De Facto States in the Post-Soviet Area: Mechanisms of Formation, Operation and Survival (Post-Soviet Politics)

This book provides an insightful analysis and holistic account of the process of the formation of de facto states in the post-Soviet area. Looking beyond the stereotype of mere puppet subjects, the author explores the contemporary operation of separatist regions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Transnistria, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Donbas to understand the motives and mechanisms for their emergence and their instrumentalization in the politics of great powers. Using policy documents, quantitative data, and political statements, she explores the historical origins of the area and its operation during the Soviet era, armed separatist conflicts and their implications, and the actions of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the role of powers such as the Russian Federation and the US. The research contributes to the debate on the significance of de facto states for regional security and their potential for national identity building. It will be of interest to scholars and students of Russia and the Post-Soviet Area in International Relations and Nation-Building. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1 Secessionist movements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia Chapter 2 Existence of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia Chapter 3 Secessionist movements in Transnistria Chapter 4 Existence of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Chapter 5 Secessionist movement in Nagorno–Karabakh Chapter 6 Existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Chapter 7 Secessionist Movements in the Donbas Chapter 8 Existence of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic Conclusion Index