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USSR was an unusual empire: emphasis on
socio-economic and cultural development of ethnic fringes
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Ethnic elites evolved into organised groups with their own identity
and interests. They became the prime
movers of Soviet disintegration |
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National identity in the new states was formed on the principle “we
are not them” (Russia/Russians) and on distancing from Russia |
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Nation building in the republics brought to the fore pro-Western and
nationalist forces |
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Leaders of the new generation of politicians used nationalism and
Western support to stage “orange revolutions” and to remove from
power “pro-Russian” clans |
