How will Russia redraw post-Soviet borders? In the wake of recent Russian expansionism, political risk expert Agnia Grigas illustrates how?for more than two decades?Moscow has consistently used its compatriots in bordering nations for its territorial ambitions. Demonstrating how this policy has been implemented in Ukraine and Georgia, Grigas provides cutting-edge analysis of the nature of Vladimir Putin?s foreign policy and compatriot protection to warn that Moldova, Kazakhstan, the Baltic States, and others are also at risk.

Includes maps of: Distribution of Russian Speakers and Disputed Territories across the Post-Soviet States; Distribution of Russian Speakers and Disputed Territories across Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova; Distribution of Russian Speakers and Disputed Territories across the Caucasus; Distribution of Russian Speakers across the Baltic States; Distribution of Russian Speakers across Central Asia.

The return of the empire -- Russian reimperialization : from soft power to annexation -- The origins and development of Russian compatriot policies -- Separatism and annexation : Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine -- NATO's Achilles' heel : the Baltic States -- State building and shifting loyalties : Central Asia -- Allies or targets? : Belarus and Armenia.