War in Chechnya, Exile and Diaspora: Chechen Community Structures Abroad

This doctoral thesis examines the structuring of Chechen communities abroad between 1997 and 2007, following the wars in Chechnya. The research analyzes how Chechen refugees and exiles organized themselves in foreign countries, focusing on the formation of diaspora structures and their evolution. The study covers migratory patterns, settlement conditions in host countries, and the emergence of proto-diasporic organizations. It explores the political decomposition of refugee communities and identifies how diaspora became a novel global actor. The work situates contemporary Chechen displacement within historical context, referencing earlier conflicts and forced deportations that shaped collective memory. The thesis includes fieldwork conducted across Turkey, Russia, the South Caucasus, and Europe, providing comprehensive insight into how war-displaced communities reconstruct identity and social structures while navigating the complexities of exile and integration.