Institutional aspects of the political and administrative integration of the Kherson region into the socio-economic space of Russia

The study discusses the issues related to the institutional mechanisms of integration of the Kherson region into the political, administrative and socio-economic space of the Russian Federation. The authors analyze the complex process of embedding a new subject of the Russian Federation into the system of public administration, the legal, financial and managerial environment of the country. The authors compare the integration processes of the Kherson region with the experience of integrating the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in 2014-2016, revealing both common features and significant differences due to the military-political situation, personnel shortages and infrastructure problems. The research uses both general and specialized academic methods, such as synthesis, deduction, comparative analysis, sociological survey, as well as analysis of the legal framework and scientific literature. Based on the analysis of regulatory acts and a sociological survey conducted by 131 experts in the field of public administration (civil servants, teachers, heads of authorities of the Kherson region) the main barriers to integration have been identified, including staff shortages, problems with information systems and legal regulation. The experts emphasize the need for a systematic personnel policy, professional development, transition to Russian standards for the provision of public services, and enhanced cooperation with the federal government. Special importance is attached to measures and tools that contribute to the legitimization of the new government - the restoration of infrastructure, transparency of governance and public involvement in integration processes. The study emphasizes that successful integration requires not only the technical adaptation of the newly annexed region to federal standards, but also a comprehensive systemic transformation aimed at such results as managerial efficiency, social legitimacy and strategic planning. The conclusions and recommendations obtained are of interest to specialists in the field of economics, political science, state and municipal administration and may be in demand when developing state policy in the field of management of new territories.