Narva region within the Estonian Republic: from autonomism to accommodation?

Smith, D.J. (2002) Narva region within the Estonian Republic: from autonomism to accommodation? Regional and Federal Studies, 12(2), pp. 89-110.

Abstract

This essay examines the predominantly Russian-speaking city of Narva and its surrounding region of Ida-Virumaa within the framework of the independent Estonian state restored to being in 1991. From 1988 to 1993, the city became the locus of a movement for regional autonomy that challenged the emerging unitary and 'nationalizing' state order. The study assesses why the frequent parallels between Ida-Virumaa and the breakaway 'Transdniestran Republic' in Moldova during these years ultimately proved unfounded. It also suggests that, despite subsequent moves towards fuller political integration of the region into the state, the 'Estonia's Narva problem' is still far from being resolved as the country prepares itself for entry to the European Union.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Smith, Professor David
• Authors: Smith, D.J.
• Subjects: D History General and Old World > DK Russia. Soviet Union. Former Soviet Republics; D History General and Old World > DJ Netherlands (Holland) > DJK Eastern Europe
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
• Journal Name: Regional and Federal Studies
• ISSN: 1359-7566