autonomy

The article examines the constitutional policy of the Soviet state in relation to the autonomous republic of Volga Germans that existed in 1924–1941 as part of the RSFSR, shows this policy as an integral part of the general national-state policy towards national minorities, to whom the Bolshevik government was granted a certain form of statehood. The characteristic of the two constitutions of the Non–Republic of 1926 and 1937 is given – as octroated, i.e. granted from above and therefore contained as much independence as allowed by the center.

The article presents the historical and legal aspects of the formation and development of two fundamental principles of international law:theterritorial integrity of States andthe right of peoplesto self-determination. The author’s analysis showsthat currentlythere is no hierarchy in international law among the principles of territorial integrity of States and the right of peoples to self-determination – they are interrelated and have the same international legal force.

The article considers some aspects of national-state building in the North Caucasus region in 30-s years of the XX century. The author emphasizes that at this stage of the Nations to the full extent become a subject in the policy of the bureaucratic state.

The role of the national movements of the deported peoples in the process of the USSR dissolution is investigated in the article. The programmes of the national movements and its main purpose - creation of independent national states - are analysed in the article. It is made a conclusion that the national movements' leaders position in the setting of the weakened center and the republican national elites strengthening has become disastrous for the integrated state.