Encountering Toponymic Geopolitics: Place Names as a Political Instrument in the Post-Soviet States

This book explores the political features of place naming in post-Soviet countries, examining how it reflects contemporary political discourse. It discusses how the toponymic system can symbolize national identity, regional geopolitics, and geopolitical patterns in contemporary renaming. It also analyzes the historical roots of toponymic decolonization, indigenous toponymy, and politics, and the impact of toponymy on people's daily lives. The book offers insights from various regions and perspectives, appealing to students and researchers in human geography, politics, sociology, Eastern European studies,onomastics, and cultural studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the cutting-edge realm of contemporary geopolitical toponymic policy and practice in post-Soviet countries. It explores the political dimensions of place naming as a reflection of the prevailing political discourse of our time. Through multidisciplinary perspectives from esteemed scholars, the chapters delve into a diverse range of topics, employing critical political toponymy and traditional methodologies. Contributions examine how the toponymic system can serve as a powerful symbol of national identity, analyze the regional geopolitics of toponymy, and unravel geopolitical patterns in contemporary renaming endeavors. The book also delves into the historical roots of toponymic decolonization, explores indigenous toponymy and politics, and examines the toponymic aspects of people's daily lives.

In its broad scope, the book explores a multitude of processes that shape the post-Soviet landscape. It examines the distribution of power, identity, economy, social order, and the evolving dynamics of political power. It considers how these processes are intricately intertwined with various geopolitical and political-economic technologies. By presenting empirically rich research from diverse regions, this book offers insights that transcend Western perspectives, making it a pioneering work in the field of post-Soviet place naming. It will appeal to students and researchers in the fields of human geography, politics, sociology, Eastern European studies,onomastics, and cultural studies, among others.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032274874