Ethnic processes in post-communist Europe during the 1990s

Abstract

In this paper, the author assesses and explains changes in ethnic composition that occurred in the postcommunist countries of Europe and the Caucasus during the 1990s. Quantitative as well as qualitative aspects of ethno-demographic changes are emphasized. Points of departure are the censuses of 1989/1992 and 1999/2004, and alternatively, the estimates of international organizations. Assessment is carried out at the state and regional levels. The current ethnic composition of post-communist Europe is the result of three ethnic processes. Homogenization concerns those states with a lower initial degree of ethnic homogeneity. Polarization (the formation of two or more ethnically dissimilar entities within one state) was also a prevalent outcome. Those processes were more powerful in war-stricken areas due to forced migrations and ethnic cleansing. Natural increase, governmental ethnic policies and the social atmosphere played an important role in the establishment of peaceful conditions. Conversely, countries that are ethnically homogeneous to a high degree recorded a decrease in their level of ethnic homogeneity. This was caused not only by immigration, but also by subjective factors.