1. This document discusses the transformation of ethnicities into nationalities in Europe following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Newly independent states were formed along ethnic and linguistic lines. 2. The Baltic states have faced issues related to borders and ethnic Russian populations, while Central Asian states contain a mix of ethnic groups and religions but fewer independence movements due to Soviet policies. 3. Ethnic conflicts have occurred in the Caucasus region between groups like the Azeris, Armenians, and Georgians seeking statehood, with ongoing border and autonomy disputes. Nationalism and ethnic tensions rose after the fall of communism when repressive Soviet policies ceased.