History as the basis of state building: strategies for the development of Russia in the 21st century discussed at St Petersburg University
St Petersburg University has held the round table "The Russian state in the 21st century: a strategic view", where experts from St Petersburg and Moscow discussed key issues of the national agenda and statehood.
Alexey Chesnakov, Head of the Centre for Current Policy, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. Developing long-term programmes are essential to gain a deeper understanding into what future awaits Russia, what prospects there are for the development of state institutions, and what should be done by the state to provide maximum benefit to the citizens, he said. "To develop such programmes, it is important to rely on the experience of historical eras. One of the eras is closely associated with the city of St Petersburg. What I mean is how Peter the Great founded not only the city, but also a rich imperial culture that includes St Petersburg University, which celebrates its 300th anniversary this year. For three centuries, the University has been committed to this mission, i.e. to ensure a link between the state, society, and individuals," noted Alexey Chesnakov.
During the discussion, experts examined key issues of the national agenda and statehood, the system of running the country, and modern institutional aspects.
Elena Chernova, Senior Vice-Rector of St Petersburg University, focused on the special and inextricable connection between St Petersburg University and Russia. "St Petersburg University was established by Decree of the Emperor Peter the Great, who created the Russian Empire, the truly Russian Empire. He did not just open a window to Europe and collect Russian lands, he made Russia a very strong power. Today, we are witnessing the cyclical nature of this process. The same is happening today. What I mean is that a major power is being established, which is not only noticeable in the international arena, but is beginning to dictate fashion," said Elena Chernova.
In the current geopolitical context, it is crucial to answer questions about what the role of the state is, what the role of scholars who lay foundations of the theory of the state is, what the continuity is, and how to teach future generations? The generations that will live in this large, reassembled, strong country.
Elena Chernova, Senior Vice-Rector of St Petersburg University
The participants in the round table, i.e. researchers, expressed the opinion that today’s Russia needs to rely on the historical experience to build a modern state. "In the current conditions, the Western experience of state building should not be neglected, yet the focus should be shifted to our own experience and knowledge," said Alexey Chesnakov, Head of the Centre for Current Policy. "History is a crucial aspect of our national identity; history shapes our national identity. Without history we do not exist."
Many phenomena in the history of Russian statehood, such as the "vertical of power", may be negatively defined in Western political thought, the experts agree. However, in the Russian tradition they are a necessary part of the management structure. In this regard, experts and decision-makers in the country should pay closer attention to the unique experience of the Russian state building.
The event was initiated by St Petersburg University, the Civil Society Development Foundation, and the Centre for Current Policy. The results of the round table will underpin the recommendations for a long-term programme for the development of the state and society.
The discussion participants also discussed key projects to protect national interests. In particular, the researchers discussed the importance of defining basic concepts such as freedom, human rights, and the state.
At the end of the meeting, Alexey Chesnakov, Head of the Centre for Current Policy, called on representatives of the academic community to assist the public administration in forming a concept to build the modern Russian state. "Scholars are more sensitively understanding the prospects, trends, directions that need to be paid attention to. The authorities should therefore rely on the opinion of those who have been engaged in fundamental research all their lives," Alexey Chesnakov summed up the meeting.