The Steppe and Its Empires

In this engaging comparative study, historian Michael Khodarkovsky explores the pivotal role of the Eurasian steppe in shaping Russian history from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries. He highlights Russia's hybrid identity, illustrating its structural similarities with Asian empires like the Ottoman, Persian, Mughal, and Chinese, while also examining how these connections influenced its military, social, and political frameworks. Through his analysis, Khodarkovsky argues that understanding Russia as a hybrid Eurasian empire is crucial to recognizing the complexities of its diverse society and evolving national identity.