Abstract

The interplay of empire, nationalism, and ethnicity in Central Eurasia reveals a complex narrative of historical rivalries, suppressed identities, and modern challenges of belonging. This dynamic is rooted in historical imperial competition, prominently seen in the 18th- and 19th-century contest between the Russian and Qing empires over Kazakhstan. Following the Zünghar Khanate's collapse, these powers converged on the region, each with a distinct imperial ideology: Russia, as an heir to Roman traditions, co-opted local elites, while the Qing, succeeding a Turko-Mongol legacy, relied on military conquest. This rivalry fundamentally altered the Kazakh Khanate's sovereignty, placing it at the mercy of powerful external forces that would define its future borders and political alignment.

Within these imperial structures, indigenous nationalism emerged but was often actively reshaped by state power. The evolution of Buryat nationalism illustrates this process. In the early 20th century, a robust Pan-Mongolist identity flourished among Buryat elites who sought to create a Greater Mongolia. However, the Soviet regime brutally suppressed this movement through political purges and strategic administrative divisions, which severed Buryatia’s cultural and political ties to Mongolia while accelerating Russification. While a cultural revival occurred post-1980s, the once-potent political "Mongolian factor" has largely subsided, transforming into a cultural expression that coexists within a broader Russian civic identity.

In the post-imperial era, the complexities of ethnicity persist, complicating modern nation-building. This is evident in the integration of the "Kandas"—ethnic Kazakhs repatriating from China to Kazakhstan. Despite sharing an ethnic heritage, the second generation faces profound adaptation barriers due to linguistic, educational, and cultural differences inherited from their time within the Chinese sphere of influence. Their struggle illustrates that post-imperial identity is not a simple return to a primordial ethnicity. Instead, it is a difficult negotiation shaped by the enduring legacies of different empires, where language becomes a critical factor in social integration and the formation of a cohesive national identity.

This panel brings together these three papers to offer a multi-faceted perspective on the interplay of empire, nationalism, and ethnicity in Central Eurasia. We welcome further contributions that engage with this critical topic.