The analysis will be focused on the comprehension of citizenship rights in terms of
how citizenship rights were translated into practice and were perceived by its citizens and
residents. An analysis of citizenship rights approached within a democratic framework does
not only consist of legal mechanisms but also of a political culture which respects diversity
between us and them. This type of political culture did not prevail in Lithuania in the period
of 1988 to 1993. This was a period which saw the rise of nationalism, the development of
nationalistic behaviour towards the national minorities. It, therefore, produces a tension between
citizenship as an inclusive principle and nationalism as an exclusive one. It was only
after 1993 that finally the more conciliatory policies were introduced towards national minorities