Description
Book SynopsisDrawing on detailed case studies of Latvia, Ukraine and Belarus, Andrei Tsygankov explores how culture shapes foreign economic policy in post-Soviet states, bringing a national identity perspective to bear on international political economy theory.
Trade ReviewThe book provides an insightful, comparative analysis of the foreign economic courses of the three post-Soviet republics. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above. * CHOICE *
Andrei Tsygankov is a member of an exciting new generation of scholars who have been trained in both Russian and Western academic traditions. His analysis of the significance of national identity illustrates the differential success of the former Soviet republics in the attainment of relative economic independence from Russia. The study is original, insightful, and persuasive. -- James R. Millar, The George Washington University
Tsygankov's fine book is one of the few to link the politics of identity with economic policy, and to powerful effect. His treatment of east European national identity shines with careful empirical research as well as unusual nuggets of wisdom. Pathways after Empire offers valuable lessons from the post-Soviet world with great relevance for other post-imperial transitions. -- Martha Merritt, University of Notre Dame
The analysis is well organized and rigorous. For political scientists eager to see 'the constructivist turn' take hold in the field of international political economy, this book offers a good example of how identity studies might be applied to strategic foreign economic choice. * Slavic Review *
The book offers some interesting insights into the politics of post-Soviet economic reform. It adds a new and promising line of analysis to the ongoing debate on the political economy of transition and in this sense is a commendable contribution. * Canadian Slavonic Papers *
Perhaps the most interesting consequence of the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 was the behavior of the successor states, which did not fit the pattern predicted by the experts. Looking for an answer to this puzzle, Andrei Tsygankov concluded that it was the new states' strength of national identity that determined their policy. His masterful analysis of foreign economic policies of Latvia, Ukraine, and Belarus makes his study required reading for all those interested in post-Communist transition. -- Andrzej Korbonski, University of California, Los Angeles
Tsygankov makes a strong case for a moderate constructivist approach to understanding foreign policy and, by implication, foreign policy more generally. His judicious tone throughout Pathways after Empire, the care of his research, and the generosity with which he treats alternative explanations all contribute to a convincing account. * American Political Science Review *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: National Identity, Domestic Structures, and Foreign Economic Policy Chapter 3: Latvia Chapter 4: Ukraine Chapter 5: Belarus Chapter 6: Evidence from Other Ex-Soviet Republics Chapter 7: Conclusions and Implications Bibliography
