Between two worlds? Russian-Speakers in Latvia and their perceptions of democracy

The perceptions of democracy and trust in political institutions among Russian speakers in Latvia are shaped by historical legacies, socio-political dynamics, and recent geopolitical events. Trust in institutions is crucial for democratic resilience, yet research suggests that ethnicity influences political attitudes in multiethnic societies. I hypothesise that (H1) significant differences exist between ethnic Latvians and Russian speakers regarding trust in institutions and satisfaction with democracy. These differences may be driven by historical narratives and Soviet-era perceptions (H2), as prior autocratic experiences shape political behaviour. However, recent studies indicate that ethnicity alone is not decisive; factors such as economic status, age, and media consumption also play critical roles. Additionally, intra-group variation within the Russian-speaking minority is substantial, influenced by generational divides, regional disparities (e.g., Latgale vs. Riga), and media exposure. While younger Russian speakers show higher democratic engagement, older generations often align with autocratic nostalgia. The war in Ukraine and de-Russification policies have further affected attitudes, contributing to social polarisation. By analyzing the representative survey data covering the Russian speakers and Latvians in Latvia, I aim to determine whether these factors drive democratic perceptions, highlighting the role of integration policies and institutional trust in fostering democratic stability in Latvia’s multiethnic society.