The Kremlin and St. Basil Cathedral, Moscow
Over the past two centuries, as Russia transformed itself from a formal empire into the Soviet Union, and most recently, into the Russian Federation, it has been a power to be reckoned with. Historian George Munro examines four key periods of Russian history, each spanning about a half century of Russia’s history. He considers Russia’s place in the Napoleonic and post-Napoleonic world; its role during the era of European imperialism, including the run up to World War I; the shifting of power under Bolshevik rule; and finally, Russia’s ambitions in the post-Cold War world.
Interpreting Russia’s sense of its place among nations helps us to better understand the policies of the current Russian leadership under Vladimir Putin.
9:30–10:45 a.m. From Savior of Europe to Gendarme of Europe
Russia led the coalition of nations that liberated Europe from Napoleon's domination. Then, under Nicholas I, the stirrings of Russian imperialism--encouraged in the face of the decline of the Ottoman Empire--triggered the Crimean War against Britain and France.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Russia Turns East
In the second half of the 19th century, Russia turned its attention to Asia, taking and integrating territory along its long border with China and absorbing Central Asia. The period ends with the Russo-Japanese War.
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own)
1:30–2:45 p.m. Russia Envisions a New World
Revolution and the failed Soviet Experiment alienated Russia from the capitalist world. The period ended with World War II and Russia's emergence as a world power second only to the U.S.
3–4:15 p.m. From Cold War to New Cold War (?)
An intense stand-off between the U.S. and the Soviet Union lasted more than three decades and seemed to end with the latter’s demise. Today, there are signs a resurgent Russia may be challenging American hegemony once again.
Munro is a professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University with a specialty in Russian history.
