Book Discussion: Legitimating Nationalism: Political Identity in Russia’s Ethnic Republics, by Katie L. Stewart

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

I am proposing a discussion of my book that is coming out in June 2024. Here is the back cover summary text: “Russia is a large, diverse, and complicated country whose far-flung regions maintain their own histories and cultures, even as President Vladimir Putin increases his political control. Powerful, autocratic regimes still need to establish their legitimacy; in Russia, as elsewhere, developing a compelling national narrative and building a sense of pride and belonging in a national identity is key to maintaining a united nation. It can also legitimate political power when leaders present themselves as the nation’s champions, as indeed Putin does. Even in the current autocratic system, however, Russia’s multiethnic nature and fractured political history mean that not all political symbols work the same way everywhere; not every story finds the same audience in the same way. The message may emanate from Moscow, but regional actors—including local governments, civic organizations, and cultural institutions—have some agency in how they spread the message: some regionalization of identity work is permitted to ensure that Russian national symbols and narratives resonate with people, and to avoid protest. This book investigates how nation building works on the ground through close studies of three of Russia’s ethnic republics: Karelia, Tatarstan, and Buryatia. Understanding how the project of legitimating nationalism, in support of a unified country and specifically Putin’s regime, works in practice offers crucial context in understanding the shape and story of contemporary Russia.”

Sub Unit

• Politics/Law

Chair

• Helge Blakkisrud, U of Oslo (Norway)

Roundtable Members

• Helge Blakkisrud, U of Oslo (Norway)

• Kyle Estes, Bradley U

• Marat Iliyasov, College of the Holy Cross

• Katie L. Stewart, Knox College

• Leila Wilmers, Cornell U