Imperial Designs, Postimperial Extremes: Studies in Interdisciplinary and Comparative History of Russia and Eastern Europe

This book explores the nineteenth-century imperial responses to modernity, World War I, the interwar period, and post-communist endgames in Eurasia, focusing on the economic backwardness, rivalry of interest groups, and frontier zones. It examines the dynamics of a "sedimentary society" in the pre-revolutionary and early Soviet settings and explores forced and spontaneous migrations and population politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Central European University Press

Anchored in the Russian Empire, yet reaching beyond its borders, this comprehensive volume comprises eight insightful studies that delve into the complex responses of nineteenth-century imperial powers to the challenges of modernity, the devastating disruptions of World War I, the radical scenarios of the interwar period, and the post-communist endgames across the diverse edges of Eurasia. Building upon the remarkable legacy of Alfred J. Rieber's scholarly career, the book not only continues but also amplifies the historiographic momentum he has established.

In the first chapter, the volume explores the efforts of Russian imperial rulers and elites to address the economic backwardness of the empire compared to the West. This pursuit led to a fierce rivalry among various interest groups, including entrepreneurs, engineers, and economists, resulting in the creation of new social structures and forms of modernization. The studies delve into the intricate dynamics of the transformations that took place in the pre-revolutionary and early Soviet contexts, famously conceptualized by Rieber as a "sedimentary society."

The second chapter delves deeper into the concept of frontier zones, which are characterized by their dynamic, mutable, shifting nature. These areas are marked by multi-ethnicity, religious diversity, unstable loyalties, overlapping governance models, and a delicate balance between peaceful coexistence and violent military clashes. The studies in this chapter pay particular attention to forced and spontaneous migrations, as well as population politics, in modern Eurasia.

The third chapter examines the impact of World War I on the Russian Empire and its aftermath. The war brought about significant territorial losses, political upheaval, and economic devastation. The studies analyze the various responses of the imperial government, the Russian society, and the various ethnic groups within the empire to these challenges, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the period.

The fourth chapter explores the interwar period, a time of profound political and social transformation in Europe. The studies examine the rise of fascism, the emergence of totalitarian regimes, and the geopolitical struggles that characterized the era. They also explore the impact of these developments on the Russian Empire, particularly in terms of its territorial expansion, economic development, and social policies.

The fifth chapter focuses on the post-communist endgames in Eurasia. The studies analyze the collapse of communist regimes, the emergence of new political systems, and the challenges and opportunities that these transitions have brought about. They also explore the impact of these changes on the Russian Empire, particularly in terms of its geopolitical position, economic development, and social policies.

The sixth chapter examines the legacy of the Russian Empire in modern Eurasia. The studies explore the ways in which the imperial past continues to shape the political, economic, and social landscapes of the region. They also examine the ways in which the Russian Empire's influence has been both contested and replicated by other powers, such as the United States and the European Union.

The seventh chapter explores the role of Russia in shaping the modern world. The studies analyze Russia's historical and cultural influence, its geopolitical strategies, and its contributions to global politics and international relations. They also examine the challenges and opportunities that Russia faces in the contemporary world, particularly in terms of its relations with the West, its economic development, and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and terrorism.

The eighth and final chapter examines the future of Russia and its place in the world. The studies explore the potential trajectories of Russia's development, the challenges and opportunities that it faces, and the strategies that it can adopt to ensure its continued relevance and influence in the global arena. They also examine the potential impact of Russia's actions on the broader
The volume concludes by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research and the need to bridge the gaps between different fields of study in order to fully understand the complex and multifaceted history of nineteenth-century imperial powers and their responses to the challenges of modernity, World War I, the interwar period, and the post-communist endgames in Eurasia. It calls for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to history that takes into account the social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions of the past and seeks to shed light on the enduring leg

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a valuable contribution to the field of history by exploring the complex and multifaceted responses of nineteenth-century imperial powers to the challenges of modernity, World War I, the interwar period, and the post-communist endgames in Eurasia. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it sheds light on the enduring legacies of the Russian Empire and its impact on the region and the world. By bridging the gaps between different fields of study, it encourages a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the past and seeks to inspire future research and scholarship.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633866269