Ethno-Social Interaction as a Factor of Political Tensions (by Examples of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Republic of Bashkortostan, 1992 – 2014)

The problem of inter-ethnic tensions has attracted more attention of researchers from different fields of science in the recent years. Firstly, this is due to difficulties related to solving such problems as they are common sources of public controversy and political instability. Lately Russia has also seen instances of radicalization of perception and behavior, anti-constitutional trends, pursuit of change in domestic policies, manifestations of intolerance among the population in relation to other ethnic groups, the spread of ethnic conflict images in print media; such trends can also be observed in the Republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan.The publications associated with ethno-social interactions among members of the republics’ different ethnic groups occupy a special place in regional media. Most often these publications are of negative character, while the official policy proclaims the principles of ethnic stability and ethnic tolerance. Consequently the question arises as to what impact does the ethno-social interaction have on the emergence of political tensions?The purpose of this study is to identify the influence of ethno-social interaction on political tensions.The objectives of the study are to review the main areas of critical discourse analysis; to study the socio-political situation in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan during the years 1992 to 2014; to analyze ethno-social interactions presented in the news discourse of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan.The results of this study show that the publications related to inter-ethnic relations in Tatarstan divide the ethnic groups into "us" and "them", use manipulation techniques of positive self-presentation and negative presentation of others, widely use appeal to emotions. The increase in the number of news reports of negative character in Tatarstan directly depends on relations with Moscow. The reports support the current policy of the republic’s leaders, condemn Moscow's actions; the findings are supported by reputable sources. Republic’s leaders influence the media to maintain their authority and policy, and to create a negative image of the federal government among the population of Tatarstan.In Bashkortostan the majority of publications on inter-ethnic relations are of positive character. Authors of publications rarely separate ethnic groups into "us" and "them." The techniques used are manipulation of positive self-presentation, appeal to emotions. The republic’s authorities do not seek to form a negative attitude of the country's population toward the federal center through the media.The situation in the sphere of international relations requires a high degree of responsibility, understanding of problems and tolerant approach, otherwise ineffective governance can become a catalyst for ethno-religious conflicts and a factor for social disintegration.