Imperial Origins of Ethnic Mobilization in Russia
Speculation about the breakup of the Russian Federation remains a persistent theme in debates over the regime’s long-term stability, as well as in broader discussions on decolonization in the Russian context. Although most analysts view such a scenario as unlikely, both proponents and critics of this idea rely on differing interpretations of regional and ethnic dynamics in Russian politics. In his talk, Adam Lenton will discuss the factors that have shaped variation in ethnic mobilization in Russia’s regions, drawing upon new historical data to identify enduring legacies of Russian imperial rule on Soviet and post-Soviet mobilization. These insights highlight both the importance of long-run historical political development as well as regional diversity. The talk will conclude by considering the implications of these findings for understanding ethnic politics in Russia moving forward.
Adam Lenton is an Assistant Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Wake Forest University. His research focuses on nationalism, security, and political development in Russia and the former Soviet Union. Adam’s research has been published in International Security, Communist and Post-Communist Studies, Russian Politics, and Problems of Post-Communism, and his co-authored book, “Decolonizing Russia? Disentangling Debates,” is forthcoming with Cambridge Elements. He is currently writing a book on how imperial legacies have shaped ethnic nationalism in Eurasia. He received his Ph.D. from George Washington University in 2023.