Interview: Russia Eurasia Future & Spiritual Revival – A Vision for National Identity

Russia Eurasia Future: Siberianization and Spiritual Revival in a New National Identity

In a thought-provoking interview with Professor Glenn Diesen, Professor Sergey Karaganov, a prominent Russian foreign policy expert and advisor to multiple Russian leaders, outlines his vision for Russia’s future through a “Siberianization” and Eurasian pivot. As the honorary chairman of Russia’s Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, Karaganov advocates for a reorientation of Russia’s identity—economically, politically, and spiritually—toward Asia and its Siberian heartland. Drawing on historical, cultural, and economic arguments, he calls for a departure from Russia’s centuries-long obsession with Europe to embrace its Eurasian roots. This article synthesizes Karaganov’s insights, exploring the implications of this shift for Russia’s national identity, global relations, and spiritual revival.

The Siberianization of Russia: A Historical and Strategic Pivot

Karaganov’s concept of “Siberianization” emerged in the late 1990s, when he foresaw Asia’s rising economic and political dominance. Recognizing Siberia’s historical significance—not as a conquest but as a development that shaped Russia’s wealth, military power, and national character—he proposed reorienting Russia toward the East. Initial efforts in the early 2000s gained limited traction due to the Russian elite’s Eurocentrism, and a second attempt in the late 2000s also fell short of embracing the spiritual dimension Karaganov envisions. Now, with Asia’s global influence undeniable, he believes a third push for Siberianization will succeed.

This pivot is not merely economic but a profound redefinition of Russian identity. Karaganov argues that Russia’s fixation on Europe, dating back to Peter the Great’s modernization efforts, has been “unhealthy,” fostering political, economic, and technological dependence. Siberia, with its vast resources and historical role in Russia’s geopolitical victories, offers a counterpoint. By rediscovering its Eurasian roots—tracing back to the Scythians, Byzantine Christianity, and Mongol influences—Russia can reclaim its unique identity as a “country-civilization of civilizations,” distinct from Western Europe’s trajectory.

The Spiritual Dimension: Dostoevsky’s Legacy and the Russian Dream

Karaganov draws inspiration from Fyodor Dostoevsky, whose spiritual awakening in Siberian exile shaped his critique of Russia’s European subservience. Quoting Dostoevsky’s 19th-century lament that Russia’s attempts to emulate Europe earned only “hatred and contempt,” Karaganov echoes the call to turn toward Asia, where Russia’s future lies. Dostoevsky’s transformation in Siberia, catalyzed by a Bible gifted by a noblewoman, underscores the region’s role as a crucible for Russian spiritual richness. Karaganov sees Siberia as a place where Russia’s greatest thinkers and cultural treasures were born, a legacy to be revived.

This spiritual revival is central to Karaganov’s broader project: crafting a new Russian ideology, termed the “Russian Dream” or “Codex of Russia.” Developed with scholars and religious thinkers, this ideology aims to unify Russia around its historical and cultural essence, countering the identity vacuum left by communism’s collapse and failed Europeanization under Yeltsin. Karaganov notes a generational shift, with younger Russians embracing a Eurasian identity over European aspirations, as polls reflect declining interest in Europe amid recent geopolitical tensions.

Economic Reorientation: From European Dependence to Asian Opportunity

Economically, Karaganov argues that Russia’s dependence on Europe has been inefficient. While Russia exported oil and gas to Europe, it imported expensive goods that could be sourced more cost-effectively from Asia. He illustrates this with a personal anecdote: glasses once bought from Germany for $400–$500 are now sourced from China or Korea for $50–$100, highlighting Asia’s economic advantages. The rise of Asia over the past two decades, as noted by former Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, means modernization no longer requires Europeanization. Instead, connectivity with Asia—through trade, technology, and infrastructure—offers Russia a path to economic sovereignty and growth.

Siberia’s development is pivotal to this economic vision. Historically, its resources fueled Russia’s military and geopolitical ascendancy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Karaganov sees Siberia as a hub for innovation and connectivity, linking Russia to dynamic Asian markets. This shift aligns with Russia’s Greater Eurasia initiative, which seeks to integrate the region economically and politically, reducing reliance on Western systems.

The Role of Faith: Orthodoxy and Beyond

Karaganov emphasizes the Russian Orthodox Church’s role as a “spine” of Russian civilization, providing continuity through a turbulent history. However, he envisions a broader spiritual revival encompassing Russia’s diverse faiths—Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and others. Collaborating with religious thinkers, Karaganov’s Russian Dream seeks to restore humanism in a world where modern technological civilization, with its “posthuman” values, undermines the essence of humanity. He cites the rebuilding of tens of thousands of churches and packed congregations as evidence of a budding revival, though he acknowledges challenges posed by a century of communist suppression and global secular trends.

This spiritual mission transcends anti-European sentiment, aligning with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s 1978 Harvard speech, which warned that both communism and capitalism erode human spirituality. Karaganov frames Russia’s task as a universal one: to preserve humanity’s essence against the dehumanizing forces of modernity, a challenge requiring cooperation with like-minded civilizations in Asia and beyond.

Russia and Europe: Ending the European Journey

Karaganov advocates “finishing Russia’s European journey,” which began with Peter the Great’s reforms to modernize Russia’s military and technology. While this journey yielded cultural and scientific advancements, merging Russian traditions with European influences, it overstayed its purpose by a century. Europe’s current “diseases”—transhumanism and posthuman values—clash with Russia’s cultural code, prompting a strategic withdrawal. However, Karaganov clarifies that this is not a rejection of Europe’s cultural legacy, which remains part of Russia’s soul. Instead, Russia seeks distance until Europe overcomes its ideological crises, potentially reopening dialogue with a reformed continent.

This reorientation will likely strain Russia-Europe relations, particularly as Europe grapples with its declining global influence. Karaganov’s vision prioritizes alliances with Asian powers, leveraging shared economic interests and cultural affinities rooted in Russia’s Byzantine and Mongol heritage. Yet, he remains open to future engagement with a Europe that aligns more closely with Russia’s values.

Sergey Karaganov’s vision for Russia’s Eurasian future and spiritual revival offers a bold blueprint for redefining national identity. By embracing Siberia’s historical and spiritual significance, Russia can pivot toward Asia, reducing dependence on a declining Europe and reclaiming its Eurasian roots. Economically, this shift promises efficiency and growth; spiritually, it seeks to restore humanism through faith and a unifying ideology. As Russia navigates its post-European path, the success of this vision hinges on balancing its diverse cultural heritage with modern challenges. Karaganov’s call to preserve humanity’s essence resonates globally, positioning Russia as a leader in a multipolar world seeking alternatives to Western modernity.

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