I specialize in Russian society, especially the sense of belonging of Russian citizens. What makes Russian citizens identify themselves as “Russian”? What factors do we use to define this identity? These are some of the questions I ask in my research.

The 2010 Russian census showed Russia to be a multi-ethnic country with as many as 193 recognized ethnicities. There is also a variety of religions, languages, and cultures within Russia, which raises the question of the concept to unite Russian citizens. There is no such concept at present. This is also partially due to Russia’s historical background.

From 1922 to 1991, Russia was a part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, a union state of 15 republics with many ethnicities. Although it was a socialist country with centralized authority, its founding leader Lenin adopted a policy that respected the right of national self-determination. His idea was to create Soviet citizens after reconciling such self-determination. However, this instead strengthened ethnic identity and became a reason for the collapse of the Soviet Union.

During the Soviet era, unified policies were possible on the surface level due to the ideology of socialism, but after the Soviet Union collapsed, there was nothing to unify the country. Today, more than 30 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a concept that can unify Russia has yet to be found.

The sense of belonging of its citizens is a major issue for Russia. A lack of a strong sense of belonging within the country as a whole can, I believe, be a potential catalyst for inter-ethnic conflicts and diplomatic issues. It is also a factor to considered when looking at the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Placing importance on the safety of participants supporting my research

I embarked on research as I wanted to see the process for creating a new sense of belonging as Russians after the period of turmoil in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse. However, as of now, it is still not possible to predict when that sense of belonging will develop. Even today, politicians with nostalgia for the Soviet era remain in power with ideologies and agendas based on that time. It is my hope that one day the tide will change and power is passed to a different generation of politicians.

I carry out my research in many ways, including reading past research as well as conducting interviews and surveys. When doing so, I place the greatest priority on the safety of the participants of my research. Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, Russia has placed a tighter control on the flow of information, to the extent where freedom of speech is restricted. In my research, I take care to set and phrase questions in way that can avoid endangering the respondents.

Hoping to help resolve turmoil through research on Russian citizens’ sense of belonging

No one is born with a sense of belonging. It is formed through influences such as politics, the media, and the environment. Clarifying this process, reflecting on it, and acknowledging it is very important for coexisting with others. If we can understand that our identity is developed under various influences, we will realize that this is the same for others. This should allow us to see the possibility of resolving conflicts through dialogue while respecting each other.

Through research on the crises of the sense of belonging in Russia, I hope to help formulate ideas for resolving the various conflicts and turmoil currently taking place to bring peace to the world.

The book I recommend

“Kawabata Yasunari Zenshu Dai Hachi Kan: Senbazuru / Yama no Oto”(Yasunari Kawabata Complete Works Volume 8: Thousand Cranes & The Sound of the Mountain)
by Yasunari Kawabata, Shinchocha

I came across this book in high school when I was interested in all kinds of literature. There were many words I did not know, but I was mesmerized by the beautiful phrases. It was a book that led me to Japan, making me want to learn Japanese and someday live in Japan.

Interviewed: October 2023