Ethno-political Processes Research Articles

The influence of the Avar Khanate on the ethno-political situation in South-Eastern Europe

This article provides an in-depth examination of the ethno-political impact of the Avar Khanate in Southeast Europe from the 7th to the 10th centuries. The Avars, through their military prowess and strategic settlement practices, brought about significant changes in the political and cultural landscape of the region. Their influence extended beyond warfare, as they played a crucial role in reshaping the ethnic composition and political equilibrium of Southeast Europe. The article delves into various aspects of Avar life, including their war economy, settlements, and agricultural and craft activities, highlighting how these factors influenced neighboring peoples and cultures. The Avars' interactions with the Byzantine Empire and other neighboring entities are also explored, emphasizing their role in shaping the region's long-term historical trajectory. By analyzing these multifaceted influences, the study provides valuable insights into the ethno-political legacy of the Avar Khanate, offering a nuanced understanding of their lasting impact on the region. The research underscores the importance of the Avars in the broader context of Southeast European history, contributing to a deeper comprehension of the historical forces that have shaped the region's development over the centuries. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances our knowledge of the Avar Khanate but also sheds light on the broader ethno-political processes at play during this critical period in Southeast European history.

The Involvement of the Pechenegs in the Ethnopolitical Processes of the Southern Russian Steppes

Examining the involvement of the Pechenegs in the ethnopolitical processes of the Southern Russian steppes is crucial for understanding the formation of the ethnic and political map of Eastern Europe during the 10th and 11th centuries. The impact of the Pechenegs on the political situation in this region remains significant for historians and ethnologists. The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of the Pechenegs in the ethnopolitical processes of the Southern Russian steppes from the mid-10th century to the mid-11th century. The research focuses on the Pechenegs' contributions to ethnopolitical changes and their interactions with other peoples and states in the region. The study utilizes the works of prominent historians such as N. M. Karamzin, P. A. Golubovsky, S. M. Solov'ev and G. Manuku-Adameshteanu, as well as research by Turkish and Hungarian scholars. The analysis is based on primary sources, including chronicles and archaeological data, as well as secondary historical materials. The study addresses the origin of the name "Pecheneg" and their early homeland. Historians like Tatishchev, Karamzin, and Solovyov present different views on the origins and initial territories of the Pechenegs. Tatishchev associates the Pechenegs with the Sarmatians, while Karamzin and Solovyov identify them as Turkic peoples. The research examines the Pechenegs' influence on ethnopolitical processes in the Southern Russian steppes, including their conflicts with the Bulgars, Hungarians, Khazars, and the Rus state. Golubovsky and Manuku-Adameshteanu highlight the Pechenegs' significant impact on the Hungarians and other regional peoples. The article also explores the Pechenegs' settlement in modern Hungary and their roles as both vassals of the Kievan state and independent political actors in the region's political life. The article concludes that the Pechenegs played a significant role in the ethnopolitical processes of the Southern Russian steppes during the 10th and 11th centuries. Despite losing their political power by the mid-11th century, they had a considerable impact. Further research is needed to fully understand their role in the history of Eastern Europe.

Continuity of traditions in the spiritual culture of turkic peoples in medieval states (according to Shajara-i Tarakime data)

The historical connections of Turkic peoples trace back to ancient times, extensively unfolding during the Middle Ages and subsequent eras. Throughout the entire medieval period, waves of people of Turkic origin came to lands that were once part of the Western empires. These tribes preserved a long history, traditions and skills on their way to their new homeland. They not only settled in their new lands, but also developed their culture, customs and skills in continuity with the world around them. This article is dedicated to the study of the interrelation of traditions in the spiritual culture of Turkic peoples based on oral historical traditions and legends in the work “Shajara-i-Tarakime”. We discuss the important aspects of forming the worldview foundations of Turkic-speaking peoples. Therefore, it is relevant to consider the problem of studying the ethnic identity of the early Turkic tribes in continuity with the study of ethno-political processes of the Middle Ages. The study of these historical events will not only help to more deeply reveal the issue of self-determination but will also allow for the identification of the formation of historical prerequisites for the beginning of economic, social, cultural, and political interaction of the Turkic peoples.

THE ROLE OF THE HISTORICAL MEMORY OF ETHNIC GROUPS OF THE REPUBLIC IN STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL POLICY AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The article analyzes the history of repressed peoples, which became the basis for the consolidation of Kazakhstan's society, the role and significance of the historical memory of the republic's population in the progressive development of the state. The study analyzes the reasons for the departure of representatives of different ethnic groups during the period of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The paper considers the search of the state and scientists for those social and political basis that served as a unifying foundation in the construction of a new national policy and strengthening the citizenship of the population of the republic. The sources for the study and the evidence base of the study were the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, statistical materials reflecting the dynamics of emigration of people from the country in the 1990s, specific measures taken by the state leadership to unite the inhabitants of our country and stabilize ethno-demographic and ethno-political processes. It is concluded that the tragic pages of the history of ethnic groups of Kazakhstan, historical memory has become the basis for consolidating the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the present stage.

The Crimean Tatar Ethnic Group in the Socio-Economic and Ethnopolitical Processes of the Republic of Crimea

The article examines the specifics of the manifestation of the Crimean Tatar ethnos in the socio-economic and ethnopolitical processes of the Republic of Crimea. It is noted that the socio-economic factor in some cases can act as an additional factor in the destabilization of ethnopolitical processes. Within the framework of the study, the index of the level of socio-economic development is calculated, as well as the index of the level of ethnopolitical instability in the municipalities of the Republic of Crimea is calculated. It is concluded that in 66% of municipalities with the largest share of the Crimean Tatar ethnic group in the population structure, either high or maximum values of the ethnopolitical tension index are recorded. In four municipalities with the largest share of the Crimean Tatar ethnic group in the population structure, a minimum and low quantitative indicator of the level of socio-economic development is recorded (Belogorsky, Dzhankoy, Sovetsky and Pervomaisky districts), and in four more districts (Bakhchisarai, Kirovsky, Simferopol and Krasnogvardeysky), average values of the index can be observed. The exception is the Sudak city district, where a high quantitative indicator of the level of socio-economic development is recorded. Another conclusion is that in the Belogorsky, Sovetsky and Pervomaisky districts there is a high probability of the influence of a socio-economic factor on the destabilization of ethnopolitical processes. At the same time, the socio-economic factor can have almost no effect on the deterioration of ethnopolitical stability in the Krasnogvardeysky district and the Sudak city district.

Ethno-political processes in Mogolustan in the mid-14th –early 16th centuries: history and problems

The purpose of the article is to analyze the main stages of the ethno-political development of Mogolustan and its successor Ulus Chagatai. At the present stage, despite the study of various aspects of the history of Mogolustan, including the Chagatai Ulus,certain problems of ethno-political history are still insufficiently developed. The article provides a brief overview of scientific works on the ethno-political history of Mogolustan and the Chagatai Ulus. The author, based on theanalysis of historical sources, tries to analyze the relationships between individual tribes that were part of Mogolustan. The author concludes that after the col-lapse of the Chingizid uluses of the imperial type and the emergence of new states, we can talk about the for-mation ofethnic formations that served as the basis for the modern peoples of Central Eurasia

Северный Кавказ: взгляд социолога на региональные процессы (к 90-летию А. В. Дмитриева)

Introduction. For a long time, the North Caucasus has been the object of research by various scientific schools, whose representatives are scientists whose scientific heritage is relevant for the current stage of development of the North Caucasian community. The purpose of the study is to describe the role and significance of the ideas expressed by the outstanding sociologist A. V. Dmitriev about the essence of ethno political processes in the modern world and in particular in the North Caucasus. Materials and methods. In our work, we relied on the most significant works by A. V. Dmitriev on the causes of ethno political instability in the North Caucasus and ways to ensure the dynamic development of the region. The empirical base is represented by statistical data and official documents. Comparative statistical analysis and content analysis of official documents were used. Results. The analytical material obtained made it possible to substantiate the relevance of the estimates and forecasts made by A. V. Dmitriev almost 20 years ago. In particular, the reasons justified by scientists for the inefficiency of financial and economic policy in some subjects of the Federation, forming the North Caucasus Federal District, have been confirmed in the current regional situation. Some prognostic estimates of A. V. Dmitriev have been implemented.

Семантика акциональности в аспектах этнополитического пространства (на примере устойчивых оборотов русского и английского языков)

This paper analyses the semantics of set phrases in terms of the ethnopolitical space (geopolitonyms). Phraseological units are studied here from the point of view of constructive (calling for peace) and destructive (resisting violence) actionality. The constructive actionality group represents the metaphorization of prohibition, either strict or advisory, calling for peace through nonviolent means. The set phrases of this group emphasize unity, strength and mutual support as well as a call for conflict suspension. The group of destructive actionality demonstrates aspects of confrontation aimed to prevent an adversary’s aggression. The set phrases of this group express confrontation, opposition and readiness for self-defence. Having analysed the set phrases, the authors identified the component modification of the specific reflection of reality during ethnopolitical processes. This modification reflects the national factor and the worldview of a people. In the course of ethnopolitical activity, the identified types of metaphorical structures are manifested in slogans calling for avoidance of conflict situations. Phraseological constructive actionality can be found in the settlement of disputes, while destructive actionality, in readiness for stabilization and resistance (through direct clashes) in the current destabilized situation. The main function of such set phrases is avoiding destructive actions, at the same time being able to recode information and carry hidden meanings to achieve certain goals while distracting the subject. By demonstrating actionality of constructive and destructive actions, phraseological phrases are able to exert impact of varying degrees.

The North Caucasus: Factor Analysis and Forecasts of the Regional Situation Dynamics

Introduction. By the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century approaches to assessments and forecasts of the situation in the North Caucasus have changed in the doctrinal documents of the Russian Federation, the region is no longer interpreted as requiring priority attention of the state. The article sets out the task of analyzing the controversial results of the development of the North Caucasian Federal District and on the basis of this analysis to make a forecast for the development of the ethnopolitical situation in the North Caucasus until the middle of the current decade. Materials and Methods. The section identifies the sources of the empirical base, the main of which are the official data of Rosstat. The combination of quantitative (analysis of official documents) and qualitative (discourse analysis) research methods has expanded the possibilities of analyzing the obtained data and ensures the reliability of the results. Results. It is asserted that most of the factors of aggravation of the regional situation at the turn of the first and second decades of the 21st century continue to produce risks in the third decade. Palliative improvements in the economy and other areas of the North Caucasian community are shown. However, the main targets set out at the moment of the creation of the North Caucasian Federal District in 2010 have not been achieved. At the same time, economic problems do not have a significant destabilizing effect on ethnopolitical processes, the greatest risks are concentrated in the institutional sphere. Discussion and Conclusion. The conclusion is made about the possibility of maintaining a moderate conflictological scenario for the development of the regional situation until the middle of the third decade of the 21st century. Further clarification of conflictological scenarios should be carried out taking into account the unfolding “hybrid war”, in the context of which the problems of ethnic relations should once again become the object of special attention of the state; it is important to restore at the doctrinal level the status of the North Caucasus as a region of priority importance for the security of the state. The conclusions made in the article may be of interest to practical politicians, including the development and adjustment of regional strategies and concepts of national policy.

ПОЛИЭТНИКАЛЫҚ ЖӘНЕ ПОЛИКОНФЕССИОНАЛДЫ ҚОҒАМ ҚАЛЫПТАСТЫРУДЫҢ ҚАЗАҚСТАНДЫҚ ҮЛГІСІ: СИПАТТАМАЛЫҚ ТАЛДАУ

Abstract. Interethnic relations in the multinational Kazakh country have become a decisive factor in sustainable and democratic development, an objective prerequisite for national security and the basic basis of the state's foreign policy activities. Our country is the most steadily developing State in the region. Kazakhstan is a reliable and authoritative partner state for countries with friendly intentions. The main values of the State are ensuring freedom and equal rights of people regardless of their ethnic origin and religious beliefs. The creation of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan indicates that the national policy has actually reached the institutional level. The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan as a social institution forms effective mechanisms for the harmonization of interethnic relations and lays a new qualitatively new foundation. The essence of this innovation was to establish mutual partnerships between State policy and public associations in strengthening interethnic and interreligious harmony. This is a unique phenomenon in the history of modern civilization. Thus, the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan is a synthesis of state policy and public organizations in strengthening social harmony and tolerance of civil society. The main milestones of the 20-year period of the formation and development of the APK as a socio-political institution regulating the sphere of interethnic relations, the study of the main value of national unity – tolerance of the people of Kazakhstan - is a very topical issue and determines the relevance of the work. There remain studies, conclusions and scientific opinions of foreign and domestic historians, political scientists devoted to ethnopolitical processes. The article examines historical, political events and interethnic relations from the point of view of objective reality and differentiates in accordance with the requirements of country interests. The research work uses the principles of system-structural theory, accurate analysis, methods of generalization, comparison, systematization, logical, statistical analysis from historical data and documents. In addition, the article examines historical, political events and interethnic relations from the point of view of objective reality and differentiates in accordance with the requirements of country interests. Based on the analysis of the experience of the twenty-year history of the development of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, the Institute of Social Harmony and National Policy was studied as a socio-political institute for the coordination of interethnic relations, the main core of which is the ethnopolitics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Keywords: ethnos; multinational; demographic situation; ethnic structure; interethnic; interreligious denomination; migration; social harmony.

Современное состояние и факторы напряженности в межнациональных отношениях на Се-верном Кавказе в массовых представлениях и экспертных оценках

For several centuries, the national question has remained a complex problem for Russia, inhabited by representatives of more than a hundred nations. As you know, one of the multinational and multi-confessional regions of the Russian Federation is the North Caucasus. The study of ethno-political processes in such a complex multi-ethnic region is determined by their high dynamism. And this factor requires increased attention, analysis of the current situation and monitoring of ongoing changes. The article is devoted to the analysis of factors contributing to the aggravation of interethnic relations in the North Caucasus. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of monitoring studies of regional ethno-political processes in order to identify and prevent conflict situations. Based on the study, the article concludes that, in general, interethnic relations in the North Caucasus are developing positively, maintaining manageability and stability. It is shown that the emerging conflicts in the interethnic sphere are caused by socio-economic and property-land prob-lems. The materials of the expert survey conducted by the author make it possible to meaningfully interpret the influence of the above conflictogenic factors on the emergence of interethnic contra-dictions and disputes in the region. This article also uses the data of a mass sociological survey conducted by the RCEI FERC RAS and aimed at studying interracial, interethnic (interethnic) and interfaith relations, the socio-political situation in the Republic of Dagestan. Measures to adjust interethnic relations in the North Caucasus region are proposed.

The spiritual heritage of the Turkic peoples according to the data of “Shadzhara-i-tarakime”

The study of the foundations of the Turkic tribes existence, especially their characteristic properties of the space organization, the true needs of individual existence and development, large-scale migration flows turned out to be important in understanding the space of Eurasia from the point of view of the cultural and historical integrity. The social consequences of the world order on the territory of Eurasia at that time led to the merging of different character centers civilizations. This article is devoted to the study of the traditions relationship in the spiritual culture of the Turkic peoples on the basis of oral historical traditions and legends in the work “Shadzhara-i-tarаkime”. We discuss the important aspects of the formation of the worldview foundations of the Turkic-speaking peoples. Therefore, it is relevant to consider the problem of studying the ethnic identity of the early Turkic tribes in the continuity with the study of the ethno-political processes of the Middle Ages. The study of these historical events will not only help to reveal the problem of selfdetermination more deeply, but will also reveal the formation of historical prerequisites for the beginning of economic, social, cultural, and political interaction between the Turkic peoples.

DISCOURSE THEORY AS A METHODOLOGY FOR CONFLICTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL ETHNOPOLITICAL PROCESSES

The purpose of writing this paper is to identify methodological approaches to solving the fundamental scientific problem of conflictological analysis of regional development problems under the influence of ethno-political factors. In the context of the modern information age of the spread of new social media and a sharp increase in the role of the media, the most significant process is the discursive construction of social reality, which actualizes the consideration of discourse analysis methods as an explanatory model for the emergence and dynamics of conflicts, as a way to identify traditional and new factors influencing ethnopolitical processes in a multiethnic social environment.

POLITICIZED ETHNICITY AS AN INSTITUTIONAL OBSTACLE TO THE STRENGTHENING OF THE ALL-RUSSIAN IDENTITY IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS

The article analyzes the phenomenon of politicized ethnicity in the North Caucasus, its influence on ethno-political processes and ways to reduce the risk-generating impact of this phenomenon on the ethno-political sphere of the region are proposed. The article summarizes the results of a series of studies conducted in the North Caucasus in 2018-2023: event analysis of the ethno-political situation, analysis of positive practices, mass and expert surveys, content analysis of the media, websites of national-cultural associations, blogosphere, content analysis of normative documents, content and discourse analysis of publications of North Caucasian historians. It is shown that the main factors in the politicization of ethnicity in the North Caucasus region are "hyperethnicity" and the institutionalization of ethnicity in the form of "national republics", as well as the ethno-territorial problems and claims caused by these phenomena, and the "memory paradigm" that has developed in the region. It is concluded that it is necessary to strengthen the all-Russian vector of the regional identity policy, and for this purpose a "revision" of the legislative framework in the federal subjects in the North Caucasus is required. Since at the present stage it is impossible and impractical to abandon the institution of republics, it is important to gradually introduce into the public opinion the principle of territoriality, and not titular ethnicity, as the basis of the republics in Russian Federation. It is relevant to change the humanitarian agenda of the North Caucasus, which can go in two directions: the reorientation of public consciousness to the problems of modernization of the region and the integration of the humanitarian space of the "Big South" - the North Caucasus and Southern federal districts. The reformatting of the "memory paradigm" can be achieved by expanding the historical panorama through positively oriented constructions of the historical past, as well as changing the scientific priorities of humanitarian research with an emphasis on topics related to the centuries-old experience of living together of peoples of different cultures. The materials of the article can be used in the preparation of a new Strategy of the state national policy of the Russian Federation.

Хасидські громади діаспори як актори впливу на етнополітичні процеси в сучасній Україні

The article examines the influence of the mass pilgrimage of representatives of the foreign Hasidic communities on the dynamics of the development of Ukrainian-Jewish relations in particular, and, on the ethnopolitical processes of modern Ukraine in general. The relevance of the research determined, firstly, by insufficient study of the specified phenomenon in domestic science; secondly, the fact that the number of pilgrims who visit our country every year significantly exceeds the number of parishioners of local Jewish communities. The specificity of the Hasidic creed requires that believers have to regularly visit the burial places of their leaders. Therefore, since the mentioned religious movement originated in Ukraine, the connection with it of many foreign Jewish religious communities is maintained at a high level, regardless of the circumstances. Neither the pandemic nor the war significantly reduced the number of visitors to the places of burial of the teachers of Hasidism. The facts provided by the author reveal two contradictory trends in the reaction of local residents to the arrival of numerous followers of the Jewish religious-mystical movement: 1. The spread of hostile attitudes and actions directed against foreigners; 2. Growing interest in the development of pilgrimage and increasing of the tolerance. The first trend is caused by significant differences in worldview, culture, and everyday habits. It is also a result of corruption problems, since the municipal authorities enter only a small part of the funds obtained from the pilgrims into the local budgets. The second trend is determined by the interest of local residents in earning money related to the service of pilgrims and tolerance, which is spreading more and more in society. The conclusions note that the development of friendly relations between the local population and Hasidic pilgrims contributes to the positive dynamics of the image of Ukrainian society not only in the Jewish environment, but also in numerous communities of the modern Western world that are not directly involved in Judaism. This, in turn, will help Ukrainian post-war reconstruction. For solving problems related to pilgrimage the author recommends a number of educational activities for the local population, regional officials and the pilgrims themselves.

Features of Ethno-Journalism as an Educational Discipline within the Framework of Journalistic Education in Modern Russia

The study of the specifics of the ethnopolitical component in journalistic education is relevant due to a number of factors. Firstly, the current year has shown even greater importance of the media as a social institution in preserving the integrity of the state, its multicultural and ethno-confessional basis. Secondly, the media are one of the main means of disseminating knowledge about the history and ethnoculture of the peoples of the Russian Federation, form ethnographic literacy of the population, and contribute to civic identity and patriotism. Thirdly, the information support of the state national policy of Russia is one of the directions of the Strategy of the State National Policy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025, the main document of strategic planning that determines the nation of Russia. In this regard, the article emphasizes the importance of the discipline “Ethno-Journalism” in the main educational program in the direction of 42.03.02 Journalism. The purpose of the study is to identify and systematize educational practices in the field of ethnopolitics used in the educational process of student journalists to determine the dominant pedagogical approaches in preparing students to work with ethnic issues. The empirical basis of the study has become the working programs of the disciplines “Journalism in ethnocultural interaction”, “Journalism in ethnocultural space”, “Ethnocultural problems in the media”, the teaching of which is carried out at the Altai State University, Kazan Federal University, St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design, Penza State University. Based on the method of studying pedagogical experience and qualitative analysis of work programs, the approaches of the work programs’ developers in choosing topics to ensure the effective interaction of ethnological, ethnopolitological and journalistic components in the training of student journalists to work with ethnic issues have been systematized. Students are invited to study fundamental topics from the field of ethnology, introduce ethnopsychology in the terminology in the context of the profession of a journalist, and give an idea of cultural processes and phenomena. The topic is promising for further research aimed at determining the quality of education of student journalists in the field of ethno-journalism, determining their orientation in ethno-political processes and phenomena, ethno-cultural specifics of the peoples of the Russian Federation. It is also possible to study the literature disciplines recommended in work programs. Keywords: ethno-journalism, educational practices, ethno-political education of journalists, multicultural education, ethnocultural education

Общественно-политическая жизнь на Северном Кавказе и проблемы ее этнизации: размышления экспертов

Introduction. The current ethnopolitical situation in the North Caucasus is characterized by instability. In sociopolitical life of region, it is ethnicization that tends to come to the foreground. Goals. The paper aims at clarifying functional essentials of ethnicization in the macroregion’s social life in the context of ethnopolitical dynamics. Materials and methods. The work employs a number of conflictology and riskology research methods. The empirical base rests on results of an expert survey. Results. The obtained research materials make it possible to comprehensively analyze functioning patterns inherent to ethnopolitical processes in the North Caucasian Federal District and outline conclusions as to impacts of ethnicization trends in the polyethnic environment. Most experts consider the ethnicization process has resulted from political and administrative miscalculations that ultimately give rise to ethnopolitical conflictogenity in the North Caucasus. The ethnicization is facilitated by ‘decision making risks’, such as absolutization of the ethnoterritorial principle in politics, imbalances of socioeconomic programs and projects, mythologization of ethnic histories, inefficient language policies. Some experts point out that this process is natural and objectively determined, with both progressive and destabilizing effects. The ratio between these characteristics is determined by the quality of ‘decision making’. The duality of assessments ultimately resumes that the phenomenon is functionally determined by subjective administrative efforts undertaken by contemporary political elites. The conflictogenity level of the ethnicization in sociopolitical life depends on the adequacy of decisions made, efficiency of administrative policy at large, and specifically the qualitative features of political elites.

ETHNOPOLITICAL PICTURE OF ASTRAKHAN ACCORDING TO THE MATERIALS OF THE ''PHYSICAL'' EXPEDITION OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES IN 1768–1774.

Ethno-political processes and the ethnic-confessional image of Astrakhan in the second half of the 18th century have been the subject of several scientific publications and studies, but the problem has not been fully exhausted. In this work, we aim to recreate the most complete and objective picture of the formation of the ethnic and confessional composition of Astrakhan in the second half of the 18th century and the life of its communities based on the materials of the ''physical'' expedition of the Academy of Sciences in 1768–1774, which previously did not often attract the attention of researchers. ''Physical'' expeditions of the 18th century occupy an important place in the activity of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were one of the main methods to study the territory of the Russian Empire and neighbouring countries to obtain new facts, accumulate ethnographic material, collect museum collections, etc. The methodological basis of the study is the principle of historicism, i.e. an approach to the object under study as changing in time, and objectivity, in which the assessment of events is based on a comprehensive analysis, reliability and informativeness of the historical source. Within the framework of these principles, the study applied the method of source criticism based onarchival and printed material. The study showed that ethnic and confessional processes in Astrakhan were greatly influenced by events of a foreign political, trade and economic nature in the region. Astrakhan was the centre of international trade, linking Europe with Asia, and European mores and traditions quickly seeped into the city, which absorbed a certain amount of foreign elements. However, the author has revealed that each of the city's communities possessed its own identity, and set of traditions and values, simultaneously creating a distinctive ethnocultural landscape of Astrakhan, as an example of interethnic and inter-confessional unity within a multi-ethnic state. Moreover, the main source of population growth in Astrakhan in the 18th century was not natural increase, but migration.

ORGANIZED ETHNICITY IN EASTERN EUROPE: CHARACTERISTICS OF ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS

To date, there is a considerable amount of research on ethnopolitical processes in Eastern Europe, but most of them are devoted to research on individual cases or ethnic groups within the region. Of course, group patterns of ethnicity are important, but R. Brubaker, based on several Eastern European cases, proposed a model of "ethnicity without groups", where the main focus of the study is not the ethnic group itself, but specific actors - organizations representing it. Ethnic organization - an organized structure, membership in which is determined by the ethnic principle, and which claims to represent the interests of one of the ethnic groups and advocates the acquisition of preferences by this ethnic group. The purpose of this study is to collect information about all politically relevant organizations in the region. Therefore, the LexisNexis resource, a worldwide news aggregator, was used for the database. In the course of the work, all ethnic organizations mentioned in the news in the period from 2000 to 2019 were selected. In total, 203 organizations and 2052 observation units were included in the database in the “organization-year” format. Based on these variables, a subsequent analysis of organized ethnicity in the region was carried out. Based on these data, it can be noted that parties are the most common politically relevant form of mobilization of ethnic groups. According to the database, the majority of organizations in conflict (amounting to about 30% only) use the most peaceful strategies (petitions, public contestation, etc.). It was also revealed that the vast majority of ethnic organizations in Eastern Europe are national, centralized, legal. It should be noted that only 20% of them have a pronounced regional localization. It was also found that more than a quarter of ethnic organizations are represented in national and regional legislatures. Thus, in the course of creating the database, unique information on organized ethnicity in Eastern Europe was obtained and characterized.

Theoretical Foundations of Political and Legal Norms of the European Union in the Field of the National Minorities’ Rights Protection

The article analyzes the origins of contradictions between the actors of ethnopolitical processes amid the protection of national minorities and the connection of these phenomena with the relevant political and legal norms of the European Union. This international organization, on the one hand, strives to ensure peace and stability in Europe and, on the other hand, advocates the implementation of the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights in the practice of social relations of states that are its members or which express interest in integration. This requires the EU to pay special attention to the problems of inter-ethnic relations as an area with high conflict potential. Accordingly, European institutions have created a system of norms, the implementation and following of which are designed to reduce or eliminate negative scenarios of the development of such processes. The author defines the main subjects of inter-ethnic relations – host states, national minorities and kin states, in contacts between which contradictions may arise at the domestic and foreign policy levels. Attention is paid to the possible strategies of EU influence on the relations between such actors to find acceptable solutions and ensure social cohesion.