Background. The increase in the complexity of the socio-political situation of Eastern European countries forces questions about the activity of ethnopolitics entities – national minority organizations. Difficult access to data makes it impossible to obtain precise answers to questions about the role of national minority organizations and the impact of their activities on the security of the region. Research interest in these organizations is timely, especially after the Crimean annexation in 2014.

Research aims. The aim is to define the role of national minority organizations in Eastern European countries in shaping the security of the subregion. The research area is: Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. The author puts forward the following research questions: 1) what are the main factors determining the political and social activity of national minority organizations in the region? 2) is it possible to distinguish the strategies of the studied organizations? 3) what is the essence of political activity of national minority organizations?

Methodology. An interdisciplinary research approach was applied, integrating methods from political science, international relations and management. The conclusions from author’s own research carried out during foreign study trips in 2014–2017 were used. The literature has an interdisciplinary dimension.

Key findings. The role of national minority organizations in shaping the security of Eastern European states is diverse. Their activity will depend on the policy of the country of residence. Uncontrolled, they may lead to deepening of the security crisis in the region.

JEL Codes: F52, F53, J71

Background. The increase in the complexity of the socio-political situation of Eastern European countries forces questions about the activity of ethnopolitics entities – national minority organizations. Difficult access to data makes it impossible to obtain precise answers to questions about the role of national minority organizations and the impact of their activities on the security of the region. Research interest in these organizations is timely, especially after the Crimean annexation in 2014.

Research aims. The aim is to define the role of national minority organizations in Eastern European countries in shaping the security of the subregion. The research area is: Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. The author puts forward the following research questions: 1) what are the main factors determining the political and social activity of national minority organizations in the region? 2) is it possible to distinguish the strategies of the studied organizations? 3) what is the essence of political activity of national minority organizations?

Methodology. An interdisciplinary research approach was applied, integrating methods from political science, international relations and management. The conclusions from author’s own research carried out during foreign study trips in 2014–2017 were used. The literature has an interdisciplinary dimension.

Key findings. The role of national minority organizations in shaping the security of Eastern European states is diverse. Their activity will depend on the policy of the country of residence. Uncontrolled, they may lead to deepening of the security crisis in the region.

JEL Codes: F52, F53, J71