Russian Exceptionalism as Collective Narcissism: Reflections of the Glorious Past in the Precarious Present

Abstract Vladimir Putin insists that the West accept that Russia is a unique civilization with a “1000 year history.” This claim is key to understanding his decision to invade Ukraine. While social scientists and historians are generally uncomfortable with narratives of exceptionalism, this article surveys the discursive history of Russian exceptionalism, from the 19th century Orthodox narrative through the anti-capitalist frame of the Soviet era. The version revived by the Kremlin with particular fervor since 2012 combines elements of both predecessors. The repeated invocation of an exceptionalism narrative – in the 19th, 20th and now 21st century – testifies to the failure of other ideologies and institutions to develop strong foundations in the country, and Russia’s inability (or unwillingness) to join the European path to power and prosperity. This tends to contribute to a national inferiority complex that expresses itself in resentment at the West for failing to appreciate and accept Russia.