Formation Of National Identity Research Articles

Reshaping the Baltic Identity: Russian Soft Power and the Security Strategies of Latvia and Estonia

Purpose: This research paper delves into the crucial influence of Russian soft power policies on Latvia and Estonia's national identities and security strategies, with a particular focus on their Russian-speaking populations. Methodology: Utilizing a constructivist approach, the study conducts a comparative discourse analysis of security strategies and identity dynamics in the Baltic States before and after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022. Main Findings: The analysis reveals how Latvia and Estonia construct their national identities in opposition to Russia, framing it as a negative Other while viewing the EU as a positive reference point. This dynamic significantly shapes their security policies. Implications: The findings of this research underscore the pivotal role of national identities in shaping security strategies. They also provide valuable insights into the broader implications for European integration in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Novelty: This research offers a unique perspective on the interaction between Russian-speaking minorities and national identity formation in Latvia and Estonia. It contributes to a deeper understanding of security in the context of soft power dynamics, providing a nuanced view that is distinct from existing literature.

PRECEDENT NAMES AS TRANSMITTERS OF HISTORICAL AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY IN THE POEM “THE TIME IN BURSA” BY A. H. TANPINAR

This article explores the use of precedent names as carriers of historical and collective memory in A. H. Tanpınar's poem “The Time in Bursa.” Precedent names, being culturally significant proper nouns, evoke historical, cultural, and social connotations that resonate deeply within a collective consciousness. The study analyzes how these names serve as linguistic bridges between past and present, shaping a shared understanding of national identity and heritage in Tanpınar’s poetry. The analysis focuses on the poem's ability to transmit cultural memory through names associated with key historical events, figures, and places, thus linking personal memory with collective historical narratives. By exploring the poetic function of these precedent names, the article highlights Tanpınar’s contribution to preserving and enriching the cultural identity of Turkish society. Employing methods such as textual, intertextual, and historical-linguistic analysis, the research uncovers how Tanpınar’s use of precedent names fosters a dialogue between individual and national history, allowing readers to engage with the collective memory of their community. The study positions precedent names not merely as literary devices, but as pivotal elements in understanding the dynamics of memory and identity in Turkish poetry. This research aims to broaden the understanding of how names rooted in cultural and historical significance can function as powerful transmitters of collective memory, contributing to the formation of a cohesive national identity in literary texts.

On the issue of the formation of the national identity of students (on the case of universities in Kazakhstan)

Introduction. The article examines the theoretical aspects and practical possibilities of formation of national identity in universities of Kazakhstan. This problem is becoming relevant in the context of the globalization of knowledge and international integration of education, the growth of academic mobility and the expansion of intercultural communications. Aim. The aim is to explore the mechanisms of constructing national identity and strengthening the national features of educational programs of higher education based on the study and generalization of the experience of Kazakhstani universities. Methodology and research methods. Based on the content analysis of normative documents on education, the content of bachelor's degree curricula and critical understanding of foreign scientific literature, the authors attempt to fill in the gaps in understanding the mechanisms of formation of national identity in higher education in the country and show its features. Results. The authors present the results of an analysis of the structure and content of bachelor educational programs at universities in Kazakhstan for the presence of the national component in them. Тhe authors summarize that the formation of national identity among the younger generation and filling it with semantic content is considered by the Kazakh academic community as an important state task, as a foundation for the cohesion and spiritual unity of citizens of a multinational country. The mechanisms of constructing national identity in the higher education system have been developed at the state level and are implemented in university training and educational practices. The national component of bachelor's degree programs, focused on formation of national identity, is provided by the content of general education humanities and language disciplines. University programs are developed in accordance with the requirements of the State Bachelor's Degree Standard, which contains a list of compulsory subjects for studying national history and culture, Kazakh, Russian and foreign languages. The principles of academic freedom allow universities to enhance the national flavor of educational programs by filling elective courses with national content. Scientific novelty. In modern conditions, the problem of ensuring the national identity of educational programs universities does not at all seem to be an axiom that contradicts the processes of internationalization of education. Universities around the world use various mechanisms to ensure the national identity of their programs, making them more attractive to students in the context of the development of intercultural communication. Kazakh universities are still gaining experience, but it may already be of interest from the point of view of accumulating practical experience. The practical significance of the study lies in the formulation of the problem as one of the important discourses in higher education. The results of the study will make a certain contribution to the understanding of the mechanisms and factors influencing the provision of national identity of educational programs using the example of a specific country. The article contributes to the scientific conversation about the meaning of national identity and can be a contribution to the study of the problems of forming the national identity of the younger generation.

“The Revival of Islam”: a French view of the Islamic Revolution in Iran

In this article, the author investigates the responses of French diplomats and experts to the events occurring in Iran during 1978–1979 and their consequences. This analysis is conducted primarily in the context of the rising prominence of religious considerations in international relations. To this end, the author draws on materials from the archives of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In France, the dual nature of these events was acknowledged. Firstly, there was a notable “re-Islamisation” of the populations in Muslim countries. In many of them, Islam became an influential factor in the formation of national identities after independence, serving to unify and stabilise communities. Secondly, French diplomats emphasised that while religion played a part in these developments, it was not the sole driving force. Rather, it was employed by local leaders as a political tool to advance their own agendas. The French experts demonstrated a tendency to overestimate the degree of Western influence on educated and wealthy sections of Muslim populations, while simultaneously underestimating the capacity of nationally oriented Islamic leaders and movements to modernise their respective countries. Furthermore, these experts also underestimated the ability of these leaders and movements to defend their right to development in accordance with their own customs and traditions. It is notable that many of the conclusions drawn by French diplomats at the turn of the 1970s and 1980s do not align with the contemporary interpretations of the French authorities. A review of the French Foreign Ministry notes from 1978 to 1979 revealed no mention of the issue of Islamic influence and its radical form in the Maghreb and the Middle East on the Muslim community in France.

Ded Moroz (Father Frost) as a social construct of childhood and society

The article proposes to expand the understanding of the fairy-tale wizard Ded Moroz (Father Frost) as a myth and cultural and symbolic image using sociological approaches. As an analysis methodology, the concept of social construction of reality was applied, which made it possible to characterize the social construct «Ded Moroz (Father Frost)», which performs numerous social functions for the adult population and additional, specific for children. The main functions include participation in the formation of national identity, traditions, political distinction, economic, educational, educational, socializing, additionally described as an incentive in projective research methods. Arguments are presented to prove that Ded Moroz (Father Frost) is not only an attribute of the cultural heritage of Russia, but also unites numerous ideas, social practices of children and the organization of the child's daily space, promotes the socialization of the modern young generation, participates in the intergenerational transmission of values and identity. The subjects and mechanisms of constructing processes, levels and possibilities of application in the periodization of childhood are highlighted. With the help of a representative empirical study of 2023 estimates by young people of the eventfulness of their childhood, including the situation of loss of faith in Ded Moroz (Father Frost) (average age 9.1 years), conclusions were drawn about social factors of stability and variability of the age of debunking the myth of the reality of the fairy-tale hero. Some hypotheses have been proposed for further research, including the new role of a «social worker and social defender» for Ded Moroz (Father Frost), the artificial lengthening of the period of trust in the fairy-tale character by the children themselves in order to receive gifts and entertainment.

Exhibiting Colonialism and Nationalism: The Case of Egyptian Museums and Its Cultural Heritage

Abstract: Egypt is one of four ancient civilizations acknowledged by the international community as having a time-honored historical legacy and a profound cultural heritage. However, from the 19th century onward, Egypt's cultural development trajectory underwent a significant shift due to the influence of Western colonial powers. Subsequently, with the uninterrupted progression of the nationalist movement, the trajectory of Egyptian history and culture, in addition to the conservation and investigation of cultural heritage, underwent yet another transformation. Museums, as crucial instruments for the conservation and exhibition of cultural heritage, have played a pivotal role in the history of Egyptian cultural research, bearing witness to the transformation in the preponderance of Egyptian historical narratives. This paper examines how historical narratives and cultural developments in Egypt were shaped under the influence of colonialism, with a particular focus on the profound impact of Orientalist theories and practices on the construction of museums about the study of historical and cultural heritage. In the post-colonial period, Egyptian museums have served as conduits for disseminating the country's rich cultural heritage and as instruments for enhancing Egyptian national identity. These institutions have played a pivotal role in the formation of national identity and the "decolonization" of the country's cultural heritage, largely due to their irreplaceable cultural space and their capacity to adapt to changing needs. As Egyptian museums have evolved, they have played a significant role in shaping national identity and contributing to the processes of decolonization and de-Westernization. Furthermore, they symbolize the prospective trajectory of Egyptian national identity within the context of globalization and the emergence of a more interconnected world.

Conventionalized impoliteness formulae in third-party assessments

Abstract The paper examines the ideological work accomplished by the use of conventionalized impoliteness formulae in third person reference, when the person being criticized or brought into disrepute is not present in the here-and-now of interaction. Drawing on Interactional Linguistics and data from audio-recorded informal face-to-face Greek conversations, the study shows that speakers mobilize conventionalized impoliteness formulae, along with other linguistic resources, in the course of third-party assessments to evaluate sociocultural experience, and establish interlocutors’ shared negative affective stance toward the third party picked on due to their national group membership. This practice reproduces everyday nationalism that unites offenders against national ‘others’. The study enhances our understanding of the recontextualization of conventionalized impoliteness formulae in talk-in-interaction, and the role of affective stance in the discursive formation of (national) identities.

Evolution of Theatrical Culture of Ukraine in the context of National Identity

The purpose of the article is to analyse the main aspects in the evolution of theatrical culture in Ukraine in the context of the formation and preservation of national identity. The research methodology is based on a combination of different approaches, including historical, sociocultural and artistic analysis of theatrical events and their interaction with political, sociocultural and economic factors. The historical approach enabled the author to trace the main stages of the development of theatrical culture in Ukraine, in particular the influence of political and social conditions on the formation of the national theatre. The artistic analysis enabled focusing on the aesthetic aspects of theatrical creativity, and the socio-cultural approach – to investigate the relationship between the theatre and society. Scientific novelty. The study is groundbreaking in its analysis of the impact of contemporary events, such as Euromaidan 2014 and the full-scale invasion of 2022, on Ukrainian theatre culture, as well as exploring the process of de-Russification in theatre. In addition, the article emphasises the role of individual artists and the development of modern drama, which underlines the theme of war and national identity. Conclusions. The process of formation of national identity in Ukraine in the context of historical events and cultural transformations was highlighted. Despite the various prohibitions of the desire to destroy national identity, the activities of outstanding national figures, in particular theatre figures, have always popularised Ukrainian culture. A promising direction in the development of theatre culture is to take into account all mental and ideological differences within the framework of Ukrainian values, since every Ukrainian is currently rethinking the question of their identity. The evolution of Ukrainian theatrical culture is an integral part of the process of formation and preservation of national identity. The theatre itself is an important tool of socio-cultural development, which helps Ukrainian society to realise its uniqueness and preserve its cultural heritage.

Ukrainian Musical Culture: Integrative Component

The purpose of the research to study the current state of Ukrainian musical culture and to prove the importance of its European integration. Research methodology. To achieve the set goals, the following research methods were used: historical - to study the emergence, formation and development of Ukrainian musical culture; systematic method – for a comprehensive study of the musical culture of Ukraine; cultural – which reveals the complexity of socio-cultural processes and phenomena; axiological method – which allowed to investigate the phenomena of mass culture in view of their valuable nature. Scientific novelty the article consists in the theoretical and methodological substantiation of the influence of the European space on the Europeanisation of Ukrainian culture in Ukraine and beyond. Conclusions. The disclosure of the concept of Ukrainian culture showed that the constituent parts of any culture are the people with their customs, beliefs, traditions, as well as innovations in this field, which are closely intertwined with the past heritage. Enrichment of culture is possible only if the experience of past generations is successfully combined with modern manifestations of cultural development. Having considered the main factors and determining factors of national culture, we proved that art itself, in particular music, are determining factors of culture. It is music that is capable of enriching and elevating the spiritual value of the Ukrainian people, because the feeling of beauty aesthetically directs the personality, contributes to value orientations and conscious being. The interpenetration of different cultures and generations leads to the development of innovations, while the use of some of the latest technologies loses the meaning of national culture. It is necessary to enrich the spiritual culture of Ukraine – as an important factor in the development of a modern, educated personality. National musical heritage is the primary source of formation of national consciousness and identity. Integration processes and cultural dialogue are a necessary condition for the development of Ukrainian musical culture, as well as any culture in general. A dialogue that involves active interaction, mutual enrichment of equal cultural subjects, a desire to understand one's own and others' peculiarities and uniqueness.

Recapturing the Past: The Role of Historical Memory in Polish and Hungarian Populism

Collective memory is a driving force in populist and nationalist politics. The emotional appeals of a shared history, particularly relating to notions of victimhood and resistance, are deeply influential in national identity formation. In this essay, Hungary’s Fidesz party and Poland’s Law and Justice party (PiS) are explored in relation to their tendency to manipulate history to construct self-serving collective memories. Both Fidesz and PiS successfully employ selective interpretations of historical events to not only mobilize support but also to quell dissent, employing emotive appeals and moral justifications deeply rooted in the national psyche. In order to combat the illiberal and anti-democratic tendencies of populist manipulations of collective memory, this essay argues that strong civil societies and the promotion of alternative narratives of collective memory are necessary. Editorial Note: This final version of this piece was to be titled "The Past Reimagined: The Role of Historical Memory in Polish and Hungarian Populism". Due to an editorial error, a draft title was published in the print edition. In the spirit of continuity between the print and online edition, we have kept the title of the print edition's in the online version, but have included this note to explain the discrepancy. Our apologies to the author for the error.

THE PLACE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SHASHMAKOM IN MUSIC CULTURE

This article examines the role and importance of Shashmakom in the musical culture of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Shashmakom, with its complex structure, rhythmic rules and diverse performance styles, represents the musical heritage of the peoples of Central Asia. The article analyzes such aspects as the historical development of Shashmakom, the status system, its place in folk culture, and its influence on modern artists. Also, the inclusion of shashmakam in the list of the unofficial cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO is specially recognized. The importance of Shashmakom in musical culture plays an important role not only in art, but also in the formation of national identity and spirit.

Sustainability of Cultural Practices in Ukraine During the War: Challenges and Threats

The article presents the results of the author's All-Ukrainian telephone survey on the topic: "Cultural Practices of the Population of Ukraine during the War". The survey was conducted from June 15 to June 30, 2023 and covered 1,000 adult respondents from all regions of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas, as well as areas without Ukrainian mobile communication. The margin of error of the sample does not exceed 2.2%. The article argues that under current conditions, state support for cultural institutions is crucial for Ukraine, and a nationwide strategy for cultural development has become a pressing need. All of this is necessary because only distancing from Russian culture, independence from it, and self-sufficiency are Ukraine's only chance to maintain its agency as a state and preserve its national identity. The stable development of national culture and the formation of a resilient national identity will protect the country from territorial encroachments in the future and help in regaining the occupied territories. Most importantly, they will contribute to the cultural reintegration of the population of these territories, returning them to Ukraine's national cultural space. Keywords: resilience, cultural resilience, sustainable development, war, internally displaced persons (IDPs), respondents, citizens of Ukraine, national values, threats, cultural space

Constructive and destructive effects of mediatization of family memory

The paper analyzes the peculiarities of family memory transformation under the influence of digitalization. In the modern world, new media begin to exert a determining influence on the formation of the image of reality, leading to the emergence of a special media culture that transforms familiar social phenomena. To reveal the specifics of the phenomenon of family memory we use the concept of midi-memory, which describes the mechanisms of emergence, storage and translation of collective representations of the past in the conditions of mediatization and digitalization. In such conditions, the boundary between cultural and communicative memory is gradually erased, and the number of subjects involved in the construction of representations of the past increases significantly. As a result, the mechanism of constructing images of the past is changing. These processes lead to the need to analyze the destructive and constructive effects of the mediatization of collective and, in particular, family memory.The main methodological principle of the study is the analysis of various forms of collective memory that appear in modern reality under the influence of digitalization. In modern realities, which are gradually blurring the line between cultural and communicative memory, collective representations of the past are being transferred into the format of media memory. Mediatization of family memory can contribute to the formation of national identity through the inclusion of significant national events in the images of the past present in family memory. A significant role in these processes is played by significant symbols of the Soviet period, broadcast by modern media practice. This increases the risk of purposeful distortion of images of the past. In the end, the media blur the boundaries of family memory, replacing images of the past with images constructed by media space.

THE NATIONAL BUILDING POLICY IN KAZAKHSTAN: CIVIC OR ETHNOSOCIAL IDENTITY?

This study demonstrates how Kazakhstan, once entangled in the complex interaction between tradition and the challenges of modernity, is now actively shaping its national identity. Against the backdrop of the issues surrounding identity politics, nationalism, and post-Soviet transitional processes, this article sheds light on Kazakhstan's decisive steps in creating and exporting a unique national narrative in the realm of state-building. This narrative goes beyond simple adaptation of external models and reflects the country's growing academic and intellectual contribution to the global discourse on national identity formation. The article examines the synthesis of governmental efforts, public knowledge, and practical ideology that underpins the formation of national policy. Special attention is given to the fact that in the post-socialist space, Kazakhstan does not merely adhere to a policy of “de-Sovietization” but also redefines its policy as an expression of sovereign identity and national leadership. The study focuses primarily on the process of «Kazakhization» - a significant paradigm in the post-Soviet context. Unlike other post-Soviet narratives, which tend to criticize or deny history or use it merely as a political tool, the Kazakh approach is aimed at strengthening the multifaceted Kazakhstani identity. In this process, Kazakhstan balances between collective civic identity (Kazakhstani) and ethnonational Kazakh identity (Kazakh), reflecting a conscious departure from the rejection or opposition to the past. Instead, the country seeks to integrate and enhance its unique national essence.

Galicia and Donbass as Ideal models of regional identity: sociocultural roots of the confrontation between Western and Eastern Ukraine

The article examines ideal models of regional identity in Ukraine – Galicia and Donbass. It is emphasised that Ukraine, having become a sovereign state and appeared on the political map of the world in 1991, faced the problem of a pronounced mosaic of regions. Individual regions were included in Ukraine already formed as distinctive entities with stable features of culture and way of life of the population. The authors emphasise that on the territory of Ukraine there coexisted a number of territorial complexes that were rather weakly connected with each other, and their subordination to various states due to frequent changes in borders determined their complex interaction. The processes of changing the political affiliation of regions actualise the identification issue, and identity in such conditions turns into a kind of demiurge of reality and can act as the main, and sometimes the only source of meanings. The declaration of independence by Ukraine actualised historically formed contradictions, previously existing mainly latently. The article proves the existence of socio-cultural regions, unique ethno-territorial communities, creating a continuum with a clearly expressed dichotomy - Donbass and Galicia. Beginning from the first years of Ukraine's independence, the image of the new independent country as a great European power, the formation of which has always been hindered and continues to be hindered by Russia, was actively introduced into the consciousness of citizens. That is, a project was promoted based on Galician nationalism (with an emphatically Russophobic basis) and the concept of the "titular Ukrainian nation". In turn, regionalist sentiments in the Eastern Ukraine showed that regional identity can have great potential for the social integration of citizens. Since the 1990s, Donbass has often acted as an object of deliberate "otherness" on the part of the Ukrainian political and cultural elite, which was a contrasting background in the context of the practices of national construction in Ukraine. The authors conclude that the formation of Ukrainian national identity was carried out in a very contradictory manner and was characterised by a clear dominance of regional identity in the Eastern Ukraine against the background of the total promotion of the Galician project, and since 2014, its promotion has been carried out by armed means. However, the violent desire to level the regional identity of the inhabitants of the Eastern Ukraine launched the process of secession of the region - the self-proclamation of the DPR and LPR and their subsequent inclusion in the Russian Federation in 2022.

The dynamics of development of the Ukrainian-language segment on TikTok: evolution and contemporary challenges

This article examines the dynamics of development of the Ukrainian-language segment on the TikTok platform, evaluates the influence of this social media application on the formation of Ukraine's information space, and identifies key trends and changes in Ukrainian-language content from its inception on the platform to the present day. The study explores the emergence, development, and peculiarities of the TikTok platform in the global and Ukrainian information space, identifying factors contributing to the creation and dissemination of Ukrainian-language content on TikTok. Research delves into the content produced by Ukrainian bloggers on TikTok and considers its potential impact. It is found that TikTok initially served predominantly as a Russian-language entertainment platform upon its introduction to Ukraine, evolving later into a multifunctional tool facilitating the widespread dissemination and consumption of Ukrainian-language content. The growth of the Ukrainian-language segment on TikTok contributes to the formation of national identity and culture, as well as the strengthening of the state language. Ukrainian bloggers utilize the platform to promote Ukrainian values, social initiatives, and mobilize public opinion amidst Russian military aggression. Analysis of TikTok's development dynamics provides grounds to anticipate its increasing influence on our country's information space.

Shaping Identity

This essay examines the formation of national identity in Azerbaijan during the early twentieth century through an analysis of works by Azerbaijani authors. This period was a crucial time for the country as it faced significant historical changes that challenged its sense of identity. Azerbaijan was situated between the Islamic and Christian worlds and had been under the control of the Russian Empire for many decades, making the search for national identity difficult. The essay analyzes the writings of two prominent Azerbaijani thinkers, Kurban Said and Ahmed bey Aghaoghlu, to reveal the main tendencies in Azerbaijani society during this period. The authors’ suggestions for building a better society serve as insights into the tendencies and atmosphere at that important time. The essay argues that these works may chronicle the formation of the national identity during a historically obscured time when the Soviet regime erased all traces of identity issues. The study draws on Benedict Anderson’s concept of imagined communities, which emphasizes the role of discourse and media in forming and transforming national identities. The essay discusses the importance of understanding national identity in crucial historical periods and how it aids in the process of its formation. Finally, the essay provides historical context on Azerbaijan’s situation at the beginning of the twentieth century, including its short-lived independence, the influence of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious values, and the challenges of Russian domination, cultural restrictions, and falsification of historical facts.

National Identity & Historical Memory: Functionality of Historical Memory in the Formation and Development of National Identity

Historical memory, which is shaped within the scope of the value judgments of the society in which an individual lives in the historical process, is an active past that forms the personality of the individual. This historical past has many dynamics, variables, and essential formations shaped by it. National/national identity, one of them, reflects a type of identity that emerges and develops according to the historical memory of the individual. The study focused on the functions of historical memory in forming and developing national identity. In this direction, the main questions addressed by the article are what are the effects of historical memory on the formation of national identity based on the concepts of identity, national identity, nationalism, memory, collective memory, and historical memory?

Racial Affirmative Action and the Consensus on Phenotypic Hetero-Identification: Notes on the State Universities of the Brazilian Midwest

Racial affirmative action policies in Brazil have recently reached consensus in their technical procedures for defining black subjects of law, through phenotypic heteroidentification panels. Such panels aim to minimize reports of fraud, legitimize the subjects of affirmative policy law and provide legal security to institutions. This article revisits the construction of this consensus. Before 2012, the landmark Law 12,711, which standardizes affirmative actions in Federal Higher Education Institutions, there was a diversity of understandings and selection procedures. Currently, there is a unified model for these federal institutions and homogeneity regarding the phenotypic heteroidentification procedure. As federal legislation is not imposed on state universities, we highlight similarities and differences between the hegemonic model of phenotypic heteroidentification of federal and state universities in the Midwest. Methodologically, we conducted documentary and bibliographical research on the selection processes of State Universities in the Central-West region, with an emphasis on the different models of phenotypic heteroidentification implemented throughout the 21st century. The results indicate, in many ways, an essentialization of black identity and a depoliticization of the public debate on racial issues in Brazil. We therefore assess that this resulted in a decrease of criticism of the formation of Brazilian national identity and the establishment of objective parameters for the definition of black subjects of law.

Формирование национальной идентичности на основе обучения русскому народному танцу

The article discusses the problem of formation of national identity in the younger generation. The concept of “folk culture” is analyzed as part of the history of the people, its heritage, which is passed down from generation to generation. Particular attention is paid to Russian folk choreography - a visual and brightly emotional manifestation of national culture, which reflects the spiritual wealth and traditions of the people. It is emphasized that Russian folk dance has ancient roots, its historical development, stages of improvement from the end of the 10th century to the present day are described. Mastering Russian folk dance is considered as a means of familiarization with the history and culture of the people, successful formation of the national identity of students of choreographic schools.