The complexities of facing Russia’s future require that we adopt new approaches to interpreting its past. Today, the return of neo-Stalinism and the conservative Soviet philosophy of history is visible in the Russian educational system and is manifested daily in both the country’s policies and the public consciousness. Together, the two strains of thought compose a powerful ideological machine that was formed over the course of 150 years, stemming from the writings of Nikolai Karamzin and developing through the introduction of Stalinist Marxism. At the heart of this ideology today is the notion that a sovereign ruler is necessary for a nation’s success. Subverting the dominant paradigm of Russian history remains a challenge.
Nevertheless, innovative approaches can be found in the New Imperial History project, an initiative created by a group of leading Russian historians. This project, sponsored by IMR, explores the myths of outdated historiography, recognizing the multiplicity of the past with a view to the pluralism of the future.
The project challenges the prevailing approach to Russian history and provides a realistic avenue for fostering change in Russian society. This collaboration of prominent Russian historians presents Russian history as a foundation for critical dialogue on complex situations, alternative historical developments, and factors that have contributed to various political, economic, and cultural outcomes.
In its final form, the collective project will become a textbook for college students, both Russian and English, featuring contemporary historical essays and discussions of the post-Soviet space.
