Ethnopolitical Processes in Kabardino-Balkaria in the Early 21st Century

Abstract

This article gives a complex analysis of the special characteristics and main tendencies of ethnopolitical processes in Kabardino-Balkaria in the early 21st century. Current situation in the region is characterized by a long-term ethnopolitical crisis which has switched to latency state. Among the key factors that form the ethnopolitical tension in Kabardino-Balkaria are low level of socio-economic development and the lack of public confidence in state and municipal authorities. During the post-Soviet period the state authorities failed to overcome a range of problems, which include the crisis of economy, subsidized character of the region, mass unemployment, low standard of living, terrorism. The issues of municipal units delimitation have not yet been resolved and the land reform in accordance with the requirements of the Land Code of the Russian Federation has not been implemented. Ethnopolitical processes are substantially influenced by demographic and migration factors. High natural increase rate coupled with insufficient economic growth rates induce excess workforce and migration. A matter of great concern is outmigration of the Russian population, which acts a consolidate basis for interethnic concord. In this context it seems rational to monitor political and socio-economic state of the society. Along with this, current ethnopolitical situation in Kabardino-Balkaria necessitates to concentrate the efforts of the executive authorities and municipal governments on implementing complex and consistent measures aimed at enhancing the economic, social and cultural development of the republic. For this purpose it is necessary to secure the development of the regional labor market, create workplaces as a result of deployment of new production facilities, increase business recruitment needs, raise the pay, and intensify residential development.