The Matryoshka Doll of the Russian Identity

Given the current political climate and the whimsy which plagues policy relating to Russia, all members of the electorate need to self-educate in order to increase awareness and the wherewithal to make rational decisions about American foreign policy. This paper unpacks some of the mystery and confusion of why Russia acts in certain ways by analyzing the transformation of the Russian identity throughout many eras. Delving into the cultural, historical, and religious aspects of how the average Russian views himself begins to give shape to the jigsaw, ultimately revealing common ground and talking points for future relations.