| Abstract |
It is contended that the extension of citizenship to national minorities in Lithuania is a test of democracy; moreover, how national minorities perceive citizenship is integral to the construction of state democratic institutions. An overview of social and spatial differences among Lithuanian national minorities is provided, finding that Jewish communities are reluctant to address Lithuanian citizenship legislation, while Russian and Polish communities have concentrated on three issues: language, education, and property rights. Both right- and left-wing Lithuanian politicians feel that extant law is adequate, although left-wing politicians admit room for improvement. |