The Inter-Ethnic Relations in Russia: the Local Dimension

Abstract

The author analyses the reasons behind the ethnic conflicts in some Russian towns and municipalities. Special attention is paid to the change of vectors of the interethnic relations in contemporary Russia. The author argues that one of the main problems of the inter-ethnic relations is the growth of the external migration intensity and the authorities’ inability to effectively prevent the social strain between the local inhabitants and newcomers. The article pays special attention to the role of the local government, as the public authorities should be formally responsible for ensuring interethnic peace and consensus. The author concludes that the municipalities in contemporary Russia are unable to effectively carry out their commitments. The author also formulates proposals for optimising the distribution of the competences among the levels of the public authority in the sphere of interethnic relations.

Keywords

• international relations
• identity
• conflict
• local authorities
• local community