The article examines the impact of the degree of unity of Russian society on the course of military conflicts and the integrity of the country in crisis situations. The main manifestations of the split in Russian society are considered. It is shown that if a split in society crosses a critical line, the country disintegrates (the Troubles, 1917, 1991), or Russia loses in an armed conflict where the enemy did not have an overwhelming advantage (the Crimean War).
