The typology and problems of studying the southern Russian frontier

The article is devoted to the theory of the frontier, the analysis of conceptual apparatus and topical issues in its practical application. The author considers the typology of frontiers, which characterizes the civilizational, intercultural, religious, anthropological and other types of frontiers. From the standpoint of this theory we analyze the peculiarities of the southern Russian frontier zone as the special territory of the dynamics of Russian borders towards Caspian sea region, Caucasus and Kazakhstan. The southern region of Russia, the Lower Volga region and the Caspian Sea region are the place where many nations (over 100 nationalities of three world religions), and the most diverse cultural traditions meet. This region has historically represented a border zone, the world with changing borders and highly dynamic social, political, and spiritual processes.