Political perception of youth in democratic and transitional regimes

Abstract

This article presents a comparative study of youth political perception in democratic and transitional political systems.

The relevance of the topic is determined by the growing role of youth in political life and the impact of global challenges such as information manipulation, institutional distrust, and digital fragmentation of thinking.

The aim of the study is to identify the structural features of youth political worldview depending on the type of political regime, to analyze the factors that promote or hinder the development of democratic thinking, and to describe the risks associated with the political socialization of the new generation.

An interdisciplinary approach was applied, combining political science, socio-psychological, and cognitive methods, as well as analysis of empirical sources. The study found that in democratic systems, youth political perception tends to be systematic and value-oriented, whereas in transitional systems it is often fragmented, emotionally reactive, and marked by distrust or populism. Regardless of the political regime, young people increasingly distance themselves from traditional politics, indicating a crisis of institutional representation.

The conclusions emphasize that youth political perception serves as a sensitive indicator of the quality of democracy, the maturity of political culture, and the effectiveness of socialization mechanisms. To foster the democratic potential of the younger generation, it is essential to enhance political education, develop media literacy, and create conditions for ethical, critical, and active participation in public life.