Ethnic separatism in the Russian Federation: classification and level of activity

The paper discusses modern ethnic separatism in the Russian Federation. The author focused on manifestations of separatism in the virtual sphere. Virtual separatism can be a preparatory stage for action in reality. The foundations of separatism in Russia are extremely stable throughout the country’s history, starting from the period of the Russian Empire. Ethnic separatism in the Russian Federation currently dominates in relation to regional separatism. At the same time, the author notes the growth of regional separatism since 2018. The government strengthens measures to suppress separatism. The weakening of central authority can cause a rapid and destructive increase in separatism for Russia. During the situational protests of 2018-2019 in the regions of the Russian Federation, a tendency to use the symbols of separatism in political protest appeared.