Precis “Ethnically diverse, tribal, mountainous, and rebellious are clichés used to describe the North Caucasus and explain its violent nature. While these traits are broadly reflective of the people of the region, the policies that the tsars, Soviet Union, and Russian Federation have pursued toward this area exacerbated or created new catalysts for violence. For the most part, the populace of the Caucasus resisted incorporation into the Russian empire but at times turned to Russia for protection against other aggressive neighbors.
Their history was not one of a relentless battle of the Russian Christians against Islamic tribes. The story is one of a quest for territory and a buffer state..”
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The North Caucasus: Russian Roulette on Europe’s Border
Constance A. Phlipot
Parameters. Summer 2010
Hello Lloyd,
Thank you for your comments on my blog. Encouragement is priceless.
Very interesting post. The Caucausus is and will remain a very disputed region. As the Russians have increasingly more difficulties in exerting influence there, Moscow will start to creat friction there. A good friend of mine who works in the region says that Russian diplomats say they are now “the last to know about everything”. An exageration, for sure… but the feeling is genuine.
Keep up the great work! 🙂