Abstract

Russian messianism is the view that the Russian people are the chosen people. This idea has preoccupied some of the most well-known Russian writers for centuries: through suffering and adherence to Orthodox Christianity, the Russian people will redeem the errors of humanity. When the USSR collapsed in 1991, many in the West expected a new era of freedom to dawn, whereas in reality most Russians are nostalgic for the Soviet period and many blame the USA for their present problems. This book analyzes the complexities of Russian messianism as a whole and its interaction with communism. Peter Duncan considers the Orthodox roots of messianism and also focuses on Russia's geopolitical experience and situation to explain its endurance. This work should be of interest to those engaged in politics and Russian studies, as well as professionals dealing with Russia.