Abstract
The Russian state has shifted from monarchy to totalitarianism and now, in theory, a democracy. Liah Greenfeld argues that Russian national identity first emerged in the 18th century as a result of shifts in the Empire. During the Soviet period, this identity was repressed in favor of Soviet nationalism, which was unable to withstand glasnost and perestroika. Yeltsin was unable to lead Russia into a true democracy, and the state was weakened. Putin’s main objective has been to restrengthen the state. His administrative and electoral reforms, as well as his restrictions on media and civil society, reflect the centrality of the state and continuity with Soviet structures. He prioritizes history as means of strengthening the state by creating a cohesive narrative juxtaposed with Western ideals. Ukraine and Chechnya are case studies of narrative history and state centrality. I draw upon Putin’s transcribed speeches and meetings, articles from Russian and English newspapers around the world, reports from Human Rights Watch, first-person accounts from journalists, and historical accounts of Russia, Ukraine and Chechnya.