State Ideology, Science, and Pseudoscience in Russia: Between the Cosmos and the Earth

This book explores the intertwined stories of three Russian movements: state ideology, Russian cosmism, and Eurasianism, from their inception to the present. Despite having pseudoscientific and mystical ideas, they were propagated as "universal sciences" and competed for scientific supremacy. Suppressed by the Bolsheviks, they re-emerged in the post-Soviet era, seeking to reclaim their "scientific" status and fill the vacuum left by the demise of Soviet state ideology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of three distinct Russian movements: state ideology, Russian cosmism, and Eurasianism. Spanning from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, these movements intertwine their stories, showcasing their evolution and impact. While each movement possessed its unique pseudoscientific and mystical notions rooted in Russian culture, its followers propagated them as "universal sciences," vying for scientific supremacy and universal acceptance. However, during the Soviet era, these movements faced suppression under the Bolsheviks' state ideology, deemed "unscientific." Nonetheless, they managed to survive in an esoteric underground existence, reappearing in the twilight years of the Soviet Union, driven by a desire to reclaim their rightful place in the scientific realm and potentially fill the void left by the collapse of Soviet state ideology.

This study explores the post-Soviet quest for a new state ideology, or new National Idea, at both the federal and regional levels. It draws upon the projects initiated by the Kremlin and examines the case of the ethnic Republic of Kalmykia in south-west Russia, which offers valuable insights into the ongoing search for a coherent and inclusive national identity in the post-Soviet era.

Through its detailed examination of these movements and their historical context, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between politics, culture, and science in Russia. It sheds light on the enduring legacy of these movements and their potential to shape the future of Russian society.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666905687