格鲁吉亚的少数民族 ： 打破一体化的障碍

《Georgia's Minorities: Integrating Diverse Societies》

Overview: This report focuses on the integration challenges faced by minorities in Georgia, a multilingual and multiethnic country. It highlights the difficulties in building a unified national identity amidst diverse ethnic groups, influenced by the legacy of Soviet policies.

Key Points:

1. Ethnic Diversity:

• Majority: Ethnic Georgians constitute about 87% of the population, with smaller groups including Azerbaijanis (6.2%) and Armenians (4.9%).
• Diversity: Modern Georgia is home to a variety of ethnic minorities such as Russians, Greeks, Kurds, Yezidis, Assyrians, Jews, and Ukrainians, and specific groups like Kists in the eastern region of Kakheti.

2. Historical Context:

• Soviet ethno-linguistic policies, particularly under Stalin, institutionalized a system where titular nations like Georgians and Armenians discriminated against other ethnicities.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union led to newly independent states, including Georgia, facing the challenge of constructing a civic national identity.

3. Integration Challenges:

• Political, Economic, Cultural Participation: Integrating minorities into Georgia's political, economic, and cultural life is crucial for nation-building. Current policies need adjustment to facilitate this.
• Mindset Shift: There is a need for a shift in the mindset among ethnic Georgians who have limited exposure to their minority compatriots.

4. Minority Status:

• Minorities in Georgia, though legally entitled to Georgian citizenship, face various challenges in participation, particularly in political and state life.
• Concerns about assimilation threaten ethnic identities, especially within the Armenian community, leading minorities to seek support in their historical homelands.

5. Attitudes Towards Identity:

• Multiple studies and surveys indicate that minorities aspire to be loyal citizens of Georgia, despite feeling alienated from the state capital, Tbilisi.
• However, the level of political involvement among Azerbaijanis and Armenians remains low, while engagement among ethnic Armenians is high.
• The CRRC survey reveals a strong sense of modern Georgian citizenship among residents, yet an ethnic conception of citizenship persists, emphasizing Orthodox Christianity as a requirement for Georgian citizenship.

6. Ethno-Nationalism:

• Strong ethno-nationalist tendencies exist among both minorities and ethnic Georgians, rooted in historical narratives and the Soviet legacy.
• Worrying about demographic trends among certain ethnic groups and territorial claims contribute to this sentiment.

Conclusion:

The report underscores the complexity of integrating Georgia's diverse ethnic groups into a cohesive national identity. Addressing historical legacies, fostering inclusive policies, and promoting mutual understanding are critical steps towards successful nation-building.