Russia's Militaristic Rhetoric, Imperialism, and Expansion

Abstract

Throughout history, Russia's narrative of being a “sieged fortress” persists despite contemporary absence of external threats. This narrative justifies expansion as a cultural necessity, compensating for perceived existential threats and unsatisfactory living conditions. While historically rooted, this narrative serves as a psychological justification for expansionist policies. Throughout history, Muscovy has established dominance, notably in subjugating elites. This historical trend of overpowering local authorities reflects in Russia's modern aggressive foreign policy. The purpose of the study is to determine the socio-cultural and psycho-social foundations of its modern aggressive expansionist foreign policy based on the analysis of Russian history. Revealing the foreign and domestic reasons for its aggression against Georgia and Ukraine. Showing the importance of local actors in global politics on the example of the international significance of Russia's war against Georgia and Ukraine.