Multiculturalism: Discursive Practices

The article investigates the problem of multiculturalism. The authors examine the discursive practices of multiculturalism in relation to the multinational, multicultural, and multiconfessional Russian society undergoing a long period of social transformation. The article analyzes the trends and processes in the space of intercultural and interethnic interaction in the world and in Russia. Historically formed modes of interaction, mutual recognition, and understanding of culturally national and culturally religious communities characterize the Russian multinational society. Particular attention is paid to the Islamic factor. The authors substantiate the necessity of taking into account the Islamic factor in the political life of the country based on achievement of inter-confessional and political consensus between the government and Muslim leaders, recognition of the autonomy of the Islamic rules not only in the spiritual realm, but also in the education of youth, family relations, public security and possibility of formulating own religious interests and claims. The article emphasizes the importance of preventing the imposition of a model of governing the state and society based on discrimination against citizens upholding secular and civic values. It is necessary to preserve the principle of separation of state and religion, which is very crucial for the preservation of Russia as a multiethnic democratic secular state.