Alexander Zhuravsky at the National Centre RUSSIA: Russia cannot be understood with the mind alone

Behind any confrontation between states lie not so much political, economic, or other disagreements, but something much deeper — values. These values determine who we are, where we are headed, and what we consider right or unacceptable. This topic was raised at the National Centre RUSSIA by Alexander Zhuravsky, a Candidate of Theology, Candidate of Historical Sciences, and author of the futurological novel "Alternative".

"It has turned out that we have an antagonism with Western civilisation regarding practically all values. This is what determines the difference in goal-setting, worldview, and life stance. They do not understand us because our values are different. That is to say, the main conflict is one of values. Everything else — geopolitics, technology — is secondary," said Alexander Zhuravsky.

The author identified Russia's position regarding strength as one of the key points of misunderstanding. According to him, Russians believe that strength is needed for defence, not for attack — for example, to save others, sometimes by sacrificing their own resources. For the West, such behaviour seems strange and difficult to explain.

"The weak are not respected in this world. This means one must be strong. But not to hurt others, rather to help when there is an opportunity. Even the 'military atom' is also a form of understanding that one cannot be unarmed in this world. And here, too, we are often misunderstood. We are open to the world, we are constantly saving someone — an amazing civilisation, absolutely irrational, with the priority of the non-material over the material. It is impossible to understand Russia with the mind alone. Everything has already been studied and genetically analysed, yet they cannot understand our country's cultural code. We do not fully understand ourselves either, and perhaps it is not even a bad thing to remain mysterious," added Alexander Zhuravsky.

The meeting took place on 23 April at the National Centre RUSSIA: as part of the "What to Read?!" Literary Club, Alexander Zhuravsky presented his new book to the audience. The futurological novel "Alternative" tells of a possible future for our country and its place in the world.

One can participate in future events of the Literary Club by registering on the website russia.ru. A recording of the meeting with Alexander Zhuravsky can be viewed on the website in the "Livestreams and Videos" section, as well as on the National Centre RUSSIA social media pages on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, or RUTUBE.