The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked one of the most consequential geopolitical shifts of the 20th century. It triggered far-reaching social, political, and economic transformations across its former republics and satellite states. For millions, this upheaval meant not only a change of government but the abrupt dismantling of an entire system of life, identity, and expectations. Yet despite these profound changes, elements of Soviet-era authority, political culture, and controlled civic life persisted. Legacies such as central planning, collectivism, and authoritarian governance continued to shape the political and economic paths of these nations for decades to come.
Post-Soviet and satellite states followed divergent paths. Some, such as Lithuania, Latvia, and the Czech Republic, rapidly embraced democracy and market reforms. Others, including Russia and Tajikistan, faced economic collapse, instability, and conflict, while countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus pursued gradual reforms that produced resource-driven growth alongside entrenched corruption or authoritarian stability.
Today’s world is marked by demographic shifts and renewed interest in the post-socialist world, making the study of social development in these contexts more relevant than ever. This collection seeks interdisciplinary contributions that draw from sociology, political science, anthropology, history, migration studies, cultural studies, and development theory.
This call for papers invites scholarship on social development in post-Soviet and satellite states. We are particularly interested in how historical legacies, institutional reforms, and grassroots movements have shaped the lived realities of individuals across the region. We welcome work exploring the economic transition from central planning to market systems and political transition toward or away from democracy, as well as the ways in which elements of the Soviet past continue to influence political participation, governance, and social life.
We are also interested in studies on the social impacts of these changes. This includes shifting norms, rising or declining inequality, and evolving identities. We welcome work on geopolitical realignments and the enduring Soviet legacy in institutions and narratives. As these societies continue to navigate the tensions between local and global pressures, new insights are needed to understand the dynamics of change and continuity.
We welcome papers that engage with topics including (but not limited to):
- State–society relations, governance, and institutional reform in post-communist contexts
- Migration, diaspora formation, and rural transformation
- Labour movements, protest culture, and economic restructuring
- Education, science, knowledge production, and innovation systems
- Ethnic identity, nationalism, discrimination, and social inclusion
- Cultural diplomacy, soft power, and internationalism in post-Soviet societies
- Comparative studies of social development across former Soviet and satellite states
- The role of memory, ideology, and historical narratives in shaping politics and identity
- Youth, gender, sexuality, and generational change in post-socialist societies
- Urbanisation, housing, infrastructure, and environmental planning
- Public health systems, healthcare reform, and demographic change
- Media, communication, and digital transformation in post-socialist contexts
- Religion, secularism, and the role of faith-based organisations
- Civil society, NGOs, and grassroots mobilisation
- Environmental policy, climate change adaptation, and resource governance
- Security, conflict, and post-conflict reconstruction in the post-Soviet space
- Language policy, linguistic change, and cultural preservation
- Art, literature, and cultural production in post-socialist settings
- Crime, corruption, and the rule of law
- Economic inequality, social stratification, and poverty alleviation strategies
Editors
