New Russian Migrants in Armenia and Georgia: Challenges and Opportunities
Journal
Mir Rossii
ISSN
1811-038X
ISSN-Digital
1811-0398
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2026-02-10
Author(s)
Abstract
The Russo-Ukrainian military confl ict has forced many people in both countries to leave their homes. Based on original data sets collected in the capitals of Armenia and Georgia in November and December 2023, including in-depth interviews with migrants and domestic experts as well as participant observation, this paper focuses on the recent migration wave from Russia. New Russian migrants-often referred to as relokanty in Russian, from the English word "relocation"-represent a heterogeneous group. Six motivational types have been identifi ed, having diff erent motives for leaving and conditions for returning. Many have non-political reasons for migrating. In addition to migration as an act of protest, in fear of repression, or as an escape from mobilization, there is migration for the continuation of a career, for long-term travel, and to join a family member. The factors that enrich and challenge the social, cultural, and economic lives of this new wave of Russian migrants in both host countries are analyzed and discussed.
Language
English
Keywords
migration
relokanty
Russia
Armenia
Georgia
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Volume
35
Number
1
Start page
106
End page
139
Official URL
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
31802-Текст статьи-77735-1-10-20260210.pdf
Size
397.94 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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