Ethnocultural diversity and the state: a perspective from the north-east of Russia

The article addresses the issue of integration and disintegration factors within the context of nation-state contradictions that arise in managing cultural and linguistic diversity. These contradictions stem from the fact that the conceptual categories of «nation» and «ethnic group» are used to define the people–who, in the framework of the nation-state, are the source of power. This creates an inherent tension between particularistic groups within the nation and the nation as a whole, which can potentially manifest as ethno-separatism on one hand, and assimilation on the other. Data from a sociological study conducted through a mass questionnaire survey in the spring of 2024 are analyzed. The survey was carried out in two regions: the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (n=1066) and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (n=370). The findings reveal differences in public opinion among representatives of ethnic groups, influenced by the extent of assimilation processes. In both national regions, language more frequently functions as a factor of national unity when the vitality of ethnic languages declines. The study formulates the need to reconsider the coexistence of the peoples of Russia in relation to the form of the state, which plays a critical role in shaping approaches to the management of ethno-cultural diversity.