Publication

This commentary examines the history, culture and society of ethnic Crimean Tartars and the situation they find themselves in following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. The author discusses how the Crimean Tartars organized their self-governing bodies and the policies Kiev maintained towards the ethnic group. He also analyzes Crimean Tatar attitudes towards Crimea’s annexation and suggests that they are torn between supporting and opposing it due to such factors as their fear of Moscow and their desire to remain in Crimea. Finally, he argues that the Russian authorities have adopted anti-Tartar policies since taking over and that this could lead to radicalization among Tatars.