Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus in the 1990s (briefly)

The North Caucasus is the most multinational territory of the Russian state. Such a factor causes the danger of territorial integrity of the country in the event of interethnic, religious and ethnic conflicts. This could not but be reflected when the internal policy of Russia in the North Caucasus was formed in the 1990s of the 21st century.

National composition of the North Caucasus

The North Caucasus occupies one of the leading places by the number of people living on its territory. Analyzing demographic statistics, one can come to the conclusion that the number of Caucasians increases exponentially. So, in 2002 there lived about 6 million people. The 2010 population census witnessed a tremendous increase in this indicator to 14.8 million people.

The ethnic composition of the North Caucasus is diverse. This is due to the fact that it includes 7 large regions: Ingushetia, Chechnya, North Ossetia, Dagestan, Chechnya, Kabardino-Balkaria, Stavropol Territory, Karachay-Cherkessia. At the same time, the population of Dagestan is about 3 million people, Chechnya - more than 1 million people.

In such a compact area concentrated more than 150 nations, ethnic groups and indigenous peoples. Very often among the inhabitants of the region there are major confrontations that turn into irreconcilable conflicts. In addition, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a tendency to confront the Muslim world and the Orthodox, which caused the outflow of Russian residents from the territory of the Caucasus. Thus, Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus in the 1990s had objective reasons, which required lightning clearance.

The reasons for the growing confrontation in the North Caucasus

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the North Caucasus had a wide range of unresolved issues. In other words, the democratic processes that affected the entire territory of Russia met with numerous problems that hamper the development of the region.

First, Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus in the 1990s was not fully considered. Despite the fact that the inhabitants of the region had all the rights on a par with the Russian population, there was an unshakable opinion in power that representatives of these peoples can not implement a literate policy on the territory of the subject. In other words, the federal authorities did not fully trust local officials living in the North Caucasus. The only way to resolve this situation was found in the form of the administration of republics by officials from Moscow.

In addition, we should not forget that ill-considered domestic policy in the North Caucasus has become a stumbling block in the economic development of the subject. The development of the industrial complex took place according to the residual principle. In addition, the population became the owner of a dilapidated ecological system, plundered natural resources. The social infrastructure of the region was not allocated either. Most small towns and villages did not have schools and hospitals, which left an imprint on the well-being of people's lives. All this became a consequence of the fact that the domestic policy in the North Caucasus was not fully worked out by the federal authorities.

Secondly, there were unresolved problems in the territory of the region concerned with repressed citizens during the Great Patriotic War. Neither the federal nor local authorities sent from Moscow, did not try to resolve such an incident, which fueled the already confrontational situation.

Thirdly, the economic backwardness of the region had a significant impact on the well-being of the population. Non-payment of wages, unemployment have become determinants of the development of drunkenness, delinquency, drug addiction and other social problems.

Fourth, territorial problems began to escalate. Numerous peoples began to claim for neighboring territories, on disputed lands. More and more claims were made by divided nations, which include Ossetians, Lezgins, Nogais, and others.

Fifth, the growth of unemployment, which caused the growth of crime and terrorism. This has become a problem both at the local and federal level. The tendency to the emergence of religious-national groups that began to exert a direct influence on officials, lobbying their interests, has intensified.

All these facts demanded that Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus change. The reasons are not exhausted by the listed list, as the tension increased every year.

Black page in the history of Chechnya

Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus does not seem to be complete without an analysis of the events that unfolded in the 1990s in Chechnya. Complication of relations in the region occurred during the rule of Dudayev, when the policy of genocide of the Russian, Jewish and Armenian population living on this territory was carried out. Since the infringement of the rights of peoples is a direct and gross violation of the norms of international and Russian law, the policy of harassment was not brought to the official level, but was not suppressed by the existing authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Cleaning of the Russian-speaking population was comprehensive in the capital of the region - the city of Grozny. Families were subjected to robberies, attacks. The everyday business was murder. This became the basis for the diversion of the educated population, which was the backbone for the economic, scientific and cultural development of the subject. Thus, the period of Dudayev's rule can be considered a black page in the history of the North Caucasus.

The revolution in Chechnya, or the First steps towards the resolution of the conflict in the North Caucasus

Dudaev's radical policy could not remain without the response of the opposition forces, which increased their influence. In the spring, the opposition was ready to hold a referendum on all vital issues that concerned the further life of Chechnya. However, Dudayev decided to move to violent methods of fighting dissenters, which caused numerous casualties among the population.

Dudayev's powerful technique was aimed at the police building, which contained the documentation for the future referendum. Tanks destroyed the building. Police officers were killed. This was the final point, which confirmed the end of the peace process in the region.

Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus has become more aggressive. The opposition secured the support of the Kremlin. The first units of Russian military equipment arrived in the region, plotting a campaign against the capital of Chechnya. However, he was completely failed. Dudayev was completely ready to repel the military might of the opposition. The opposition forces suffered colossal technical and human losses. The spirit of the army was suppressed.

The First Chechen War

After the failure of the operation in Chechnya, Russia's internal policy in the North Caucasus was changed, the reasons for which the participants were constantly changing. The primary role in the new branch of the conflict was played by Russian troops, which were to enter the territory of Grozny as peacekeeping forces. But this did not happen.

The generals and officers pursued their own interests. Russian military forces received both their supporters and hard opponents. Among the army, the slogan "Russians against Chechens" was strengthened, which was the main error of ordinary soldiers. Over time, the opposition that supported Russia moved to Dudayev's side. But, despite this, the numerical and military might of the Russian forces was several times stronger.

Numerous strikes on Grozny, stripping made it possible to proclaim a military administration in the territory of Chechnya, to which control was transferred. Such a denouement was unprofitable for the Kremlin, since there was a risk of strengthening the strength of the military junta. Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus in the 1990s, in short, turned in another direction. Basayev's offensive began, which caused the loss of Russian troops and, as a result, the conclusion of the Khasavyurt agreements.

Results of the First Chechen War

Undoubtedly, the Chechen war did not pass without a trace. The transformation was very impressive. First, there was a rearrangement of political forces in the region. Democratic forces completely lost support in Chechnya. All opposition figures were either killed during armed conflicts, or fled to Moscow. In addition, the very idea of democratic reforms in the conservative republic, where religious groups were running, fell.

Secondly, there was no unity among the nationalist Islamist groups. This is due to the fact that the radical orientation of Islam - Wahhabism - has spread widely. Its representatives proclaimed a policy of jihad on the territory of Chechnya. The most ardent supporter was Basayev, followed by radical young people.

Thus, it can be stated that Russia's internal policy in the North Caucasus in the period 1990-2011 brought significant changes in the life of the region.

On the eve of a new war in Chechnya

By the beginning of the 21st century, the situation in Chechnya had deteriorated. Basayev's group began gaining more and more authority. Grozny became a breeding ground for terrorists. The threat has become all-embracing. Thus, Russia's domestic policy in the North Caucasus, in short, should meet new challenges and threats.

The last straw, which played a decisive role, was the invasion of Dagestan. The conservative forces in the region, led by Kadyrov, intensified. They were able to rethink the idea of the national state of Chechnya, the imposition of a false ideology of Wahhabism and the policy of jihad.

The Second Chechen War

Conservative forces of Chechnya, despite their own views, were able to rethink the union with Russia. A strong army, developed military tactics have become a great help in the fight against radicals. Supporters of Kadyrov resignedly handed over their territories to the Russian military, thereby providing all-round assistance in the armed conflict. Over time, the CRI came under the control of the Russian military. Maskhadov - the leader of the republic - went over to the side of the Wahhabis, having gone underground. In 2005, it was liquidated.

Results of the Chechen war

As a result of the war in Chechnya, Ahmad Kadyrov came to power . In 2003, following the results of democratic elections, the leader was proclaimed the president of the Chechen Republic. Close cooperation with Russia has given its advantages. Restoration of the infrastructure of the region began. The peaceful population was able to receive social services in full. In addition, there was a consolidation of power. Democratic, conservative groups came to a common denominator, which guaranteed political stability in Chechnya.

The negative consequences of the Chechen war

On the territory of Chechnya, the rudiments of the formation of an authoritarian state are noted. The personality of the leader of the republic is being cultivated. Gangster groups were also not exterminated. The North Caucasus is still considered a "boiler" of terrorism. Subversive acts of suicide cause numerous sacrifices among civilians.

Thus, it can be concluded that the internal policy of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus has been substantially transformed. However, there are problems today. Only full attention to this subject will allow to stabilize the situation in the multinational region of Russia.