ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the nationality discourse in the various countries on the one hand and the practical actions taken by the political leaders on the other. Politicians often say one thing and do something quite different. The book deals with the development of nation-building theory in Western research and the applicability of this theory to post-Communist realities in the former Soviet Union. It deals with the rewriting of history currently in full swing in all the Soviet successor states. The book also deals with the role of religion in nation-building. In most parts of Eastern Europe, the cohesion and commonalty of ethnic groups is based on language, with religion playing a subsidiary role. The book discusses the millions of Russians and other Russophones living in the non-Russian successor states.
