WATCH NEXT: THIS explains why Russia starts insane wars kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jJyFnKiJ17zWpps.html The REAL Reason Russian People Deny Reality kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e7tipZh52Mq0fKM.html Putin's Fascist Revolution From Above kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i62Th8qfsp6qkac.html THIS explains why Russia starts insane wars kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jJyFnKiJ17zWpps.html The REAL reason Putin might start a nuclear war kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gN-enJSHvrrDmH0.html How to STOP a nuclear war with Putin kzfaq.info/get/bejne/orpnipd2t52vdqM.html Powerful Tactics Putin's Propaganda Uses To Hook You kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ldBmicpo3rLcZWg.html How a Kremlin coup could topple Putin kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qaqIaNCmnZfMemQ.html The TERRIFYING TRUTH behind Putin's Ukraine invasion kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qOCalJB9tNe5lGw.html I will be discussing and unpacking this brief video on the second channel, Vlad Vexler Clips shortly. There is so much implied or even left off the table in this video - about Russian history, history generally and our current circumstances.

I was a Russian Civilization major in college as the Cold War came to an end. We all felt like Russia was finally going to see democratic times. And while I don’t remember much of my degree today, I will always remember my professor’s words: Russia has been repeating its totalitarian history for 500 years and it’s only a matter of time before that returns again. Seems like that was sage wisdom.

"Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it" (Santayana) But those who do learn from history, are condemned to watch helplessly while those who did not learn from history are repeating it.

As a Finn I know this man fairly well, he was the one who followed Alexander II, the Tsar we know as the ''Good Tsar'' for his encouragement of Finnish nationalism and autonomy. Compared to his predecessor there's little love for him over here, even less for his successor Nicholas II, and his man in Finland, Nikolai Bobrikov. For us, whether it's Peter II burning swathes of our land and his troops pillaging our countryside, or Alexander III or Nicholas II trying to Russify us, it seems that ''Russian Greatness'' always comes at the expense of someone else. Whether it's the Ukrainians, The Poles, or us Finns. Looking at it from this side of the border, Putin's glorification of these leaders is not much better than glorifying a certain art school reject. Ironically all those attempts at Russification resulted in nothing but people here wanting less and less to be a part of the Russian Empire, ideas of Finnish independence were in part born out of frustration towards monarch that was viewed as incompetent, after Gustaf III some Finns were more than willing to become a part of the Russian Empire, Alexander I and his successor Alexander II did everything in their power to NOT alienate the Finnish population, but their successors threw all of that out of the window. So in a way, we have Alexander III to thank, at least partially for our independence. In the same way Alexander III alienated his own subjects, Putin alienates everyone around Russia. Some people say that Empires are built on blood and bones, but the Romans knew how to use the carrot as well as the stick, and that was their secret to success in many ways. Rome took, but what Rome brought was worth far more than what it took, and they knew how to appease a conquered people, well at least the important ones. The Romans were incredibly tolerant towards many religions and cultures going so far as to integrate them to their own, though of course, just like Russia, Rome too had it's share of bad Emperors who at times seemed to forget all about this, and just like today, the results were just what you'd expect, people revolted, wars were fought, the usual stuff. Sometimes it amazes me that history has so much to teach to us, but we seem to learn very little, every other new Emperor seems to take the worst lessons from the past. It's not just that the history of Russia repeats itself, it's more like the history of Empires repeats itself.

As a German I was taught that we can never again allow territorial claims to be made in Europe. Because if you do, history repeats itself and all hell breaks loose. In 2014 I realized that there were still some that had not learned that lesson. So glad my country has learned and is not claiming Kaliningrad again. ♥️🇪🇺

I think it is beautifull how you describe Alexander III in such a loving way and at the same time criticize his political decisions.

Just reread "Fathers and Sons" and it's chilling how contemporary it feels. Russian history seems to repeat itself even more than history in general. I think perhaps Russian leaders seem to be more conscious of Russian history and the desire restore Russia to greatness guides these leaders to repeat the strategies used by former leaders. Some have succeeded, some have failed... All have brought about tremendous suffering. I still have hope that, if we survive, eventually we may actually be able to develop strategies that don't involve raiding our neighbors. It won't happen for a very, very long time but perhaps one day. "History is a nightmare from which I'm trying to awake."

Your material is essential viewing for all of us who have struggled to understand contemporary events i.r.o. Russia and Ukraine. These "bite-size" documentaries are utterly compelling... Thank you for presenting this complex and detailed subject in ways that humble and ignorant observers like me can appreciate - and most importantly - learn from.

as a Georgian, fact that Russia is proud of its USSR past is the reason why Russia is the way it is.

As I understand, Alexander II was a reformer who wanted to grant the serfs a degree of freedom or liberate them altogether. He was murdered anyway. This is what hardened the attitude of his son, Alexander III.

These videos are super interesting to listen to, whether they are 7 minutes or 70 minutes. Have a good evening.

Fortunately for all of us, history never repeats itself - certain patterns of it do.

Linking continued supernatural beliefs with continual war is brave and accurate.

Someone said: History does not repeat itself, but, it does rhyme.

I was born in Saskatchewan which has a very large Ukrainian diaspora and am living in an Eastern Ontario township that has place names like Balaclava, Inkerman, Sebastopol, Raglan etc. The historical consequences of empires expanding and warring and the run on effects of immigration and settlement aren't so far removed. Very interesting presentation Vlad and so much more to read up on. Thank you.

I have really jumped down the rabbit hole here , I can't stop watching ! Slava Ukraine Glory to the hero's!

Thank you for all these great videos that helps understant contemporary political situation.

Alexander III's reign was a disaster in many ways. The russification policy was a survival strategy for the oppressive tsarist regime through which they sought to both unify and distract the Russian public and shield the government from the growing discontent. They did achieve a measure of success, superficially, particularly around the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov in 1913. Still... if they had actually done what both Alexander I and Alexander II had failed to do; introduction of wide ranging liberal reforms including a framework for a constitutional monarchy, the world as we know it would not be as we now know it. This, too, is down to Alexander III because he is the one who 'binned' the constitution his father had already approved in 1881.

Thank you, Vlad. Wishing you all the very best with your fantastic KZfaq endeavours and with your health also. We need you fit and strong to continue with the content!

Superb the way you contrasted Alexander's way of ruling with Putin: A matter of bans vs cruel wars. Thanks for the video.

Excellent as always!! Thank you!!!

Once, an older lady i worked with (we both are russian immigrants) told me i reminded her of Nikolai the 2nd. I knew how he looked, but i didn't know anything else about him at the time. It was almost a decade ago... Later in life, when i got more interested in russian history, i learned about the different Tsars, and now i think that if i had to choose, i would probably go with Alexander the 2nd. He didn't do enough, but at least he allowed SOME things to be done in his name to alleviate some of the suffering of the russian people. Critical steps towards progress. On that imaginary list, Alexander the 3rd is most definitely, one of the last ones. Terrible ruler. Did so much to cut back all the progress that his father has done. So much suffering... This one? Really? It tells so much about this m f's character. You don't really need, nor want, to know anything else about this creature that sits in the kremlin after you hear his example of a good monarch. Disgusting and tragic.

You offer very interesting historical commentary and connections to the present situation. All history seems to repeat itself and humans still never learn from it.

There are few youtube channels that make me hunger for knowledge, and make me feel just a touch more informed after having watched them. I believe this, for me, is the preeminent one. Well done!

Fascinating insight, I shared this far and wide!

5:00 yeah, you focused on the russification of Ukrainians but it's worth to mention that the same policy was applied to the Fins (Finland was a content part of the Empire then, autonomous but with the Russian czar as the head of state) with the result that they wanted out and they did so at the fist opportunity (the Russian civil war).

Languages were banned all across the Russian empire. not just Ukrainian but Lithuanian, Latvian and many more. It was very hard times and the ban was lifted by Nicholas II but not out of kindness of eart but because Russo-Japanese war. Nicholas hoped this way get into the good graces with minoritys across the Russia and lower the civil unrest which was pretty high to begin with thanks to poverty.

This is excellent. Very well done and to the point.

Another fabulous post from Vlad. 😊

0:20 Vladimir Putin (1999 - the sooner the better) Couldn't have said it more briefly and better myself.

Thanks for the history lesson, Vlad!

Excellent presentation. Thanks!

This is officially the best channel on youtube!

Powerful ending. We (as a society and/or individuals) tend to dismiss irrational actors and motives.

I am always happy to see a new video from you Vlad. It means I will learn something, and it usually sends me to do some research. You’ve created a good community here and the comments section is usually excellent!

This should be compulsory viewing for all. Such an insightful series.

Thanks Vlad have just subscribed .Like most concerned world citizens, trying to make sense of what is happening in Ukraine, your posts are helping in that endeavour.

Francis Fukuyama, who penned The End of History, is a great example of a brilliant man, perhaps even a genius, can be very very wrong and blind. (And fwiw, he’s had the humility to eventually admit he got it very wrong.)

Thanks for sheding light on historical precedense that serve as "inspiration" for present, alas, more brutal, reincarnation of russificiation by sword/neocolonialism/fasciscm.

You have a new subscriber ☺️ Love your videos, very educational 👍🏻

Great information, Great video!

Very compelling and informative video. In the age of computers and internet, isn’t it time we stopped fearing and trying to control or eliminate the cultures and speakers of languages other than our first mother tongues? We need multilingual parenting & learning for all, and cultural exchange. 🤞🏼

Great video Vlad! It's hard to understand how Alexander III could develop such a disdain towards anything Ukrainian. It reminds me so much of the hatred shown towards the Jewish people by Germany after World War I. As a weird aside my great grandfather emigrated from Germany to the United States during the 1920's. My Grandfather told me how his father told him Germany had blamed the Jewish people for the economic issues in Germany. During this time Germany was going through hyperinflation which made the currency almost worthless. It's sad how hatred can blind a country and a people and how destructive it can become. Funny enough but my Grandfather is the one who sparked my interest in learning about Russian history! He always enjoyed talking to me about it and that combined with my interest in the Cold War sparked my interest!

Thank you for the greatest info

Thanks for the history lesson!

History and analysis I've not heard from anyone else . Something to think 🤔 about. Thanks.

Thank you for explaining Alexander III's political views - just love history. Please tell us more about his son, the tragic tsar Nicholas.

Great video! Thanks a lot❤

Thank you for a very informative channel. Love your depth of subject matter. Love from Denmark 🇩🇰

I wonder if Putin is jealous of Tsar Alexander 3, because Putin is a physically small man, and Alexander was a huge person. Putin is very insecure about his physical size.

I am a new subscriber after watching you on Jake Broe's podcast. You are a brilliant philosopher who keeps our attention even about things I didn't think I wanted to know more about. Thank you.

Brilliant! Thank you.

Wow incredible. Thank you for educating me today

Fascinating and insightful, as always. Every video you upload is a treat!

I am greedy for more of your analysis! Excellent job.

Thankyou Vlad,best wishes from Australia!

Thank you, Vlad.

Vlad i want to give you a very much thanks for this episode as i am personally very interested in this part of Romanov history. You have a new subscriber! 👍 Ps.Nice rolling Rs by the way, its good 👍

Once again a fascinating, well presented, and relevant video from you, Vlad. Your analyses help me to understand how current political situations are what they are, though sadly they prove the old adage that history repeats itself, it's just the names and countries which change. There must be some way out of this...

Loving the content.

Brilliant, thank you Vlad!

Illuminating , and nuanced, as always. Thanks for providing the rest of us with these insights into Putin's mind.

Still enjoying your historical explanations about Russia/Ukraine early conflicts. Very helpful to try to understand the present war situation in the region ...

Your doing better. Keep up the good work.

Hmm, this tsar, Alexander III implemented forced russification in my country, Poland, which had than a status similar to current status of for example Tatarstan in the RF. His policy fortunately failed in my country as every Russian brutal policy towards my nation. Whats more, he established so-called "Okhrana" - a secret police, which is an ancestor of Che-Ka ->NKVD->KGB->FSB. It isn't a surprise that such a creature as Putin admires tsar Alexander III. The police state, freedomphobia, Russian chauvinism and imperialism, an attempt to create artificial Russians by forcing other nations to be Moscovians/Russians - these are feautures of them both.

Another amazing video. Of how a kindly mujik can enact tyrannical measures. Often as we see it, it never gets old.. Your work continuously challenges any yearnings for the comfort of the notion “moral arch of history” one might have. I thought I had outgrown that yearning long ago, and settled for a more uncertain, contingent view of reality, but find it arising unconsciously every time I see “setbacks” from what I see as a more desirable state. Wishing you health and strength.

instructive, fascinating and scary at the same time...

Thank you, Vlad. Some things I did not know.

Alexander III ordered the construction of a Russian Orthodox cathedral in occupied Warsaw. It was paid for in large part by taxing Polish municipalities and by a land rent on Polish Catholic churches. Among the first acts of independent Poland was the dismantling of that edifice brick-by-brick.

“Muzhik” is a term that was used only for male serfs. Calling Czar “a muzhik” is... inappropriate to say the least.

Thank you so much for what you are teaching me!

Thank you. I appreciate your work, great retrospectives with unique style. cheers.. “History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes” - Mark Twain.

Thanks for touching upon this. I never knew of Putin's admiration for Alexander III, but it comes as little surprise seeing as I recall Putin also liking Pyotr Stolypin. The parallels you are drawing are compelling, thank you.

Thank you for this series. It's really helping me understand what is going on in the Ukraine and in Russia. I thought Putin was afraid of cellphones because Israel assassinated someone that way a long time ago. But your explanation makes much more sense!

Fascinating! Many thanks.

Wonderful video! Just so good. Congratulations.

Just to add a name to your list, Vlad, it seems Putin was extremely affected by Gaddafi's death as well. It is rumored that he spent many days repeatedly watching the video of his death and it was all he could talk about.

Working in the garden all day and now nicely tired I am rewarded by Vlad’s new great video. Thank you for educating us. Best wishes for your health, Vlad. Lots of love.

Mark Twain said " history doesn't repeat itself but it rhymes "

Nice teaching. It is great to watch your videos. So much information, and well connected. The understanding gained is appreciated. Thanks

I feel like this channel is my secret window into Russian thinking.

Although I find this very intersting, I can't help having this feeling that worldwide politics has always been some kind of soap opera

I read that Alexander III used to bend silver coins to show off his strength and entertain guests. It's a nice trick afterall.

Thankyou for helping me understand the days of today through the days of yesterday

The dude never started a war, raised his children with Spartan discipline and lessons of humility, and was always faithful to his wife despite all the opportunities that his power and wealth surely gave him. Just like his son Nicholas II. I admire both of them, based on what I've read - although I don't agree with the authoritarianism of Alexander III.

I like history. And I'm glad I'm learning about Russian History as well as Ukrainian History. And also Alexander's family history and political history. And the events that happen today. Will be tomorrow's history. We all make history. Every single one of us.

very good video !

Thank you Vlad

As usual, VV, you've exactly summarized what makes Putin (and Russia) tick. The clock metaphor is apt, as Russia seems to be winding down, intellectually and morally. The current Russian people aren't the same high-minded, principled people who appear in classic Russian literature.

Thank you so much Vlad!♥️🇺🇸👍

....that's three in a row, and you are pointing to a fourth video (also worth watching) -- you've got marketing and suspense spun as fine silk. Btw, listening to you at 1.75x works best for me...though must stop and rewind for splendid lines. Glad you're feeling better:)

I applaud your channel, you are doing serious work here! I applaud your bravery and honesty! People like you, will make a difference in the long run.

Been waiting on this one for a few months after you teased it. Good work as always, Vlad.

Thanks for the historical review of Alexander III. and the reference to Putin's adoration. Both actually seem to show similar patterns of thought and action.

🙏🕊🌻🔱 Excellent Episode! Ukraine is Strong! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! The World Stands Committed with Ukraine! 🔱🌻🕊🙏

I love your channel. God bless you. ❤️

Wonderful video Vlad! It is not so often that you come across such interesting material. You are correct in saying that History never Ends, Fukuyama was indeed, for the most part, wrong. Hence, Russia, as well as Iran, China even Turkey and India, navigate through History with traditional idea(l)s as a compass. Maybe this the central connection between Tsar Alexander III and Vladimir Putin, a return to autarky both in material and spiritual \ moral, ideological terms.

The "railway incident" has been well disproven countless times - the whole family were in a separate car. Surely Russia's last true Tsar ( "a Russian should never be too civilised !") But what of Nicholai? Alexander frequently publicly and in private cruelly criticised Nicholai, whist allowing the family favourite, Misha, to do what he wanted. Thus, throughout his life as Tsar, Nicholai quietly boiled resentment toward those males around him. From the shouted baying of the "Dred Uncles" to Army & Government - all big men who loomed over Nicky, and bellowed and cajoled. It all begins in childhood. And so it all ended in disaster.

"Nations have always good reasons for being what they are, and the best of all is that they cannot be otherwise."

Glad to see the piano is open again. Do you play any Ukrainian tunes? Always learn something valuable from your podcasts Vlad…..well done.