Abstract: Who are we? Russian identity and national security
The Russian Federation is heir to the Soviet Union and to Imperial Russia. The loss of an empire clearly has affected the search for a national self-image. This article examines the political leadership’s normative efforts to create a modern national identity. It argues that the issue of national identity is closely linked to Russia’s view of national security, an aspect of Russian identity seeking that so far has not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, it is important to analyse the development in relation not only to the domestic situation, but also to foreign policy. The article examines the patriotic policy efforts, the role of the Armed Forces and the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the efforts to create a unified version of history. These policy choices may in the long term rather lead away from stability than towards it.