- Imperial Russia (1721-1917):
This was a traditional empire with a centralized government, an emperor (Tsar), and a history of territorial expansion. It was the third-largest empire in history, covering about one-sixth of the world's landmass.
- The Soviet Union (1922-1991):
While not an empire in the traditional sense, the Soviet Union, led by Russia, controlled a vast territory with numerous republics and satellite states. This control was often maintained through force and political influence.
- The Russian Federation:
Today, the Russian Federation is a federal republic. However, it is often described as having imperial aspirations due to its size, its history, and its current policies towards neighboring countries. Some argue that the annexation of Crimea, its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, and its rhetoric suggest a desire to restore a sphere of influence and control over former Soviet territories.
- Arguments for Russia as an Empire:
Some scholars and political commentators argue that Russia's actions, particularly its foreign policy, demonstrate a desire to exert influence and control over other nations, echoing historical imperial patterns.
- Arguments against Russia as an empire:
Others argue that Russia's actions are driven by national interests and security concerns, rather than a desire to recreate an empire. They point to the fact that Russia has lost territories and influence since the collapse of the Soviet Union
Having ambition doesn't make you an empire.
“Having ambition doesn’t make you an empire.”
Wrong.
What makes you an empire is ruling over other nations by force, colonizing their land, erasing their identity—and calling it ‘unity.’
And that’s exactly what the
Moscow empire has done for centuries.
Let’s be clear:
This is not some innocent “federation with security concerns.”
This is a
Mongol-style empire in imperial drag, forged in violence and maintained through fear, with roots far older—and darker—than the Soviet Union.
The
modern Moscow empire was born as a vassal of the Mongol Golden Horde.
Moscow didn't resist the Mongols—it
collaborated, collecting tribute from other Slavic peoples for the khans.
That collaboration
taught Muscovy the imperial system it still uses today:
- Centralized power under one ruler
- Total subjugation of ethnic peripheries
- Ruthless suppression of identity and religion
- Expansion by conquest, not by culture or trade
(More on that here:
Mongol Foundations of the Russian State – University of Washington
How Mongol Rule Gave Birth to the Russian Empire – GW2)
This was
never a Western-style nation-state.
It has
always been a prison of nations, from Kazan to Crimea, from Chechnya to Chukotka.
The
current borders of the Moscow empire include dozens of forcibly assimilated nations—not “regions,” not “republics,” but
conquered peoples who’ve never truly been allowed to leave.
Tatarstan. Buryatia. Yakutia. Chechnya. Ingushetia. Circassia.
And yes,
Ukraine and Belarus, still seen as disobedient provinces, not sovereign states.
It’s not just ambition.
It’s occupation.
It’s Moscow acting like the Golden Horde never ended—and still demands tribute, fear, and silence.
So no—this isn’t a normal country acting out of “national interest.”
This is a Mongol-Muscovite imperial system desperately trying to avoid the fate of all empires:
collapse.
The Truth- Moscow isn’t trying to “revive an empire.”
It never stopped being one.
And it never will be anything else—
unless it decolonizes.
Because the Mongol empire collapsed. The Romanovs collapsed. The Bolsheviks collapsed.
And the
Moscow empire will collapse too.
The only question is:
How many nations have to bleed before the world finally calls it by its real name?
empire runs the risk of becoming a hostage that we then have to trade for some spy, arms dealer, or other high level criminal. It's an idiotic thing to do. Don't do it.
What do you notice?
