Support for Separatism in Ethnic Republics of the Russian Federation

• Published in: Europe-Asia Studies
• Main Authors: Hagendoorn, Louk, Poppe, Edwin, Minescu, Anca
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Sakha; Tuva; Yakutia
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/11370/5d5b82cc-f116-4d70-ac33-79d858d80e2a; https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/5d5b82cc-f116-4d70-ac33-79d858d80e2a; https://doi.org/10.1080/09668130801947960; https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/2755213/HagendoornL-Support-2008.pdf

This study examines popular support for separatism among Russians and non-Russian titular nationalities (titulars) in 10 ethnic republics of the Russian Federation: Karelia, Komi, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Udmurtia, Adygea, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Sakha-Yakutia and Tuva. A survey was carried out in the urban regions of these republics in 1999 and 2000 in which 5,233 Russians and 4,703 titulars participated. We found that perceived negative inter-group relations significantly contribute to support for separatism among titulars, but reduce support for separatism by Russians. In contrast, indicators of prosperity of the republic and prior separatist elite-activism predict support for separatism among both titulars and Russians.