The role of the sense of nationhood and political participation in shaping anti-terrorist attitudes among the youth of the North Caucasus

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Abstract

The article reveals the state, dynamics and focus of political activity and civic participation of young people as one of the foundations for the formation of anti-terrorist attitudes. Young people have a high potential for socio-political activity and a demand for change. The ethnopolitical specificity of the North Caucasus increases the risks of its protest and conflict mobilisation. The authors analyse the 2019, 2020 and 2021 survey data from among students of leading universities of the North Caucasus. According to the research results, significant differences in the degree of readiness for various forms of political activity and civic participation depending on ethnic and confessional affiliation were discovered. Among the young people with the most pronounced attitudes towards political activity and civic participation are young people who can be characterised by low religious commitment and traditionalism, as well as pronounced individualistic attitudes. Most of the respondents are willing to vote in elections and participate in the activities of volunteer organisations. Over the past three years, the influence of the leading media and educational system on shaping the political views of young people has significantly decreased, while the influence of the blogosphere and social networks remains steadily high. The growth of individualistic attitudes is a long-term trend that has effect on the socio-political processes in the region.