Quote

In the Russian experience, although the Russian state is oppressive, it is their state, it is part of their fabric, and so the relation between Russian citizens and their state is complicated.

The great drama of Russian history has been between its state and society. Put simply, Russia has always had too much state and not enough society.

The Russians are extreme people: they are generous but crazy at the same time. They always have something to say, and I really like that.

Russia itself is an extremely complex country, and sometimes I feel like all of that comes back to haunt me. I can see why so many Russian writers were so tortured.

We've grown accustomed to injustice in Russia. People are constantly being arrested unlawfully.

The principle of evil in Europe is the enervating spirit of Russian absolutism.

The Russian people have their own cultural code, their own tradition.

Many Russia experts note the deep and sad capacity of the Russian people for suffering.

From being a patriotic myth, the Russian people have become an awful reality.

The Russian people get so insanely close to each other as friends. Their lives are interrelated so much on an everyday basis.