The Former Soviet Union's Diverse Peoples

Book excerpt: The essential guide to understanding the history of the ethnic diversity of the former Soviet Union and the current ethnic issues of the region. The Former Soviet Union's Diverse Peoples provides an overview of the peoples and events in the historical development of the Russian and Soviet empires. Documenting the Russian conquest and domination of more than 100 large and small national groups, the book details ethnic migrations, rivalries, and conflicts against the backdrops of key historic events such as the Russian Revolution, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and the breakup of the Soviet Union. Ranging from 9th century Eastern Slav expansion to the disintegration of the Communist empire and the rise of Russia's present version of democracy, the book explores the wide range of regional cultures and explains the cultural and nationalistic currents that led to centuries of political, social, and territorial struggles.