Otselist

Otselist is a term used in the context of the Soviet Union and its satellite states to refer to a person who is considered to be a "self-settler" or "self-settler colonist." This term was particularly relevant during the period of perestroika and glasnost in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the Soviet government encouraged the resettlement of ethnic Russians to less populated regions, particularly in the northern territories of the Soviet Union. The primary goal was to address demographic imbalances and to promote the development of these remote areas.

The concept of otselist was part of a broader policy aimed at revitalizing the Russian language and culture in regions where they were in decline. This initiative was seen as a way to counteract the influence of local indigenous populations and to strengthen the cultural and political ties of these regions to the Russian heartland. The term itself is derived from the Russian words "otselyatsya," meaning "to settle," and "list," meaning "person."

The otselist movement had both supporters and critics. Proponents argued that it would help to preserve the Russian language and culture in areas where they were at risk of disappearing. Critics, however, pointed out that the policy often led to the displacement of local populations and the imposition of Russian cultural norms on indigenous communities. The legacy of the otselist movement continues to be a subject of debate and discussion in the regions where it was implemented.