Rusia mea

Rusia mea uses Russia’s past to explain Putin’s rule. It also seeks to explain the invasion of Ukraine. Mihail Șișkin says we can make sense of Russia. In his view, outsiders lack knowledge of its past.

This essay blends history with his own thoughts and political views. It is for readers who seek the roots of Russia’s troubles today. Șișkin starts with Kyivan Rus and the Grand Duchy of Moscow. He then traces the empire, revolution and Cold War. He ends with the Russian Federation that came next.

He asks how the state shapes its citizens’ lives. He looks at Russian views on rights and democracy. In his view, two groups divide the country. One feels bitter and has no sense of power. Yet it stays bound to obey. The other shares European values and resists state force. He asks if Russia can break a long pattern. Revolt gives way to rule by one unchecked ruler. He faults his homeland’s violent past but also shows his love for it.

Șișkin was born in Moscow in 1961. He trained to teach, then worked in the press. He also taught German and English. His first work came out in 1993. Two years later, he moved to Zurich. There, he works with Russian speakers who seek asylum. He serves as their interpreter, helping them speak with others. His novels have won three major Russian prizes for literature. They have also become works for the stage.