Post-Soviet Countries in Transition

This chapter examines the evolving role of post-Soviet higher education systems in the context of geopolitical crises and decolonial movements, with a focus on the challenges posed by Russian imperialism and its academic underpinnings. It explores how the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 and subsequent Russian aggressions, such as the invasions of Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014, 2022), have necessitated a critical rethinking of intellectual responsibilities in reshaping post-Soviet academic spaces. The chapter critiques the sustainability of Russian imperial narratives within higher education, highlighting how these narratives, perpetuated through curricula and academic compliance, have justified aggression and hindered decolonial efforts. Drawing on examples from Ukraine, Georgia, the Baltic states, and Central Asia, it underscores the importance of liberating universities from Russian cultural and intellectual dominance to foster national identities and global engagement. The analysis also addresses the tension between neoliberal trends in global higher education and decolonial aspirations, emphasizing the need for critical inquiry into academic freedom, intellectual integrity, and the rejection of authoritarian legacies. By advocating for de-Sovietization and stronger international partnerships, the chapter calls for a transformative approach to higher education that supports regional autonomy and global inclusivity.