A Comprehensive Analysis of the Political Situation in Russia from the Perspectives of Thucydides, Max Weber, and Michel Foucault

Abstract

With the current situation in Europe regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the political situation of Russia has generated high interest. The research topic of this paper is the political situation of Russia. To understand the current political situation, the historical situation of the Russian Federation must be explored first. Both historical and modern situations were explored from the three key aspects of authority, motive, and surveillance. Max Weber's theory on authority and domination was used to analyze the historical authorities within Russia leading up to the 1905 Revolution as well as in the 1917 Civil war and eventually the USSR. Thucydides' account of the Speech of the Athenians was used to explore the true motive behind Russia's various advancements in Europe. Lastly, surveillance throughout Russia's lengthy history was studied with references to Michel Foucault's theory of disciplinary power. The study found that throughout the history of the Russian Empire, ambition has been the main motivator behind its numerous advancements. Mass and extreme surveillance has also been a persistent trend in the nation as well as during the USSR. This may indicate that the modern political situation in Russia mirrors its past situations.