National cultural autonomies in modern Russia: problems of representation and efficiency

The article is devoted to the topical issues regarding the activity of national cultural autonomies as the subjects of the civil society, on which special expectations are entrusted in preserving and implementing the socio-cultural potential in modern Russia. The aim is to analyze the organizational and legal aspects, problems and prospects of developing national cultural autonomies (NCA) in the context of preserving the country's cultural diversity. Based on the data from the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and expert assessments, the author considers the trends in developing national cultural autonomies during the period of operating the Federal Law dated June 17, 1996 No. 74-FZ “On National Cultural Autonomy”, as well as the shortcomings, gaps and contradictions in the legislative framework regarding the activities of national cultural autonomies in modern Russian conditions. The researcher marks the high liquidation level of the previously created NCAs, which, among other matters, is due to unjustified expectations associated with the capabilities of these public associations. It has been concluded that the role and place of national autonomies in implementing the socio-cultural potential of the nations of Russia cannot be considered absolute, rather, one of the secondary roles is assigned to them. However, the value of the NCA as an important format for preserving and multiplying the cultural and ethnic variety of Russia cannot be ignored. The author has noted the shortcomings and the limited functionality in the ways of financing the activities of national cultural autonomies. In particular, the established priority of grant support undermines the consistent implementation of the organizations' functions, and impedes the systematical development of programs. The applied significance of the article lies in the critical analysis of a number of flaws in understanding the activities of national cultural autonomies, which should be reflected in making managerial decisions within the implementation of the social, cultural and national policy.