Markers of Ethnicity in the Regional Identity of Russia's Republics

Introduction. The ethnic component is one of the most important foundations for regionalization of the political space and construction of the region. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that it should determine the possibilities and conditions for consolidation of territorial communities within certain identification systems. The purpose of the research is to identify the markers showing the presence of ethnicity in the identity of the republics of the Russian Federation as an indicator of correlation between the ethnic and regional identities. Materials and Methods. The study employed such sources of analysis as presentation materials and business cards of the republics of the Russian Federation, constitutions and regulations on regional symbols, language policies and programs managing interethnic relations as well as the development strategies of the republics. Discourse analysis and the method of in-depth expert interviews were also used. Results. The study has revealed the basic identifiers of a region that comprise ethnicity. It has proved that ethnicity can be considered a resource for development of a territory as a unique feature of the regional community. The resource of ethnicity is associated with the positioning based on the idea that the status of the republics as ethno-territorial units differs from the status of other regions and therefore is capable of bringing certain benefits. Discussion and Conclusion. The ethnic component is an important resource for positioning regional uniqueness of the community, including through cultivation of the idea of stability, diversity and peace in the republics. The identified markers can be used as indicators of the presence of ethnicity in the regional identity when conducting comparative studies. The practical effect is associated with the possibilities of using them when following the identity policy in the regions and that of harmonization of multiple identities.