TWO APPROACHES TO TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE OF A MULTI-ETHNIC STATE

The problematic issues concerning reflection of the ethnic factor in organization of territorial structure of a state are discussed. The authors briefly describe basic approaches in the Russian and Western doctrines and practices of governance to resolving the problems. It is highlighted that implementation of different instruments of federalism and territorial autonomy for managing ethnic diversity is a general trend in the modern world. Contrary to concerns being expressed in the literature the risk of secession of «ethnic» autonomous regions is more real mainly for «weak» states with undeveloped democratic institutions and mechanisms of protection of individual and collective rights while developed democracies have a sufficient set of means for conflicts resolution.