The ethno-religious contradictions as threats to the North Caucasus stability and integration

Abstract

Latent ethno-religious conflicts remain the most destructive of contemporary threats to the North Caucasus integration and stability. The fundamental issue that requires a constructive solution in order to ensure security in this region is the promotion of ethnic peace and tolerance. This research aims to analyse how deep-rooted ethno-religious contradictions can affect regional stability and conflict resolution strategy. The paper attempts to answer an essential research question that unresolved protracted contradictions have fundamental consequences for the North Caucasus. The growing regional disintegration, deep social inequalities, and ineffective institutions all add significantly to the appeal of radical Islamist ideology, erode trust in the state, and constitute a key reason the North Caucasian conflicts are so difficult to resolve. All of these increase the citizens' alienation from the state and promote the search for radical alternatives, including ISIS and jihad: ethno-religious radicalism becomes a major conflict driver.