Interethnic relations in the North Caucasus in historical perspective: the main factors of development

The article deals with the urgent for the modern Russia topic of interethnic relations in the North Caucasus. The main factors and peculiarities of interethnic relations development in the region are discussed. Particular attention is paid to such an important issue as the specifics of administrative and territorial division of the North Caucasus and its impact on the interethnic relations in the region. The author considers the risks of interethnic relations caused by the intensification of religious extremists in the national republics of the North Caucasus.