Majorities and minorities in the Post-Soviet space: Continuity and change
Prina, F. and Berdiqulov, A. (2018) Majorities and minorities in the Post-Soviet space: Continuity and change. ECMI Working Papers(105),
175002.pdf - Published Version
Publisher's URL: https://www.ecmi.de/publications/detail/105-majorities-and-minorities-in-post-soviet-space-395/
The concepts of 'majority' and 'minority' are challenging terms to define in a clear and precise manner, especially in the unique environments of post-Soviet space. Linking the definitional complexities of 'majority' to the post-Soviet and postcolonial condition, this paper examines the majority-minority dynamics through the lenses of the fluidity of groups, the interaction of communities and the power differentials between communities. In doing so, the paper analyses cases from two post-Soviet countries. First, the case of Russia illustrates contentious identification of majority and minority communities, where an alternative vocabulary for definition of 'minority' and 'majority' emerged along with alternative understanding of related concepts. Second, the case of Tajikistan looks at the interplay of majority-minority concepts and discusses how the Russian community as a former 'political majority' adjusts to its new status of non-dominant group, while the Tajik community becomes the single subject of the nation-building policies.
Prina, Dr Federica
Prina, F., and Berdiqulov, A.
College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
ECMI Working Papers
European Centre for Minority Issues
ISSN (Online):
Copyright © 2018 ECMI
First published in ECMI Working Papers 105
Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher
glaseprints:2018-175002
Miss Leigh Bunton