Ethnodoxy, national exceptionalism, and xenophobia: a case study of contemporary Russia

The purpose of this study is to explore the way religious and ethno-national identities are conflated, and how such orientations are related to national exceptionalism and xenophobia. Using data from the International Social Survey Programme's National Identity series to examine Russia as a case study, two key findings are revealed. First, the belief that individuals must affiliate with their nation's dominant religion is widespread and increasing among ethnic Russians. Second, this belief is associated with some dispositions that are particularistic and xenophobic. Discussion on the implications of these findings for post-communist society and the global civic society write large is made.