Challenges of Russia. From Rurik to Lenin

The book is dedicated to the key external and internal challenges that Russia faced at different stages of its history – from the formation of the Old Russian state with capitals in Kiev and Novgorod to the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917. Based on a deep analysis of past events, the author shows the features of the formation of threats to the Russian state and the conditions under which the country confronted these challenges. Throughout our history, threats have usually struck Russia in two cases: when we were weak or, conversely, when the power of the state increased and our development was aimed to be halted. In all times, the Russian state defended its sovereignty and independent development, just as in all times, our country was attempted to be conquered, divided into parts, and plundered of its riches. We succeeded in successfully confronting challenges when the country had a strong ruler and there was unity between power and people. Mikhail Zherebkin – Doctor of Political Science, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Honorary Professor of the Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy of the Crimean Federal University named after V.I. Vernadsky.