Geographies of Ethnicity and Nationality in Post-Soviet States After 1991

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a profound geopolitical transformation, leading to the emergence of 15 independent states. These newly independent states inherited a complex legacy of ethnic and national diversity, which has had a profound impact on their development.

Power and Identity in the Post-Soviet Realm: Geographies of Ethnicity and Nationality after 1991 (Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and Society Book 222)

by William Melvin Kelley

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4175 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	376 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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This article explores the geographies of ethnicity and nationality in post-Soviet states, examining the challenges, conflicts, and transformations that have shaped these regions since the fall of the USSR. It analyzes the role of ethnicity in state formation, the emergence of ethnic and national identities, and the impact of migration and displacement on the geographies of these regions.

Challenges and Conflicts

The post-Soviet states have faced a number of challenges related to ethnicity and nationality. These include:

• Ethnic conflicts: The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the outbreak of several ethnic conflicts, including the Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Transnistria conflict in Moldova, and the Chechnya conflict in Russia.
• Secessionist movements: Some ethnic groups within post-Soviet states have sought to secede from their respective countries. This has led to conflicts in regions such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, and Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan.
• Discrimination and marginalization: Ethnic minorities in post-Soviet states have often faced discrimination and marginalization. This has resulted in social and economic disparities between different ethnic groups.
• Migration and displacement: The collapse of the Soviet Union led to large-scale migration and displacement of people. This has had a significant impact on the ethnic and demographic makeup of post-Soviet states.

State Formation and Identity

The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the formation of new states based on ethnic and national identities. This process was often accompanied by conflict and violence, as different groups sought to assert their dominance.

The post-Soviet states have adopted a variety of approaches to state formation and identity. Some states have sought to promote a civic national identity that transcends ethnic differences. Others have adopted more ethnocentric approaches, emphasizing the dominant ethnic group's language, culture, and values.

The role of ethnicity in state formation has been particularly pronounced in the Central Asian states, where ethnic identities have played a major role in shaping political and social structures.

Migration and Displacement

The collapse of the Soviet Union led to large-scale migration and displacement of people. This has had a significant impact on the ethnic and demographic makeup of post-Soviet states.

Migration has been driven by a number of factors, including economic hardship, ethnic conflict, and political instability. Large numbers of people have migrated from post-Soviet states to other parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Displacement has also been a major issue in post-Soviet states. Ethnic conflicts have led to the displacement of large numbers of people within and between countries. This has created significant humanitarian challenges and has contributed to the instability of the region.

The geographies of ethnicity and nationality in post-Soviet states are complex and ever-changing. The collapse of the Soviet Union has led to a number of challenges and conflicts, but it has also created opportunities for new state formation and the emergence of new national identities.

The post-Soviet states are still grappling with the legacy of ethnicity and nationality. This is a complex issue that will continue to shape the development of these regions for years to come.

Power and Identity in the Post-Soviet Realm: Geographies of Ethnicity and Nationality after 1991 (Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and Society Book 222)

by William Melvin Kelley

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4175 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	376 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE