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.
Cohosting is independent researcher, journalist and fellow at the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute Kamil Galeev. Reach out to him on twitter if you have a place for him to live in DC!
We also look at:
How the fur trade spurred Russian interest in Alaska, California and Hawaii
Russia, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party
Why Xinjiang didn’t end up like Mongolia
Chairman Mao’s new shoes
Outtro music: Kamil's suggestion of what he tells me was a Soviet anti-Japanese war song (it slaps)