mainly in public and expert discussions. Using a categorization of academic disciplines and analyzing workload proportions in 64 specialized higher education programs for 2024 students, the authors apply k-means cluster analysis. Key training profiles – methodological analysis, political management, political analysis, fundamental humanitarian training, international relations, and history – were identified. A significant proportion of specialized political science disciplines in all clusters may determine the existing diversity of professional trajectories of political scientists. Comparing curricula with departmental profiles highlights the role of structural units in shaping specific profiles. The different approaches to the formation of a political scientist's competencies are the result of the response of scientific and expert teams of universities to the search for a balance between classical humanitarian training and demands from the labor market, which is based on their own understanding of specialists. The study complements the discussion on the institutionalization of political science in Russia and offers an original view on the analysis of the current state of the system of creation, reproduction, and transmission of political knowledge

EVOLUTION OF MEDIATION THEORY: HISTORY AND APPROACHES

Sofia Shestakova — 2026-04-15

The article analyzes the evolution of mediation theory from its origins, identifying the following stages: Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the era of nation-states, and modernity. The author reveals that before the development of political science in the 20th century, mediation was the subject of philosophers' reflections. Since the second half of the XX century, it has become the object of scientific analysis of political theory. In Western science, mediation was considered a means of political and diplomatic settlement, including preventive measures. Russian science develops the Western tradition of studying the mediation theory and contributes to the emergence of another theoretical and methodological approach, explaining mediation from an institutional perspective. Special attention is given to the role of mediation within neo-institutionalist theory. The author suggests that the institution of international mediation can act as a "norm proposer" and "norm setter". These norms can later be incorporated into international law, which aims to prevent conflict escalation and maintain the stability of the world order. The author identifies several problems in mediation theory, including a lack of conceptual clarity, the absence of a unified interpretation of mediation (particularly regarding its subject matter), and the interchangeable use of concepts that are not identical in meaning.

THE “GREAT DEBATES” AROUND NEOPATRIMONIALISM AND BEYOND

Igor Chaiko — 2026-04-15

The main problem of the research is the need for a more complete conceptualization of the term "neopatrimonialism" as one of the categories of political science. To solve this problem, the author has identified a number of tasks related to the analysis of the nature of neopatrimonialism. The main hypothesis is expressed by the thesis that existing scientific approaches to the study of this phenomenon do not allow us to fully reveal its specific content. It is also an urgent task to demarcate the terms "neopatrimonialism", "clientelism", "patronage", and a number of others. The author associates the solution of these problems with an appeal to the works of M. Weber and the reconstruction of the basic attitudes that became the basis of the theory of neopatrimonialism. For these purposes, the author uses the methods of retrospective and discursive analysis, the method of deconstruction of texts, and the interpretative method as a way of forming new knowledge. One of the significant conclusions was the statement about the important role of the charismatic component in the legitimization of neopatrimonial systems, usually described as a simple combination of traditional and rational-legal components.

GLOBALIZATION: BACKGROUND AND CONTEMPORARY STAGE PAST AND PRESENT

Oleg Prikhodko — 2026-04-15

The ongoing shifts in the international environment prompt a fresh look at global development trends and a reconsideration of relevant theoretical assumptions. Some researchers interpret these changes as a decline in globalization or a significant slowdown. Other experts perceive these changes as a retreat of globalization or even a dawn of deglobalization. The article analyzes the neoliberal concept of globalization and identifies the shortcomings of the "broad" notion of globalization, which blurs the criteria underlying the consensus understanding of this process. Historical statistical data show that globalization has experienced ups and downs, and periods of decline, from the 19th century to the present day. Each cycle had its own peculiarities. A distinctive feature of the current stage of globali-zation is the growing crisis of the global governance system. A decrease in international cooperation to address common problems is one indicator of globalization's decline. Multilateral institutions (the UN, WTO, G20, etc.) are displaying signs of dysfunction. The lack of progress in the multilateral negotia-tions within the Doha Round indicates the WTO's inability to promote trade liberalization. Ideas of economic nationalism are gaining ground globally. Available statistics are insufficient to assert that the world is entering a long-term period of deglobalization. However, many signs indicate a decline in globalization.

"NEO-IDENTITARIAN WORLDS" AS A POLITICAL PHENOMENON AND A CONCEPT: THE DISCOURSE AND PRACTICE

Sergey Arteev — 2026-04-15

The transformation of the political world order has become commonplace in political science research. However, most studies focus on political leadership and traditional military, political, and economic categories for assessing the power and prospects of the world's political evolution. In contrast, the increasing importance of ethnic, religious, linguistic, and post-imperial identities has transformed them into a distinct political factor. The author introduces and explores the concept of "neo-identitarian worlds." The purpose of this article is to conceptualize the "neo-identitarian world" as a space and community with a dominant role for "old" "big identities" that have acquired political significance in the current reality. To achieve this, the article provides a typology and situates neo-identitarian worlds among other international actors. The study is based primarily on an identity-based approach and a comparative method. Conceptualization is achieved through a comparative analysis of concepts and theories presented in academic discourse, ranging from pan-nationalism and the civilizational approach to international relations theory. As a result, the place of the concept of the “neo-identitarian world” in modern political studies is determined, its ontological and epistemological potential is out-lined, its functions in political processes at different levels are identified, and its role in the broader political context is defined.

“AMERICA FIRST”: IDEOLOGICAL ROOTS AND CONTEMPORARY CONTENT

Bogdan Avdeev — 2026-04-15

Upon his return to the White House in 2025, D. Trump has actively employed the "America First" slogan to conceptually justify domestic and foreign policy decisions from the standpoint of protecting U.S. national interests. However, neither the Trump administration nor experts have reached a consensus on the key components of the "America First" policy. This article aims to clarify its current ideological content, considering its history. The hypothesis is put forward that "America First" constitutes a conceptual construct designed to meet the demands of the current political situation. To test this hypothesis, retrospective and historical-genetic methods are used. The first section of the article identifies the ideological origins of this construct within American political thought and traces its semantic evolution. The second section reconstructs the conceptual content of "America First" under D. Trump’s first administration and at the beginning of his second presidential term through an analysis of official sources, with a focus on persistent narratives evident in earlier iterations of the concept. In conclusion, the author argues that it is untenable to equate the "America First" construct developed by D. Trump with its earlier embodiments, aligning merely in their functionality, with their interpretation depending on the specific historical context.

THE EVOLUTION OF NARRATIVES ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM IN XI JINPING’S FOREIGN POLICY DISCOURSE, 2013–2024

Anastasia Milkova — 2026-04-15

The article is devoted to strategic narratives about the international system in the foreign policy dis-course of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. An analysis of their evolution revealed the growing influence of Chinese political thought in shaping the modern world order, which is a topic of great academic and practical interest. The paper aims to systematize the stages and study the semantic transformations of key concepts in the vision of the international system presented by the Chinese leader, reflecting Beijing's new priorities in global governance and cooperation. The conduct-ed study reveals the strategic dynamics in official Chinese narratives: from the initial emphasis on globalist universalism and interdependence to the consistent construction of an alternative center of power to the West, based on specific Chinese political values and models. This shift emphasizes the growing role of Chinese political thought in shaping ideas about the modern and future world order, which is of significant academic and practical interest. In conclusion, the importance of further study-ing the peculiarities of constructing the official discourse of the Chairman of the PRC for understand-ing both the country’s foreign policy and its adaptation to the changing strategic agenda in the world as a whole is emphasized.

REGIONAL DEPUTY CORPS OF "A JUST RUSSIA": DYNAMICS OF RECRUITMENT CHANNELS

Denis Tev — 2026-04-15

The article analyzes the dynamics of recruitment channels for A Just Russia’s regional deputy corps. The study's empirical basis is two biographical databases of A Just Russia (JR) deputies in the legisla-tures of all subjects of Russia in 2011 and 2025. Several trends have been identified. The share of people from the Soviet nomenklatura has decreased to a small minority due to a generational change in the deputy corps. The prevalence of prior regional and local legislative experience has increased. Polit-ical professionalization has intensified, increasing the proportion of legislators who had only political work at the time of their election to the current convocation. Administrative posts consistently rarely serve as a springboard to legislative positions. The parliamentary elite is characterized by a strong plu-tocratization. While the share of those with direct business backgrounds has declined slightly, the pro-portion of deputies who held key positions in companies at one point or another in their careers has increased. Overall, although the JR deputy corps has been almost completely renewed in terms of per-sonnel, several recruitment trends remain stable. However, shifts in the professional backgrounds of deputies are also evident, driven by demographic processes and changes in the political opportunity structure

PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAWMAKING IN RUSSIA: MECHANISMS OF SYMBOLIC RESPONSE (2000–2023)

Vyacheslav Loginov — 2026-04-15

This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the factors influencing legislative activity in the field of environmental policy in Russia from 2000 to 2023. The dataset includes the number of news articles on ecological events, legislative initiatives, and the actions of various legislative actors (members of parliament, government, and the president). Regression analysis was employed to identify the key relationships between the volume of environmental news coverage and the total number of submitted and considered environmental bills. The findings demonstrate that informational intensity is the primary driver of legislative initiatives: an increase in environmental news coverage is statistically significantly associated with a rise in the number of environmental bills. Additionally, a robust temporal trend was observed, reflecting a steady growth in legislative activity over the study period amid the development of both the media landscape and the lawmaking process. These results highlight the importance of public attention and media support in shaping the environmental agenda within legislative processes, and provide a foundation for further research into the mechanisms through which mass media influ-ences legislative dynamics in ecological policy

CONDITIONS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF E-PARTICIPATION INSTITUTIONS: THE CASE OF NON-COMPETITIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS

Yury Kabanov — 2026-04-15

There is no consensus on why some countries are more successful in implementing e-participation institutions than others. This study contributes to this debate by focusing on non-competitive political systems. A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted on a sample of 68 countries for the period of 2014–2024. The analysis identified two necessary conditions for success: a high level of digital capacity that enables the countries to exercise political control over the Internet, as well as sensitivity towards the global trends in innovation diffusion. Furthermore, two sufficient combinations of conditions were found. All successful countries actively rely on performance-based legitimation strategies and engage with the UN in the area of e-participation. Their paths then diverge, with success achieved either through strong administrative and digital capacity or through civil society engagement and interaction with the Open Government Partnership. This study contributes to cross-national e-participation research, as well as to the debate regarding the Internet development in non-competitive political contexts

THE MAIN DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S REPRESENTATION IN PARTY CANDIDATE LISTS: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Ruslan Mukhametov — 2026-04-15

The article aims to identify the main factors that determine the representation of women in party candidate lists in the Russian party system. This study examines why some Russian political parties include more women than others. To accomplish this, the authors used quantitative regression analysis. The empirical base included data on Russian political parties obtained from various sources, including the Manifesto Project Database, parties’ program content analysis results, and composition of party leadership and party structures data. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the presence of women in party leadership (positive correlation) is a significant factor affecting the representation of women in party candidate lists. There was no statistically significant relationship between the ideological orientation of the parties, the level of centralization of the party structure, and the representation of women in party candidate lists. The results indicate that, rather than its programmatic rhetoric or formal ideological positioning, the internal party structure is a key factor in increasing the representation of women on candidate lists. The presence of women in the party's governing bodies correlates with a higher proportion of women on electoral lists, suggesting a mechanism for intra-elite representation and the influence of access to power resources on personnel decisions

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND POLITICAL PERCEPTION

Dmitry Kaminchenko — 2026-04-15

The features of perception and interpretation of political text generated using artificial intelligence are studied in the paper. Based on the theoretical foundations of the axiological approach, experimental testing was conducted among undergraduate students of political science at the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod. A set of methods was used during the testing and processing of the results: scaling, statistical analysis (correlation), comparative analysis, and the construction of contingency tables. Experimental testing was carried out in early to mid-April 2025 and involved working with texts of definitions of the concept of "Political Values" formulated by Russian scientists and generated by the popular AI chatbot: ChatGPT. The results of the study showed that the success of deter-mining the artificial nature of the text (generated using artificial intelligence) is affected by the frequency of AI use. In turn, the frequency of AI use is not a determining factor in assessing the degree of ideologization of AI-generated texts. The study showed that the ideological nature of AI text is determined by test participants based on the degree to which it focuses on society and the state rather than on individuals.

TRANSFORMATION OF MEMORY POLITICS IN POST-SOVIET UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN NATIONALISM IN 2010-2025

Iaroslav Pototskii — 2026-04-15

The article examines the transformation of the memory politics of post-Soviet Ukraine in 2010–2025 in the context of the explosive growth of nationalist tendencies in the republic. The purpose of the study is to analyze the structure of modern Ukraine's politics of memory and identify the main trajec-tories of its development during the presidencies of V. Yanukovych (2010–2014), P. Poroshenko (2014–2019), and V. Zelensky (since 2019). The novelty of the research lies in applying the analytical model of commemorative practices in post-communist societies, proposed by American sociologist R. Brubaker, to the state memory politics of post-Soviet Ukraine, which makes it possible to systematize the historical narratives used by various presidential administrations to identify the main trends in the evolution of memory politics during different periods of independent Ukraine’s history. Special atten-tion is paid to the analysis of the commemorative practices of the Ukrainian memory politics during the presidency of V. Zelensky, which currently has not received sufficient coverage in scientific re-search. A conclusion is drawn regarding the results of the memory politics pursued by Ukrainian polit-ical elites over the past decade and the prospects for the further development of its key trends.

SCIENTIFIC TRAJECTORY AND DIVERSITY OF THE RESEARCH FIELD. ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF NADEZHDA VLADIMIROVNA BORISOVA

Lyubov Fadeeva — 2026-04-15

The article examines the scientific trajectory and the diversity of the research field of Nadezhda V. Borisova, Doctor of Political Science and Professor at Perm State National Research University, against the broader discussion on scientific trajectories, specialization, and creativity in contemporary academia. The authors show how her early commitment to comparative political analysis and institutionalism, crystallized in her PhD thesis on the transformation of political regimes in Mexico and Russia, provided a conceptual framework that integrates studies of Latin American politics, regional political regimes, local politics, gender in politics, language policy, and ethnopolitics. The article argues that this thematic plurality does not undermine the coherence of Borisova’s scholarly profile but is embedded in a stable comparative-institutional approach focused on explaining the variability of political institutions and regimes, including language regimes. Special attention is paid to her participation in major collective projects on regional studies, succession and power reproduction, and interethnic relations, culminating in a doctoral dissertation on the factors of variability in language policy and language regimes in complex polities. Equally important is Borisova’s identity as a “university person,” who combines research, teaching, and academic leadership within a single academic space and sees
popularization of scientific knowledge and the strengthening of the faculty community as key functions of the university. The article demonstrates how a clearly defined scientific trajectory can be successfully combined with a wide and evolving research field without losing conceptual unity.