The Influence of Nationalism and Realism on Shaping of the Political Thought in Russia with Special Emphasis on the Putin Era

Abstract

Nationalism as an idea, movement and ideology denotes tendency of members of an ethnic group towards the establishment of an ethnically pure territory. Achieving this political goal, with superiority in relation to others as a guiding idea, often leads to jeopardizing sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppression and exploitation of other people. Nationalism has been a significant feature of the Russian society for centuries. Traditionally, the focus of Russian nationalism has been the preservation and strengthening of a large and powerful multi-ethnic state. Opposed to this imperial nationalism stands ethno-nationalism focused on the struggle for the interests of ethnic Russians. One of the main drivers of the Russian nationalism in the past couple of decades has been the country’s economic situation and the political tensions with the West. The Russian nationalist sentiment grew stronger after the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of war in Ukraine, being justified with a strong nationalist political narrative focused on ethnic Russians and the protection of their rights. Contrary to nationalists, realists advocate a more pragmatic approach to international relations, focusing on economic and social development. The aim of this paper is to research to what extent nationalism and realism have shaped political thought in Russia.