Our team of experts has identified three key areas—Democratization, Decolonization, and Demographic Challenges—that have shaped the post-Soviet experience, particularly for Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, and Ukraine, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. These issues lie at the heart of many current crises and points of escalation in the region. They bridge national concerns with broader, transnational dynamics, and our eyewitnesses each represent one of these critical categories.
Democratizaton
In the early 1990s, the fight for democratization became a central aspiration for civil society activists and ordinary citizens alike. In Belarus, this movement was quickly surpressed after a brief “window of freedom” following the 1994 elections, forcing activists to either flee the country or retreat into niche roles. Meanwhile, Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia gradually embraced democratization, especially during pivotal moments such as the Maidan, Rose, and Velvet Revolutions. Today, however, these nations face significant setbacks in their democratic progress, primarily due to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, its interference in domestic affairs, and the rise of anti-democratic trends from within.
Decolonization
Decolonization is at the heart of many of today’s crises and ongoing processes in these countries. The colonial sense of entitlement remains a core driver of Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the same time, nationalist movements dating back to the 1970s have been the nucleus of civic engagement, leading to national independence and democratization. This tendency is a common thread across most post-Soviet states, where the movement toward democratization has often gone hand in hand with the creation of independent nation-states. The struggle for sovereignty and national identity is most evident in Armenia and Georgia, where their historical relationship with the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union continues to shape their modern challenges. While these nations have made significant strides toward political independence, their post-Soviet trajectory is still marked by a persistent battle for cultural and political autonomy. For many, this challenge involves not only rejecting the remnants of Soviet control but also reasserting their cultural, historical, and linguistic identity in the face of both external and internal pressures. The path to true independence, free from imperial influence, remains fraught with obstacles, particularly given Russia’s enduring dominance in the region.
Demographic
Demographic challenges have also been a significant factor for these countries, shaping both their internal dynamics and their relationships with the outside world. Many post-Soviet nations face declining populations due to low birth rates, high emigration, and the lingering impacts of economic instability and poverty. This trend is especially pronounced in Ukraine, where the ongoing war has caused massive displacement, leaving the country with a reduced workforce and a fractured sense of national unity. In Armenia and Belarus, similar issues persist, with large numbers of citizens seeking better opportunities abroad, particularly after the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia. Demographic challenges intersect with political, economic, and social crises, leaving significant portions of the population in poverty. For many, the 1990s represent a period of trauma, especially in the Caucasus region, where people endured years of hunger and a lack of basic resources like heating. As a result, these challenges continue to drive civic and social engagement, with activists striving to find solutions and create better futures for the most vulnerable populations.