The Russian opposition is skeptical of decolonization, but what about Russia’s ethnic minority groups?
Russia’s war in Ukraine has sparked a debate over the concept of decolonization, which suggests that empires like Russia must give up their colonial powers and privilege. However, some argue that the Russian opposition has power in the West to influence how the world sees its country, including its ethnic minorities.
Some people believe that the Russian opposition has not done enough to engage with activists from Russia’s minority groups and decolonization discourse. This is because they are often seen as being more interested in retaining Russia’s imperial status and privileges rather than addressing the concerns of colonized peoples.
The article highlights the fact that some ethnic minorities, such as the Buryats, have been linked to Russian occupation forces in Ukraine despite investigations suggesting only some Russian soldiers were ethnically Buryat. This has led to accusations that Russia is using its ethnic minorities as a “face” for its war machine.
Katia Margolis, an exiled Russian artist and writer, wrote on Facebook that Russian political prisoners acquire prophetic-like qualities simply by surviving hell and their opinions carry special weight, even when they sprout imperialism, chauvinism, or myths about good Russians.
The article also mentions that some people believe the Russian opposition lacks political imagination and is still interested in greatness for Russia. Others think that decolonization will be a long and painful process, but ultimately necessary for Russia to become a more equal player on the global stage.
Overall, the article suggests that while the Russian opposition may not be engaged with decolonization discourse, Russia’s ethnic minority groups are likely to have their own opinions and experiences about the concept.
