The influence of geopolitical factor on the problem of obtaining Russian national identity

In the article the problem of the need to consolidate the Russian abroad in contemporary geopolitical circumstances is considered. The focus is on the question of the formation of national idea as a mechanism for obtaining national identity and the main instrument of opposition to external pressure. It specifies the role of space and the boundaries of natural and geopolitical factors on the development of Russian identity. The key images are rivers and steppes, while the river is perceived as an ambivalent symbol. The concept of the river-boundary, the river-limit as the infinite ideal, as well as the river as the consolidation source, is introduced. It emphasizes the need for consolidation of Russians in Central Asia. As the cause of the gradual depletion of national identity it is called the lack of strong Russian support in those states, where most powerfully manifested anti-Russian activities, emphasizes the need for an organized and powerful Russian Diaspora. The national idea is considered as the only means of establishing a spiritual connection between the state and the Diaspora, and to strengthen its unity, despite the state borders. It emphasizes the correlation between strong patriotic Diaspora and the formation of a positive image of Russia abroad. The article carried the analogy between the current geopolitical situation and the geopolitics of the past years and it is concluded we live in epoch of challenges and threats to national identity, which is able to prevent state policy based on the national idea.