Democratization and Conflicts in Russia and the Newly Independent States

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between conflicts and democratization processes in Russia and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. The severe interethnic and political conflicts that marked the beginning of the era of democratization in the former Soviet Union still have not been resolved. These ongoing conflicts inhibit democratic reforms. States have neither the resources nor the will to promote the peaceful resolution of these conflicts. Nongovernmental, cooperative conflict resolution may provide some assistance in handling conflicts in the post-Soviet context. Drawing on her significant experience working in cross-cultural conflicts, the author provides illustrations of practical applications of conflict analysis and resolution skills and processes. Finally, in concluding the article, the author explores the connection between civil society building and peaceful conflict resolution.

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References

1. Giovanni Sartori , The Theory of Democracy Revisited (Chatham, NJ: Chatham House, 1987), p. 90.

2. Georg Prensen , Democracy and Democratization: Processes and Prospects in a Changing World (San Francisco: Western Press, 1993), p. 94.

3. Ibid., p. 100.

4. Myles Horton and Paulo Freire , We Make the Road by Walking (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1990), p. 145.

5. Ibid., p. 146.

6. Sartori , Theory of Democracy Revisited, p. 91.

7. Ibid., p. 92.

8. Hizkias Assefa , Peace and Reconciliation as a Paradigm, Nairobi Peace Initiative Monograph Series, no. 1 (Nairobi: Majestic Printing Works, 1993), p. 5.

9. Yehudah Mirsky , “Democratic Politics, Democratic Culture,” Democracy in the 1990s (United States Information Agency, Special Features Service) (Jan. 1994), p. 13.

10.

10. Richard E. Rubenstein et al. , Frameworks for Interpreting Conflict (Fairfax, VA: George Mason University, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, 1994), p. 118.