The Russia Journal

December 6-12, 1999

Editorial

Russian national idea

The Chechen war has now engulfed Moscow's political scene - providing a

convenient excuse for political parties to avoid talking about any economic

policies or programs. Ideology has little place in the political campaign

this winter.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is talking about a Russian national

idea. Unfortunately, the theme has been reduced to each individual's position

on Chechnya. Patriotism has become a profession, while few can say what, if

anything, is their vision for Russia's future.

The liberal reformers, having accomplished little economically in eight years

of power, are fueling the fire of debate on this issue more than anyone.

Today, the sound of liberal chest-thumping in Moscow is louder than the

thunder of guns in Chechnya. And this new surge of imperial patriotism - or

is it imperious patriotism? - promises a lot more bloodshed in years to come.

It is unfortunate that on the threshold of a new century and a new

millennium, Russia stands without a national vision. For lack of anything

better, the political elite seems intent on inscribing one in blood.

It is ironic that after 70 years of communism and its disastrous consequences

for every Russian citizen, the country is seeking its national idea down the

barrel of a gun. Having rejected communism, Russians are now on the verge of

damning capitalism. Now, it seems, the dominant ideology may become the iron

fist, wielded by men of steel.

The shameless, cynical opportunism of Russia's political elite, and the

vindictive mood of its people - both manifested in the Chechen war - should

not be the cornerstones of Russian society in the next century.

The people's resentment is understandable. It is an expression of futility

and frustration. It is the result of decades of criminal mismanagement under

commissars and robber barons. It has led to upheaval, scape-goating and

secessionism - anything to escape the ugly realities.

Chechnya is a wild land wracked by terror and banditry. But it is also a

window on the deep despair that so pervades the Russian national psyche. And

at the moment that it seems Russia is likely to lurch from one crisis to

another, Putin sums it up well: "The country is facing a Chechnya on every

front."

The Russian people need to be able to identify with and take pride in

something just and moral. A nation of 150 million people and thousands of

years of history is being condemned to a miserable future because of a few

decades of political and financial corruption. Russia must redefine itself

and give its people some self-respect and pride.

Now, at the turn of the century, the country has a historic opportunity to

decide which way to go. Every politician should be out among the people,

explaining the future he envisions for his children - and theirs. If there is

a vision, let it be stated now.

Russia must, finally and forever, renounce violence and state domination. The

individual must become paramount. The state must become subservient to the

will of the people. Pride in individuality must be re-established and the

yoke of bureaucratic oppression finally lifted. Russians most also vow to

make this Chechen war the last they fight for the next millennium. Choices,

right or wrong, must be made at the ballot box and respected afterwards.

The noblest national idea would be for every Russian to have his own,

personal national idea. Then the nation would finally be free - free from

dogma, free from interference and influence by the state, where the rights of

individuals are respected and guaranteed, to be exercised in a civil and

peaceful manner.

Such idealism may not seem like a priority when homes are cold and dark and

hundreds and thousands of refugees cling to Caucasian mountainsides against a

harsh winter.

But this, in essence, is the national priority. It is the national idea that

will determine the behavior of Russia's government and its army. The vagaries

of economics and experiments with the lives of millions can then be laid

aside, and Russia can begin its march to prosperity as a proud people fall in

step, each for himself, his family and his nation - in that order.