Ethnopolitics in Latvia and Estonia in the Context of the Institutionalization of Nationalism

The article considers the manifestations of nationalism in the sphere of ethno-national politics. The author defines the concept of political institutionalization and emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the institutionalization of nationalism. The article identifies the set of measures assumed by the authorities of Latvia and Estonia about issues of granting citizenship, language policy, education and integration of ethnic groups since the «restoration of the independence» of states. The prerequisites and ideological foundations of this practice are indicated. Particular emphasis is placed on the factor of politicization of the historical past. The consequences of the adoption of normative documents for the institutionalization of nationalism are analyzed in this article. The author concludes that the orientation of ethnopolitics in the two Baltic countries is to consolidate the priority of the so-called titular nations.