Abstract This paper explains that artist Kazimir Malevich was fond of the color white as a representation of an infinite expanse, of a nature that could deliver humanity from the czarist totalitarian model to a culture of awakening, innovation and technological invention. The paper then goes on to examine the blue of the monochrome style of Yves Klein and explains that it is a symbol in a chromatic sense of that infinity, and the representative communication of the potential that a post Czarist free society provides to all humanity. The paper therefore shows how "The Blue Monochrome" was the physical manifestation of the abstract concept and the premise that Malevich represents in the "White on White" painting.
From the Paper "The political or social goal of the paintings is fuelled by the post revolutionary political leanings of Malevich in his pursuit of a more tangible sense of both personal sensibility and social enlightenment. The social enlightenment represents the space or era beyond what was the evolving form of post revolution social stabilization that is represented by the artistic movement that the post revolution Russian world presented. What is defined for Klein was an abstract notion of action and existence that specifically addresses the heightened need for spiritual evolution that was first epitomized by the utopian vision of Malevich."
Abstract This paper examines the illustrative story, "Nihilist Girl," written by Sofya Kovalevskaia. It contains many references that indicate to the reader that it is both an autobiographical and fictional account of her life in Russia. The paper details how many different events and people helped influence and shape her life. Some of the different topics discussed include conflict between tradition and modernity in society, the role of women in society, rebellion, the nihilist movement and the influences of different family members in her life decisions.
From the Paper "If we look to the life of Sofia Vasilevna Kovalevskaya the work may have been a self exorcism, to let the story communicate a message that she did not feel free to preach. In her own life she accepted the boundaries that were placed on her in terms of social norms and the way she should give the appearance of conforming to them.
Her sister was a major influence, introducing her to many in the Nihilist movement, and as such we may see the reason for the protagonist being abased on her sister. It was also with her sister that the first plot to try and gain an education was hatched. Sofya would try and act as a companion to her sister should her sister be able to find a husband and travel."
Abstract This paper looks examines whether or not the Russia that has come to exist since the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991 has successfully established a capitalistic free market economy with democractic institutions. The author examines in great detail whether or Russia, which was a totalitarian society has become a democracy since Putin's rise to power. The paper discusses the different styles of governing since the 1917 revolution and argues that even with this new era, the czarist style has remained. The structure of the Federal Assembly, the nomination process and the election process are all detailed in the constitution, but according to this paper, the President still holds a disproportionate amount of control over the all elements of government. Using the press as an example, the paper refers to several experts who feel that Russia is now a controlled or managed democracy which allows its citizens enough freedom to feel that there have been changes and to give the outside world the impression that democracy is alive and well in Russia.
From the Paper "Many Kremlin watchers, believing that old habits die hard, felt certain that if Yeltsin had not won that general election in a run-off, he would have reasserted his authority with force -- something he showed himself quite capable of when he dismissed parliament at gunpoint. On the other hand. no one is certain about what Putin would have done had he lost in 2000. However, Putin, the former KBG chief, like the spy that he was, left little to chance and came away with an easy victory in an election that international observers said was fair and without flaw. In fact, although he won handsomely, several Putin candidates were defeated. In the study of governments, there is much discussion about transition being an inevitable part of the formation of every government. From Plato to Aristotle to Machiavelli, each saw dictatorships as either necessary or inevitable in times of disarray. A strong hand is required to bring order so as to pave the way for a more populist government if not a fully democratic one. Of course democracy can have its own tyrannical side."
Abstract Discusses the portrayal of Vera Figner's youth in Czarist Russia, the impact on her of the changing social order in Russia, her sense of commitment to her principles and ideals, her sympathy for the serfs, and the progression of her left-wing point of view.
From the Paper "Vera Figner was born into a family of aristocrats and seemingly grew up with all of the benefit and privilege afforded to persons of similar means in Russia, at the time. Yet, she describes this upbringing as Spartan (Figner 37). To some extent, the ..."
Abstract This paper reports on the positives and negatives Russia has experienced while attempting to change into a democratic society, the corruption that is a part of the Russian political system, Russia's economy and policies towards civil rights and its relationship with the United States.
Table of Contents
A Brief Review of Why Russia Needed to Become Democratic
Switching from Communism to Democracy
Putin's Corruption
Putin's Reforms
Women's Movement
Human Rights
Russia's Economic Hard Times
Conclusion
From the Paper "Meanwhile, Russia has had a good recent track record when it comes to economic growth, which is reflected in a 7.3% increase in Gross National Production (GNP) in 2003, Sleivyte explains (65). That rise in GNP is largely due, though, to the sale of oil internationally; indeed, energy accounted for "50% of Russia's total export earnings in 2003," and Putin's government also looked good economically because the price of oil was high. But overall, there are fewer freedoms in Russia than five years ago, partly because Putin has launched an "anti-terrorism" campaign - a "state of war" against international terrorists "bent on destroying Russia" - which, in reality, Sleivyte writes, "has no relation to the fight against terrorism," but rather a trade-off of "less freedom for more security.""
Argues that the Soviet absolutism we see in the Russian leaders of today has its origins in Russian history and is an inherent aspect of Russian society.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper argues that Putin's authority in Russia today draws upon the same wellspring of absolutism that fuelled the power and destructiveness of the Red Czar, Stalin. In this analysis, the Soviet absolutism of the 20th century is rooted in Russian traditions that stretch back for centuries under the Czarist empire. In this context the Soviet era desire for a strong absolutist leader who will fix things will be seen to have been a recurring element in Russian society for much of its history.
From the Paper "Today, in the early 21st century, Soviet Russia of the 20th century and the Czarist empire of the centuries before that are shadows of history remembered - if at all - through Cold War spy thrillers and the memories of an older generation of Ukrainians, Russians, and East Europeans whose lives were shaped or destroyed by Soviet power. In the popular view, Russia is a westernized - if corrupt - no different from many authoritarian "democracies" around the world. This essay will argue, however, that this view of Russia is radically flawed."
Abstract The paper labels the Kishinev pogrom as a defining event in Jewish history. The paper relates that the massacre was largely instigated by an anti-Semitic newspaper perpetually hurling negative publicity about Jews. The paper reveals how historically, Jews were favorite scapegoats, blamed for everything from the death of Christ to political upheaval. The paper discusses the need for this generation to learn from history and apply the lessons to their own situations. The paper concludes that this is the educational purpose of shedding light on the events of April 1903.
From the Paper "Yehudah Khaver offers a tribute to the men and woman who died during the April 1903 pogrom through an article describing and analyzing the events of the time. From the article, it is clear that a variety of issues were at stake. The nature of the massacre is not comparable to the Holocaust in scale, but is nonetheless a large-scale violation of human rights. Indeed, according to Tchaykovsky, the government made no attempt to help the victims of violence for two days. During these two days, the police also offered no help, and caring citizens were not allowed to help the wounded or destitute. Furthermore, the victims were not allowed to make any telephone calls or have any other form of contact with the outside world."
Abstract This paper provides a historic and economic perspective on the events that lead to the Russian and Chinese communist revolutions. The author first describes the Russian Revolution and the factors that contributed to the overthrow of the Czarist regime. In particular, the 1905 Revolution is seen as a precursor to the 1917 Communist Revolution. The paper then describes how the events in Russia influenced China, and how the Chinese Revolution took a different path than Russia's. The results of both revolutions are traced to present day.
From the Paper "The soviets were to play an important role in the 1905 Revolution and, subsequently, in the 1917 Revolution. By definition, the soviets were "impromptu working-class governing bodies" and "strike committees", but by the end of 1905 they had become successful alternatives forms of local governments, especially in the large cities. Lenin would be ready to speculate this in 1917 and assimilate the soviets as the entities ready to fill in the void of power formed."
Tags: communism, Russia, China, revolution, Karl, Marx, Mao
