L'Islam in Russia. Fra tradizioni autoctone e influenze estere

Through the analysis of some important recent publications on the subject of relations between Islam and Russia in the post-Soviet era, it is illustrated how, mostly in the years of Vladimir Putin's presidency, perceptions about Muslims in the Russian public sphere have undergone a significant evolution. In particular, it emerges that Muslims, much more actively than in the past, participate in the construction of Russia's new identity, starting from a variety of theological, ideational and practical positions. It follows that it is of great importance, in the analysis of current Russia and its orientations, to take into account how conceptualizations of Islam and of Muslims contribute to the definition of Russia's geopolitical self-image and, ultimately, affect Russian state domestic and foreign policies.