Making National Diasporas: Soviet-Era Migrations and Post-Soviet Consequences

The article discusses the historical conditions that led to the displacement of people outside of the Soviet republic and the consequences for them and their host countries. It analyzes the massive displacements of the Stalin era, including nationality-based deportations, and looks at the life trajectories of deportees' children as they moved transnationally within the Soviet Union and its successor states. The article also treats disparate parts of the country as magnets attracting Soviet citizens from far afield, including cities undergoing industrial expansion and incentive programs to develop agriculture and rural-based industries. Finally, it discusses the history of immigration and emigration during the Soviet period and since 1991.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element delves into the historical backdrop that gave rise to the peculiar phenomenon of individuals residing outside their native Soviet republic, as well as the often-tense repercussions for both these individuals and their host countries in the post-Soviet era. The authors commence their exploration by examining the most significant displacement efforts during the Stalin era, specifically the nationality-based deportations. They then move on to showcase examples of the life trajectories of deportees' children, who traversed transnational boundaries within the Soviet Union and its successor states.

The second section explores various regions within the country as magnets that drew Soviet citizens from distant corners. These regions encompassed cities experiencing substantial industrial growth, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering agriculture and rural-based industries.

The final section focuses on the history of immigration and emigration during the Soviet period, as well as since 1991, when millions of individuals left one former Soviet republic for another or ventured to lands further afield. By examining these various aspects, the Element sheds light on the complex and multifaceted dynamics that shaped the presence and experiences of individuals outside their home republic during the Soviet era and its aftermath.

ISBN-13: 9781009371834