The outflow of minorities from the post‐Soviet state: The case of Kazakhstan¹

The author would like to thank Elena Sidorenko and Christopher Lord for their comments on an earlier draft of this article.

Summary

Reverse migration of the Russian population (as opposed to the mass inflow of Russians during the decade of the mid‐1950s to mid‐1960s) is occurring under today's different historical conditions. The recent migration between Kazakhstan and Russia has become a sensitive issue as an “international relations” topic; the name given to this process is itself still of great importance for Kazakhstan. Inaccurate conclusions about Kazakh nationalism as a cause for the repatriation of Russians may lead to an interpretation of a politically‐induced migration. But this description does not reflect the real situation: apparently, the Russian consciousness of itself as a superior nationality—a phenomenon strongly promoted during the Soviet period— now has a motivating effect on them.

Although the general outcome of the observed emigration from Kazakhstan is not yet visible, it seems possible to draw some inferences from the logic of the development. In the context of the local socioeconomic situation, non‐forced repatriation of a large number of Russians will lead to changes in the social structure in Kazakhstan, bringing about a new development in Kazakh human resources, and, consequently, a proportional representation of all ethnic groups in each stratum. It also has a political implication: if there is a sizable reduction in the Russian minority, Moscow's ability to “play the Russian‐minority card” would be destroyed, placing Kazakhstan “on equal terms” with Russia. Meanwhile, the authorities in Moscow, aware of these unwelcome prospects, continue to express disapproval towards the ongoing migration.

Notes

The author would like to thank Elena Sidorenko and Christopher Lord for their comments on an earlier draft of this article.