Cossacks of the south of Russia in the Soviet era: problems and prospects of scientific research

Introduction. In modern Russian historiography, an unacceptable situation has developed since the Soviet period in the history of the Cossacks has not yet become the subject of sufficient research attention; therefore, a common vision of the reference points of scientific research has not taken shape. The article is aimed at studying the methodological and historiographic plots of the Soviet history of the Cossacks of the South of Russia in order to clarify unexplored plots and aspects, to determine further directions of scientific research. Methods and materials. We have at our disposal a number of significant historiographic facts that allow us to identify current historiographic trends in the study of the Soviet history of the Cossacks of the South of Russia. To do this, the article uses the method of system analysis and expert evaluation of historiographic facts, which provides the final argumentative logos. In a number of cases, the authors draw on archival materials to clarify and reinforce their positions. Analysis. The Soviet period in the history of the Cossacks of the South of Russia has been studied extremely unevenly, and this leads to distortions in the interpretation of individual problems. Excessive fascination of many modern authors with stories of decossackization creates a historical background of the tragic existence of the Cossacks in the Soviet era. As a result, the mass heroism of the Cossacks during the Great Patriotic War is involuntarily obscured by the difficult historical past and the plots of Cossack collaborationism. Decades of life of many generations of Cossacks are voluntarily or involuntarily deleted from the general history of the Cossacks. Therefore, it is important to identify the whole range of topical issues in the study of the Soviet period in the historyof the Cossacks of the South of Russia, where there is also a positive historical experience. Results. The article outlines the established stages in the historiography of the Cossacks of the Soviet era and provides examples of specific studies on certain issues of Cossack history. The main directions of further research are determined with brief characteristics of the named plots. Contribution of authors. The creation of the concept of the article, the development and description of the research methodology, the conceptual apparatus, and the analysis of the involved content belongs to A.P. Skorik. The selection of archival materials and historiographic facts, as well as their primary analysis, was carried out by V.A. Bondarev. Conceptual editing, identification of a number of historiographical trends and addition of source materials with historiographic facts were carried out byG.G. Matishov. The final scientific and literary editing of the text of the article was carried out by A.P. Skorik andBondarev.