The article "The New Russian Identity and the Burden of the Soviet

Past" explores how the Soviet era continues to shape Russian

identity and politics today. The author argues that the Soviet legacy
is a burden that Russia has yet to fully confront, and that this
legacy manifests in various ways, including nostalgia for Soviet
times and a reluctance to fully embrace democracy and market
capitalism.

The article is a complex topic that examines the changing identity of

Russians in the post-Soviet era. Following the collapse of the
Soviet Union, Russians have had to grapple with a sense of loss
and uncertainty about their national identity. Many have felt a
sense of nostalgia for the Soviet era, despite the many problems
associated with it.

At the same time, there has been a growing movement towards a

more nationalistic and conservative identity, which emphasizes
the importance of Russian culture, religion, and history. This has
led to a re-evaluation of the Soviet legacy, with some Russians
seeing it as a source of national pride, while others view it as a
burden that needs to be overcome in order to move forward.

Overall, the new Russian identity is still in a state of flux, with

many different views and perspectives competing for influence.
However, it is clear that the legacy of the Soviet Union continues
to play an important role in shaping the identity of Russians
today.

This chapter explores the difficult historical and geopolitical context

that the new Russia found itself in as it emerged after the collapse of
the Soviet Union. The anti-communist ideological choice of Russia’s
ruling elites stood uncomfortably with Russia’s status as the main
successor to the Soviet Union. Yeltsin’s government underplayed the
importance of symbolic issues in the 1990s. As a result, Russian
society found itself in a state of symbolic collapse and void that, in
combination with painful economic and social realities, led to a widely
shared sense of confusion, shame, and anxiety.
 The article also examines how Russia's current leadership under
President Putin has attempted to reconcile the country's Soviet past
with its modern identity. The author suggests that Putin has utilized
elements of Soviet nostalgia and symbolism to create a sense of
continuity and stability, while also positioning Russia as a great
power in the world.

Overall, the article suggests that Russia's relationship with its Soviet
past is complex and multifaceted, and that it will continue to shape
Russian identity and politics for the foreseeable future.

The article "The New Russian Identity" explores the evolution of

Russian identity over the last few centuries and how it has been
shaped by various historical, cultural, and political factors. The
author argues that Russia has experienced a series of identity crises
throughout its history, and that the current identity crisis is the
result of the country's transition from Soviet communism to a more
democratic and capitalist system.

The article also discusses how Russia's relationship with the West
has influenced its identity. While Russia has historically looked to the
West for inspiration and guidance, it has also been wary of Western
influence and perceived threats to its sovereignty.

The author concludes by arguing that Russia's new identity is still in

the process of being formed and that it will continue to evolve in
response to internal and external factors. He suggests that a better
understanding of Russian identity is crucial for developing effective
policies and strategies for engaging with Russia in the future.

"The New Russian Identity and the Burden of the Soviet Past" is
a complex and multifaceted topic that has garnered a lot of
attention in recent years. It deals with the question of how
contemporary Russians are grappling with the legacy of the
Soviet era and its impact on their national identity. This is a
particularly relevant issue given the political and social
upheavals that have taken place in Russia over the past few
decades.
 In order to write a thoughtful and well-informed essay on this topic, it's
important to do your research and gather information from a variety of
sources. This might include scholarly articles, news reports, and
interviews with experts in the field. It's also important to consider the
historical context of the Soviet era, as well as the current political and
social climate in Russia.

When drafting your essay, you may want to consider the following
questions:
1. How has the legacy of the Soviet era impacted contemporary
Russian identity?
2. What are the different perspectives on the Soviet era among
Russians today?
3. How has the Russian government addressed the legacy
of the Soviet era?
4. What role does the Soviet past play in contemporary
Russian politics and society?
5. How do younger generations of Russians
view the Soviet era and its legacy?

Gulnaz Sharafutdinova's (2020) analysis of "The New Russian Identity and

the Burden of the Soviet Past" focuses on the relationship between
Russia's post-Soviet identity and its Soviet past. Sharafutdinova argues
that Russia's struggle to define its national identity in the post-Soviet era
has been shaped by the legacy of the Soviet period, which continues to
exert a powerful influence on Russian politics and society.

According to Sharafutdinova, there are two main approaches to the Soviet

past in contemporary Russia. The first is a nostalgic approach, which
emphasizes the positive aspects of Soviet-era achievements and seeks to
preserve elements of the Soviet legacy. The second approach is a critical
one, which acknowledges the negative aspects of the Soviet past and
seeks to move away from its legacy.

Sharafutdinova argues that the Putin regime has attempted to create a new "
conservative" identity for Russia that emphasizes traditional values and
historical continuity with the Soviet past. However, she notes that this
approach has been met with resistance from a younger generation of
Russians who are more critical of the Soviet legacy and are more interested
in embracing Western-style liberal values.
 Overall, Sharafutdinova's analysis highlights the complex and contested
nature of "The New Russian Identity and the Burden of the Soviet Past". She
argues that Russia's efforts to define its post-Soviet identity are deeply
intertwined with its Soviet legacy, and that the country's ongoing struggle to
come to terms with this legacy will continue to shape its politics and society
for years to come.

When writing about this topic, it's important to keep in mind that there
are a wide variety of perspectives and opinions on the subject. Some
Russians view the Soviet era as a time of great achievements and
progress, while others see it as a period of repression and human
rights abuses. Additionally, there are those who believe that the legacy
of the Soviet past should be embraced as part of a unique Russian
identity, and others who argue that it must be rejected in order for
Russia to move forward as a modern, democratic society.