Pedro El Grande and Vladimir Putin: comparision of exansionism in the Russian national identity

Abstract

In this research we aim to identify and analyze Russian national interests from a series of variables present in its history since the reign of Peter the Great. This will lead us to understand the elements of expansionism in the shaping of Russian national identity and we can highlight that they are still present in the governments of Vladimir Putin, despite the difference of centuries. With these elements we have a nation that justifies its expansionism in the need to guarantee the security of a country that does not have natural borders and whose outings to seas must be defended. Expansionism is based on a national identity that refers to Russian exceptionalism as the true heir of the Roman Empire and the election of Moscow as the third Rome and defender of Orthodox Christianity.