Legitimizing the Separatist Cause: Nation-building in the Eurasian <i>de facto</i> States

Abstract This article compares the nation-building processes in four well-established Eurasian de facto states. Although all pursue a set of identity politics that would legitimize separatist cause, comparing them reveals important differences boundary-making strategies. While maintaining image enemy parent-state and an imminent external threat is common endeavor, they face different challenges thus have pursued strategies identity-building. Transnistria Abkhazia are two ethnically heterogeneous entities while Nagorno-Karabakh South Ossetia more homogeneous since (forced) displacements, mostly non-titular ethnicities, took place. The Abkhazs, Ossetians, Armenians claim titular status their respective regions, but only latter kin neighboring countries with whom want to unify. Meanwhile, “Transnistrian people” newly invented construct. Despite lack international recognition, demonstrates – apart from special emphasis on cultivating “enemy parent-state” mechanisms states do not substantially differ at work other post-Soviet presented this Special Issue.