Safeguarding the Population and Developing Human Potential as a Strategic Priority in Ensuring the National Security of the Russian Federation

In the 2021 Strategy for the National Security of the Russian Federation (hereinafter — SNS2021), the preservation of the population and the development of human potential are simultaneously categorized as both strategic priorities and national interests of the Russian Federation. This characterization is not entirely accurate with respect to the substantive meaning of these terms as set forth in SNS2021. The paper substantiates a proposal to reformulate the expression of the relevant national interest of the Russian Federation as follows: ensuring stable demographic development of Russia; the realization and development of human capacities; and the improvement of citizens’ quality of life and wellbeing. This national interest and strategic priority are positioned in SNS2021 as the foremost priorities at present. Particular attention is devoted to the examination of the legal nature of the concepts «preservation of the population», «development of human potential», «quality of life», and «wellbeing». The influence of external and internal factors on the determination of strategic priorities for national security and on the sequencing of those priorities in strategic planning documents is analyzed. The principal directions of state activity for implementing population preservation and the development of human potential, the existing problems in this area, and avenues for their resolution are identified. It is concluded that the preservation of the population and the development of human potential can be achieved only through support for the family, the development of social infrastructure, the strengthening of spiritual, cultural, and family values, and the overcoming of the country’s demographic crisis. The implementation of these measures will ensure attainment of the requisite level of national security for the Russian Federation.