Diasporas in the system of political institutions of Russia: a functional analysis

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of this study is driven by the growing size and political activity of diasporas in Russia, which amplifies their impact on the host society and establishes them as a significant factor in national security. Purpose. To conduct a functional analysis of diasporas as one of the social institutions in contemporary Russia. Methods. The theoretical and methodological framework of the study is based on the concept of neoinstitutionalism. This foundation informed the development of the author's original approach, which allows for differentiating the characteristics of diasporas as social institutions and as organizations. The research on the social institutions of diasporas and the Russian political system employed methods of theoretical analysis, generalization, and data systematization. Results. The article provides an analysis and an author's critique of the regulatory framework governing state-diaspora interactions. It also summarizes and systematizes data from academic literature concerning the political objectives of diasporas and the socio-political practices prevalent among their members. Factual evidence from online sources, including reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and news channels, is presented to support the relevance of the identified trends. Conclusions. The study establishes that diaspora institutions exhibit significant dysfunctions. These include the promotion of anti-integrationist attitudes, lobbying for the interests of their countries of origin and specific ethnic groups to the detriment of the indigenous population, as well as the propagation of ethnic conflict and criminality. The article substantiates the view that the proliferation of these institutional dysfunctions is rooted in the paradoxical political status of diasporas. Despite possessing extensive rights, they have long remained largely unaccountable and beyond the effective control of the host state. The proposed solution involves improving legal mechanisms for the oversight and accountability of diasporas to curb destructive practices and safeguard the interests of the Russian state and society.