Finally reading through Hirsch’s “Empire of Nations,” on the creation of Soviet republics, and one thing is clear: the Bolsheviks had absolutely no idea what they were doing, and looked for any excuse to simply continue as much of tsarist-era colonization as possible. 
Pre-1917, the Bolsheviks were talking all about the exploitative nature of colonization.
And then they came to power—and realized how maintaining Moscow’s setter-colonial empire would be to their benefit.
And then they came to power—and realized how maintaining Moscow’s setter-colonial empire would be to their benefit.
“Between 1919 and 1921, the Bolsheviks used military force, intrigue, and diplomatic measures to… exert control over the newly independent states of the former Russian empire…. In many regions, though, the Bolsheviks had no indigenous support whatsoever.”
One other thing Hirsch's book makes clear: Putin's claim that Russia was "robbed" by the Soviet collapse is an absolute farce.
It's an excuse for imperialism, for renewed colonization efforts, and for once more crushing the rights of indigenous populations.
It's an excuse for imperialism, for renewed colonization efforts, and for once more crushing the rights of indigenous populations.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
