American History Hit Frenemies: Russia & the USA, a History
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Jun 23, 2025 
Join Professor Vladislav Zubok, an esteemed historian from the London School of Economics, as he unpacks the complicated tapestry of U.S.-Russia relations. He delves into the ideological battles from the late 18th century to the rise of the Soviet Union, analyzing key events like the Russian Revolution and World War II that shaped their relationship. Zubok also examines contrasting perspectives on the fall of the Berlin Wall and explores modern Russian dynamics under Putin. Get ready for a riveting discussion about history's impact on today’s geopolitical landscape!
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US-Russia Relationship Dynamics
- The US-Russia relationship swings between pragmatism and hostility due to cultural and historical differences.
- Russia's deep historical experiences shape its persistent view of being under threat, unlike the US.
Contrasting American and Russian Ideologies
- American imagination and ideology shaped views on Russia as much as reality.
- Russia was born as a religious project; America as an ideological one, making coexistence difficult.
Russia Supports US Civil War North
- Tsarist Russia supported the US during the Civil War as a counter to British power.
- Both Russian liberals and the Tsar favored the Northern Union cause politically.
