In Stalin’s Shadow: Abkhazia, the Lost Republic

AbkhazWorld Podcast

‘In Stalin’s Shadow: Abkhazia, the Lost Republic’ explores one of the most tragic and overlooked chapters of Soviet history. This episode traces Abkhazia’s journey from its brief period as a Soviet Socialist Republic to its forced subordination under Georgia, and the terror that followed under Stalin and Beria. Through historical accounts and archival insights, we revisit the destruction of Abkhazia’s autonomy, the persecution of Nestor Lakoba and his family, and the broader campaign of repression and cultural erasure that reshaped an entire nation. A story of power, betrayal, and survival — still echoing in the Caucasus today.