Overview

This book collects8 thoroughly revised articles and book chapters, together with a new introductory theoretical chapter, based on Pl Kolst's 30 years of study of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post-Soviet states. In them, Kolst examines how the drivers behind ethnic conflicts in the non-Russian republics were not only struggles for collective identities but also more mundane interests, such as competition for jobs and positions. He also analyses the transformations of Russian nationalism, both among the ruling elite and in the opposition, with a particular focus on the use of symbolism. Exploring nationalism as a pervasive feature of politics in the modern world, Kolst argues that both state leaders and 'ethnic entrepreneurs' employ nationalist rhetoric and stratagems to further their political agendas and achieve particular goals. He examines some of the ways this is used as a political strategy and focuses both on nationalism at the societal level and as a state strategy.

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9781474495004

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Reviews

"As a standalone piece of academic research, Kolst� provides us with an excellent insight into the utilitarian and instrumentalist use of nationalist concepts in both Russia and the post-Soviet sphere. From examining the significance of the growing usage of terms such as ruskii (ethnically Russian) instead of rossiskii (civic Russian) in Russian public forums, to the significance and creation of symbols such as the St George's ribbon and march of the Immortal Regiment [...] Although primarily aimed at academics, Kolst� makes the argument of the book accessible, with each chapter building upon and developing the themes of the last. The writing is engaging and at times even unexpectedly witty. --Jack Cathcart ""Nationalism & Ethnic Politics"" The monograph by P�l Kolst� is solid and high-quality scientific research that will be useful to social and political scientists. --Georgi Asatryan ""Ethnic and Racial Studies"" This book makes one of the most compelling ""instrumentalist"" contributions to the study of nationalism I have read in years. Pinpointing different ways in which concrete people provoke different forms of ethnic conflict and promote different ""ethnic boundaries"" between groups, Kolst� illuminates important developments in Eurasia in clear, engaging prose. --Henry Hale, George Washington University"

Author Information

Pal Kolsto, Professor of Russian and post-Soviet Studies, University of Oslo.

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