Authors

Discussion

"Lessons of Russian Literature: Reckoning Between Extremes" is an interdisciplinary research project that explores the complex interplay between authoritarian and neoliberal forces in contemporary global politics, with a focus on Russia. Drawing on Arjun Appadurai's work on global cultural flows, this project examines how these seemingly opposed ideologies create narratives that influence warfare, nationalism, and societal values.

The study investigates how authoritarian and neoliberal extremes appropriate and reinterpret cultures to construct new realities and maintain power. It then applies this analytical framework to reimagine ideas from selected renowned Russian literary works, including Nekrasov's "Who is Happy in Russia?", Bulgakov's "Heart of a Dog", Dostoevsky's "The Idiot", and Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons". This approach aims to subvert those extremes in the current climate and provide a nuanced understanding of complex geopolitical issues, moving beyond polarised narratives often presented in media discourse.

Methodologically, the project combines literary theory, cultural globalisation theory, and musical composition. The literary works are analysed using discourse analysis, while the globalisation aspects are examined through Appadurai's theory of globalisation. The musical component involves composing pieces inspired by the analysed texts, serving as an artistic interpretation of the research findings.

By reimagining Russian literature through this critical lens, this study seeks to illuminate the disjunctures and contradictions within extreme ideologies. The project aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of global political dynamics and the role of cultural narratives in shaping public discourse.

This research contributes to the fields of Russian studies, comparative literature, and political science by offering a novel approach to understanding the intersection of literature, ideology, and global politics. It also demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary methods in addressing complex sociopolitical issues.