The Problem of Separatism in the Russian Federation (by the Example of the Regions of the North Caucasus)

Separatism is aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state. Separatist ideas are especially pronounced in the border areas. Geographic characteristics, the degree of economic development, the demographic picture of the regions and a number of other factors determine the uniqueness of each of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. As an example, the authors consider the North Caucasus, which, by its characteristics and level of regional development, is one of the most problematic regions in terms of the development of ideas of extremism, terrorism and separatism. The ethno-confessional factor is one of the key reasons for the emergence of pockets of separatism in the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District, since in the conditions of a poly-religious and multi-ethnic society, any potentially significant conflict that had nothing to do with religion or national issues can develop into an ethno-confessional problem. The author comes to the conclusion that ethno-confessional conflicts in the conditions of the North Caucasus can quickly become the reason for the intensification of the development of separatist ideas.

separatism, North Caucasus, radical ideas, sovereignty, ethno-confessional conflict, regional development, economic differentiation