Today, all countries of the world know such a state as Russia. Until recently, for most Europeans, Russia was associated with the bear Mashka, Russian vodka and earflaps. Today Russia is known as a rising power, strong and confident, with an independent leader. Therefore, today Russia is associated with Putin, who has clearly defined the priorities of the Russian state throughout the world. After the election of a new president, in my opinion, Putin remained the leader, and the newly elected it is very difficult to achieve the same success as the previous one.
The situation in which Russia found itself at the beginning of the XXI century, economists, political scientists and other specialists related to the formation public opinion, are most often characterized as a time of extremes, polar opinions, death sentences, salvage recipes.
Whole generations of futurists from politics and economics, heading centers, institutions, funds, sufficiently secured to publish regularly published newspapers and full-color analytical magazines, rushed to look for the "Russian way."
Some suggest agreeing with the results cold war, to bury what connects us with the great past, to accept the model of the Western way of life and, finally, proceed to the third world, recognizing his surrender.
Others are looking for salvation in choosing a new "strategic partner" - that "friend" who will rush to save and raise the "humiliated and trampled country" from his knees. As such a partner, someone new is selected annually, climbs the shield and is exhibited for the amusement of the world community.
Still others sincerely believe that only the awareness of oneself as a "great Eurasian power" can solve the problems facing the country.
The fourth propose to isolate ourselves from the surrounding world, develop on the basis of the idea of \u200b\u200bself-sufficiency, developing the thesis about the cold climate and the inferiority of our territory.
And so on.
The listed positions, oddly enough, are very similar to each other: they have nothing to do with reality.
Life is a composition so complex and multidimensional that it cannot be described only with graphs, theoretically calculated tables and percentages of surveys ...
Russia has enemies.
They call it an "evil empire", a "black hole", "a country without a past and a future," "an eternal failure." It is useful to get to know your country through foreign news releases and publications in the foreign press ...
It cannot be said that throughout history no one cared about Russia. A lot of scenarios, doctrines, plans have been written and implemented. One listing what it is worth: the "Monroe Doctrine", "Barbarossa Plan", "Dulles Plan", "Kissinger-Brzezinski Concept" ... Speaking openly about hatred of Russia at the same time strengthen the political positions of the state. When they talk about dislike of the state, they talk about fear of this state.
They began to speak of Russia as a Great Power not simply, and immediately. They began to speak since the time of Peter the Great, who opened the “window to Europe” and adopted elements of culture, education and military art from European countries. Subsequently, a whole trend will appear that has captured the majority of enlightened minds arguing about the need for these changes and borrowing culture from other countries. But it should be admitted that Russia has got its own fleet, its own firm foreign policy and the status of a world power. His followers in the person of Catherine II, Alexander I, Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III, to one degree or another, they tried to maintain this status with reforms, foreign policy and the desire to maintain peace. Probably not everything was so rosy and successful with each of the rulers.
During the reign of Nicholas II, we, again, cannot talk about the complete decline of the statehood of Russia, and the loss of the status of a Great Power. During this period, production, education, and science are actively developing. Moreover, in essence, at a faster pace than the first 20 years after the revolution!
Formation of the USSR. Today, more and more people talk about the USSR as a negative factor in relation to Russia. Like, the "iron curtain", people did not know what Europe was.
AND is not it was it that bad? Or are they political gimmicks?
It is not for us to judge that time and those political measures, but for us to draw conclusions and take into account, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
But it was during the Soviet era that Russia became a Great Space Power, a powerful military power, with a high scientific and educational level, a distinctive formed culture.
Collapse of the USSR. Restructuring.
Each historical moment has its own positive and negative qualities. Perestroika has too many negative and negative qualities that have affected the development of Russia, her identity, its culture, its development, the attitude of other countries to the once great state.
Ill-considered, unplanned actions for many years did not make it possible to get out with dignity to the international arena. Then it was proclaimed that Russia had freed itself from the shackles of the Communist Party and now it is certainly a great power, which it should be. But, as I understand it, the Great Power is, including:
- high cultural values \u200b\u200bof society;
- high level education;
- support for sports and high sports achievements;
- competent social policy.
It was during this time period that none of the signs were noted. Russia was swallowed up by greedy politicians, bureaucracy, bureaucracy, banal mass theft, in the end. And the presence of a leader who caused everyone only a bitter contemptuous smile (Boris Yeltsin).
The turning point for Russia was the arrival of a new energetic leader - V.V. Putin. With new attitudes and views on the structure of the state in which he lives, his family and friends. With the understanding that Russia needs drastic changes, but which cannot be implemented overnight.
Putin's team was not disbanded after the election of a new president and did not abandon its goal.
What, in the opinion of Russians, is a great power?
According to the results of mass polls, there are three main signs:
high standard of living of citizens - 43%;
developed economy - 40.3%;
powerful army (39%).
A big empire, like a big pie, begins to crumble from the edges. Benjamin Franklin The smaller the citizens, the larger the empire seems. Stanislav Jerzy Lec Other nations “use force”; we British are "showing strength." Evelyn Waugh Apply the right ... ... Consolidated encyclopedia of aphorisms
great country - (great power), state, to the swarm, by all accounts, the ch. role in int. politics. V. d. possesses economy., dip. and military. power and influence. It was V.D. belong to the main. initiatives in the international affairs; their voice is naib, weighty at resolution ... ... Peoples and cultures
- (censorship). Wed Writings are sent by their correspondents to newspapers for printing, but the grandmother said for two more if they would see the light, because there is still a seventh great power. Saltykov. In the middle. 2. Tryapichkins. Wed ... ... Michelson's Big Explanatory Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)
- (censored) Cf. Correspondents send their writings to newspapers for printing, but grandmother said in two more if they would see the light, because there is still a seventh great power. Saltykov. In an environment of moderation. 2. The Tryapichkins. Wed Gefährlich ist ... ... Michelson's Big Explanatory Phraseological Dictionary
See The Fourth Estate. encyclopedic Dictionary winged words and expressions. M .: "Lokid Press". Vadim Serov. 2003 ... Dictionary of winged words and expressions
Power (from other Russian drzha dominion, power): Power is an independent, independent state. Power in Russia is a symbol of the power of the monarch golden ball with a crown or cross. Also, the scepter and crown were symbols of the Russian tsars. "Power" social ... Wikipedia
VIII century 907 ... Wikipedia
Mongol Empire Mongolian Ezent Guren 1206 1368 ... Wikipedia
A regional power is a conventional, non-legal designation of states that, due to their economic and military potential, have a decisive political influence on the system of international and international legal relations in ... ... Wikipedia
Books
- Is China the Number One Great Power? , Mlechin Leonid Mikhailovich. The task of the book is to change the perception of readers about modern China, based on conventional wisdom and myths, to show true face of this country and answer the main question that interests not ...
There are now four potential superpowers on the planet: Russia, China, the European Union and the United States. At the same time, Russia and China are on the rise, while the European Union and the United States, on the contrary, are teetering on the brink of a severe crisis.
Let's take a closer look at the main forces of our world. If you want to make additions and clarifications to the article, do it directly on Rukspert:
World powers are geopolitically strongest countries that are able to significantly influence the politics of the whole world or individual large regions.
Superpower
A superpower is a state with colossal geopolitical and military superiority over most other states. The term originated in 1944. According to official Western historiography, superpowers emerged as a result of World War II - and there were only three of them: the United States, Soviet Union and Great Britain. In 1947, Great Britain lost India and Pakistan, in 1948 - Myanmar and Sri Lanka, in 1957 - Malaysia. The Pax Britannica project collapsed completely. In fact, Britain lost its superpower status in 1957 (although economic neo-colonialism continues to flourish). This view of the term "superpower" was largely shared in the USSR and in most other countries of the world. (link).
With the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the United States remained for some time the only superpower - the term "hyperpower" was even coined to describe this state. However, over the next two decades, the United States partly lost its political weight, partly was pushed aside by a rapidly growing China, a resurgent Russia, and other candidates for superpower status (primarily the European Union).
However, opinions are often expressed that the phenomenon of "superpower" is generally a thing of the past, and in the modern, relatively open and increasingly economically and culturally interconnected world, there are no more real superpowers of the 20th century. Therefore, it seems most correct to consider the strongest countries of our time only potential superpowers, since there is no general consensus on the current composition of the superpowers.
Quite often, the term "superpower" is applied to historical epochs before 1944, which in some cases may not be devoid of meaning. However, generally speaking, the assumptions about who should be considered superpowers before World War II and who should be considered superpowers in our time is always quite controversial.
great country
A great power is a country that is able to exert significant influence on the politics of the whole world or most of its large regions, but is weaker than a superpower, and in order to achieve its goals, it is usually forced to enter into an alliance with other great and regional powers.
The term "great power" appeared in the era after the end of the Napoleonic wars (1833). Joining the club of great powers was determined by the fact of successful participation in the colonial redistribution of the world and the redrawing of the borders of Europe - in key wars and at diplomatic congresses. Initially, according to the results of the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the list of great powers included Russia, France, Prussia, Great Britain and the Austrian Empire. (Link) From then until today, with the possible exception of the first decade after the 1917 revolution, Russia is among great powers.
At the moment, the great powers in fact include China, Russia and the United States - they are also potential superpowers and poles of power in today's world. In addition, the great powers in our time, as a rule, include France and Great Britain, since they have retained a relatively capable military fleet and have a significant impact on the affairs of many of their former colonies Worldwide. However, the relatively low population of these countries does not allow them to claim more serious leadership. One of the most common criteria for great power status in modern world is permanent participation in the UN Security Council and the possession of a veto. The permanent members of the UN Security Council include Great Britain, China, Russia, the USA and France.
Also, a characteristic feature of great powers is that if only one great power is part of any union, then the union itself in the eyes of the rest of the world actually becomes an instrument for the spread of most of its influence.
It should be noted that even before the "official" era of great powers, there were world maritime colonial empires on the planet and simply regional empires that rarely grow into continental ones. Therefore, for the situation of the late 15th - late 18th centuries, it makes sense to apply the term "great power" to Spain, Portugal and Holland (all of them actually lost this status in the era of the Napoleonic wars or somewhat earlier), as well as to France and Great Britain. Of the historical continental powers, the Mongol Empire in the 13th century and the Russian Empire in the 18th century are the closest to the status of a great power.
Regional power
A regional power is a country that has a comparative advantage over most other countries in a given macro-region of the world, but is not strong enough to have a significant impact on policy in other macro-regions of the world.
Signs of great powers
It is quite easy to find out to what level of statehood a particular country is "pulling" by the following signs.
A great power is characterized by:
* Global ambitions.
* Strong enough to underpin such ambitions to the world, that is, a large, well-equipped and trained army and navy. Availability of effective means to destroy aircraft carriers.
* Ocean fleet and other means of applying their power anywhere in the world.
* Nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles for intercontinental (over 8000 km) distances, as well as nuclear submarines.
* Independent access to space and own means of space communications, reconnaissance and navigation.
* Appropriate information security tools (proprietary global information channels, etc.).
Usually the result of the above is permanent membership in the UN Security Council and leadership in large regional alliances. At the moment, all these parameters are achievable only with a population of about 60 million citizens or subjects, and only the presence of more than 100 million population makes it possible to realize these parameters so fully that one can speak of the country as a potential superpower.
A regional power is characterized by:
* Regional ambitions.
* A stable internal political and, which is usually interconnected, financial situation within the country.
* An army and navy strong enough to bolster such ambitions before its neighbors.
* Nuclear weapons in limited quantities to limit the intervention of the great powers in local affairs.
* Appropriate information security means (own regional information channels, etc.).
At the moment, all these parameters are simultaneously achievable only with a population of about 20 million citizens or subjects. They are often leaders of small regional alliances.
Potential superpowers
European Union
If this supranational entity becomes more like a single state, then in the future it may become an obvious potential superpower due to its high technological level, high population and the influence of its individual members in the world. However, in its current composition, this is unlikely to happen: largely because of the position of Great Britain, which on key security issues is much more connected with the United States than with the countries of the European Union, as well as because of the great ambitions of other members of the union (in particular, Poland) who are reluctant to diminish their sovereignty.
China
Mainland China possesses an impressive stock of nuclear warheads (several hundred) and delivery vehicles. Population - 1,349 million inhabitants. Every fifth inhabitant of the Earth is Chinese. Has its own civilization project, which he proclaims as "socialism with Chinese characteristics." He also has and implements a global civilization project - the theory of a harmonious world. Since the 20th century, it has been under the unlimited control of the Communist Party. Claims leadership in everything pacific region, also has serious plans for the Arctic and part of the Antarctic. Actively deploying in orbit Beidou, its own satellite navigation system. The Chinese army ranks third in the ranking of the strongest armies in the world. Several times he fought in the Himalayas with India, each time he defeated India.
Russian Federation
Russia today possesses a large nuclear arsenal, including the promising Topol-M and Yars RS-24 mobile complexes. The population of the Russian Federation is 143 million people. Unlike most countries that are ordinary nation-states, Russia claims an alternative civilization and has an alternative concept of globalization.
The meaning and purpose of modern Putin russian project - achieve absolute sovereignty, abandon Eurocentrism and switch to Eurasianism, establish power in a significant part of Eurasia, invest heavily in the development and settlement of their subarctic territories, Central Asia and Of the Far East and turn from a national state and a union of nations into a civilizational entity that is able to defend its interests anywhere in the world, be it Antarctica or the Arctic, and ultimately offer the world an alternative path of development (crisis-free) and its own concept of globalization (Russian).
In the 20th century, Russia has gained tremendous experience in building systems of global political, economic and military confrontation. Thanks to the efforts of the USSR and Russia, the world-famous satellite navigation system GLONASS was created and deployed, the chips of which are already equipped with many modern computers and telephones under the control of all operating systems. The Russian army deservedly ranks second in strength in the world.
Leader of unions: Commonwealth of Independent States, Customs Union, Collective Security Treaty Organization.
At the moment, the United States has a large nuclear arsenal, including the world's most advanced and fastest missiles, the LGM-30G Minuteman-III (speeds up to 24,000 km / h), the ultra-precise Trident II D5 missiles and the ultra-technological MX (LGM-118A) Peacekeeper. The population of the United States is 320 million people (3rd place on the planet). The US military and political ambitions are now being realized anywhere in the world. The USA has the most popular satellite navigation system in the world - GPS. In recent decades, the US Army has rightfully been ranked first in the rankings of the strongest armies in the world. The United States leads the way in hypersonic technology and proclaims the idea of \u200b\u200ba lightning-fast nuclear-free global strike.
Leader of alliances: Organization of American States, NATO.
Great powers
United Kingdom
Great Britain has nuclear weapons (but only sea-based). The population of the kingdom is 63 million subjects. He is the bearer of his own concept of globalization (Western) and one of the sources of the spread of Western values. It does not have a personal satellite navigation system, but only participates in the creation of the pan-European Galileo system. Does not launch spacecraft... The United Kingdom army ranks fifth in the ranking of the strongest armies in the world, but does not have independence. Conducts military operations only as part of NATO.
He is the leader of the Commonwealth of Nations (until 1946 - the British Commonwealth of Nations).
The French Republic possesses a huge nuclear arsenal by European standards. French nuclear physicists are now valued all over the world for their weight in gold. The population of the republic is 65 million citizens. He is a classic bearer of Western democratic values, actively opens and promotes centers for the study of the French language in many states, but has no global ambitions and to some extent obeys the United States of America. Takes a sluggish participation in the development of the European global satellite navigation system Galileo. It has a strong army (6th in the ranking) and the French Foreign Legion, entry into which entitles any foreigner after a certain number of years of service to become a French citizen and get an apartment.
Potential great powers
Brazil
The fifth largest country in the world by area and population. The population of more than 200 million continues to grow, the country has large reserves natural resources and is an "agricultural power" (Brazil exports large quantities of not only coffee, but also soybeans, sugar, meat and many other products). Brazil, the largest country and largest economy in Latin America, is claiming leadership in the region (at least in South America), somewhat hampered by the fact that Brazilians speak Portuguese, while most other Latin Americans speak Spanish. The country has its own space program and spaceports, as well as its own production of airliners. However, it has neither a significant military-industrial complex, let alone nuclear weapons. The oceanic fleet is mainly represented by old ships, overbought from other fleets, and the army is nothing outstanding for such a populated and large country.
Brazil has virtually no "great power" experience (although it was a Brazilian Empire for a while). On the other hand, Brazil's image in other countries of the world is quite positive due to its vibrant culture and achievements in football - the most popular form sports in the world (the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held in Brazil). In addition, Brazil is showing the world a fairly successful model of a nation in which representatives of different races coexist relatively peacefully. At the same time, high crime rates, poverty and social stratification remain serious problems in the country.
It is a member of the South American organizations Mercosur and the Union of South American Nations, and is also one of the BRICS countries. Brazil's economic and political ambitions are most often associated with membership in the latter organization.
Germany
The de facto leader of the European Union. Lacking nuclear weapons and a powerful fleet, as well as being under the noticeable influence of the United States, nevertheless spends significant funds on the army. He actively interferes in European politics.
India possesses nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The population of India is 1 220 million people. It does not lay claim to the Indian Ocean and the Arctic (unlike China), does not have global ambitions and tries to stay away from wars, chaos and revolutions, including the Middle East. Does not plan to develop a global satellite navigation system, but is currently developing a regional one - IRNSS. The system will only cover India itself. The Indian Army is ranked 4th in the ranking, which is impressive. Has a polar station in Antarctica.
At the moment, Iran does not possess nuclear weapons. In 2013, he even abandoned such plans. The population of Iran is 79 million inhabitants. It is the main distributor of two global projects at once - the Shiite arc and the Islamic-theocratic project. Unlike most Islamic states, where either the monarch or the president is the head, in Iran the imam is the head. In 1989, Iran's supreme leader Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini turned to Gorbachev with a proposal to rebuild the USSR and build an Islamic state there. Iran has no plans to develop its own analogue of GLONASS. It has a strong army (16th in the ranking) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Pakistan
Pakistan has a large number of nuclear warheads. Delivery vehicles - rockets and aircraft. It has been developing strategic missile submarines for a long time. Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is recognized as the fastest growing in the world. The population is 190 million citizens. Pakistan is going to increase the area of \u200b\u200bits territory at the expense of Kashmir, but does not plan to participate in global projects such as the World Caliphate. It uses its rockets to launch satellites, has its own space program, but is unable to develop a global analogue of GLONASS. Has a polar station in Antarctica. It has a 1.5 million army (12th place in the ranking). He spends unbearable money on the army and the military-industrial complex, despite the fact that the population feeds on mango and wheat.
Being under the great influence of the United States, the country has territorial disputes with almost all of its neighbors, as well as a developed military-industrial complex, a powerful army and navy. It does not establish its zones of influence in the region, apparently, only for the reason that it is firmly divided among even more powerful powers. Population 127 million. Japan has a polar station in Antarctica.
Regional powers
It possesses nuclear weapons, although it does not officially recognize it. Population - 8 million citizens. It is located in the Middle East, surrounded by states hostile to it. Contrary to the opinions of conspiracy theorists, paranoid and kitchen nationalists, does not have a global ambition to implement the global reptilian Zionist conspiracy (ZOG). Has no plans to create a global satellite navigation system. He has a strong and well-trained army with extensive combat experience (13th place in the ranking).
Not a very wealthy southern European state, which nevertheless claims a significant role in the affairs of Latin America and northwestern Africa. It reinforces its ambitions by the presence of universal amphibious assault ships in the fleet.
A South European state with a powerful military-industrial complex. Since its inception, it has shown significant ambitions in the Mediterranean region. Along with France and Great Britain, she took an active part in the war in Libya.
Canada is a non-nuclear-weapon raw material appendage of the United States of America. The British queen now has some power in Canada. The population of Canada is 34 million people. Canada is a member of NATO and has neither global nor regional ambitions. Uses GPS and has no plans to develop its own satellite navigation system. Despite this, the Canadian Army is among the twenty most strong army world (19th place).
North Korea is the poorest state on this list. Possesses nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles, capable of destroying several neighboring cities. Nevertheless, the United States is not seriously threatened, since the country has not yet created ICBMs. The population is 24 million people. Most of them are military. In an incomprehensible way, it combines red revolutionary communism and succession to the throne. It has its own Korean ideology - Juche, but despite this, North Korea is deprived of global ambitions, satellite technologies are in their infancy. It has an army of average combat effectiveness (29th in the world).
The Republic of Korea
Despite its significant dependence on the United States, the country is trying to pursue its own political course, in particular, by deeply cooperating with Russia, where, for example, scientific divisions of Samsung have already been created and are successfully operating. It has a solid industrial and scientific base, including in defense technologies. It is actually the world leader in civil shipbuilding and has its own cosmodrome. Serious regional influence is hindered only by the proximity of equally or more powerful countries.
It can reach a qualitatively higher level in the event of the reunification of North and South Korea into one country.
Saudi Arabia
The kingdom that claims to be the leader in the region is not only rich enough, but also has defense budget comparable in size to that of the great powers. He is the leader of the "Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf" organization, which includes the military alliance "Shield of the Peninsula". It does not possess nuclear weapons, but is an energy power. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the leader of the entire Islamic world of the planet, the keeper of the two main Muslim shrines. Arms Syrian militants, promotes a Wahhabi form of Islam abroad, including in Russian regions. The KSA took an active part in the destruction of secular Islamic regimes in the region.
The Kingdom financed the terrorists of Chechnya and is still financing the terror against the Russian Federation. It is making efforts to spread its civilizational project based on Wahhabism around the world. Strives to build a Caliphate. Successfully competes with hostile Shiite Iran. Possesses strong tanks. Gradually develops its science and science-intensive technologies.
The country does not hide its claims to dominance in the Middle East and the Balkans, as well as in the Islamic and, above all, the Turkic-speaking world. Has a powerful army with a small military-industrial complex. Controls the strategic Black Sea straits. He actively intervenes in international conflicts in the Caucasus and Syria.
A neutral state with a fairly powerful military-industrial complex producing fighters and submarines. He is quite active in interfering in international politics in Europe and the Arctic. He is the leader of the Nordic Council.
It is one of the centers of the spread of the modern Western ideology of tolerance.
South Africa
The state that abandoned its nuclear program as a result of a de facto local revolution under international pressure, nevertheless, remains a clear regional leader. In fact, the only African country creates its own military equipment... Leader of the South African Customs Union.
Applicants for the status of regional powers
In some cases, countries that are weak but rich or very infected with an idea try to influence politics in the region and the world. There have been examples in history when they succeeded quite successfully (Venice), but at present the successes of this kind of countries are always supported by someone looming behind their backs. Otherwise, their attempts to puff out their cheeks remain fruitless. Also, this should include countries that are currently in a situation that does not allow realizing their potential.
Immenseness is certainly associated with Russia. The aspirations of almost all Russian rulers focused on the formation of Russia as an empire.
“Russia is a country that provides big influence to the past, present and future of the entire planet. This is one of the richest countries in the world, which contains the most important strategic resources: a large and educated population, advanced technologies and large deposits of minerals, a vast territory with resources of untouched ecosystems. All that remains is to learn how to use these advantages effectively, to preserve and increase them. "
Encyclopedia for children. History of Russia 20th century.
A sense of messianism
Russia has always been convinced that it plays some important role among other nations, that it has some great destiny.
In the Middle Ages, Russia perceived itself as the “shield” of Europe - it protected it from the Asian invaders, which marked the beginning of the Russian inclination towards messianism.
“We can say, in a way, an exceptional people. We are among those nations that do not seem to be part of humanity, but exist only to give the world some important lesson. But who can tell how many troubles we will experience before our destiny is fulfilled? "
P.Ya. Chaadaev, Russian philosopher of the 19th century
Russia at the beginning of the 21st century - the contradictions of Russia
Since ancient times, Russians have been looking for answers to “eternal Russian questions”: what is Russia and what kind of Russia do we need?
The already outstanding Russian philosopher N.A. Berdyaev determined that Russia is contradictory, antonymic.
messianism - and backwardness
Russia is destined for something great, plays an extraordinary role among other nations, sometimes considers itself even the center of the world. Dostoevsky, according to Berdyaev, is not only a Russian person, it is a “universal man” and the spirit of Russia, it is a “universal spirit”
On the other hand, Russia has always lagged behind Europe, is actually on the outskirts, somewhere far away from everyone, and therefore forms “its own world”, perhaps completely independent.
Lack of state - and bureaucracy
The state always came somehow from the outside, in the opinion of the Russians, the state is "they", not "we". Russia is a very anarchic country.
On the other hand, in reality, the free play of creative forces is virtually impossible, the human personality is suppressed.
Patriotism - and borrowing
A tendency to borrow from, imitate and be inspired by other cultures.
On the other hand, to protect one's own, to maintain one's specificity, to maintain a sense of national pride.
Wealth - and Poverty
The narrow elite of society, the city of Moscow, is rich, but the majority of the population of Russia are poor people; many regions are poor.
The presence of ultra-modern technology - and the lack of basic amenities
(Example: In the city of Severodvinsk, nuclear submarines were produced, but people there lived in terrible slums and instead of salaries received only food stamps.)
Geopolitical position of the Russian Federation in the modern world, foreign policy
Empire collapse
During the 20th century. Russia first expanded and then lost its influence over many states in Europe and Asia (including Czechoslovakia).
With the collapse of the USSR, Russia experienced a great crisis. The country has lost many territories and geopolitical influence, and many analysts argue that this is only the first stage of the collapse of the empire. There are also forecasts that Russia will break up into several separate regions - already now it is a country that includes regions that are very different from each other.
The citizens of the USSR considered their country to be the center of the world. At the end of the Cold War, it turned out that Russia, on the contrary, is a completely exhausted country, which in many areas lags behind its rivals. The belief that Soviet people were the builders of a new, better society collapsed.
However, the dream of „ Great Russia“Does not lose its attractiveness so far; the myth of a “country between three oceans” lives on (although the dream of the revival of a New Great Russia, according to some Russian scientists, poses a threat: “Another lost generation - the final loss of face in the eyes of the world. Russia has exhausted its limit on experiments of this kind”) ...
Modern Russia does not want to give up international influence, an important place in global politics, Russian politicians constantly argue that Russia should remain among the powers that make decisions on the organization of the world order.
Relations with neighboring states
In foreign policy, the Russian Federation distinguishes between neighboring countries (neighbors and former republics of the USSR) and non-CIS countries.
The main platform that connected the former republics of the USSR was the organization CIS .
The CIS was originally formed by Belarus, Russia and Ukraine on December 8, 1991. The majority of the former republics of the USSR joined the international organization, which declared their desire to maintain cooperation, especially in the economic, humanitarian, cultural fields (as V.V. Putin put it, the CIS was created for "Civilized divorce").
One of the main uniting factors is the low prices for gas and oil supplied by the Russian Federation to its CIS partners.
In the middle of the first decade of the 21st century. the commonwealth is going through a serious crisis, rather it turns into a "sovrajty". The member states are “torn” from the political influence of Moscow, demonstrating their aspiration to the West (“orange revolution” in Ukraine, “rose revolution” in Georgia, “tulip revolution” in Kyrgyzstan, Moldova).
In response, the Russian Federation is switching to market gas prices.
Conflicts with neighboring countries
2005 - 2006 relations between the Russian Federation and some neighboring countries worsened, which is considered to be a failure of Russian diplomacy: the gas crisis in Ukraine, the conflict with Georgia caused by the detention of Russian military personnel by the Georgian special services on suspicion of espionage, which led to harsh retaliatory sanctions from Russia.
Accession of Crimea 2014
The annexation of Crimea is explained by the Russian authorities as being included in the Russian Federation most of the territory of the Crimean peninsula (transferred to Ukraine in 1956) on the basis of not accepting the “forceful” change of the Ukrainian government by the prevailing Russian population of Crimea. The action took place in the presence of "groups of armed people", only later recognized soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
March 16 was held referendum on the status of Crimea, on the basis of the results of which the independent Republic of Crimea was unilaterally proclaimed, which signed an agreement with Russia on joining the Russian Federation. Russia's actions in Crimea are not accepted either crimean Tatars , the indigenous population of Crimea.
The geopolitical situation caused a sharp collapse of Crimean companies and the budget, a decrease in the standard of living of the population, the termination of the delivery of Electric Energy from the Ukrainian side, etc.
Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict since 2014
Change of power in Ukraine after the uprising "Euromaidan" in January - February 2014, triggered Russian-backed protests in southeastern Ukraine. In April 2014, hostilities broke out between the armed forces of Ukraine and the military groups of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics and "volunteer" paramilitaries.
Western states have accused the Russian Federation of conflict intervention (the use of regular troops in combat on the side of the rebels, the supply of weapons, financial support). Russian leadership has consistently rejected accusations of participation in hostilities and in the supply of weapons, stating that Russia is not a party to the confrontation. However, on March 1, 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted an appeal to the Federation Council “on the use of Armed Forces Of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine ". Wounded and dead Russian soldiers are returning from Ukraine.
The conflict is an unprecedented humanitarian disaster... Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians, civilians, volunteers and servicemen were killed. 2.3 million refugees left the region. The most tragic event is the death of passengers on Boeing flight MH17, shot down in July 2014 over the conflict zone. There is a complete lack of law and order, violence, infrastructure destroyed.
Goes information war, propaganda works from both sides. Trolls post ratings or misleading information on social media.
The conflict has caused widespread international resonanceand a significant range of diplomatic instruments was introduced (condemning resolutions, sanctions, a ban on the entry of some Russian figures into the European Union and vice versa). European politicians have repeatedly tried to take measures for a ceasefire (the "Minsk Agreements" - the second happened in Minsk in February 2015.
The consequence of the war is undoubtedly the deterioration of the international geopolitical position of the Russian Federation. The conflict brought a split not only between states, but also families, personal and professional contacts, road connections.
Claims of the West to the Russian Federation
The West (the European Union and the United States) reproaches the Russian Federation mainly on the following points:
- an attempt to annul the right of the former republics of the USSR to democratize and free themselves from the geopolitical influence of the Russian Federation
- war in Chechnya
- support for pro-Russian separatist regions in the former republics of the USSR ( South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia, Transnistria in Moldova), Russia's intervention in internal Georgian conflicts
- taking some undemocratic measures in the country (restricting the free activities of non-governmental organizations, churches, media)
- the use of oil and gas supplies as a weapon of extortion that ensures Russia's political influence in the world
- cooperation with Iran in the field of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
- support for the totalitarian regime in Belarus
The attitude of the West towards the Russian Federation sometimes captures the psychology of the besieged country, the myth that Russia remains alone in the whole world, “naked among the wolves”.
Russia and the European Union
The Russian Federation and the European Union cannot agree with each other on the basis of mutual relations. The EU is unable to establish joint priorities of all EU member states in relation to the Russian Federation.
EU je aktér zvyklý na kompromisně vyjednaná řešení multikulturálního rázu. Rusko je klasický moderní stát, pro nějž jsou zásadními hodnotami suverenita a prosazování úzce vymezených národních zájmů.
Podceňování Ruska Unií a Unie Ruskem. Rusko se mezi obchodními partnery EU pohybuje až kolem 5.místa. Rusko, cenící si své vojenské moci jako posledního atributu supervelmocenského postavení, považuje EU za vojenského trpaslíka.
Petr Kratochvíl: Česká republika a Rusko: jak dál po rozšíření EU?
Russia's claims to the EU concern:
- underestimating Russia as an equal partner
- unresolved issues of transportation of goods and passengers between the main territory of Russia and the Kaliningrad region
- infringement of the rights of Russian-speaking minorities in Latvia and Estonia
- attempts of the EU to resist the preservation of Russia's foreign policy influence in the post-Soviet space
Membership of the Russian Federation in international organizations
RF is a member of:
- UN (United Nations)
- OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe)
- Council of Europe
- CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)
- CBSS (Council of the Baltic Sea States) - economic organization
- BSEC (Black Sea Economic Cooperation) - economic organization
RF is not a member of:
- NATO (Russia signed an agreement on military-economic cooperation and security issues with NATO.)
- OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; RF cooperates with OPEC.)
- WTO (RF wants to join the WTO.)
- G 8 ("Big Eight") - the club of the industrialized countries of the world - Russia was expelled in 2014 after the withdrawal of Crimea and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis
Economy of Russia
Modern Russia is a developed industrial-agrarian country.
For several years in a row, the United Nations has ranked 65th to 75th in the UN standard of living and tops the list of the group of countries with an "average standard of living".
Poor in Russia
25% of Russians are recognized as beggars.
Poor people in Russia are most often able-bodied residents of villages and small towns. A very high proportion of those living below the official poverty line among workers in education, culture and health.
Economic development throughout the 20th century
Back at the beginning of the 20th century. Russia was almost entirely an agrarian country. Then it became a country of giant enterprises. Economy of Russia during the 20th century was subjected to many experiments - from five-year plans and industrialization under Stalin to perestroika under Gorbachev and a sharp transition to the principles of a market economy under Yeltsin.
Reforms of the 90s 20th century
During the reforms begun in the 90s, a market economy was established, and national economy Russia has become diverse, i.e. allowing different forms of ownership, organization and management. Reforms of the second half of the 90s - This is, basically, the introduction of a free exchange rate of the ruble against the US dollar, price liberalization, privatization.
On 1.1.1998, the money was denominated - 1000 rubles turned into one ruble. In the autumn of the same year, a new wave of the economic crisis came.
Regional economy
The main economic zone of the Russian Federation corresponds to the main zone of settlement. It differs, firstly, in latitudinal zonality (raw materials are mined in the north, but very little) and, secondly, in European-Asian asymmetry (70% of the country's economic potential is concentrated in Europe).
The standard of living of the population, the amount of the subsistence minimum, the cost of products and services, as well as unemployment in each region differ.
The economic situation of the Russian Federation in the 21st century
The structure of the economy
Heavy industry prevails in the structure of the Russian economy, especially metallurgy, chemistry, mechanical engineering and power engineering. Russia is extremely rich in forest resources.
10 nuclear power plants have been built in Russia.
Main agricultural crops: cereals, sugar beets, sunflowers, potatoes, flax. Meat and dairy and meat and wool animal husbandry accounts for over 60% of the gross agricultural output.
Three levels of technological excellence
Industries in which Russia has significant achievements:
space program
Technological directions in which Russia has world-class developments:
metal (light, super-light alloys based on aluminum, magnesium and titanium alloys) and non-metallic materials (rubber, plastics)
welding strengthening technologies
chemical technology
composite ceramics
Export
50% of all foreign exchange resources entering the country are provided by the export of oil and gas.
Largest gas producing companies: Gazprom (the largest corporation in Russia, the world leader in this industry; the state owns 50% plus 1 share of Gazprom), Lukoil, Sibneft.
Import
Russia has a high degree of dependence on supplies of grain, sugar, tea, coffee, meat, oil, medicines and consumer goods. Machinery and equipment are imported. The main trade partners of Russia in 2005 among non-CIS countries were Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Vladimir Putin's reforms - the first years of his reign
V.V. Putin fought against the phenomena of the shadow economy and is trying to modernize the country. He simplified the payment of taxes, introduced free purchase and sale of land, and reduced the number of ministries and officials. The largest enterprises (Gazprom) are in the hands of the state. The economy grew in all respects (for example, in the first four years of Putin's rule, the number of mobile phone owners increased 30 times), new factories with foreign investment are emerging all over Russia. RF wanted to achieve admission to the WTO. The economic standard of living of the people has undoubtedly increased.
World economic crisis 2008 in Russia
The outbreak of the global economic crisis has not spared Russia either.
Crisis manifestations:
- collapse in the Russian stock market
- devaluation of the ruble
- decline in industrial production, GDP, household income
- rising unemployment.
The government's anti-crisis measures required significant spending. In May 2009, Russia's GDP decreased by 11% compared to the same month last year. Exports for this month fell by 45% compared to May 2008. In March 2010, a World Bank report noted that the losses to the Russian economy were less than expected at the beginning of the crisis.
Crisis 2015
Causes of the crisis:
- drop in oil prices
- economic sanctions against Russia (caused by the geopolitical situation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict)
- annexation of Crimea
Consequences of the crisis
The ruble has sharply lost its value., Fell in price by more than 60%. Although the authorities claim that the sanctions have passed without a trace, the population can buy much less food for rubles. There was a massive capital outflow from Russia.
Comparison:
2007 Economic Indicators
- GDP per capita: $ 9,075
- GDP growth: 8.1% (compared to the previous year)
- Official inflation: 11.9%
- Unemployment: 6.6%
Economic Indicators 2015
- GDP per capita: $ 25,636
- GDP growth: - 4.1% (compared to the previous year)
- Official inflation: 15.7%
- Unemployment: 5.5%
Achievements of Russia
Russia has a huge and traditional scientific and technical base. At the present time, expenses on science are being reduced - academicians receive salaries much lower than “an ordinary clerk in a company with foreign participation”.
World famous Russian scientists
D. I. Mendeleev (1834-1907)
Mendeleev is a world-renowned chemist, creator of the periodic table of chemical elements.
K. E. Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935)
Tsiolkovsky is considered the founder of modern cosmonautics. In his theoretical works he laid the foundations of the theory of rockets and liquid propellant rocket engine.
Nobel laureates
Nobel Prize Winners in Medicine and Physiology
I.P. Pavlov (1849-1936)
Pavlov received an award for his work in the field of digestion - conditioned reflexes.
I. I. Mechnikov (1845-1916)
Mechnikov was one of the founders of evolutionary embryology. The Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of the first cell of the immune system.
Nobel Peace Laureates
A. D. Sakharov (in 1975)
Sakharov is an academician, one of the creators of the hydrogen bomb, a defender of rights and freedoms. He called for an end to nuclear testing. He was exiled, from where he was released and invited back to Moscow by Gorbachev.
M.S.Gorbachev (in 1990)
The first and last president of the USSR, with whom the elimination of missiles is associated, the end of the Cold War.
Russian chemistry - 2 Nobel prizes, in physics - 4 (invention of the laser), in economics - 3, in literature - 5.
Sport
Russian athletes, as a rule, achieve success in such disciplines as figure skating, hockey, gymnastics, chess (world champions Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik). In the Russian Federation, there is a well-thought-out system of training athletes from an early age.
Summer Olympic Games in Moscow 1980
The Olympics took place at a time when the world was divided into the socialist East and the capitalist West. The games were boycotted by 64 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan, Moscow became a showcase of socialist successes, a conventionally ideal but artificial world was created within the framework of the games.
Winter Olympic Games in Sochi 2014
XXII Winter Olympic Games, an international sporting event, held from 7 to 23 February 2014 in russian city Sochi. Talismans: white Bear, leopard, bunny. The Olympic flag was carried to the stadium by tennis player Maria Sharapova. After that, several other eminent Russian athletes carried the torch, and Irina Rodnina and Vladislav Tretyak lit the fire in the arena.
The formation of the Russian Empire happened on October 22, 1721 according to the old style or November 2. It was on this day that the last Russian Tsar, Peter the Great, declared himself the Russian Emperor. It happened as one of the consequences northern war, after which the Senate asked Peter 1 to accept the title of Emperor of the country. The state was named "Russian Empire". The city of St. Petersburg became its capital. For all the time the capital was moved to Moscow only for 2 years (from 1728 to 1730).
Territory of the Russian Empire
Considering the history of Russia of that era, it must be remembered that at the time of the formation of the empire, large territories were annexed to the country. This became possible thanks to the successful foreign policy of the country, which was led by Peter 1. He created new story, a story that has returned Russia to the ranks of world leaders and powers to be reckoned with.
The territory of the Russian Empire was 21.8 million km2. It was the second largest country in the world. In the first place was the British Empire with its many colonies. Most of them have retained their status to this day. The first laws of the country divided its territory into 8 provinces, each of which was governed by a governor. He had all the fullness local authorities, including judicial. Subsequently, Catherine II increased the number of provinces to 50. Of course, this was done not by annexing new lands, but by crushing them. This has significantly increased the state apparatus and has significantly reduced the effectiveness of local government in the country. We will talk about this in more detail in the corresponding article. It should be noted that at the time of the collapse of the Russian Empire, its territory consisted of 78 provinces. The largest cities in the country were:
- St. Petersburg.
- Moscow.
- Warsaw.
- Odessa.
- Lodz.
- Riga.
- Kiev.
- Kharkiv.
- Tiflis.
- Tashkent.
The history of the Russian Empire is full of both bright and negative moments. In this time period, which lasted less than two centuries, a huge number of fateful moments in the fate of our country were invested. It was during the period of the Russian Empire that the Patriotic War, campaigns in the Caucasus, campaigns in India, and European campaigns took place. The country has developed dynamically. The reforms affected absolutely all aspects of life. It was the history of the Russian Empire that gave our country great commanders, whose names are still on the lips not only in Russia, but throughout Europe, - Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov and Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. These illustrious generals have forever inscribed their names in the history of our country and covered Russian weapons with eternal glory.
Map
We present a map of the Russian Empire, a brief history of which we are considering, which shows the European part of the country with all the changes that took place in terms of territories over the years of the state's existence.
Population
By the end of the 18th century, the Russian Empire was the largest country in the world in terms of area. Its scale was such that a messenger, who was sent to all corners of the country to report the death of Catherine II, arrived in Kamchatka 3 months later! And this despite the fact that the messenger rode almost 200 km daily.
Russia was also the most populous country. In 1800, about 40 million people lived in the Russian Empire, most of them in the European part of the country. A little less than 3 million lived beyond the Urals. The national composition of the country was variegated:
- East Slavs. Russians (Great Russians), Ukrainians (Little Russians), Belarusians. For a long time, almost until the very end of the Empire, it was considered a single people.
- Estonians, Latvians, Latvians and Germans lived in the Baltics.
- Finno-Ugric (Mordvinians, Karelians, Udmurts, etc.), Altai (Kalmyks) and Turkic (Bashkirs, Tatars, etc.) peoples.
- The peoples of Siberia and the Far East (Yakuts, Evens, Buryats, Chukchi, etc.).
In the course of the formation of the country, part of the Kazakhs and Jews who lived on the territory of Poland, who, after its collapse, went to Russia, turned out to be its citizenship.
The main class in the country were peasants (about 90%). Other estates: philistine (4%), merchants (1%), and the remaining 5% of the population was distributed between the Cossacks, clergy and nobility. This is the classic structure of an agrarian society. Indeed, the main occupation of the Russian Empire was agriculture. It is no coincidence that all the indicators that lovers of the tsarist regime love to be so proud of today are associated with agriculture (we are talking about the import of grain and butter).
By the end of the 19th century, 128.9 million people lived in Russia, of which 16 million lived in cities, and the rest in villages.
Political system
The Russian Empire was autocratic in its form of government, where all the fullness of power was concentrated in the hands of one person - the emperor, who was often called, in the old manner, tsar. Peter 1 laid in the laws of Russia precisely the unlimited power of the monarch, which ensured the autocracy. Simultaneously with the state, the autocrat actually ruled over the church.
An important point - after the reign of Paul 1, autocracy in Russia could no longer be called absolute. This happened due to the fact that Paul 1 issued a decree by which the system of transferring the throne, established by Peter 1, was canceled. Peter Alekseevich Romanov, I remind you, decided that the ruler himself determines his successor. Some historians today speak about the negative of this document, but this is precisely where the essence of autocracy is expressed - the ruler makes all decisions, including those about his successor. After Paul 1, the system returned, in which the son inherits the throne after the father.
Rulers of the country
Below is a list of all the rulers of the Russian Empire during the period of its existence (1721-1917).
Emperor |
Years of government |
|---|---|
| Peter 1 | 1721-1725 |
| Ekaterina 1 | 1725-1727 |
| Peter 2 | 1727-1730 |
| Anna Ioannovna | 1730-1740 |
| Ivan 6 | 1740-1741 |
| Elizabeth 1 | 1741-1762 |
| Peter 3 | 1762 |
| Ekaterina 2 | 1762-1796 |
| Paul 1 | 1796-1801 |
| Alexander 1 | 1801-1825 |
| Nikolay 1 | 1825-1855 |
| Alexander 2 | 1855-1881 |
| Alexander 3 | 1881-1894 |
| Nikolay 2 | 1894-1917 |
All the rulers were from the Romanov dynasty, and after the overthrow of Nicholas II and the killing of himself and his family by the Bolsheviks, the dynasty was interrupted, and the Russian Empire ceased to exist, changing the form of statehood in the USSR.
Key dates
During its existence, which is almost 200 years, the Russian Empire experienced many important moments and events that had an impact on the state and people.
- 1722 - Table of Ranks
- 1799 - Suvorov's foreign campaigns to Italy and Switzerland
- 1809 - Accession of Finland
- 1812 - Patriotic War
- 1817-1864 - Caucasian War
- 1825 (December 14) - Decembrist uprising
- 1867 - Sale of Alaska
- 1881 (March 1) assassination of Alexander II
- 1905 (January 9) - Bloody Sunday
- 1914-1918 - First world War
- 1917 - February and October revolutions
Completion of the Empire
The history of the Russian Empire ended on September 1, 1917 according to the old style. It was on this day that the Republic was proclaimed. This was proclaimed by Kerensky, who, according to the law, did not have the right to do so, so the declaration of Russia as a Republic can be safely called illegal. Only the Constituent Assembly had powers for such a proclamation. The fall of the Russian Empire is closely connected with the history of its last emperor, Nicholas 2. This emperor possessed all the qualities of a worthy person, but had an indecisive character. It is because of this that the riots occurred in the country that cost Nicholas himself 2 lives, and the Russian Empire - existence. Nicholas 2 failed to harshly suppress the revolutionary and terrorist activities of the Bolsheviks in the country. There were also objective reasons for this. Chief among them, the First World War, in which the Russian Empire was involved and exhausted in it. The Russian Empire was replaced by a new type state structure countries - the USSR.