Russia in Global Affairs

Some political scientists believe there is no common nation in Russia, precisely because of ethnic and cultural diversity. Those who deny the existence of identity in Russia point to the absence of civil society and democratic institutions and, consequently, of a civic nation.

In fact, while such a reality was never admitted or acknowledged by the leadership, the Soviet people actually constituted a civic nation, with the Soviet Union being a kind of nation state. The Soviet Union was in many ways no different than other large and ethnically heterogeneous states.

There is a new purpose in the continuation of Russia’s Eurasian civilizing mission within the next several decades. This purpose is to preserve the memory and identity of former Soviet citizens, concerned with its affiliation with the Soviet people, as well as to perform the function as a host country for all those who continue to feel an attachment to Russia and would even prefer to work and live in Russia.

Requiem for Ethnos is written in a manner that is not typical of the contemporary Russian social science. The book is defiantly provocative: the author deliberately makes many sharp statements, which strive to involve his colleagues in polemics. The book demonstrates not only the author’s profound knowledge of the actual processes now taking place in society, but also his knowledge of the diverse opinions held by his Russian and foreign colleagues.