Political Symbols in Russian History

Political Symbols in Russian History is one of the few works that presents an analytical and comprehensive account of Russian history and politics between the years of 988 to 2005. From Kievan Rus to Putin's Russia, this book traces the development, evolution, and impact that political symbols have had on Russian society. By using Eric Vogelin's 'new science of politics' as the human search for order and justice, Dr. Lee Trepanier provides a fresh and unique approach to the studies of political culture and civil society. For those interested in Russian politics and intellectual history, Political Symbols offers the most up-to-date scholarship on such political symbols and social institutions like the Russian Orthodox Church and State. This book presents an innovative approach to understanding symbols in the search for order and justice in Russian history.

Lee Trepanier is Professor of Political Science at Saginaw Valley State University. He lives in the greater Saginaw, Michigan area.

This is a learned and cogent exploration of Russian theological and political order from its Kievan roots into the present. It utilizes the primary sources in an energetic way and grounds the core of its theoretical analysis on the philosophy especially of Eric Voegelin. The argument is complex yet lucid and illuminating at every turn. Dr. Trepanier's book will be of great interest to all students of Russian history, church-state relations, literature, theology and politics. Warmly recommended. -- Ellis Sandoz, Louisiana State University Trepanier presents a weighty challenge to Western liberals, especially positivists. -- Paul D. Steeves The Russian Review, January 2008 This thought-provoking and wide-ranging volume explores the use of political symbols-especially those connected with religion-throughout the entire course of Russian history from the earliest years of Kievan Rus to the postcommunist era... Recommended. CHOICE, March 2008 This interesting exploration of church and state throughout Russian history adds to the growing body of literature on Russian Orthodoxy and civil society. Slavic Review, Winter 2008 The author presents a concise overview of church-state relations in Russia over the last 1,000 years. Europe-Asia Studies, January 2009 Despite the best efforts of the country's leading political figures, social institutions, and intellectuals, Russia has yet to develop a coherent set of political values and symbols around which its society can congeal. In this book, Lee Trepanier does the field a great service by applying Voegelin's thought to the question of how this process has evolved historically and why it has failed so miserably. -- Christopher Marsh, Baylor University Challenging monograph. -- Charles J. Halperin Slavic and East European Journal