Russian Identity and National Unity Among the Residents of the Far Eastern Regions (Republic of Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai, Primorsky Krai)

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2025-4/25-40

Authors

Keywords:

Russian identity, patriotism, civic unity, Republic of Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai, Primorsky Krai

Abstract

The author analyzed the Russian national identity and patriotism among different socio-demographic groups based on the results of a sociological study (survey, in-depth interviews) conducted in October 2023 – September 2024 in three Far Eastern regions (the Republic of Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai and Primorsky Krai). The paper presents general trends in the formation of Russian identity and the actualization of patriotic sentiments. It was found that, amid external challenges and threats, there is a consolidation of that part of the population in the regions that supports the country's foreign and domestic policies. This solidarity manifests itself in active efforts to assist SMO participants, patriotic events, and youth outreach. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the unity of the population of the three subjects in terms of belonging to “citizens of Russia” is one of the most significant collective identities for respondents. In the ranking of identity types, respondents to the questionnaire ranked generational identity first, Russian identity second, regional identity (Transbaikal and Buryatia) third, urban/rural identity (Primorye) fourth, and ethnic identity fifth. The Russian identity type was characterized as state-national, as respondents were usually choosing the "common state" as the main factor uniting them with other Russian citizens. The experts who conducted in-depth interviews identified the following foundations of national unity: "the Russian language," "a multinational state," "patriotism," "strength of spirit," "family and children," "the ability to unite in difficult situations," "historical memory," "traditional values," and "trust in the authorities." The foundations of patriotism as an integral part of Russian identity and the values ​​that unite various social groups were analyzed. Patriotic sentiments were found to be widespread among the region's population. Most respondents and experts consider themselves patriots and are willing to instill a sense of patriotism in their children.

Author Biography

  • Elena Petrova, Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

    Petrova, Elena V. — Dr. Phil. in Social Science, Associate Professor, Leading Research Fellow, Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation). E-mail: elenapet_05@mail.ru ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4612-3471

    For citation: Petrova, E. V. 2025. Russian Identity and National Unity Among the Residents of the Far Eastern Regions (Republic of Buryatia, Zabaykalsky Krai, Primorsky Krai). Herald of Anthropology (Vestnik Antropologii) 4: 25–40.

    Funding: The article was prepared within the framework of the Program of Scientific research on the ethnocultural diversity of Russian society and aimed at strengthening Russian identity in 2023–2025 (headed by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V. A. Tishkov). The project «Patriotism and Identity in Modern Socio-Political Conditions: Foundations, Types, Resources of Consolidation» (№ 123091800021-3).

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Published

14.12.2025

Issue

No. 4 (2025): Herald of Anthropology (Vestnik antropologii)

Section

The Anthropology of Modern Society