Understanding the Russian mindset

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One of the very foundations of political science is the principle that geography determines destiny. In the same way that the British Isles determined the naval culture, and the frontier affected the American culture, Russia too, can be defined by its geographic characteristics. The most obvious element of Russia's geography is its enormous size. However, the truth is that Russia's size is both an advantage as well as a liability. The very core of the Russian Federation, the Moscow region, is simply indefensible. There are no mountainous ranges; no rivers or oceans, there are no swamps or deserts. Only the forests of Moscow and the inhospitable climate can be defined as geographic obstacles. The only thing the Russians can do in event of an invasion is to drag out the war and bleed the enemy out. It is for this reason that Russia's history is largely about surviving invasion after invasion. These centuries long experiences left a deep mark in the Russian culture and psychology, and due to these experiences the Russian leadership became obsessed with security and survival.

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[CaspianReport]

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[VolnovodDobra]

6:54 The Russians did not conquer Grozny. He simply did not exist at that moment. The city was founded by the Russian army as a stronghold in the region. Chechens have never had their own cities.

[Deadpoolion]

The city Grozny did not exist, it was a Russian fortress (date of construction 1818) for the protection of trade routes which later grew into a city (you can’t capture a city that you built yourself)

[popindosin]

I know this video is old, but...
How come some people in comments say it's good?
He made tons of mistakes, he has very little understanding of topic he is talking about, and yet, still thinks he is able to teach it.
At least good to see Caspian has made some progress since.

[Red-bx]

As a Russian from Central Asia, I can confirm that the “Divide and rule” strategy was not used, never heard or observed that strategy when read historically papers etc. (it’s more kinda European style)Additionally, some of the CA lands came under the patronage of the Russian Empire by themselves. These regions decided to choose their own subordination when realized that other states (like China and etc) were ready to conquer them, and they could no longer resist. This happened during the reign of Catherine the Great. One positive aspect of Russia’s approach was that they did not turn new territories into colonies; instead, they considered them as part of Russia, and the people as its citizens.

[MrSlavikman]

Grozny was NOT conquered. Grozny did not exist until it was established as a fortress BY Russia. The four principalities of Georgia begged to be incorporated, as they were being exterminated by the Turks and Persians who aimed to islamize them.

[ajlugov]

The river is called the Volga, not Volgograd.

[coljackdripperofburp]

I can't get enough of this geostrategic shit. Why do they not talk about things this way in school let alone the news? It explains shit so much better. Keep it coming Shirvan, we want more!

[ГригорийГ-чн]

This analysis is simplistic, in certain parts of it you're clearly lacking knowledge (or were disinformed) about russian history, but fact that unlike some other people you're trying to understand situation from historical perspective is worth of approval.

[feelcollins]

one point to geo determining the mindset.
russians have other type of work discipline. than europeans.
if europeans have 9 of 12 months of agriculture period on much more fertile lands, russians have only 5 months.
so they work hard for short period and very intensive. it is a part of mindset.
thats why for some germans we are "lazy". but we are not.
we like bear that sleep half year in the den and prepare to hard fast and intensive work.

[SportFundMedved]

As a Russian living in Siberia and interested in the history of the region and the country I can say that this is rather sketchy observation. The reader has either no profound knowledge of the Russian history nor life experience of visiting the country. Although, I agree with the concept of geographical determination.

[gazhevski]

I was excepting mindset more in the psychological context, but this is good too

[TN-zhuh]

Central Asians (i.e. Kyrgyz Khanate and Kazakh Khanate) asked to become a protectorate of the Russian Imperial Crown and sent delegations to Catherine the Great, fearing raids and conquest from the Far Eastern tribes of Dzhungars (modern China).

Russians built cities, roads, libraries, telegraphs, post offices, hospitals, schools, universities etc.

I’m from CA btw.

[TheSolarGamer]

This is incredibly insightful. In light of recent events, we can at least garner some sort of idea of the mentality of the Russian people. Great work, I will definitely be watching more.

[KC-ngvu]

3:19 Volgograd - the name of the city which is situated 900 kilometers away from Kazan. The river is called VOLGA

[LemanMiracle]

Принцип Российской Империи в отношении других народов заключается не в том, что бы как европейцы пытаться сделать чужих собой, а в том, что бы при минимальных изменениях культуры покоренного народа, что бы он смог войти в имперский канон, включить в империю народ и его элиты в почти таком же виде, в каком они и жили.
Западное вранье про Россию заключается в том, что они прививают нам свои же принципы, когда мы другие.
П.С. И нам не надо оправдываться за свои действия в отношении кого либо в прошлом и в настоящем. Потому что мы русские и россияне сделаем все, что б наше пространство было единым, свободным и мирным. И если нам для этого придется красным маршем пройтись до Ла-Манша, то я буду есть круассаны у разрушенной Эйфелевой башни!

[AkoSiJhioh]

Can you also do one on the mindset of China please? I learn more from you than my college professors.

[TomRivieremusic]

"I know many armies that have come to Russia. But I know none that have ever returned." - Otto von Bismarck

[cloud]

Dostoyevsky on Russian soul:
"It's frightening how free a Russian man's spirit is, how strong is his will! No one has ever been so much torn away from his native soil, as he sometimes had to be; nobody ever took a turn so sharp, as he, following his own belief!"

[e.t.a.sandmann]

"Geography determines destiny"
"Internet scrutinizing geography"