Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad

by Donnacha Ó Beacháin

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.

Genres: Russia, Politics, History

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2025

Reviews

[Barry Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Liz McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really interesting and explains a complicated topic in a clear and illuminating way. While providing the long view of Russia’s imperial ambitions it looks in particular at what happened after the Soviet Union collapsed and shows how many problems were left unresolved. The author explores the political struggles and challenges that new states such as Ukraine and Georgia faced. It gave me a new perspective on Russia and its neighbours and showed how the formal collapse of an empire can leave long-lasting issues unresolved. Definitely worth reading if you want to understand modern history and why conflicts are still happening today in the post-Soviet region.