Master's Student at the Department of Ethnopsychology Presents a Report at an International Forum in Samarkand

On May 6, 2026, a meeting of the "Religions" working group of the "Petersburg Dialogue" Forum was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on the theme "Prevention of Pseudo-Religious Extremism. Migration Challenges".

Vadim Eduardovich Ivenkov, a second-year master's student in "Practical Ethnopsychology" at the Faculty of Social Psychology, MSUPE, participated in the forum with a report. He presented on the topic: "Extremism as a Form of Seeking Social Significance: The Role of Religious Narratives in Migration Contexts."

In his presentation, Vadim Eduardovich discussed contemporary socio-psychological approaches to the study of radicalization, mechanisms for seeking social significance, the influence of group identity and religious narratives on involvement in extremist communities. Special attention was paid to issues of social exclusion, identity crisis, and the adaptation difficulties of migrants, which can contribute to susceptibility to radical ideas.

During the meeting, participants discussed contemporary challenges related to the spread of extremist ideas and exchanged experiences in preventive work in the field of interreligious and intercultural relations. The Russian delegation and representatives of the Uzbek side examined practical approaches from both countries to the prevention of pseudo-religious extremism, issues of social integration of migrants, and the interaction of state, scientific, and religious institutions in preventing radicalization.

As part of the forum's program, a cultural and educational program was organized for participants, including an introduction to the history and cultural heritage of Samarkand. Participants visited significant historical and cultural sites in the city and learned about the features of traditional culture and social life in Uzbekistan.