Vladimir Brovkin: Russia, Ukraine, Putin & the Soviet Legacy | EP 145

If you enjoy the show, you can support it here: buymeacoffee.com/tafhimkianzIn Episode 145 of the Kianistan Podcast, Russian-born American historian Vladimir N. Brovkin joins us for an in-depth discussion on Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Soviet history, Russian political culture, and the changing relationship between Russia and the West.Professor Brovkin brings decades of experience studying Russian and Soviet history, providing historical context for understanding today's geopolitical tensions.We explore the historical roots of Russia's relationship with Ukraine, the legacy of the Soviet Union, the collapse of the USSR, and how the experiences of the 20th century continue to influence Russian politics and foreign policy today.The discussion also examines Vladimir Putin's Russia, the evolution of Russian political institutions, relations between Russia and the United States, NATO expansion, and the changing security architecture of Europe.Rather than looking at today's events in isolation, this conversation places the Russia–Ukraine conflict within a much longer historical framework, examining the political, social, and geopolitical developments that shaped modern Russia.If you are interested in Russian history, Soviet history, Russia–Ukraine relations, Putin, NATO, US–Russia relations, European geopolitics, and international affairs, this episode provides historical context for understanding one of the most important geopolitical issues of our time.Subscribe to the Kianistan Podcast for more long-form conversations on history, geopolitics, international relations, diplomacy, economics, and global affairs.WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE• The historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine• How Soviet history continues to influence modern Russia• The collapse of the Soviet Union and its consequences• Vladimir Putin's rise and the evolution of Russian politics• Russian political culture and institutions• NATO expansion and Russian security concerns• The changing relationship between Russia and the United States• The historical roots of today's Russia–Ukraine tensions• How the Soviet legacy influences Russian foreign policy• Russia's relationship with Europe• The importance of understanding Russian history when analyzing current events• What the future could hold for Russia and EuropeCHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction & Vladimir Brovkin02:06 – Why Is Russia So Large?07:16 – Russia and the West: A Historical Relationship12:28 – Russia, Europe & Ukraine15:51 – The Russian Empire & European Powers22:29 – Orthodox Christianity & Russian Identity30:36 – From Lenin to Putin: Russia's Search for Identity34:20 – World War II & the Soviet Identity37:38 – NATO Expansion & Russia's Relationship With the West43:10 – NATO, Ukraine & the Origins of the War46:57 – Putin, NATO & the Ukraine Conflict48:19 – Russia and Ukraine: A Shared History52:37 – Ukrainian Nationalism & World War II54:21 – Israel, Ukraine & the Wider Geopolitical Crisis55:44 – Vladimir Brovkin's History & Politics WorkABOUT VLADIMIR N. BROVKINVladimir N. Brovkin is a Russian-born American historian who was an Associate Professor of Soviet History at Harvard University in the 1990s.His work focuses on Russian and Soviet history, political movements, revolutionary Russia, and the development of the Soviet state.His books include The Mensheviks After October, Behind the Frontlines of the Civil War, Dear Comrades, and Russia After Lenin.His historical perspective provides important context for understanding Russia's political development and its relationship with Europe and the wider world.CONNECT WITH VLADIMIR N. BROVKINYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladimirbrovkin4052Website: http://asmhsss.weebly.com/about-me.htmlHashtags