audiobook Russia's Steppe Frontier: The Making of a Colonial Empire; 1500-1800 by Michael Khodarkovsky in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Sir; can I have more?By Mario RaposoThis book gives the reader a precious insight into a number of facts/realities of which few people are aware: how Russia and the steppe tribes engaged for centuries in a intermittent but always present conflict; the set of values that ruled their diplomatic relations; and how religion; military power and economy framed them.Though it provides enlightening glimpses on the inner workings of the Russian and tribal societies; they are somehow tantalizing few for the non-initiated.Most important; this book provides an understanding on how Russia created a colonial empire without ever acknowledging it as such.A concise and easy to read work; leaves you craving for more.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Nice contrast. Highly relevant.By Augustus T. WhiteI read this in connection with several other studies of the declining years of the Crimean Khanate. Most emphasized Crimean and Ottoman sources and largely took their point of view. Khodarovsky does not stint on Crimean sources; but emphasizes the Russian administrative problem: how should a more-or-less European nation deal with a frequently violent; completely non-western power on one's poorly-defined borders? Khodarovsky sees the problem as essentially insoluble; except by the ultimate destruction of one or the other society. Whether or not he's correct; the Russian experience is certainly relevant to the Soviet approach to the "nationalities problem" and even to US and European policies today. The Russian experience with intractable conflicts over land use; security; and entanglement in the internal politics of the khanates -- and the many mistakes; mutual incomprehensions; and occasional successes of both sides -- is both disturbing and useful.My only gripe is Khodarovsky's limited treatment of the khanates in the context of Russian-Ottoman relations. Even if Khodarovsky believes that the Ottoman Empire wasn't particularly relevant to Russian relations with the khanates; he ought to explain why. Still; one can't cover everything; and an Ottoman emphasis would risk loss of focus on the main points.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Bob BrewerA little dry at times but an excellent overview of how modern Russia was created.