Q. Identify one primary colonizing nation and at least five of its colonies.

Research when the colonies

gained their independence. What relationships still exist between the colonizing nation and its now
independent former colonies? Identify whether these relationships are economic, political, and/or
cultural.

Russia, a country that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, is the
largest country in the world by area. In the present, it is considered as a potential superpower with its
strong military power. The making of this Soviet Country is characterized by many attempts at territorial
expansion, exploitation of existing identities, and warfare. From Ivan The Terrible to Joseph Stalin to
Vladimir Putin, all of these acts existed while the rest of the world watched in fury just so Russia could
achieve imperial supremacy. Compared to British invasions, Russian conquests span a relatively shorter
period, however, the effects are just as adverse: colonized countries are left devastated and broken
beyond repair.

At this point, it is very important to note that Russia’s longing for imperial expansion and great-
power status is a project that continues to exist until this very day. The country being the largest
stockpile of nuclear weapons around the world and its acts annexation of countries in the recent years
are enough evidences to attest to that. This table then shows five countries that were forced under
Russia’s colonial rule:

Formerly Colonized Period of Colonization Current Relationship

Nations
Ukraine Ukraine achieved full sovereignty Russian colonization left a huge impact
and complete independence on on
August 24, 1991. This happened Ukraine’s culture and history. The biggest
when the Soviets declared that mark of influence that can be seen until
Ukraine would no longer have to today is anchored on the language
follow the laws of the Union of Ukrainians speak. People from the
Soviet Socialist Republics Eastern and Southern regions speak
(U.S.S.R). Russian and know nothing about the
country’s only official language. This
The U.S.S.R. collapsed in the relationship is dictated specifically by
same year largely due to the culture. In addition, the 49% of
great number of radical reforms Ukrainians having relatives in Russia
that occurred in the past six establishes the undeniable family links
years. But before its fall, Ukraine these two countries have.
has declared that they would
establish an independent state. On the other hand, Ukraine and Russia
Before this announcement, continues to be at edge with one another
Ukraine used to be called with the latter’s unending attempt to
Ukrainian Soviet Socialistic seek dominion over more territories. In
Republic. 2014, Russia seized Republic of Crimea
from Ukraine, and illegally annexed the
country. This broke many agreements
that commenced between Ukraine and
Russia in the past, making this situation
 an indication of bad political relationship
between the two. Six years after, Ukraine
admits that they have not given up on
gaining Crimea back, but Russia’s camp
sees this as a rather futile attempt
because Ukraine’s declining economy
cannot support such project just yet.
Alaska In 1867, Alaska was sold by Alaska is often called as one of Russia’s
Russia to the United States of forgotten colony because of how brief
America for $7.2 million. Russians the invasion was. As the Russians left
controlled majority of North Alaska, the influence they held on the
America in the beginning of 1815. country also faded gradually. During the
While many natives rejected and period of invasion, only Russian hunters
fought against this conquest, and gatherers moved to Alaska. Their
they failed and wind up being stay wasn’t even permanent that’s why
enslaved to haunt animals. Russia not much Russian influence stuck on its
eventually ran out of resources to people. But a part of Russia can be seen
maintain and protect a colony from Alaska today, and the 55-mile
that is too far from them. It is distance that separates them allowed the
said that Alaska’s geographical growth of Russian Orthodox churches or
location (having to travel vast monasteries in the Alaskan territory. This
seas to reach the territory) didn’t is considered as religious and cultural
benefit the Russian empire as remnants of Russian history.
much as they expected. The brink
of bankruptcy experience by Today, Alaska continues to be a part of
Russia during the Crimean war in the America as a non-contiguous state
the 1850s prompted this along with Hawaii. With that, Russia and
disposal. Alaska’s relationship in the present is
hardly political or economic. But, the
relationship of Russia and America’s
national government in general is still a
cause of concern. The Russian
government conceals a tacit reality: they
bear genuine regret about selling this
mineral-rich territory to the country that
would become their greatest nemesis in
the 20th century.
Afghanistan In February 1989, the Soviet In the modern world, Russia has become
Army was forced to withdraw a major arms supplier to the Afghan
from Afghanistan. They first government because they are concerned
invaded the country in December about the growth of Islamism in its
1979 to stop a growing traditional sphere. Moscow specifically
insurgency from the People’s fears the rise of Islamic extremism
Democratic Party of Afghanistan. because they see such as a severe threat
Tens of thousands Russian to the state. With that, the Russian
soldiers were killed and government does not want to see
wounded. Afghanistan become a safe haven for a
separatist, terrorist, or Islamist forces. In
 a large scale, this screams ardent political
connection between Russia and is former
territory. The Russian government
continuously seeks a more assertive role
in their post-colonies by deciding
whether or not to set-up bases and allow
transport of supplies in these territories.

Economically speaking, Moscow did not

contribute much to Afghanistan’s
reconstruction project. However, they
delivered military and humanitarian aid,
and decided to cancel 90% of the
country’s debt which heaved off so much
burden from Afghan leaders. Until today,
Russia is a major arms supplier of Kabul,
and many Russian companies have
invested in Afghanistan in hopes to
support their down economy.
Iran (Azerbaijan) The Soviets announced on March The relationships Russia and Iran has is
1946 that they would be known to be multi-faceted. This is
withdrawing their forces out of because of the wavering collaboration
Iran. By then, Iran agreed to give and rivalry between the two countries.
the Soviets an oil concession in But currently, they act as loyal economic
their territory. The Soviets kept partners, strategic allies, and military
their part of the bargain and allies. At this matter, their relationship
moved out of Iran in April 1946. with one another is both characterized by
The purpose of this invasion in their own countries economic and
the first place was to secure political interests.
Iranian oil fields, and to limit the
spread of German influence in Prompted by the Western economic
the country. However, the end of sanctions in both countries, they have
this Iranian invasion set the tone become each other’s trading partner.
for the developing cold war then. Additionally, Iran also purchases
The Iranian crisis grew anger and weapons from Russia, and in return, Iran
suspicion between the Soviet helps out Russia sort their drone
Union and the United States of technology. Iran is also the only country
America. in Western Asia to be invited to join the
Collective Security Treaty of Russia. All of
these proves that the neighboring
nations have enjoyed a good working
relationship over the previous years.

Crimea In 2014, the annexation of Being under Russia’s rule in the present,
Crimea was put forward by the Republic of Crimea shares political
Russian President Vladimir Putin. and economic relationship with it. Many
It sparked a war that displaced 2 Crimean authorities supported this
million people and destroyed the annexation in 2014 hoping to achieve
 country’s infrastructure. Putin economic gains and stability as a country.
frames this as an act of salvation However, it did not happen. As a result,
for the ethnic Russians that disappointed Crimean Tatars left the
mostly inhabit Crimea. Nearing peninsula to restart their lives. This act of
the 7th anniversary of this feeling the country is also caused by the
annexation on March, Moscow aggressive Russian presence that have
remains to be firm on its decision made them a constant victim to
to not willingly give up Crimea. harassment, abuse, and violence. This
They still strongly assert their shows an awful relationship between the
historical claim to this peninsula Russian government the people of the
despite the annexation being a Republic of Crimea because they are not
clear violation to Ukrainian law. treated any better. Ukraine, knowing all
of these, hopes that Crimeans realize that
their economic lot, and life in general,
would be better under Kyiv’s supervision
and control. However, Ukraine at present
does not have enough capacity and
leverage to force a comeback.

If the awful treatment continues, the

people of Crimea have to endure a little
longer and try as much as they can not to
subject of specialized imprisonments,
particularly on charges of extremism by
being mindful of their political activities.

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