Islam in Russia: The Politics of Identity and Security: The Politics of Identity and Security

by Shireen T. Hunter

This richly detailed study traces the shared history of Russia and Islam in expanding compass - from the Tatar civilization within the Russian heartland, to the conquered territories of the Caucasus and Central Asia, to the larger geopolitical and security context of contemporary Russia on the civilizational divide. The study's distinctive analytical drive stresses political and geopolitical relationships over time and into the very complicated present. Rich with insight, the book is also an incomparable source of factual information about Russia's Muslim populations, religious institutions, political organizations, and ideological movements.

Genres: Islam

592 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dominik · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a very underinformed book that can only serve as a comprehensive introduction to the evolution of the Russian identity. References to Russia’s Muslim population, which is generally portrayed as ‘the other’, an alien matter on Russia’s assumed uniformity, are occasional. While exploring the Russian narratives extensively, it barely mentions the non-ethnic-Russian narratives. It doesn’t really problematise the complex relationship between religion and nationalism in the post-Soviet space. Long story short: the book in no way focuses on what is supposed to be its main subject.