Russian Minority Politics in Post-Soviet Latvia and Kyrgyzstan: The Transformative Power of Informal Networks (National and Ethnic Conflict in the 21st Century)

Uncover the intricate dynamics of ethnic Russian minority politics in the wake of the Soviet Union's dissolution with Michele E. Commercio's groundbreaking study, *Russian Minority Politics in Post-Soviet Latvia and Kyrgyzstan: The Transformative Power of Informal Networks*. This meticulously researched hardcover edition, part of the "National and Ethnic Conflict in the 21st Century" series from the University of Pennsylvania Press, delves into the diverse experiences of Russians left stranded in newly independent Latvia and Kyrgyzstan. Commercio goes beyond surface-level observations, exploring the profound impact of political, economic, and social shifts on these communities. Using extensive fieldwork, including hundreds of revealing personal interviews, she analyzes the responses of ethnic Russians to policies and practices that often favored the titular nationalities. The book investigates the crystallization of Russian attitudes, preferences, and behaviors, placing special emphasis on the crucial role of formal and, most importantly, informal institutions. Why did Kyrgyzstan see more out-migration and less political engagement among its Russian population, while Latvia experienced the opposite trend lower emigration and heightened political activism? Commercio challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that the answer lies in the enduring power of informal networks, specifically the remnants of Soviet-era structures. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that focuses solely on formal institutions, Commercio argues that the informal networks stemming from the Communist Party, Komsomol, and even the KGB, played a decisive, though often unseen, role. In Kyrgyzstan, Russians found themselves largely excluded from these crucial networks, limiting their access to the burgeoning private sector and hindering their ability to form effective organizations to advocate for their interests. This isolation fueled emigration and silenced their voices in the political sphere. In Latvia, however, the situation was starkly different. Russians maintained strong ties to these informal networks, which provided them with access to economic opportunities and facilitated the creation of political parties and NGOs. This allowed them to effectively represent their interests, leading to greater political participation and a lower rate of emigration. Commercio's research highlights the resilience and adaptability of these informal structures and their enduring influence on minority politics. By focusing on the social networks that either empowered or marginalized ethnic Russians, she sheds new light on the complexities of post-Soviet nation-building and the enduring legacies of the Soviet era. This illustrated edition, published in 2010, offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of ethnic relations, nationalism, and social networks in Latvia and Kyrgyzstan. It is a must-read for scholars and policymakers interested in post-Soviet studies, ethnic conflict, and the role of informal institutions in shaping political outcomes. Discover how these hidden networks continue to shape national identities and political landscapes in the 21st century. This book, comprising 248 pages, offers an in-depth analysis and is weighted at 544g.