The Impact of Historical Processes on the Evolution, Distribution, and Integration of Ethnic Groups in Peripheral Regions of Russia

Abstract More than 100 different ethnic groups live in the outer zones of Russia, which include the North Caucasus, Siberia, the Far East, and the Volga-Ural region; each group was formed during long periods of history. In this paper we will look at some of the most important historical events that affected the formation, dispersal, and inclusion of ethnic groups in these zones. They include the Mongols (13th Century), Russian expansion into these zones (16th through 19th Centuries); the Russian revolution and civil war (1917-22); the policies of korenizatsiya and deportation of the Soviet period (1920s-50s); and the reforms of the post-Soviet period (1991 on). Using a historical-geographic approach, we analyze how these factors created ethnogenesis, stimulated migration and resettlement, and encouraged either assimilation or autonomy within Russia’s federal system. Our results show that the geographic location of the peripheral areas of Russia caused them to be affected disproportionately to other parts of the country by the historic disturbances, causing the development of both ethnic resilience and hybridity in the more remote areas, while the center of power has been able to encourage selective integration of ethnic groups. Examples include the Mongol conquest facilitating the creation of Turkic ethnic identity in the Volga-Ural periphery, and the Soviet-era relocation of the peoples of the Caucasus, which complicated their integration in the years after 1991. Additionally, our research identifies current problems and issues with respect to autonomy movements in the North Caucasus and the rights of the indigenous peoples of Siberia, and how these are being exacerbated by climate change and the increasing exploitation of natural resources in these zones. This research will contribute to an understanding of the dynamics of states with multiple ethnic populations, and provide recommendations for future policy regarding inclusive integration of ethnic groups in peripheral zones of the state.