The Secessions of Abkhazia and Nagorny Karabagh. The Roots and Patterns of Development of Post-Soviet Micro-Secessions in Transcaucasia
Author(s)
Murinson, Alexander
Abstract
Examines the micro-secessionist movements in Abkhazia (Georgia) and Nagorno-Karabakh (Azerbaijan) using a modified model based on those of Anthony Birch and Alex Herclides. The Soviet Union’s nationality policies failed both to erase preexisting ethnic hostilities and to overcome memories of historical atrocities in the Caucasus. Additionally, rather than creating a unified Soviet identity the USSR’s policies created new ethnic identities. Post-Soviet nationalist rhetoric by ethnic majorities resurrected the old fears of minorities and led to secessionist movements.
