Most 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 dur

Most 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.