Introduction.
The historical evolution of Russian emigration.
Russian emigration went through several key stages, each conditioned by political and ideological changes within Russia.
The first wave was the White Guard emigration after the Civil War, when supporters of the Russian Empire left the country, but at the same time retained an imperial worldview.
The next stage was the “philosophers’ ship” of 1922, when the Soviet government forced many intellectuals who disagreed with the communist regime to leave the country.
In the 1960s and 1970s, emigration took on a different connotation – dissidents, scientists, and Jewish intellectuals fled the Soviet Union, as there was no place for them in the authoritarian system. However, even in this wave, the Russian national component prevailed, and the ideas of the collapse of the Soviet Union remained marginal. Even the late emigration of the 1990s and 2000s, associated with economic and political crises, did not call into question the integrity of Russia as a state.
Only after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022 did leaders of national liberation movements representing nations enslaved by Russia flock to the West en masse. This new wave of emigration is radically different from the previous ones, as its representatives openly advocate for the dismantling of the Russian empire and the creation of independent national states.
However, despite this, Western politicians and the public continue to perceive Russian emigration, in the traditional format, as bearers of imperial thinking.
Why should the West change its agenda?
Today, the West still focuses on Russian émigrés, who mostly adhere to imperial views and view Russia’s future only in the context of regime change, but not its territorial disintegration. This position is outdated and does not correspond to the realities of the modern world. By continuing to support the imperial core of the Russian opposition, the West is missing a unique opportunity to weaken its main geopolitical adversary – the Russian Empire – and create a system of sustainable security in Europe.
National liberation movements are natural allies of the West. Their goal is to create independent states on the territory of today’s Russia, which will inevitably lead to the weakening of Moscow’s imperial ambitions. Supporting these movements will allow the West, not only to speed up the process of dismantling Russia, but also to form a new belt of stability from the Baltic to the Pacific Ocean.
What needs to be done?
1. Revise the approach to Russian emigration.
Western governments and media must clearly distinguish between representatives of traditional Russian emigration and leaders of national liberation movements. Priority attention must be directed to supporting those who advocate the disintegration of Russia and the creation of new states.
2. Provide a platform for national movements.
It is necessary to organize conferences, public discussions and round tables of experts with the participation of representatives of national movements. Their voices should be heard on par with Western politicians and experts on international security.
3. Sign preliminary cooperation agreements.
Western countries can begin negotiations with the leaders of national liberation movements on future agreements on cooperation and security. For example, NESA (North Eurasian Solidarity Alliance), representing the interests of four nations, is ready to sign an agreement on cooperation with Western countries and adhere to it in the future. Such agreements will create motivation for the active struggle of nations against Russian imperialism.
4. Provide financial and organizational support.
National liberation movements need resources that will allow them to organize effectively, form political structures and conduct an information campaign against the empire.
5. Recognize potential states.
The West can announce in advance its readiness to recognize the independence of new states that have emerged from the ruins of Russia. This will create an additional incentive for nations to fight for their freedom.
What will this give the West?
1. The weakening of Russia as a threat to international security.
The decolonization of Russia will lead to the final dismantling of its aggressive foreign policy and eliminate the threat of new wars in Europe.
2. Create a new safety belt.
Independent states created in place of Russia will be pro-European and will become natural allies of the West, interested in the stability and security of the region.
3. Economic benefits.
The dismantling of the Russian Empire would open up new economic opportunities for Western countries, including access to resources, infrastructure development, and lucrative trade agreements with new states.
4. Ideological victory.
5. The West will be able to secure its status as the defender of national sovereignty and democratic values, having finally defeated imperialism in Europe.
Conclusion.
Today, the West faces a historic choice: to continue supporting the outdated model of interaction with the Russian imperial emigration or to open a new chapter and rely on national liberation movements. It is time to show that the West is truly against imperialism and militarism and is ready to support the right of nations to self-determination. The sooner the agenda is revised by Western politicians, the closer a peaceful and stable Europe without the Russian empire will come.
Vladimir Dovdanov, Deputy Chairman of the Congress of the Oirat-Kalmyk People
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