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New Paradigm Studies in Contemporary Russia: Unraveling the Shifting Intellectual Landscape

Kendall Ward

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Published in Russian Modernization: A New Paradigm (Studies In Contemporary Russia)

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In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse, Russia has witnessed a remarkable intellectual renaissance marked by the emergence of new and diverse perspectives on history, culture, and society. Among these, New Paradigm Studies (NPS) stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted movement that has challenged traditional narratives and stimulated innovative approaches to understanding the Russian experience. This article explores the origins, key figures, and major themes of NPS, examining its impact on Russian society, academia, and policymaking.

Russian Modernization: A New Paradigm (Studies in Contemporary Russia)

by Michelle Moran

4 out of 5

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Origins and Key Figures

The roots of NPS can be traced back to the late Soviet period, when a group of scholars began to question the dominant Marxist-Leninist historiography and ideology. Inspired by Western postmodernism and the "new history," they sought to move beyond the narrow confines of official narratives and explore alternative perspectives on Russian history.

Among the pioneering figures of NPS were:

Alexander Panarin: A philosopher and sociologist who developed a theory of "civilizational cycles" that explained Russia's unique path of development.
Igor Shafarevich: A mathematician and human rights activist who wrote influential works on Russian history, culture, and the dangers of totalitarianism.
Lev Gumilev: A historian and ethnologist who proposed a theory of "passionarity" that emphasized the role of cultural and ethnic factors in shaping historical events.
Valery Tishkov: An anthropologist who has conducted extensive research on ethnic relations and the complexities of Russian society.

Major Themes and Perspectives

NPS scholars have tackled a wide range of topics, challenging established assumptions and offering new insights into Russian history, culture, and society. Some of the key themes and perspectives that characterize NPS include:

Civilizationalism: The idea that Russia has a unique civilizational identity that distinguishes it from both the West and the East.
Anti-westernism: A critique of Western influence and values, which are seen as undermining Russian traditions and culture.
Eurasianism: The belief that Russia's destiny lies in its role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Cultural Revivalism: A call for a return to traditional Russian values and a rejection of liberal ideas and institutions.

Impact and Influence

NPS has exerted a significant influence on Russian society, academia, and policymaking. Its ideas have been embraced by a range of political and social groups, from conservative nationalists to scholars and intellectuals seeking alternative narratives to established historical accounts.

In academia, NPS has challenged the dominance of Marxist historiography and opened up space for more diverse interpretations of Russian history. It has also inspired new research directions and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the complexities of Russian society.

At the policy level, NPS ideas have informed government policies related to national identity, cultural preservation, and geopolitical orientation. The concept of "civilizationalism," for example, has been used to justify Russia's distinctive path of development and its resistance to Western influence.

Criticism and Controversies

While NPS has gained significant recognition and influence, it has also faced criticism and controversy. Some critics have accused NPS scholars of promoting nationalistic and anti-Western sentiments, while others have questioned the scientific validity of their theories.

Despite these criticisms, NPS remains a vibrant and influential intellectual movement in contemporary Russia. Its contributions to the understanding of Russian history, culture, and society continue to stimulate debate and challenge established narratives.

New Paradigm Studies in contemporary Russia represent a major shift in the intellectual landscape of the post-Soviet era. Its key figures and ideas have challenged traditional narratives and broadened the scope of scholarly inquiry. While the movement faces ongoing criticism and controversies, its impact on Russian society, academia, and policymaking is undeniable.

As Russia continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, NPS will likely remain a significant force shaping the intellectual discourse and contributing to the ongoing evolution of Russian identity and geopolitical positioning.

References

Hughes, James (2006). New Paradigm Studies in Contemporary Russia. Europe-Asia Studies, 58(4),pp. 695-721.
Laruelle, Marlène (2011). The New Paradigm in Russia: A Critical Assessment. Anthropology & Archeology of Eurasia, 50(4),pp. 25-39.
Panarin, Alexander (2003). Globalization and the Future of Russia. London: Routledge.
Shafarevich, Igor (1995). Russophobia: The History of a Political Mythology. New York: Routledge.
Tishkov, Valery (2007). Ethnicity, Nationalism, and Conflict in Post-Soviet Russia: The Case of Chechnya. New York: Routledge.

Russian Modernization: A New Paradigm (Studies in Contemporary Russia)

by Michelle Moran

4 out of 5