Attitude of different generations of the population of Tatarstan to extremism as a factor in reducing interfaith tension
The article analyzes the prevalence of radical and extremist beliefs and attitudes in the field of interfaith relations among representatives of different generations. For this, a mass survey was conducted, which showed that most respondents, the residents of the Republic of Tatarstan, did not understand the phenomenon of extremism and the measures to prevent its manifestation. Russians more often identify opposition and extremism, and Tatars are more aware of the possibility of non-extremist opposition. The difference in the positions of Tatars and Russians, in our opinion, is generated by the long-term propaganda of the Tatarstan authorities of the historical nature of the statehood of the Tatars. The inability of the population to single out the specifics of extremism indicates both to inadequate law enforcement practice and flaws in the work of the media and above all characteristic of older generations of respondents. The survey has revealed the absence of a developed understanding in the younger generation, which by its nature is prone to maximalism and “black and white” perception of social reality. It has also revealed the respondents’ attitude to the main directions of state policy in confessional relations that can minimize or increase inter-religious tensions. The social activity of different generations of respondents in the area of participation in mass protests was evaluated. Radical, and even more extremist views are categorically rejected by all generations of the Republic of Tatarstan population, which allows maintaining interfaith stability in the region. It is significant that among the older generations that were formed in the USSR, the views on the distancing of religion from the state do not depend on the political situation. Obviously, the older generation does not accept new forms of disseminating views (via the Internet), while young respondents, on the contrary, prefer mass street actions. At the same time, a narrow segment of predominantly young people is able to turn into a mobilization base for the transmission of extreme convictions and radical actions.