Between Europe and Asia: The Origins of Modern Russia

Between Europe and Asia examines Russia's complex geographical and cultural position through the lens of Eurasianism - a philosophical and political movement that emerged in the early 20th century. The book analyzes how Russian intellectuals and political figures have grappled with questions of national identity and Russia's place between East and West. The authors explore the historical development of Eurasianist thought from its origins among Russian émigrés to its modern manifestations in post-Soviet Russia. Key figures in the movement are examined along with their varying interpretations of Russia's civilizational role and cultural heritage. The work traces how Eurasianist ideas have influenced Russian geopolitical thinking and domestic politics across different historical periods. Critical attention is paid to the movement's evolution during the Soviet era and its resurgence after 1991. Through its examination of Eurasianism, the book offers insights into enduring questions about Russian identity, imperial legacies, and the relationship between geography and national destiny. The text contributes to broader discussions about how nations construct their self-image and relationship to others.

Readers appreciate this collection's exploration of Eurasianist thought and its influence on modern Russian identity. Several reviewers highlight the book's thorough analysis of how Russian thinkers have positioned their nation between European and Asian civilizations. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex historical concepts - Strong coverage of lesser-known Russian intellectuals - Detailed look at the origins of Russian geopolitical thinking Dislikes: - Academic writing style can be dense - Some chapters feel repetitive - Limited coverage of contemporary implications Amazon: 4.3/5 (8 reviews) Goodreads: 3.9/5 (11 ratings) One reader noted the book "fills an important gap in understanding Russia's historical self-perception." Another mentioned it "provides crucial context for current Russian foreign policy." Multiple reviewers point out that while informative, the book demands significant background knowledge of Russian history and intellectual movements to fully appreciate its arguments.

Russia Between East and West: Russian Foreign Policy on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century by Gabriel Gorodetsky This work examines Russia's historical position between European and Asian civilizations through the lens of its diplomatic and geopolitical choices.

The Third Rome: Holy Russia, Tsarism and Orthodoxy by Matthew Raphael Johnson The text explores how Russian identity formed through the intersection of Orthodox Christianity, imperial ambitions, and the concept of Moscow as the successor to Rome.

Russia and the Idea of Europe: Identity and International Relations by Iver B. Neumann The book traces Russia's complex relationship with European identity from the Enlightenment to the post-Soviet period through cultural and political perspectives.

Lost Kingdom: The Quest for Empire and the Making of the Russian Nation by Serhii Plokhy This work analyzes how Russia's imperial history shaped its national identity through territorial expansion and interactions with neighboring civilizations.

The Border: A Journey Around Russia by Erika Fatland The text provides a ground-level examination of Russia's geographical and cultural boundaries through encounters with the fourteen nations that border Russia.

🔹 The concept of "Eurasianism" discussed in this book emerged among Russian émigrés in the 1920s who were trying to make sense of Russia's unique position between East and West following the Bolshevik Revolution. 🔹 Co-author Marlene Laruelle is one of the world's leading experts on Russian nationalism and has written extensively about how Russian identity has been shaped by its geographical position between Europe and Asia. 🔹 The book explores how Russian intellectuals historically viewed the Mongol Empire's influence on Russia, with some viewing it as destructive while others saw it as giving Russia its unique civilizational character. 🔹 The authors examine how the Russian Empire's expansion into Central Asia and the Caucasus in the 19th century influenced debates about whether Russia was European, Asian, or something entirely unique. 🔹 The book demonstrates how modern Russian geopolitical thinking, including Vladimir Putin's vision of a "Eurasian Union," has roots in these historical debates about Russia's position between Europe and Asia.