A NEW IMPERIAL MIGRATION? PERCEPTION OF RUSSIAN EMIGRES IN KAZAKHSTAN BY LOCALS AFTER THE START OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th of February 2022 that shocked the whole world. Due to the territorial proximity to Russia, Kazakhstan was involved in the consequences of conflict - being a hosting country for the emigres. Russians started migrating as soon as the war started, which is considered as the first wave, and the most massive emigration started in September when president of the Russian Federation V. Putin announced partial military mobilization. Therefore, Kazakhstan became a hosting country for the Russian emigres. This thesis aims to reveal the underlying factors that contribute to the formation of attitudes towards Russian emigres. It provides a detailed understanding of attitudes towards Russian emigres in Kazakhstan, contextualizing them within broader historical, political and cultural dynamics. By exploring the imperialist nature of Russian migration, analyzing the politics of nation-building and considering the impact of geopolitical events, the thesis offers valuable insights into the complexities of narratives of migration and identity in contemporary Kazakhstan. The main contribution of this work is shedding light on the exploration of the essences of sentiments towards Russian emigres among citizens of Kazakhstan, and discussion of feelings of belonging to the nation of Kazakhstan after the start of the migrational flows from Russia.