Imperial contretemps

The film Mathilde has been accused of being melodramatic. The real story of her life is far more interesting.

Social amnesia in Russia today

We are what we remember.

2017 – a year of uncertainty

There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.

Turkey – Russia: You scratch my back…

Look north from Turkey’s Black Sea coastline to Crimea, whose turbulent history belies the tranquillity of its steppes, lakes and mountains.

The painter, the writer, and the peasant

Russian art of the late 19th century portrayed the resilience of country life with affection and nostalgia.

Ukraine: A question of identity

The struggle in Ukraine echoes the country’s past, but should not be allowed to cloud its future. If Russia and Ukraine are to live as peaceful neighbours, they must find a way to live with each other’s history too.

Beware the Union of Soviet Capitalist Republics

Having lost the struggle to impose global communism, Russia is finding new ways to dominate. What does it have to offer? Economic investment to sway the minds of the gullible.