3 ms·
Russia? Western minded country? When? Where? During the time of Peter the Great, maybe. But now? Absolutely not. There was a brief period of flirtation with Wes
by PopsiclePete 9y ago
Russia? Western minded country? When? Where? During the time of Peter the Great, maybe. But now? Absolutely not. There was a brief period of flirtation with Western Liberal ideas in the mid-90's and everything went to shit for them, so Putin put the kibosh on that.
Russia has never been a "Western"-minded country, outside of some "elite" circles in St. Petersburg/Moscow. They see themselves as distinct culturally from mainland Europe - they're their own thing.
Throughout history, they've always been a separate power with their own interests - always. In many ways like the UK, except the UK is at least part of "Western Civilization". Russia is neither.
- diminish 9y agoMost Russians I have met - being critical or bragging about themselves usually come up with the same arguments of how much they are "not western". Actually during my years in Germany, UK and Russia and in most west and east European countries I have seen the same attitude in similar ways. In UK beyond London you'll see the majority referring to Europe as "Europe" and us. Similarly in Turkey, "Europe" is externalized. Russian dynasty after Peter 1., Communist elites, and the last 500 years of Russian history revolves mostly rooting some ideas/technology from "Europe" and exercising this power in Europe and East and South. So I would consider Russia as "western". Especially after I have seen the bigger world of Indians, South asians, South americans, Africans - those cultures are diverse and unique alternatives to the "West" but I would say Russia is not.
- liberte82 9y agoHonestly, a lot of people consider Russia western simply because they are white. It's not intentional for the most part, it's subconscious. But the fact that we look alike just makes it so much easier to not consider them foreign.