The Russian Republic has experienced tumultuous relations with separatist governments attempting to gain independence from Russia since the downfall of The Soviet Union in December 1991. The conflicts in Chechnya, a small region in the Caucuses Mountains, serves as example of the way in which the current Russian Government uses conflict to legitimize itself as a unified and patriotic nation by instilling fear in its people . Russia has also defended the independence of separatist governments, namely those of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Russia’s neighboring republic of Georgia. Russia has used these two satellite states to make the point that it is, despite its previous disparity and disillusionment, still a country that is able to assert itself in the protection of its own civilians when faced with adversity from a larger force. This noble sounding goal however, takes a backseat to a more sinister aim of preventing Georgia from becoming a NATO member. The importance of these separatist movements is such that Russia continues to involve itself in the surrounding conflicts and wars. Separatist movements within, and outside, Russia’s borders have the potential to confirm its national identity as an unshakeable republic, or encroach on it both politically and physically.

Vladimir Putin and the Russian government used the Chechen conflicts as a way in which to create a more unified and nationalistic nation out of fear of a common enemy.  This has been done through cornering people to be anti Chechen, and giving them no opportunity to sympathize or identify with the Chechen people. An example of when Putin has used this technique can be seen in a press conference when Putin was asked by a French journalist whether or not Russia should be negotiating with Chechen terrorists he responded with “If you are a Christian, you are in danger. Even if you are an atheist, you are in danger, and if you decide to convert to Islam, this will not save you, either, because traditional Islam is inimical to the conditions and objectives set by the terrorists. If you are prepared to become a most radical Islamist and are prepared to circumcise yourself, I invite you to come to Moscow…”[1]. With this, Putin sends the message that the terrorists (and by association Chechens) are unreasonable and savage. This sentiment appears similar to that of the Russian people, a large portion of which are strongly anti Chechen. A survey conducted by the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion and market Research found that 54.4%  of a sample of 2405 Russian adults believe that freedom of religion in Chechnya is either not a priority, unimportant or harmful[2]. This study also questioned participants on other human rights issues, many with similar results. The 2nd Chechen war also provided an opportunity for the Russian Republic to re-assert itself as powerful after its defeat in the 1st Chechen War of 1994-5. Russia was forced to withdraw its troops and Chechnya gained independence as a result. The conflicts in Chechnya have had a considerable impact on popular Russian opinion, and its status as a country capable of defending its borders.