“Red lines” in Russian foreign policy and in ideas of student youth

Background. In recent years, due to significant growth of uncertainty and instability in international relations, it has become more difficult for states to defend their basic national interests; more and more often the concept of “red lines” has appeared in statements of country leaders, which represent certain limit of patience that cannot be crossed, violation of which may lead to a number of retaliatory actions. The purpose of the research is to study theoretical and practical foundations of “red lines” in foreign policy and sociological analysis of their understanding and attitude to them of student youth. Materials and methods. The study of youth’s perceptions of “red lines” in foreign policy is based on materials of the author's qualitative and quantitative research conducted in 2025 among the student youth of Penza, as well as analysis of theoretical and legal sources on the subject under consideration. Results. Based on comprehensive analysis of the concept of “red lines” in foreign policy, their theoretical understanding is presented, and ideas of student youth about their essence, conditions of nomination and application in foreign policy sphere are investigated. Conclusions. “Red lines” in Russia's foreign policy became most pronounced after 2022, beginning of the SWO. Among student youth there is an interpretation of “red lines” that corresponds to their generally accepted content. Young people emphasize the brightest “red lines” for Russia today - it is Ukraine and NATO expansion. There is support from youth for decisions of the country's leadership on retaliatory measures in case of violation of Russia's “red lines”: most of them consider the measures used to be adequate.