Identity politics in the regional dimension: the Republic of Adygea case

The author examines the features and main subjects of the identity policy carried out in the Republic of Adygea, which generally demonstrates an inclusive type of regional identity formation. The directions of symbolic policy, memory policy and branding of the region are revealed. It is proved that the specificity of identity policy in Adygea, due to the peculiarities of the region as a subject of the Russian Federation, is the need to maintain a balance between ethnic, regional and national-civil levels of identity. The results of an expert survey conducted in the region in May 2022 are analyzed. A number of issues have been identified on which experts have expressed differing points of view, including those concerning the identity policy for the preservation of the national language and the reproduction of the culture of the peoples of Adygea. The author believes that expert opinion should be taken into account when developing and implementing a regional identity policy. The author concludes that the identity policy of the Republic of Adygea belongs to the active type.