preview

What Role Does Loyalty Play In Russian Political Culture

Decent Essays

Russian political culture is largely based upon the idea that size matters and that the collective should come before the individual. For the purpose of this research paper I will first discuss what role territory plays in Russian political culture. I will then discuss what role collectivism plays in Russian political culture. I will then discuss how these two subjects have affected the current identity construct of the Russian nation. I will conclude with how both collectivism and territory have contributed in shaping both Russian political culture and also the current identity construct of the Russian people. Russian political culture is a culture that has an emphasis on power and security. However, both of these ideas have their …show more content…

While size matters to the Russian people and the amount of land the country has the more power they believe they have, the characteristics of the land they inhabit has also been a factor in shaping Russian political culture. Much of the Russian land is cold and inhospitable. This has resulted in, as Smith describes, a people who view the world as cold and inhospitable. Smith explains that for centuries Russians have had to cope with epidemics, toil, famine, and repression. However, these are largely accepted as Gods will because of the teachings of the Russian Orthodox church. Through the inhospitable land this has resulted in a church that preaches asceticism and also a nihilistic view on the world. This has resulted in a people that are taught to endure not to enjoy and also to not question authority. Furthermore, the church preached that Russia was the third Rome and this further instilled the belief that Russia should continue to expand. The Russian church has instilled the belief in the Russian people through the land that the world is inhospitable and cold, through this the Russian people now seek comfort through both security and absolute …show more content…

However, according to Nalbandov the consensus among Russians is that their identity is based upon the construct of “Great Russia.” This is the belief that the greatness of the Russian people must rule over those of lower culture. While there may be no agreement as to when Russian identity first began all can agree that the Russian greatness should spread throughout the centuries. This current identity construct of a “Great Russia” is heavily influenced by Russian territory and its expansionist tendencies. According to Putin Russia has no borders. This idea that Russian greatness must span the entire globe is paramount to Russia’s identity construct. Russia believes that because they have so much territory this should equate to power and influence. Combined with the identity of “Great Russia” many of the Russian people feel marginalized and feel that because they have vast amounts of territory they should be a superpower. Territory has always been a key factor for Russian identity. Nalbandov describes territory as the only form that the Russian construct has taken over the ages. Russia’s need for territory has recently shaped their identity even further. Russia’s belief that they are greatness incarnate led to their annexation of Crimea, through land they can gain strength and power. Throughout their history they have gained power through war and conquest of other nations ultimately taking land and expanding their

Get Access