Messianism is often referred to as one of the inherent features of Russia’s culture and politics. It functions almost as a self-evident truth, i.e. everybody knows about Russian messianism and there is therefore no need to elaborate on it. The so called “conservative turn” in Russian politics, the annexation of Crimea and finally the invasion on Ukraine have revived discussion about Russian messianism. Considering the increasing prominence of messianism in today’s debate on Russia, it is surprising how little substantial data and analysis has been produced concerning the contemporary dynamics of this phenomenon. In regard to the fundamental issue whether contemporary Russian foreign policy is messianic, experts’ opinions are divided. Some hold that messianism disappeared with the fall of the USSR. This is also the position with which most of the Russian political elite would agree. Others, however, insist that the sense of mission is an indispensable part of the Russian worldview. In my talk I will present the main findings of my research whose main goal was to characterise messianic motifs in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation (2000-2018). They are presented in the monograph “The Sense of Mission in Russian Foreign Policy. Destined for Greatness!” (Routledge 2021).
This event will take place in person and on Zoom. Both our in person and Zoom format will be fully open to the public. Access the Zoom meeting here. Non-NYU affiliates must RSVP. The Jordan Center is located at 19 University Place, on the second floor.
Alicja Curanović is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Warsaw. She holds a PhD in political science. Her main research interests include Russian foreign policy; religious factor in international relations; identity and status, messianism in politics. She has conducted research i.a. at Harvard University, Columbia University, Stanford University, University of Helsinki, the Russian State University for Humanistic Studies and MGIMO. Her articles appeared in i.a. "International Relations", "Problems of Post-Communism", “Politics and Religion”, “Nationalities Papers” or “Religion, State and Society”. Her latest monograph – “The Sense of Mission in Russian Foreign Policy: Destined for Greatness!” (Routledge 2021).
