Experiences of displacement and perceptions of 'homeland': a comparative study of returning Russian migrant and Russian diaspora communities

Flynn, M.B. (2008) Experiences of displacement and perceptions of 'homeland': a comparative study of returning Russian migrant and Russian diaspora communities. Revue d'Etudes Comparatives Est Ouest, 39(1), pp. 39-65. (doi: 10.4074/S0338059908001034)

Abstract

In 1991, Russian communities resident in the non-Russian regions of the Soviet Union found themselves located beyond the borders of the Russian Federation. As political borders moved over them they experienced a form of stationary displacement, furthered through subsequent processes of political and economic transformation. Some members of these communities chose or were forced to ‘return’ to Russia. Others chose to remain, or were unable to leave. This article draws on empirical research conducted amongst Russian ‘returnee’ migrant communities in the Russian Federation and Russian communities resident in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It explores the interaction between displacement and understandings of ‘homeland’ across and within the two communities. Integral to the analysis is an investigation of the changing nature of ‘Russian-ness’ found within the two communities.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Migration, diaspora, Post-Soviet Russia, former Soviet Union, Uzbekistan, homeland, Russian-ness
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Flynn, Dr Moya
• Authors: Flynn, M.B.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions; D History General and Old World > DK Russia. Soviet Union. Former Soviet Republics; H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
• Journal Name: Revue d'Etudes Comparatives Est Ouest
• ISSN: 0338-0599
• Published Online: 26 February 2009