Heuristic Potential of Sammy Smooha Ethnic Democracy Concept

The article next to the hermeneutic methodology examines the key aspects of a special model of political regime: the "ethnic democracy" of S. Smooha, which is based on the idea of the development of an ethnic nation in a state. According to this author's point of view, the main idea of this form of stability is the absolute control of the ethnic majority over the minority. It examines the reasons for the emergence of "ethnic democracy", the characteristics of its implementation in practice and the conditions of stability. When this model is implemented in practice, the State pursues the objective of central ethnic-national development in the country, as well as its isolation from other ethnic groups. Under the concept of "ethnic democracy" the ethnic minority is granted limited rights, the state constantly monitors its scope, considering the interests of the "main" nation. It is concluded that the implementation of the "ethnic democracy" model deliberately violates the right to self-identification of a part of the population (ethnic minority), therefore "ethnic democracy" is an element of state policy that addresses inequality or a desire for total assimilation.