The collapse of the Soviet State in 1991 was followed by Chechen President Dzhokhar Dudayev's declaration of the Chechen Republic's independence from Moscow. Concerned over the loss of its territorial integrity, Russian troops invaded the breakaway republic and a civil war ensued. In l996, Chechen rebels regained control of the capital, Grozny, from Russian forces, almost destroying the city in the process. Fighting in Chechnya continues to this day, although on a relatively smaller scale. The WIDE ANGLE video 'Greetings From Grozny' (2002) examines the conflict from the perspectives of Russian soldiers, Chechen separatist militants, radical Chechen Islamists, and civilians living in Grozny.In this lesson, students will explore the multiple perspectives surrounding the conflict, examine the conflict's regional and international implications, and understand the mindsets of Chechens who have managed to maintain their identity and self-esteem in the face of untold human suffering. This lesson can be used during or after a lesson on the breakup of the Soviet Union and the formation of the Russian Federation (1991- present). A basic knowledge of post- Soviet history and basic geographical facts of Eurasia are required for the successful completion of the lesson.
Dr. Dadashev, a professor of physics on the shattered campus of Grozny University, conducts a tour of the war-torn campus in this video segment from Wide Angle.
A collection of downloadable video clips on the theme of Nationalism, with guiding questions for students. Clips are drawn from the PBS WIDE ANGLE documentary "Greetings from Grozny" (2002).
In this video from Wide Angle, visit the Pankisi Valley, a no-man's-land in the Northeast of Georgia that has become home to the rebels and refugees of the Chechen war.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Steven Pifer discusses the United States' stance toward the Russian/Chechen conflict in this video from Wide Angle.
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