Strategic Uses of Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict: Interest and Identity in Russia and the Post-Soviet Space

With a new introductory theoretical chapter, the book collects thoroughly revised nine articles and book chapters based on Pal Kolsto’s thirty years of study of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post-Soviet states. Kolsto examines how the drivers behind ethnic conflicts in the non-Russian republics were not only struggle 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, Kolsto 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.