Oriental Studies (Apr 2018)
Ethnic and Political Tension in the North Caucasus during the Period of Systemic Transformation of Russian Society: the Shaping Socio-Economic Factors (Evidence from the Republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia)
Abstract
The article comprehensively investigates the key trends and features of the socio-economic development of the North Caucasus region in the period of systemic transformation of Russian society. It analyzes the main results of the economic reforms in industry and agriculture, identifies the causes of the 1990s socio-economic crisis. The most important economic indicators analyzed per capita in the North Caucasus, in comparison with all-Russia figures, are as follows: the gross regional product, retail sales, cash income, employment and the labor market, poverty, income and expenses of territorial budgets. It is noted that in terms of the level of living standards, social and economic development the regions are, in general, inferior to other regions of Russia. Particular attention is given to identifying the main factors that led to the emergence of ethno-political tension in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. The analysis of the current socio-economic situation in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia suggests the necessity for urgent actions to concentrate all the efforts of the executive bodies of state power and local self-government and conduct a comprehensive and systematic work aiming to further contribute to and promote the economic, social and cultural development of the regions.
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