The role of diaspora and community in the modern Russian socio-political processes: the case of the Azerbaijani diaspora and Dagestani community

Abstract

The article examines the history and features of the formation of national communities and diasporas in Russia. The Azerbaijani diaspora and the Dagestani community are compared by various indicators. With regard to the Azerbaijani diaspora, the authors note the success of public diplomacy implemented by activists of the Azerbaijani community, which allows us to conclude that the Azerbaijani diaspora is highly involved in the socio-political processes of modern Russia. With regard to the problems of involvement of the Dagestani community, the authors describe it as “average”, usually limited to cultural and sports activities. The paper highlights the positive and negative factors of the involvement of these ethnic groups in socio-political processes, and considers the problems faced by diasporas and communities in a multinational state. In the final part, the authors proposed a number of measures to create conditions conducive to building a dialogue between the state, diasporas and communities, among which it is necessary to note a systematic approach and the institutionalization of the state’s work with ethnic groups.