Colonial Origins of Post-Soviet Ethnic Mobilization in Russia

• In Event: Regions and Republics of Russia in Historical Context: Compliance, Resistance, or Liberation?

Abstract

This paper examines the colonial origins of post-Soviet ethnic mobilization in Russia. Drawing upon archival sources and statistical data from the Caucasus, the Volga region, and Siberia, this paper suggests that macro-historical processes of state development and expansion meaningfully shaped the development of contemporary ethno-nationalist movements through shaping local identity narratives. Specifically, it argues that three factors were key in shaping the types of narratives which emerged and endured over the longue durée: differences in societies’ pre-colonial institutions, the Russian state’s mode of colonization, and the relevant identity cleavage during colonization. Where local identity narratives emphasized antagonistic historical relations with Russia, there was considerable bottom-up support for ethno-nationalist mobilization and, consequently, for the pursuit of “nation-building” policies at the local level. Where narratives were milder, activists were faced with greater barriers to mobilization and post-Soviet leaders faced fewer demands for autonomy-seeking policies. Its findings suggest the importance of long-run historical political development in contemporary political outcomes.

Author

• Adam Charles Lenton, Wake Forest U