Strategic Uses of Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict: Interest and Identity in Russia and the Post-Soviet Space

The book explores how nationalism and ethnic conflict can be used as strategies to achieve power and influence in post-Soviet states. It uses inter-related case studies in Russia and the former Soviet Union and draws on a wealth of primary sources. The author argues that the resurgence of ethnonationalism in the post-Soviet world compels us to re-examine the dynamics of ethnic conflict and that both state leaders and ethnic entrepreneurs employ nationalist rhetoric and stratagems to further their political agendas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the complex dynamics of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post Soviet states. It is an essential resource for scholars,students,and policymakers interested in understanding the political dynamics of these regions.

The resurgence of ethnonationalism in the post-Soviet world has compelled us to re-examine the dynamics of ethnic conflict. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the complex dynamics of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post Soviet states. It is an essential resource for scholars, students, and policymakers interested in understanding the political dynamics of these regions.

The book begins with an introductory theoretical chapter that provides a framework for understanding the dynamics of nationalism and ethnic conflict. It discusses the various theories of nationalism and ethnic conflict, including the power-resource theory, the social identity theory, and the cultural-relativism theory. The chapter also discusses the historical and cultural context of the post-Soviet states, which has played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of nationalism and ethnic conflict.

The book then presents eight thoroughly revised articles and book chapters that provide specific empirical cases of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post-Soviet states. The articles cover a range of topics, including the role of nationalism in the break-up of the Soviet Union, the emergence of ethnic conflicts in post-Soviet Russia, the role of ethnicity in the politics of Central Asia, and the impact of nationalism on the politics of Ukraine. The chapters draw on a wealth of primary sources, including government documents, academic research, and media reports, to provide a detailed analysis of the various cases.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of state leaders in promoting nationalism and ethnic conflict. The authors argue that state leaders use nationalist rhetoric and stratagems to further their political agendas and achieve particular goals. They examine some of the ways this is used as a political strategy, including the use of symbolism, the promotion of ethnic identity, and the suppression of minority rights.

Another key theme of the book is the role of ethnic entrepreneurs in promoting nationalism and ethnic conflict. The authors argue that ethnic entrepreneurs use nationalist rhetoric and stratagems to further their economic interests and gain political power. They examine some of the ways this is used as a political strategy, including the use of ethnic identity to mobilize support, the promotion of ethnic entrepreneurship, and the suppression of minority rights.

The book also explores the societal level of nationalism and ethnic conflict. The authors argue that nationalism is not just a product of state policies but is also a product of societal attitudes and beliefs. They examine some of the ways this is used as a political strategy, including the use of ethnic identity to mobilize support, the promotion of ethnic entrepreneurship, and the suppression of minority rights.

The book concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for policy and practice. The authors argue that policymakers need to be aware of the potential for nationalism and ethnic conflict to exacerbate social tensions and political instability. They also argue that policymakers need to take steps to promote social cohesion and promote minority rights.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the complex dynamics of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post-Soviet states. It is an essential resource for scholars, students, and policymakers interested in understanding the political dynamics of these regions. The book's interdisciplinary approach, which combines theoretical analysis with specific empirical cases, provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the various factors that contribute to nationalism and ethnic conflict.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474495011