ABSTRACT
Will the developing religious identities among Russia's peoples ultimately evolve in a tolerant, universalistic direction? The malleable nature of post-Soviet identities makes this a critical time for Russia, a time in which patterns of identity may be significantly refrained. This means that political and religious leaders can play an even greater role than usual in determining how Russia's peoples will come to view themselves and others. As Ramet (1993) has observed, "Religion . . . is inherently political, and the bonds between religion and nationalism/national culture are often very deep" (49). Religion can be employed to foster either inclusive or exclusive identities, to unite or divide.
