This thesis studies variation in Russian hegemony in the post-Soviet region.
The concept of changing hegemony is used as a starting point to examine how
regional hierarchy has changed in the post-Soviet period. Russian hegemony tightens
and loosens depending on the time, territory and type of power logic being exercised.
This systemic condition characterised by change arises not only because the way that
Russia exercises its power changes, but also because the responses of the other
countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to that power fluctuate.
Depending on the consent and dissent shown by the other CIS countries to the
attenuation of their sovereignty, Russia’s regional hegemony either grows or lessens in
intensity. This study uncovers dissent from those who do not fit within or are
unprepared to adapt to the status quo of hegemony, and consent from those who
accept diminishing sovereignty. Thus, hegemonies in the context of this study are
characterised by regular and open-ended dialogue between states that remain
independent enough to constantly negotiate the system through their consent and
dissent to hierarchy. In making these claims, this study examines concepts such as
sovereignty, hierarchy and legitimacy in the context of the CIS region as well as key
developments in the CIS region. Specifically, it makes conclusions on how regional
hierarchy around Russia is perpetuated, the factors that determine the extent of that
hegemony, how bilateral and group relationships have developed between other CIS
countries and Russia, and how the CIS system of states is best classified at different
periods in time
