A historical perspective on Russia´s identity search under Putin.

Abstract

This master s thesis will compare the concept of Russian national identity during Putin s years in power with that of 19th century Russia. National identity has been a recurrent theme during Putin s presidency after having been given little concern for over a century. Lilia Shevtsova s book Terregnum, Russia between Past and Future, discusses the relationship between downturns or problems in the Russian society and the recurrence of the question of national identity. Shevtsova argues: Russia is an example of a nation that has dwelled on its national identity for centuries, to the point that it has become an elite hobby. Putin returned to the national identity issue in 2012 and again at the Valdai Forum in September 2013- which just goes to show that every time Russian society faces a problem, the Kremlin embarks on a new campaign in the search of a national identity.