The Donbas Conflict in Ukraine: Elites, Protest, and Partition (BASEES/Routledge Series on Russian and East European Studies)

"This book examines why, when the conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014, fighting broke out in the Donets'k region, whereas it did not in Kharkiv city, despite the city, like the Donets'k region, being geographically proximate to Russia and similar in ethnic and linguistic make up. Based on extensive original research, the book argues that a key factor was the nature and behaviour of local elites, with those in Kharkiv having diffuse ties to the centre and therefore being more capable of adapting to sudden, profound regime change at the centre, whereas the elites in the Donets'k region had much more concentrated ties to the centre, were dependent on one network, and therefore were much less able to cope with change. The book thereby demonstrates how crucial for Ukraine are patronal politics, patronage networks, and informal centre-region relations, and that it was these local political circumstances, rather than Russia, which brought about the conflict"-- Provided by publisher "Manchuria, the name given to China's Northeastern provinces by foreign powers, has been contested by China, Russia and Japan in particular over many centuries. This book surveys the history of Manchuria, focusing particularly on the Russian and Soviet perspective. It outlines early colonisation of the region and examines the importance of the Chinese Eastern Railway, a branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the remarkable railway city of Harbin for consolidating the Russian presence in the region and for developing the region's economy. It goes on to consider twentieth century developments, including the Japanese invasion and the puppet state of Manchukuo. Throughout the book reflects on the nature of empire, especially Russian/Soviet imperialism and its similarities to and differences from other nations' imperial ventures"-- Provided by publisher Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Acknowledgements Abbreviations List of Figures and Tables Note on transliteration Maps Introduction Chapter 1 Explaining the Donbas conflict Chapter 2 Tools of the trade: The methodology Chapter 3 Protest and violence in Kharkiv and Donets’k, 2002–2014 Chapter 4 Elites and regional patronage Chapter 5 Elites and protest in Kharkiv and Donets’k, 2013–2014 Conclusion Appendix I: Codebook Appendix II Bibliography Index