Ethnopolitical stability of Kabardino-Balkaria in the face of modern political challenges
https://doi.org/10.31143/2542-212X-2025-4-502-520
EDN: XSDEUJ
Abstract
This article examines the impact of current political challenges on ethnopolitical dynamics in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR). Based on an interdisciplinary analysis, it substantiates the thesis that contemporary challenges act as a catalyst, bringing to light deep, latent socioeconomic and historical contradictions. The central argument of the paper is that the long-term stability of a multi-ethnic region depends on the ability of government institutions to transform these challenges into a legitimate political process, offering fair and targeted solutions. Despite the general normalization of the situation in the North Caucasus after the 2010s, persistent structural problems create a permanent risk of local conflicts escalating into ethnic conflicts. The KBR, with its unique model of "balanced representation," is considered a key case for studying this contradiction between external stability and internal conflict potential.
Keywords
ethnopolitical processes,
national policy,
interethnic relations,
Kabardino-Balkaria,
North Caucasus,
identity
Supporting agencies: The study was funded by the KBGU Internal Grant (Contract No. 38) as part of the Priority 2030 program
About the Authors
Svetlana S. Apazheva
Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Candidate of Philosophy, Associate Professor at the Department of Youth Work at the Social and Humanitarian Institute
Elena A. Nalchikova
Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Social and Humanitarian Institute
Madina R. Zakhokhova
Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Youth Work at the Social and Humanitarian Institute
References
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Review
For citations:
Apazheva S.S., Nalchikova E.A., Zakhokhova M.R. Ethnopolitical stability of Kabardino-Balkaria in the face of modern political challenges. Kavkazologiya. 2025;(4):502-520. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31143/2542-212X-2025-4-502-520. EDN: XSDEUJ
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