The Impact of Externally Instigated Separatism on the Political Stability and Territorial Integrity of Countries (Phenomenon of Externally Instigated Separatism)

The relevance of the study is confirmed by the fact that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was made possible by artificial incitement to and support of specific separatist movements in Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The study aims to define the essence of externally instigated separatism to find mechanisms for preventing it and counteracting its negative consequences. The research methodology is based on structural, logical and systemic analysis methods. The global system of law and order enshrines peoples' right to self-determination, guaranteed by states and the international community. The phenomenon of externally instigated separatism is a technology of direct aggression by a state interested in annexing new territories; it’s a stage of hybrid warfare, a full-fledged concept of the exogenous influence of actors fully supported by one state operating on another state’s territory. The greatest threat of externally instigated separatism is seen in the level of integration of such actors into the socio-political environment of the state. This means increased opportunities for these actors to subvert the security environment of the state through direct incitement to separatist movements. That is why timely identification of manifestations of externally instigated separatism is critical to stabilising the situation inside the country and preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The article proves the need to develop a state strategy for counteracting externally instigated separatism. Future research may be aimed at finding a system of indicators for early detection of its emergence and spread.