Abstract:

With the ongoing Russian involvement in Ukraine and Syria, fear of Russian irredentism is increasing. Yet, the fate of Russian minorities in the post-Soviet periphery has not been fully explained by existing literature – which primarily covers the Western republics. This research seeks to bridge this gap in the literature by comparatively examining inter-ethnic relations between the Russian minorities and titular majorities in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Independent variables, such as language, inter-ethnic marriages, foreign actors' influence, political mobilization, social inclusion, and economic discrimination, are expected to explain inter-ethnic perceptions and interactions. By focusing on individuals in urban settings who self-identify as either the titular majority or ethnic Russian, this research aims to increase understanding of how Russian minorities perceive collective identities, the measurement of stereotypes and prejudice, and potential causes of inter-group feelings and perceptions.

Within this context, this research seeks answers to the following questions concerning inter-ethnic relations in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

(1) What kinds of collective identities did Russians perceive for themselves when they lost their dominant social status in 1991? How much social distance do Russians wish to maintain between themselves and indigenous populations?

(2) How can positive and negative mutual feelings and perceptions between the Russian minority and titular majority [Kyrgyz/Kazakh] be measured? Which factors account for inter-group relations and attitudes?

(3) What are the possible causes of mutual prejudice, stereotypes, and potential conflict between Russian minorities and titular majorities?

Although both countries economies have been drawn closer to Russia recently, as a part of the Eurasia Economic Union, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan vary politically, socio-economically, and culturally, as well as in the sheer numerical presence of their ethnic Russians. Central Asian Russians have faced a paradox: “de-Russified” national identity construction followed by state-building processes supported by the Russian state.