INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CHALLENGES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN SOCIETY IN EXPERT ASSESSMENTS

Abstract

In the context of global changes in the world community there are new threats and challenges to national security, which actualizes the study of the designated issues in the socio-political and scientific circles. National security ensures not only the protection of national interests, but also promotes necessary conditions for the development of individuals, society and State. The aim of the article is to identify the most pressing external and internal challenges of the Russian society. The empirical base of the research included the materials of the expert survey conducted by the Vologda scientific center of RAS in February 2018. Methodically work draws on the tools of the expert scenario prognostic monitoring of the «Russia 2020. Transition strategy», carried outby the Institute of sociology of RAS jointly with ZIRCON research group in July — October 2015. This made it possible to compare expert assessments in the whole country and the region. It has been revealed that among the most important internal  challenges of the country’s development, experts distinguish social inequality, the crisis of the health care system, social security, education, the decline in the level of human capital. The most acute external threats to the security of Russian society, according to experts, are the dependence of the Russian budget on oil and gas prices; Russia’s involvement in the long-term conflict in Ukraine; as well as in a new arms race.