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Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad
For centuries, Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression. This book exposes the Kremlin’s enduring ambition to control its periphery, dismantling the myths used to justify its actions – from claims of shared history to the weaponization of security and culture. It reveals how Russia has sought to subordinate neighbouring states, and how these nations have resisted, asserting their sovereignty in defiance of Moscow’s pressure.
In this incisive and compelling analysis of Russia’s enduring imperial mindset, Donnacha Ó Beacháin sheds critical light on how history, politics and power continue to collide in Ukraine and beyond, and why breaking the cycle of domination is vital for global security. It is essential reading for grasping the complexities of the current geopolitical crisis.
In this incisive and compelling analysis of Russia’s enduring imperial mindset, Donnacha Ó Beacháin sheds critical light on how history, politics and power continue to collide in Ukraine and beyond, and why breaking the cycle of domination is vital for global security. It is essential reading for grasping the complexities of the current geopolitical crisis.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2025
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August 4, 2025
Here it is: clear, concise and comprehensive. After a brief examination of the history of russian imperialism, a thorough overview and primer on the rampant imperialism that continues today in Ukraine and in a swathe of other countries unfortunate enough to have russia as its neighbour or that Putin (and a frequently compliant West) regards as in its “sphere of influence.”
So many commentators and politicians in today’s west could do with reading this to shake themselves out of their naivety or indulgence regarding what russia is and the threat it represents.
It’s particularly notable that no country chooses to be the subject of russia’s imperial desires. Alliances are purely transactional or to shore up personal power and abuse of same.
It’s also refreshing, as an Irish reader, that it is an expert Irish voice from our academia who has written this, and it is written in an engaging and accessible style to ensure the message is heard and understood.
So many commentators and politicians in today’s west could do with reading this to shake themselves out of their naivety or indulgence regarding what russia is and the threat it represents.
It’s particularly notable that no country chooses to be the subject of russia’s imperial desires. Alliances are purely transactional or to shore up personal power and abuse of same.
It’s also refreshing, as an Irish reader, that it is an expert Irish voice from our academia who has written this, and it is written in an engaging and accessible style to ensure the message is heard and understood.
Displaying 1 of 1 review