The (im‐)possibility of ‘victim diasporas’ in Russia. The case of Lithuanian communities in Siberia

ENBy taking the case of the Lithuanian diaspora occasioned by forced migration to Siberia, this article discusses the (im‐)possibility – and possible explanations for the ambiguous character – of ‘victim diasporas’ in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. I assert that, differently from its counterparts in the West, the Lithuanian diaspora of displacements in Russia represents an atypical case that bears signs pertinent to ‘victim’, ‘accidental’, as well as ‘demobilising’ diaspora. Among the key reasons for this are a historically restrictive socio-political environment towards victimised groups, limitations for the organisation and activity of ethno-national communities, as well as more of an amplified state agenda by the Russian government presided by Vladimir Putin. The discussion draws on the relevant theoretical considerations and qualitative primary research conducted as part of a PhD project on Lithuanian diasporas of displacements. Taking into account the time of writing, it has been adapted to include a brief commentary on the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on the Lithuanian diaspora. Keywords: Lithuanian diaspora in Russia, Lithuanian communities in Siberia, victim diasporas, forced migration, diaspora theory.

• Istorija / History
• Sociologija / Sociology