Navigating Buryat Decolonial Liberation Discourse: Self-Determination, Sovereignty, and Failing Federalization

• In Event: Grammars of Liberation

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the decolonial movement among the Buryats has started actively forming and acquiring political language and claims. Their advocacy for sovereignty and self-determination arises as a result in the disenchantment over prospects of greater federalization of Russia. Building on 5 interviews with Buryat decolonial activists, this paper proposes to explore changing liberation discourse among Buryats, maneuvering their self-determination rights, while challenging accusations in separatism.

Author

• N. N., U of Giessen (Germany)