ABSTRACT
In 1996, Russian legislation provided ethnic minorities with a unique institutional structure: National-Cultural Autonomy (NCA). Due to their NCA status, activists found themselves in the public space and entered the political field as agents within the political structure, although at present activities of Roma organisations are mainly reduced to the organisation of ethnocultural events that practically do not raise the relevant issues regarding the vulnerable position of structurally discriminated Roma. Focusing on the institutional limitations for political agency of Roma public associations and their leaders, the author examines who is currently responsible for solving the problems of Roma population in Russia and how effective the communication is between such actors. Particular attention is given to the aspects of international cooperation and shifts in Russia’s foreign and domestic policy. The author concludes that activities of Roma leaders are more productive at the lower level of communication: informally and invisibly for the State.
