State-Building and Political Integration in Ingushetia and Chechnya (1991-2009)

Author(s): Ekaterina Sokirianskaia
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 86
Pages: 4-7
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute of History, University of Basel
Publication Year: 2010

In explaining the different state-building outcomes in Chechnya and Ingushetia, the author argues that clan (teip) ties do not play the defining role. Instead, state-building has an impact on factors which shape the composition of the elite by dictating criteria for their recruitment. It also has an impact on the system of checks and balances and the strength of the opposition. The factors influencing the nature of ties within government include five patterns of integration: descent (clanship), kinship, territory, religion, and ideology. Additionally, integrative patterns such as acquaintances, colleagues, friends and professionals are important. The prominence of each factor depends on elite choices and the demands of the state-building project.

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