Throughout its tumultuous history Russia has went through a number of evolutions and revolutions that presented enormous opportunities to reinvent itself. One of the first of these defining moments could be interpreted to be the reforms by Peter I. Or the failed Decembrist revolt. But more importantly, the assassination of Alexander II, which thwarted the establishment of a duma, well before Nicholas II would be forced to accept one. There is no discussion that a well-established parliamentary system would have altered later evolutions, by funnelin griefs through political representatives. For instance the revolution of 1905 and both revolutions of 1917 could have played uit quite differently, if they would have even happened. We can add to this long list of defining moments the Civil War ensuing 1917 and eventually, the collapse of the Soviet Union. Through every single one of these moments, hope glimmered and Russians have caught glimpses of freedom. Yet always, these hopes have been foiled, while undemocratic power-brokers came to the fore.
Today, it appears, yet again, things are starting to shift in Russia. For the first time in decades, a credibly opposition to current power-brokers in the Kremlin is taking shape. Let us hope that this time around, the Russian people seize the moment, remembering the weight of the history they have carry to this day. If there is a people that has had to endure unending suffering, it is the Russians. But few have so little to show for it, today.
No comments:
Post a Comment