Small Nations and Great Powers: A Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict in the Caucasus

Small Nations and Great Powers examines the complex ethnic conflicts and international power dynamics in the Caucasus region after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The book focuses on three South Caucasian states - Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan - and their relationships with regional powers Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Cornell analyzes the origins and development of ethno-territorial conflicts in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Nagorno-Karabakh through extensive primary research and fieldwork. The text incorporates interviews with key political figures and detailed examination of policy documents from multiple nations involved in these disputes. The work explores how small states navigate between larger powers while managing internal ethnic tensions and territorial claims. Cornell traces the evolution of regional security arrangements and the impact of oil politics on interstate relations in the Caucasus from 1991 through the early 2000s. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book demonstrates the interconnected nature of ethnic conflict, state sovereignty, and great power competition in post-Soviet space. The research highlights enduring questions about self-determination, territorial integrity, and the limits of international intervention in ethnic disputes.

Readers value the book's comprehensive research and detailed historical background on the complex ethnic conflicts in the Caucasus region. Multiple reviewers note its effectiveness as an academic reference, particularly for students and researchers studying the area. Likes: - In-depth coverage of regional dynamics - Clear explanations of ethnic tensions and power struggles - Strong source documentation - Balanced analysis of Russian influence Dislikes: - Dense academic writing style - Some sections become repetitive - High price point for hardcover edition - Limited coverage of events after 2000 Ratings: Goodreads: 4.14/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 reviews) One researcher on Goodreads called it "the most thorough English-language examination of post-Soviet Caucasus conflicts." An Amazon reviewer noted it serves better as a reference book than a cover-to-cover read, stating "best used to look up specific conflicts or time periods rather than reading straight through."

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🔹 The author, Svante Cornell, founded the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm and serves as director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute - making him one of the leading Western experts on security issues in Central Asia. 🔹 The book covers three major post-Soviet conflicts in the Caucasus region: Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia - conflicts that have collectively resulted in over 50,000 deaths and created nearly 1.5 million refugees. 🔹 This study was one of the first comprehensive English-language works to examine how external powers like Russia, Turkey, and Iran have influenced and manipulated ethnic conflicts in the Caucasus for their own strategic interests. 🔹 The research draws from extensive fieldwork and interviews conducted in all three conflict zones during the 1990s, including discussions with key political and military leaders involved in the disputes. 🔹 The book challenges the common perception that ethnic conflicts in the Caucasus are simply the result of "ancient hatreds," demonstrating instead how modern political manipulation and great power competition have fueled these disputes.