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For centuries, Russian imperialism has shaped the fate of its neighbours, from the tsarist conquests to Soviet domination and today’s relentless aggression. This book exposes the Kremlin’s enduring ambition to control its periphery, dismantling the myths used to justify its actions – from claims of shared history to the weaponization of security and culture. It reveals how Russia has sought to subordinate neighbouring states, and how these nations have resisted, asserting their sovereignty in defiance of Moscow’s pressure.
In this incisive and compelling analysis of Russia’s enduring imperial mindset, Donnacha Ó Beacháin sheds critical light on how history, politics and power continue to collide in Ukraine and beyond, and why breaking the cycle of domination is vital for global security. It is essential reading for grasping the complexities of the current geopolitical crisis.
This book offers a searing indictment of Russian imperialism and a profound exploration of Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty. A timely and necessary contribution to understanding the forces shaping Europe today.
— Aleksander Kwaśniewski, President of Poland, 1995–2005
Russian imperialism is at the root of the bloodiest armed conflict of the twenty-first century so far. It is only through understanding the basis of such conflicts that we can prevent them from repeating in the future. A vivid, insightful, and extremely helpful study.
— General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, 2021–24
A masterclass in calm and objective examination of the conflict in a time of misinformation and disinformation... Ó Beacháin carefully dissects and dismantles the false narratives and grievances put forward by Putin's apparatus in order to justify their invasion for "defensive" purposes. Above all, it is written from the heart and with passion and is a warning to the EU and its allies of the ongoing threat posed by Russian imperialism.
— Senator Tom Clonan, Irish Times
Ó Beacháin doesn't just map out events; he confronts the deeper logic of Russian statecraft…The prose moves with rhythm and restraint, offering the reader just enough space to absorb the information without drowning in it. This is no small feat … it is rare to read a book so attuned to the political and emotional weight of eastern European history. At a time when historical distortion is being weaponised, especially by Russia itself, Ó Beacháin offers clarity without simplification. He refutes the false neutrality that too often accompanies analysis of Russian foreign policy and instead insists on historical accountability. In that sense, the book is not only about Russia, but about the dangers of overlooking the facts because they are inconvenient or uncomfortable. For anyone who is trying to understand what is driving Russia's actions, Unfinished Empire is an essential and urgent read.
— Ksenia Samotiy, The Irish Independent
A gripping and incisive portrait of Russia and its brutal attack on Ukraine. Ó Beacháin roots Moscow’s imperial ambitions in history and gives a compelling account of its neighbours, seen then and now as colonies. A super guide.
— Luke Harding, author of Invasion: Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival
This insightful and highly topical new book makes it clear that we don’t have a Putin problem. We have a Russia problem. Imperialism, militarism and chauvinism fuel the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine and its attempts to overturn Europe’s security order. If you care about our safety and freedom, read this book.
— Edward Lucas, Senior Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis
Professor Ó Beacháin offers an incisive and timely analysis of Russia’s geopolitical ambitions. Should Russia succeed, the ramifications for Europe would be profound. This book is an essential resource for those seeking to understand and counter the threat posed by Putin’s expanding agenda.
— Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs, Ireland
Fresh, relevant and concise... Ó Beacháin authoritatively dispatches the various ‘reasons’ Putin cited for the invasion - denazification, demilitarisation/spread of NATO, and protection of ethnic Russians.... he complements academic knowledge with extensive personal experience, having lived and worked for 12 years in the region, conducting research in every post-Soviet state.
— Cormac O’Keeffe, The Irish Examiner
A “must read” for those interested in the region’s power dynamics as well as scholars of colonialism and post-colonialism … a lively and enjoyable book.
— Professor Magdalena Dembińska, Dept of Political Science, University of Montreal
This book offers a vital imperial lens for analysing Russian statecraft, tracing the continuities across its three incarnations - the Tsarist Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation … a compelling read for both seasoned Russia watchers and those seeking to understand the core drivers of conflict along Russia’s borderlands.
— Professor Anna Ohanyan, author of The Neighbourhood Effect
Donnacha Ó Beacháin is Professor of Politics at Dublin City University.
1. Introduction
2. Waves of expansion
3. Post-Soviet Russia: a diminished but unrepentant empire
4. The first invasion of Ukraine
5. Full-scale invasion and Ukraine’s response
6. The battle for Belarus
7. Moldova’s drift towards Europe
8. Retreat from the Caucasus
9. Neocolonialism in Central Asia
10 End of empire?