The Discipline of Minority Issues in the Russian Federation. EDAP 01/2017

The Russian Federation presents a rich pattern of different nationalities within its population and represents a unique, original model of governance of ethnic diversity. This mode is based on both territorial and non-territorial instruments. The former are based on the 22 'ethnic' Republics (21 + Crimea), which have a titular nationality each; the latter on the Federal normative framework and on the system of the Non-Territorial Cultural Autonomies. This article describes the Russian model, first considering its historical background (with particular reference to the Soviet legacy) and then analyzing the inherent legislation. In particular, the article takes into account the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the Constitution of the 22 Republics. Then, it analyzes the Federal legislation, considering the laws dedicated to languages, culture, education and to the National Cultural Autonomy. A specific paragraph evaluates the legislation dedicated to the Indigenous Peoples, which aims to protect their traditional way of life and economic structure. Finally, some considerations are drafted on the effects and effectiveness of the analyzed juridical instruments, including concerns about the lack of actual political participation of minorities