Why Aren't Russians Bothered by Not Being a Western Country?

For decades, Russians have been told that the West isn't a nice place, and while it's not necessarily an enemy, it's also not a place Russia wants to be part of. However, personal experiences suggest that Western and Russian cultures might be more similar than people think.

The Historical Context of Russia's Orientation

Since the time of the Kievan Rus', Russian policy orientation has been Eastward toward the Byzantine Empire. This is reflected in their religion, which is Eastern Orthodox rather than Catholic. When Genghis Khan conquered Eastern Europe, Russia fell under the Yoke of the Golden Hoard. This historical conquest by the Mongols played a major role in Russian strategic thinking.

Russia has also been in strategic competition with the Ottoman Empire throughout the history of the Russian Empire. Many of Russia's territories comprise the former lands of Genghis Khan's empire. This guarantees a different historical outlook and national identity for Russia as compared to other parts of Europe.

Defining "Western Country"

There is No clear definition of "Western country." Living in the USA for decades, and despite being part of Western culture, Russia still underperforms in certain metrics. However, Russia has a large proportion of an urban population and shares cultural similarities with more advanced Western countries like the UK or France. In personal experience, adapting to American life with a Russian background was not a problem.

Despite these similarities, many Western countries are currently facing significant existential crises. This is particularly true in areas of identity and legitimacy, which directly affect the quality of life for citizens. The result is social strife and declining citizen security, making most Western countries less than desirable living destinations.

Comparing Russia to Western Countries

During the 1990s, Russia experienced a full blow to its political, social, and economic systems. In those days, a home worth 500k today was worth only 5k. However, today's Russia is doing pretty well. Over the past 5 years, there have been massive improvements in infrastructure and industry, leading to better living conditions. Modern cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan are often described as "First World" cities with better infrastructure, safety, entertainment, and quality of life than many European capitals.

Many cities in Russia with over half a million people can offer a better quality of life than most provincial centers in Europe. While some smaller provincial cities and rural areas in the Far North may still face challenges, Russia also has areas that are comparably stable and safe to their Western counterparts.

The Search for Western Identity

While some categories of people in Russia may yearn for a more Western lifestyle, this can often be attributed to social unadjustment or public expressions of degeneracy. These phenomena are not unique to Russia and are observed in Western countries as well. Grants from organizations like NED (National Endowment for Democracy) fuel these sentiments by funding individuals to espouse such views.

In conclusion, while Russia has faced significant challenges, its current state and progress in improving living conditions make it a preferred choice for many. The perception that Russia is not a Western country is more a product of historical and cultural orientation rather than a reflection of current reality. As Russia continues to modernize, its standing as a well-regarded region becomes increasingly clear.