ChinaTalk Russia's Pivot to Asia From Czars to Putin
Sep 14, 2021
Chris Miller, a history professor and Eurasia expert, joins independent researcher Kamil Galeev to explore Russia's evolving ambitions in East Asia. They dive into how the fur trade catalyzed Russian interests in Alaska and Hawaii. The conversation juxtaposes Russian expansion against China's historical stability, revealing key conflicts and dynamics. They also touch on the intrigues of Nikolai Rezanov's romantic endeavors in pursuit of trade. Unique anecdotes, like Mao's quirky shoe preferences, pepper this engaging discussion on imperial legacies and geopolitical implications.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Russia's Eastward Expansion Challenges
- Reaching Vladivostok was historically difficult, hindering Russia's eastward expansion.
- Travel times, limited rivers, and reliance on caravans posed logistical challenges.
Rezanov's Pacific Dream
- Nikolai Rezanov, a Russian dreamer, envisioned a Pacific empire using Alaska as a base.
- He attempted to establish trade with Spanish California and even got engaged to the governor's daughter, but logistical and religious hurdles led to his demise.
Maritime and Riverine Expansion
- Russia's expansion across Siberia and the Arctic was primarily driven by maritime routes and rivers, rather than land.
- This is because water travel was much more efficient than land travel in those times.
