The new states in the former Soviet Union generally exhibit characteristics of both nation-states and multinational states, often comprising diverse ethnic groups. For example, Estonia is largely a nation-state with a dominant ethnic Estonian population, while Kazakhstan is a multinational state featuring a mix of ethnic Kazakhs and Russians, among other groups.
The Caucasus region experiences a precarious level of political stability, mostly attributed to ethnic conflicts, territorial disputes, and a history of insurgent activity, exemplified by the ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. This instability is perpetuated by geopolitical interests from external powers and the presence of separatist movements.
In contrast, the Central Asian states generally maintain a higher level of political stability, largely due to authoritarian governance structures and a lack of political pluralism that suppress dissent. The leaders in countries such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan employ tight control over political life and civil society, which helps to mitigate the potential for unrest despite the underlying issues related to ethnic diversity and economic challenges.