Regional identity as a basis for consolidation of border societies

The present study considers the relationship between the processes of regional identity and public communication. The relevance of the theme is determined by the need to overcome possible negative trends in the development of interethnic and interfaith relations in the border territories of the Russian Federation. The expansion of contact zones between ethnic groups in the conditions of developed federalism is a typical process of the current social situation in the country. It seems possible to develop not only state, but also regional identity within the framework of Russian national policy. The authors consider regional identity as a personal and group set of cognitive symbols that form an integrated representation of the surrounding locus. Identity is discussed at the micro-, meso- and macro-social levels from the viewpoint of the sociological approach. The research presents the classification of the studied phenomenon reproduction scenarios, the factors that influence the choice of a particular scenario. Special attention is devoted to the consideration of actors and stakeholders of identification processes at the territorial level, the specific character of administrative and public impact in the space of public communication.