On the Consolidation of Society in the Context of Geopolitical Tensions (Based on Research in the Vologda Region)

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of societal consolidation viewed through the lens of public opinion within a regional community amidst a new reality shaped by a special military operation in Ukraine (SMO), intensified anti-Russian economic sanctions, and deteriorating relations between Russia and Western countries. The author examines the nuances of studying socio-political consensus in the works of foreign classics of social sciences and humanities, as well as in contemporary research by domestic scholars. Based on a synthesis of approaches, the study interprets socio-political consensus (consolidation) as a state of unity in opinions and concerted actions of political and social entities regarding fundamental values, approaches to addressing socio-political issues, and goals for state development. The empirical foundation of the study consists of data from sociological surveys conducted at both regional and all-Russian levels. Additionally, the author analyses strategic documents adopted by the country's governing bodies in 2021-2022. The article separately examines the results of monitoring the economic situation and social well-being of the population in the Vologda region (n = 1500) and data from surveys conducted by VCIOM. The analysis of the data obtained demonstrates positive shifts in the assessment of the activities of both regional and federal government institutions. It reaffirms the consolidation of Russian society around the President, indicating the population's comprehension and support of the objectives of the SMO and country's strategic goals and the decisions made in both foreign and domestic policies. These reflections mirror the socio-political consensus within the context of the new reality. The findings of the conducted research have unveiled specific characteristics in the evaluations of the regional community within the studied subject of the Russian Federation (Vologda region). The data revealed a higher level of approval for the activities of federal authorities compared to regional ones. There's a noted expansion of public-state dialogue in the country, focusing on involving civil society institutions in addressing tasks related to safeguarding national interests and overcoming crucial socio-economic problems amid increasing geopolitical tensions. It was identified that a significant indicator of societal understanding of the country's leadership's chosen political course is the consistently low level of protest potential and a substantial reserve of patience, alongside growing assessments of cohesion within Russian society, an increase in constructive social activity, and the demonstration of active citizen consolidation.