グローバルに生きる「レロカント」：ウズベキスタンへの文化移植に関わる行動と意識に焦点を当てて

抄録

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the partial mobilization in September 2022, those who left Russia have come to be known as “relocants”. In March and September 2024, the author conducted interviews with relocants in Uzbekistan. This study focuses on their behavior and consciousness regarding cultural transplantation―specifically, what aspects of their culture they introduce to Uzbek society and how they perceive the influence of their presence.

From the respondents’ answers, we identified examples of cultural transplantation in six key areas:（1）volunteer activities,（2）consumer lifestyles,（3）café culture, （4）relocant communities,（5）IT technology, and（6）education and other cultural fields. The findings indicate that relocants primarily bring with them the lifestyle of Russia’s modern middle class, which is more aligned with Western culture than with uniquely Russian traditions. Because their cultural influence is not distinctly Russian, it may be more easily accepted in Uzbekistan. Relocants understand that, to be welcomed by Uzbek society, they must respect local culture, avoid adopting a Great Russian mindset, and appreciate the residency opportunities granted to them.

Relocants are also aware that rising rents and prices negatively impact the residents of Tashkent. However, they take pride in their perceived role in accelerating economic development. At present, no major conflicts have arisen, largely due to the relatively small number of relocants in Uzbekistan and the prevalence of remote workers, who have limited direct interaction with the local population. However, as relocants continue to stay in Uzbekistan for the long term, it will be necessary to monitor whether tensions emerge.

Those who remain in Uzbekistan are individuals who have achieved economic independence, successfully adapted to Uzbek society, and possess the financial means to afford freedom in speech and consumption. In other words, they represent a middle-class group capable of surviving in a foreign land, often referred to as “Global Russians.” Given the substantial outflow of talented individuals from Russia, the impact of this brain drain is severe.