The Evolution of Russian/Soviet Genocides of the Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Ukrainians, Chechens, and Lithuanians in a Comparative Perspective

Session Submission Type: Panel

Brief Description

For centuries Russia has developed its statehood on the policy of genocides of peoples it conquered. The position of Soviet authorities regarding the Holodomor as genocide, as well as the destruction of other targeted groups, such as Crimean Tatars, Chechens, and Lithuanians in the Soviet Union, are examples of denial of genocides against national minorities. Like their Soviet predecessors, Russian officials deny that these crimes of nation killing constitute genocide. The purpose of this panel discussion is to compare some cases of genocides committed by Russian rulers, past and present, focusing on intent, targeted populations, and genocidal acts. Why is it dangerous not to recognize genocide? What methodological difficulties do we face when trying to understand genocides, either in the historical record or as they unfold in real time?

Sub Unit

• History: Since 1990

Chair

• Dmytro Koval, National U of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” (Ukraine)

Papers

• The Holodomor Denial and the Russian Neo-Imperial Aggression against Ukraine - Victoria A. Malko, California State U, Fresno

• Deportation as a Method of Genocide: The Case of Chechnya - Marat Iliyasov, College of the Holy Cross

• Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights on Soviet Genocide in Lithuania - Myroslava Antonovych, National U of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy" (Ukraine)

• Contrast and Continuity in Colonial Genocide: The 1916 Urkun in Kyrgyzstan and the 1931-33 Asharshylyk in Kazakhstan - Matthew John Payne, Emory U

Discussant

• Dmytro Koval, National U of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy” (Ukraine)