Integration in the Shadow of Cultural Trauma: the Case of Latvia

The aim of the article is to analyse problems of integration of society in Latvia, first of all, in context of relations between Latvians and Russian-speakers as two main linguistic groups of society. In this connection objective and subjective preconditions and obstacles of integration are examined and conclusion is made that stability of society in Latvia is challenged by uneven rate of transformation of identities of the main groups of society. Russian-speakers move from “normality” to “minority” faster than Latvians are able to overcome “cultural trauma” and “minority complex” inherited from the Soviet past. During the years of renewed independence Latvian political elite largely limited itself to the reproduction of prejudices and illusions of everyday consciousness, therefore nationalistic sentiments expressed in the private sphere were transferred to the realm of public policy. It determined the main features of the integration policy during the years of renewed independence: integration policy in Latvia wasn’t continuous, for the most part it was product of external pressure, it was inconsistent and paternalistic with respect to minorities. It is pointed out that at present Latvia stands on the break point of the relations between two main ethnic and linguistic groups. Two options of further development still exist: the consolidation of previous achievements and deepening of the integration processes, on the one hand, and evolution towards escalation of ethnic discontent, on the other. Which path will prevail to great extent will depend on ability of political leadership to find reasonable political compromise