The Long Telegram 2.0: A Neo-Kennanite Approach to Russia lays out an original argument for understanding Russia that goes deep into its history, starting with the tri-partite dictum "orthodoxy, autocracy, nationality," formulated in 1832 by Russia's then-minister of culture, count Sergey Uvarov. The author explores Uvarov's triad in the context of modern Russia, adding five more traits: exceptionalism, expansionism, historical primordialism, worship of the military, and glorification of suffering. The author argues that, as presently constituted, Russia cannot become a democracy, and, sooner than later, it will disintegrate, replicating the fate of the Soviet Union. The key reasons for these, according to the author, are: weak mechanisms for the transition of power, poorly developed institutions of the state, feeble economy and education, frail ideology, and, most importantly, the lack of a unified national identity.
About the AuthorPeter Eltsov is associate professor at National Defense University.
Reviews"This important study of Russian cultural identity explains its exceptionalism and expansionism which make it profoundly different from the West in order to advocate a patient and realistic policy towards Moscow." -- Konrad H. Jarausch, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Book InformationISBN 9781793602381
Author Peter EltsovFormat Hardback
Page Count 198
Imprint Lexington BooksPublisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 481g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 161mm * 21mm