Agendas of Non-discrimination on Ethnic Grounds in the Post-Soviet Space

The Cases of Russia and Ukraine

Authors

  • Alexander Osipov International Centre for Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity Studies; Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, Queen’s University Belfast [visiting]

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17356/ieejsp.v5i2.486
Abstract Views: 413 PDF Downloads: 430

Abstract

The article analyses discursive and practical activities by governmental and non-governmental actors in Russia and Ukraine aimed at the conceptualization and promotion of human equality on ethnic grounds as non-discrimination. The author aims at analyzing the reasons why anti-discrimination instruments are in low demand vis-à-vis concerns about ethnic xenophobia and conflicts. The author argues that the given societies have limited incentives and institutional capabilities for the creation and effective application of anti-discrimination mechanisms. The ruling elites have no reason to regard ethnic inequalities as a challenge; civil society activists and ordinary claimants might not treat non-discrimination as an efficient remedy; and there is no commonly accepted image of injustice in inter-group relations. Moreover, the marginality of anti-discrimination agenda in the post-Soviet space begs questions about the said mechanisms’ universal applicability, since the latter require pre-conditions that are not guaranteed.

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Published

2019-07-15

How to Cite

[1]
Osipov, A. 2019. Agendas of Non-discrimination on Ethnic Grounds in the Post-Soviet Space: The Cases of Russia and Ukraine. Intersections. East European Journal of Society and Politics. 5, 2 (Jul. 2019). DOI:https://doi.org/10.17356/ieejsp.v5i2.486.