The role of ethnopolitical processes in the states of the Eastern European subregion
The role of ethnopolitical processes in the states of the Eastern European subregion

Summary/Abstract: The article presents an analysis of ethnopolitical processes (ethnicity politicisation, ethnopolitical mobilisation of national and ethnic minorities) in the states of the Eastern Europe subregion. For the purposes of this case study, an interdisciplinary research approach has been applied, integrating methods typical for political sciences, international relations and security sciences. In this article, the author utilises conclusions she has drawn during her own foreign trips in 2014-2018 and studies (in-depth interviews) conducted from 2016 to 2018, among others in the University of Social Sciences in Warsaw. By researching the socio-political activity and participation of national and ethnic minorities in the authorities of Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine, the author concludes that these processes affect the security of the subregion’s states. Organised activities with separatist tendencies are particularly important for the security of the states. This is not an issue for Belarus but appears as an actual challenge in Moldova (Gagauzia and Transnistria) and Ukraine (Donbas, Zakarpattia). Separatist tendencies of particular ethnic groups are an important element affecting national security policy. They are also becoming an area to which state authorities must react, including in terms of security and skilful management of ethnopolitical processes in the state.

• Details
• Contents