The Paradox of Russia

I think we need to conceptualize that, currently, Russia doesn't have a nation. The paradox is that Russian empire tried to create the Russian nation through the ideas of the 19th century and 20th century. A true question about Russia is what they will choose, whether they will choice to become a nation or they will choose to become an empire. And I don't really see the reflection among Russian emigres, Russian intelligentsia to reflect upon that. So let's read Montesquieu, let's read Rousseau,Let's read also Russian thinkers themselves - because if you want Russia to be big, then you forget about democracy.