Evolution of theoretical approaches to the formation of state information policy: historical and conceptual dimensions

<jats:p>The article examines the evolution of theoretical approaches to the formation of state information policy from historical and conceptual perspectives. It explores the historical prerequisites for the emergence of state information policy. It traces the transformation of the role of information in the functioning of the state and society – from an auxiliary administrative resource to a strategic factor in state-building, national security, and digital transformation. The study analyses the development of scientific approaches to understanding state information policy, ranging from information theory and concepts of the information society to contemporary approaches grounded in digital transformation, information security, and public governance. The paper systematizes the principal theoretical approaches to the formation of state information policy, including the informational, communicative, legal, managerial, security, and digital approaches, identifies their contribution to the development of contemporary scientific understanding, and proposes a chronologically structured five-stage periodization of its historical development (from foundational prerequisites to the stage of information resilience). It substantiates that the evolution of state information policy reflects the development of the information society, the transformation of public governance priorities, and the expansion of state functions in the field of information relations. The study demonstrates that contemporary state information policy constitutes a comprehensive, multi-component area of public policy that integrates legal, organizational, communicative, security, and digital mechanisms to regulate the information sphere. It is concluded that, in the context of digital transformation and modern hybrid security challenges, state information policy is a strategic instrument for ensuring information security, developing the digital state, protecting information rights, maintaining state resilience, and improving the overall effectiveness of public governance. Keywords: state information policy, information society, public governance, digital transformation, public policy, information security, information space, information relations, state, approaches.</jats:p>