Ambivalence of national identity as a political factor

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities and contradictions of national identity, its properties of ambiguous influence on socio-political life. As we can see from modern political processes, there is a crisis of national identity in many countries of the world right now. The process of globalization, which covers the whole world, strengthens multiculturalism, cosmopolitan identity, and the process of democratization develops civil and political identity. In turn, sovereign nation-states are aimed at protecting their national interests, achieving a national identity based on social harmony and interethnic harmony.

Unfortunately, the use of national identity for destructive insidious purposes, turning it into a political slogan, is also common in politics. National identity as a political factor can contribute to social stability and peaceful life, as well as various conflicts and political crises. Therefore, for the formation and development of national and civic identity in such a multi-ethnic state as Kazakhstan, a comprehensive study of this complex problem is of great political and scientific importance. The authors analyze the ambivalent property of national identity as a political factor, reveal its positive and negative sides, and make proposals that contribute to the implementation of a pragmatic national policy.