The conflict with Chechnya, which erupted in the 1990s, illustrated the challenges of national identity and territorial integrity facing post-Cold War Russia. As the Soviet Union disintegrated, various ethnic groups sought greater autonomy or independence, leading to violent confrontations. The Chechen War highlighted Russia's struggle to maintain control over its diverse regions and the complexities of regional nationalism, ultimately reflecting the broader instability and challenges of governance in the post-Soviet landscape.