The Pete Quiñones Show Reading Solzhenitsyn's '200 Years Together' w/ Dr Matthew Raphael Johnson - Part 52
Jul 12, 2025
Dr. Matthew Raphael Johnson, a researcher and former professor with expertise in Russian history, joins the conversation to delve into Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's '200 Years Together.' They explore the complexities of nationalism and its impact on Jewish identity, especially in the context of COVID-19. The discussion critically examines the relationships between Jewish intellectuals and Russian nationalism pre-World War I, alongside historical narratives shaping contemporary views. Additionally, they tackle the intricacies of national identity in Russia amid feelings of humiliation due to geopolitical events.
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Dissonance in Russian Liberal Debate
- Russian liberal intellectuals debate nationalism and Jewish issues with conflicting motivations and biases.
- Cognitive dissonance pervades opinions on the Jewish question among Russia's intelligentsia around 1909.
Jabotinsky's Critique of Liberals
- Zionist leader Jabotinsky harshly criticized Russian liberals for hypocrisy and cowardice.
- He believed the Jews should not passively wait for the Tsar's deposition but act decisively.
Jewish Dominance in Bolshevism
- Bolshevism was dominated top-heavy by Jews aware of their unpopularity.
- This led to totalitarian controls like press censorship and anti-Semitism laws to suppress opposition.
