In an interview with OKO.press, Madina Tlostanova, a leading figure in contemporary decolonial feminist thought and professor at Linköping University in Sweden, emphasizes the neglect of historical traumas faced by the Caucasus and Central Asia. She argues that both the Global North and South fail to recognize and integrate the unique histories and narratives from these regions, which leads to a continued silence and omission in broader dialogues about identity and history. Tlostanova underlines that this oversight is detrimental to understanding the complexities of post-imperial identities and the lasting impacts of colonialism.

Tlostanova's research delves into the nuances of Russian imperialism, both during the Tsarist era and the Soviet period, highlighting how social structures, including gender roles, were forcibly Europeanized by the 'enlightened' Bolsheviks. She critiques the ideology that presented itself as liberation yet ultimately resulted in new forms of oppression for the regions involved. By tracing these dynamics, she attempts to showcase how the legacies of imperialism continue to shape identities and experiences in the post-Soviet space and beyond.

The conversation brings to light the urgent need for recognition and inclusion of diverse narratives in discussions about modern identity, especially in areas that have historically been overlooked. Tlostanova calls for a reevaluation of the current frameworks used to understand gender and post-colonialism, advocating for a more inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the complex traumas and histories of peoples in the Caucasus and Central Asia. This reflects a larger trend in feminist thought where intersectionality becomes increasingly crucial for examining the legacies of empire and the ongoing struggles against oppression.