Nation and politics in the Soviet successor states /

This edited volume is the first systematic, theoretically grounded exploration of the processes of nation- and state-building in the former republics of the Soviet Union. Following initial sections on the history of Soviet nationalities' theory and practice, chapters by leading international academics and policymakers analyze the roots of the independence movements of each new state and the current political and social dynamics of these movements. A valuable section entitled "Nations Without States" also elaborates on a few of the many national groups on former Soviet territory that have not achieved independence. This work is an excellent example of the value of the comparative case study methodology. In an attempt to go beyond a mere conglomeration of national histories, the editors successfully draw from the contributors' work some tentative answers to a broader set of questions regarding the process of nation-building and patterns of competition and cooperation among different national groups. With many useful maps and tables, the book also contains a valuable historical chronology and bibliography. Undergraduate; graduate; faculty; professional. J. L. Twigg; Virginia Commonwealth University