Böcker av Pal Kolsto

Argues that nationalism and ethnic conflict can be used as strategies to achieve power and influence With a new introductory theoretical chapter, the book collects thoroughly revised nine articles and book chapters based on Pål Kolstø's thirty years of study of nationalism and ethnic conflict in post-Soviet states. Kolstø 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, Kolstø 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. Pål Kolstø is Professor of Russian and post-Soviet studies at the University of Oslo, Norway.

This book looks at the nation-building projects in Russia and the Soviet successor states in a comparative perspective, discussing their preconditions and the means employed by the nation-builders, and focusing on the practical actions taken by the political leaders.

After a decade of post-Soviet nation building certain patterns are emerging, some states managing against high odds, others disintegrating, all having chosen very different models. This book examines the preconditions for nation building, the goals and the means employed to reach them.