Content aspects of all-Russian civil identity: Problems and development prospects

Abstract

The article examines the current status and of the evolution of the national civic consciousness in modern Russia. Author asserts that this form of identity is based on fairly strong social foundations. Among them are the widespread usage of Russian language which unifies different ethnic groups, stability in the sphere of interfaith relations, and the notion inherent to the majority of citizens that there is no ground for serious inter-ethnic conflicts in the country. At the same time, the development of a national consciousness engenders a number of problems. This form of identity is understood primarily as loyalty to the state. Its deeper spiritual and value foundations have not been sufficiently developed. The feeling of belonging to the all-Russian community is being experienced often mainly at the emotional level, its cognitive component is not clearly expressed. This is due to a number of factors, in particular, the lack of a generally recognized historical narrative in Russia, shared by the entire society. The key events of national history that determined the course of the country’s development still evoke various, sometimes opposing assessments. At the same time, there is an acute demand in society for strengthening national unity, the search for ideological principles that unite all citizens of Russia. This request is expressed, in particular, in a high assessment of the Soviet past, when the society had the clearly defined goals and guidelines for the country’s development. Such sentiments are characteristic of the population of Russia as whole and of its separate regions. Noting that the ideological evolution of society is far from always accessible to external regulation, the author at the same time emphasizes that state and public leaders, the academic and expert community should make a feasible contribution to solving the problems facing the country.