Description

This landmark edited collection explores various aspects of Russian influence in the Balkan region over the past three centuries. The concepts of Pan-Slavism and the Slavic brotherhood are well established due to long-established historical, religious and cultural ties. But relations between the Balkan countries and Russia have never been static. In this context, the authors of this volume aim to address Russia's changing interests in the Balkans, and the responses from Balkan countries and other Great Power competitors. Perhaps most importantly, what might this long and complex historical engagement mean for the future of the area and for possible conflicts to come? The volume brings together an impressive range of disciplinary expertise to address these questions and many others, and will be of interest to all those engaged in historical research on South-East Europe.

"This work provides voices not frequently heard in Western discourse. The authors engaged in a detailed investigation using never-before-accessed primary resources to present new information on the complexities of Russian engagement in the Balkan region. These authors analyze the evidence to demonstrate how dynamic, ever-changing, and complex the Russian-Balkan relationship was. Their perspectives are invaluable in that they challenge a one-dimensional view of Russian motives and actions. Instead, they provide a variety of historical perspectives that help us to create a bridge between theory and practice. These historical lessons, ideally, can provide present-day diplomats and strategists information and knowledge to create new opportunities with Russia in the future." - Dr. Kate Brannum

"An important book on multiple levels: many new diverse voices being heard for the first time; several new discoveries and subtleties opened up about a critical diplomatic relationship that goes back centuries; and perhaps most relevantly, shows how history offers much-needed insights into modern foreign affairs and conflict resolution!" - Dr. Lada Kochtcheeva