Anthropologist Vasilina Orlova (University of Texas) argues “decolonization” is not the same as Russia breaking up: a shrunken state can keep imperial habits, and a state can stay whole after dropping colonial aims.

Siberian Russians she studied often see settlement as civilizing “empty” land and treat decolonization as a threat—especially for small northern, Siberian, and Far East peoples, whom she says should decide for themselves.

She urges Russia’s democratic opposition to treat Indigenous groups (e.g., ICIPR, Batani Foundation) as equals and debate this before a post-Putin shock, citing the cost of not discussing the USSR’s end.

Many Russians, when they hear the word “decolonization,” think that it is the same thing as the disintegration of their country, Vasilina Orlova says; but that is a misconception:  disintegration can occur without decolonization; and decolonization can take place without disintegration.

“In reality,” as the experience of Russia shows, the Russian scholar currently studying anthropology at the University of Texas says, the center may........

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