In Rulers and Victims: The Russians in the Soviet Union, historian Geoffrey Hosking examines how Soviet power shaped Russian identity and society. He traces the transformation of the Orthodox messianic ideal into a doctrine of messianic socialism and shows why this vision ultimately conflicted with traditional communal values.
Hosking analyzes pivotal moments—from the Bolshevik Revolution and civil war, through the upheavals of collectivization and industrialization, to the unity forged during World War II. He explores the complex relations between ethnic Russians and other Soviet peoples and considers the role of leadership, technology, and propaganda in constructing a Soviet worldview.
At its core, this work probes the question of what happens when national identity is harnessed to an imperial ideology. Offering a nuanced portrait of how the Soviet state remade its people and how Russia emerged from the collapse, this study is essential for anyone interested in modern Russian history.
Key Themes
- Messianic socialism vs. communal traditions
- Impact of revolution, war, and industrialization
- Formation of post-communist Russian identity
