Belonging in Exile: Narratives among Russian Migrants to Central Asia and the Caucasus

• In Event: Russian Migration to Central Asia and the Caucasus: Shifting Narratives

Abstract

Unprecedented numbers of Russians migrated to Central Asia and the Caucasus in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. How have the conflict, growing repression inside Russia, and their time in exile in post-colonial, former Soviet states shaped how migrants view their citizenship and nationality? In this paper, we draw on in-depth interviews and focus groups with Russian emigres in Central Asia and the Caucasus to trace common threads in their narratives concerning identity. We find divergent characterizations: many migrants express a continued sense of belonging to Russian culture and society, while others question their connection and long-standing state narratives regarding Russia’s role in former Soviet republics.

Authors

• Margaret Hanson, Middlebury College

• Gaukhar Baltabayeva, Arizona State U