战略与国际研究中心-PONARS-Policy-Memo-198_7页_90kb

Summary of "Islam in Russian Society and Politics: Survival and Expansion"

Core Content

This policy memo, written by Dmitri Glinski-Vassiliev in May 2001, explores the evolving relationship between Islam and Russian society and politics, particularly during the post-Soviet era and under Vladimir Putin's leadership. It highlights the tensions between the dominant Russian Orthodox Church and the growing influence of Islam, which is seen as a challenge to the nation's cultural and political identity.

Main Points

1. The Yeltsin-Era Orthodox Tilt

• Cultural Identity and Religion: The post-Soviet elite increasingly equated "European" with "Christian," leading to the promotion of Russian Orthodoxy as a key element of national identity.
• Kremlin's Attitude Toward Muslims: The Russian government treated the Muslim minority with neglect, suspicion, or hostility, contributing to regional tensions and secessionist movements like Chechnya and Tatarstan.
• Impact on Muslim Republics: These policies led to Muslim republics resisting federal control, forming their own networks, and often supporting opposition parties.

2. Islamic Conversion Among Ethnic Russians

• Rise of Islam Among Russians: There has been a noticeable increase in Islamic conversions, especially among young Russians, in regions like Tatarstan and Karelia.
• Perception of Islam as a Threat: Russian Orthodox clergy and political elites view this expansion as a threat to their cultural and religious dominance.
• Historical Context: Islam has a long history in Russia, dating back to the 7th century, which complicates efforts to marginalize it through legislation.

3. Political Islam in Putin's Russia: The Niyazov Case

• Refah Party: Founded in 1998, Refah was the only major Muslim political organization led by an ethnic Russian convert, Abdul-Wahed Niyazov.
• Strategic Role in Elections: Refah gained significant attention during the 1999 Duma elections, securing legislative seats despite being a small group.
• Niyazov's Activities: He became a vocal critic of anti-Muslim bias and sought to represent all minorities, but remained cautious not to challenge the Kremlin directly.
• Exit from Unity: In 2001, Niyazov left the Unity party to form the Eurasian Party of Russia, signaling a shift toward independent political representation.

4. Implications for Russian and International Security

• Civilizational Identity: Russia's future stability depends on its approach to cultural and civilizational identity, particularly in balancing European and Eurasian influences.
• Secular Nature of Russian Society: Russia's culture is deeply secular, making the imposition of Orthodox Christianity as a national ideology problematic.
• Western Preferences: Some Western analysts desire a more European, ethnically homogeneous Russia, which could antagonize Muslim communities and the broader Islamic world.
• Need for Inclusive Policies: The memo argues that inclusive political representation of Muslims is essential for national stability and to prevent unnecessary conflict with the West.

Key Information

• Population of Muslims in Russia: Estimated between 20 and 30 million, or 15–20% of the population.
• Historical Presence of Islam: Islam was the first monotheistic religion to spread in today's Russian Federation, with early conversions in the 7th century.
• Refah Party's Significance: Refah is unique in being led by an ethnic Russian convert and has been a strategic player in Russian politics.
• Anti-Muslim Propaganda: The government's anti-Muslim rhetoric has fueled both regional resistance and internal conversions, particularly among those affected by economic hardship.

Conclusion

The document underscores the complex dynamics of religious and ethnic identity in post-Soviet Russia, emphasizing that the expansion of Islam, particularly among ethnic Russians, poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the country's political and social development. The Kremlin's attempts to homogenize society through Orthodox Christianity have led to unintended consequences, including the rise of political Islam and the potential for greater instability. The future of Russian society will depend on how it navigates these tensions and integrates its diverse religious and ethnic communities into a stable, inclusive political framework.