Russia & the Eurasian Republics

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Russia, the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Russia has a rich cultural heritage and significant political influence, often associated with its history of imperialism and communism.

Russia Geography, the region has mountains (Ural and Caucasus Mountains, Lake Baikal, and the Volga and Ob) and vast plains, known for its diverse geography and climates and extensive natural resources, including oil and gas.

Russia History, Early Slavic civilizations and Mongol Empire shaped early Russian history. The Russian empire grew powerful under czars like Peter the Great. The Soviet Union (USSR) formed in 1922 and was a major world power. The USSR formed 1991, created new independent republics like Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. Soviet history still effects politics, economy, and society today

Russia Government, A federal semi-presidential republic governed under the Constitution of 1993. The president is head of state and the most powerful political figure; elected for a 66-year term and oversees foreign policy. The Prime Minister head of government, appointed by the President with the approval of the State Duma. State Duma: The lower house that passes laws. Federation Council: The upper house representing the regional governments.

Russia Citizenship, Citizens are granted rights under the 1993 Constitution, including freedom of speech and assembly, though these are often legally restricted.

• Male citizens are subject to mandatory military service.

1. Legal Framework

   • Citizenship can be acquired by birth or through naturalization.

   • Dual citizenship is legally recognized but requires formal notification to state authorities.

Economics, Shifted from a centrally planned command economy in the Soviet era to a mixed market economy.

1. Resource Dependency

   • Primarily driven by the export of natural resources, specifically oil, natural gas, and minerals.

2. Key Challenges

   • Subject to international sanctions, high levels of wealth inequality, and volatility in global energy prices.

Cultural Diffusion, Extensive adoption of Western fashion, technology, and media following the collapse of the USSR

1. Regional Influence

   • The Russian language and Orthodox Christianity remain influential across many former Soviet republics in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

2. Historical Exchange

   • Influences from the Byzantine Empire (religion/alphabet) and the Mongol Empire (governance/military) shaped early culture.

Art, Music, and Literature, World-famous for authors like Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace) and Fyodor Dostoevsky (Crime and Punishment).

1. Performing Arts

   • Renowned for classical music composers like Tchaikovsky and prestigious institutions like the Bolshoi Ballet.

2. Visual Arts

   • Known for traditional religious icons and the 20th20th-century Russian Avant-garde movement.

Religion and Philosophy, he most prominent religion, playing a central role in Russian history and national identity.

1. Religious Diversity

   • Recognizes Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism as traditional religions of Russia.

2. Philosophical Tensions

   • Historical debate between "Slavophiles" (protecting Russian uniqueness) and "Westernizers" (favoring European integration).

Science and Tech, Achieved major milestones including the first satellite (Sputnik 1Sputnik 1) in 19571957 and the first human in space (Yuri Gagarin) in 19611961.

1. Scientific Contributions

   • Dmitri Mendeleev created the Periodic Table of Elements.

2. Modern Fields

   • Strong emphasis on nuclear physics, aerospace engineering, and software development/cybersecurity.