Kulturka

A History of Russia

Russia is the largest country on the planet, a multi-ethnic empire, a great power of global significance. For much of its history it has been a `peasant state`, in which peasant society and values interacted critically with those of the ruling elites. In modern ti mes its society has produced artists, writers, musicians, scientists and cosmonauts who have made a unique contribution to world cul ture. In the twentieth century, Russia has been the scene of the world`s greatest social experiment - the most powerful challenge ev er mounted to hegemonic Western values.

• author: Roger Bartlett