Ethnic conflicts in the context of democratizing political systems

Abstract

The long-term resolution of interethnic conflict and the overcoming of the antagonisms that have resulted from the crystallization and collision of ethnoregional interests in the U.S.S.R. is possible only within the framework of a democratic political system. Such a system would unite ethnic groups within a comparatively homogeneous political culture and on the basis of shared concepts and sociopolitical norms. This would not only ensure the legitimacy of the state and the regime but would also enshrine the general recognition of group rights and interests. The acceptance of a common set of sociopolitical values by all the component ethnic groups is a necessary prerequisite for the achievement of a national consensus, for the acceptance of compromise solutions in conflictual situations, for the selection of an optimal version of self government, and for the effective implementation of federalism as a model of national-state integration.