Nation-Building and Minority Politics in Post-Socialist States: Interests, Influence and Identities in Estonia and Latvia (Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and Society 8)

Nation-Building and Minority Politics in Post-Socialist States: Interests, Influence and Identities in Estonia and Latvia (Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and Society 8)

by David J . Smith (Foreword), David J . Galbreath (Author), Andreas Umland (Foreword)

Synopsis

Despite socialism's best efforts, ethnic identity remained a salient feature in Central and Eastern Europe. Not only did ethno-nationalism help to bring about the fall of the socialist regimes in this region, but it also characterized much of the post-socialist politics. Nation-Building and Minority Politics examines the issue of minority politics in post-socialist states within this dual structure. In particular, it offers an in-depth analysis of post-restoration politics in Estonia and Latvia, covering four issues. First, it looks at the historical context of the current group relations. Second, the study explores the domestic nature of minority politics in Estonia and Latvia by looking at domestic politics and policies. Third, it examines the role of the Russian Federation as an 'external national homeland' through illustrating developments within Russian foreign policy. Finally, the book analyses the role of three significant European organizations, namely the OSCE, EU and the Council of Europe as agents of 'conditionality'. Overall, this study combines old and new theoretical approaches to nation-building and minority politics to exhibit the changing nature of the relationship between majority, minority, external national homeland, and international organizations in today's Europe.

$50.04

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Publisher: Ibidem Verlag Jessica Haunschild Christian Schoen GbR
Published: 09 May 2005

ISBN 10: 3898214672
ISBN 13: 9783898214674

Media Reviews
Galbreath's book is an admirable and craftsmanlike piece of work, and should be read by all specialists interested in the Baltic area. -- Andrejs Plakans Slavic Review
Author Bio
Despite socialism's best efforts, ethnic identity remained a salient feature in Central and Eastern Europe. Not only did ethno-nationalism help to bring about the fall of the socialist regimes in this region, but it also characterized much of the post-socialist politics. Nation-Building and Minority Politics examines the issue of minority politics in post-socialist states within this dual structure. In particular, it offers an in-depth analysis of post-restoration politics in Estonia and Latvia, covering four issues. First, it looks at the historical context of the current group relations. Second, the study explores the domestic nature of minority politics in Estonia and Latvia by looking at domestic politics and policies. Third, it examines the role of the Russian Federation as an 'external national homeland' through illustrating developments within Russian foreign policy. Finally, the book analyses the role of three significant European organizations, namely the OSCE, EU and the Council of Europe as agents of 'conditionality'. Overall, this study combines old and new theoretical approaches to nation-building and minority politics to exhibit the changing nature of the relationship between majority, minority, external national homeland, and international organizations in today's Europe.