The Russo-Chechen Conflict and the Construction of Chechen Identity

Blake Weinger

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Harvey, David

Keywords

Chechnya, Russia, Identity

Area of Concentration

History

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between Russia and Chechnya, from Russia�s initial conquest of the Caucasus to the present day Chechen Wars, in order to trace the construction of Chechen identity. Chechen history and identity cannot be separated from the history of Russia over the past 200 years since so much of Chechen identity has been molded by Russian policies in the region. While Chechen history is often portrayed as a series of anti-Russian rebellions inspired by the Chechens� unchanging traditions, I argue that Russian involvement in Chechnya has shaped the Chechen sense of identity, and as Russia has changed, so too has Chechen identity. This thesis also examines the broader significance of Russia�s changing relationship with the Chechens over the Tsarist, Soviet, and contemporary periods. Difficult situations force a government to show its true character, and Chechnya has done this for three incarnations of Russia. While certain aspects of the relationship between Russia and Chechnya have remained superficially consistent, I argue against the thesis that the various Russian governments have remained essentially the same in their relationships with Chechnya.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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