The Welfare State: a Difficult Adaptation to the Changing World Order

The transformations taking place in the world within the last decades increasingly affect the state in major spheres of its social activities. Welfare state becomes the center of the contradictions between national interests, political practices and global factors, as well as the activities of international institutions. Social function of the state is weakening, the need for it is being challenged, and many social achievements have been put into question. At the same time, social problems become more acute and increasingly acquire a political character. However, a significant part of the political class, as well as a significant part of the society, is still far from realizing the consequences of ongoing social reforms. The process of transformation of the world social order and associated increase of conflict potential actualize the problem of the development of the welfare state in Russia, capable to provide a high level of social cohesion, which is extremely important in the face of current and future challenges.