Orlando Figes, an award-winning historian and author, shares fascinating insights from his latest work on Russian history. He dives into how historical narratives shape Russia’s identity and governance, particularly under Putin’s regime. The conversation touches on the profound impact of the Russian Orthodox Church in contemporary politics and the misconceptions held by the West. Figes also explores Russia’s fragmented future and the challenges of achieving democracy, providing a compelling lens on the country's complex past and uncertain present.
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insights INSIGHT
The Story of Russia: A Timely Perspective
Orlando Figes's book "The Story of Russia" examines Russia's history and its bearing on current events.
It explores the dissonance between Western and Russian interpretations of history.
insights INSIGHT
Symbolic Importance of Crimea for Russia
Crimea holds symbolic importance for Russia, linking its history, religion, and European identity.
Putin's response to the Kerch Bridge attack underscores this deep significance.
insights INSIGHT
Ukraine's Claim on Crimea
Ukraine's desire to reclaim Crimea is driven by its national identity and territorial integrity.
Figes suggests a potential compromise may be necessary to avoid escalating conflict.
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Orlando Figes's 'Natasha's Dance' is an epic exploration of Russian culture, ranging from the splendor of eighteenth-century St. Petersburg to the power of Stalinist propaganda. The book delves into various art forms, folk traditions, and the unique Russian spirit, bringing to life an extraordinary cast of characters that represent different aspects of Russian society. Figes examines how Russia's identity is embodied in its culture, including great poetry, music, books, and paintings, as well as common ideas, customs, habits, and beliefs. The narrative is both analytical and engaging, providing a poignant portrayal of what it means to be Russian[1][3][4].
A people's tragedy
The Russian Revolution, 1891-1924
Orlando Figes
This book presents a panorama of Russian society on the eve of the revolution and narrates the story of how these social forces were violently erased. Figes argues that the failure of democracy in 1917 was deeply rooted in Russian culture and social history, and that the revolution contained the seeds of its own degeneration into violence and dictatorship. The book includes miniature histories of individuals, tracing their fortunes as they saw their hopes die and their world crash into ruins. It also covers the broader context of war, civil war, famine, and the eventual rise of a one-party state under the shadow of Stalin[1][3][4].
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No other country has been so divided over its own past as Russia. To understand what Russia’s future holds – to grasp what Putin’s regime means for Russia and the world – we need to unravel the ideas and meanings of its history. That’s the argument that historian Orlando Figes makes in his most recent book, The Story of Russia. The book reveals the vibrant characters that comprise Russia’s rich past including the crowning of 16-year-old Ivan the Terrible in a candlelit cathedral, Catherine the Great riding out in a green uniform to arrest her husband at his palace, and the bitter last days of the Romanovs. Figes weaves together the past and the present to provide an accurate picture of the country that threatens Ukraine and the liberal global order today. Hosting the discussion is Josh Glancy, special correspondent for The Sunday Times.
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