Graduate Institute of Russian Studies, NCCU

That's 472 times the size of Taiwan!

How exactly did Russia expand its territory so much?

When it comes to Russia, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is that it has the largest land in the world.

But how did Russia come to possess such a vast territory? And why did Russia expand?

What challenges does it face now that it possesses such a large land?

In this episode of *Why Russia?*,  host Tsui Lin has specially invited guest VLADIMIR ,guiding you through the expansion that began with the Grand Principality of Moscow and how it gradually evolved into the Russia we know today.

Highlights of this episode:

• From ancient to the present, how did theGrand Principality of Moscow lay the foundation for Russia’s  future territory?
•  “Evil Empire”? Why has Russia always continue to expand?
• What is the “Third Rome”? What responsibilities and obligations does it entail?
• During the Age of Discovery, where did Russia make its fortune ?
• Regions? Republics? Why do such distinctions still exist within Russia?
• Ethnic groups are there in Russia? What are their ties—and grievances—with Russia?

Trace the past to understand the present; understand the world through the lens of Russia.

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QITl16SEzS0&t=827s