Russia: Its History, Economy, Religion and Adversarial Relationship With the West – a Brief Overview

Here a brief overview of Russia’s history, economy, religion, and its adversarial relationship with the West.

History:
Russia has a rich and varied past. Several Slavic tribes first settled there, and in the thirteenth century, the Mongols took control of the region. The Russian state was established when Moscow rose to become a powerful principality. Russia’s territory increased during the 16th and 17th centuries under the rule of tsars such as Peter the Great and Ivan the Terrible. The Soviet Union was founded in 1917 as a result of the Russian Revolution and lasted until 1991. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia attained independence, separating itself from the other republics that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

Economy:
Russia’s economy is diverse, with a large amount of state ownership in key industries. It is among the top producers of minerals, natural gas, and oil worldwide. Because of the vital role these resources play in its economy, it is heavily reliant on the pricing of these commodities globally. Russia’s manufacturing and technology sectors are also expanding and growing. A complex business climate, economic sanctions imposed by the West, and corruption are some of the primary issues facing the Russian economy.

Religion:
Within Russia, Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the dominant and most common religion. Its branch,  the Russian Orthodox Church, is a powerful institution inside Russia, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam are a few of the other religions that are practiced inside the nation. Since the Soviet Union fell apart, there has been a rise in religious diversity since the suppression of religious practices no longer happens.

Its Adversarial Relationship with the West:
Russia’s relationship with the West has been marked by periods of tension and cooperation. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, its involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, and allegations of meddling in elections in the West are only a few examples of the major antagonistic activity that has occurred in recent years. Sanctions and diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western nations, especially the United States and the European Union, have resulted from these moves. The situation is complex, with geopolitical, economic, and ideological factors contributing to this adversarial nature.

This is only a broad overview of the nation of Russia, and each of these four topics could be explored in much greater detail.