independence

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2008 August War

Cautious optimism: Abkhazia’s Russian recognition ten years on

by Volodymyr Soboliev

•6 min read

In August, Abkhazia marked ten years since Russian recognition. Despite only four other states having followed suit, Abkhazians remain optimistic and blame Georgia for impeding their aspirations. Russia, Syria, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru — a grouping of states that share almost nothing in common. Lying in almost opposite corners of the globe, it’s hard to think of a uniting factor between them. There is one place, however, where the flags of each of these countries fly proudly side-by

Adygea

Unambitious state-backed Circassian groups hide a growing nationalism in young Circassians

by Volodymyr Soboliev

•8 min read

Officially sanctioned organisations in what was once historical Circassia work almost exclusively to promote Circassian language and culture. Beneath the surface, however, young people espouse more radical ambitions — recognition of the Circassian Genocide, and creation of a united Circassia. In the village of Kbaada (now the ski-resort of Krasnaya Polyana), 153 years ago, a parade was held by Russian troops marking the end of the Russian Empire’s conquest of the Caucasus. The vast major