Formula of Moscow Imperialism: A Historical-Political Analysis

Core Postulates of Moscow Imperialism

1. The Moscow Czar = Czar of Czars, God’s Representative on Earth
    Since the 15th century, Moscow’s political tradition has been developing the concept of the “Third Rome,” an idea gifted to Moscow by Venice (which, by doing so, awarded Moscow with enmity against its own enemies and a claim to dominance over them). According to this narrative, the ruler of Moscow is the only legitimate successor of the Byzantine and Roman Empires. This idea was reinforced through the titles of the Moscow Czar as the “Czar and Grand Prince of All Rus’” and later the “Emperor of All Russia.” The modern version of this concept manifests in the political sacralization of the head of state, particularly in the figure of Vladimir Putin.
2. Moscow = The Capital of the World, “Navel of the Earth,” Center of the Universe
    In Moscow’s political mythology, its status is believed to surpass that of other capitals, and its role in world history is considered central. This belief is reflected in constant geopolitical revanchism, justified by the perception of Moscow as the “stronghold of traditional values.”
3. Putin = Czar of the Moscow Empire (the only legitimate ruler of the Earth)
    Putin’s political regime exploits the concept of autocratic stability, portraying his leadership as not only legitimate but the only possible option. The official rhetoric claims that only he can ensure a “just” world order.
4. The World = The “Lawful” Property of the Czar of Moscow
    Within this worldview, the sovereignty of other nations is considered unlawful, illegitimate, and temporary — subject to revision in Moscow’s favor. This is expressed in territorial claims and the concept of the “Russian World.”
5. Russia = A Collection of Moscow’s Colonies
    In the imperial model, Russia is not a unitary state but a network of dependent territories, each under different levels of subjugation to Moscow. National republics and regions lack political sovereignty and are viewed merely as resource appendages to the center.
6. The World = Future Russia, Future Colonies of Moscow
    The Kremlin’s expansionist doctrine implies that, ultimately, the entire world should be integrated into Moscow’s political system, which manifests in attempts to undermine democratic institutions globally.
7. Moscow ≠ Russia (Moscow is the Metropolis, Everything Else is Colonies)
    Inside the country, Moscow functions as a center for resource extraction, while all other regions are treated as peripheral. This results in economic disparities and extreme political centralization.
8. The Peoples of Moscow’s Colonies = The Czar’s Property, A Resource Like Oil and Gas
    The political system views the populations of subjugated territories as a resource (slaves) to be exploited ruthlessly. This is evident in forced mobilization, demographic policies, and the suppression of national interests and cultures.
9. Ukraine = A Former (Escaped) Colony of Moscow That Must Be Reclaimed
    In Russian propaganda, Ukraine has never been seen as an independent state. Since the occupation of Kyivan Rus’ by Moscow, a narrative has been crafted denying Ukraine’s existence, instead portraying it as “Little Russia” — a backward, provincial, “lost” part of Greater Russia, the Moscow Empire. Under this narrative, the Ukrainian language, traditions, culture, and religion were either deemed derivatives of Moscow’s or dismissed as entirely artificial. This explains the endless and persistent efforts to reintegrate Ukraine into Moscow’s sphere of influence, as seen in 1918 and repeated in 2014.
10. All Former Colonies of Moscow = Anti-Russia (More Precisely, Anti-Moscow)
     Peoples who have freed themselves from Moscow’s control are perceived as hostile forces whose sovereignty is subject to revision. This explains the aggressive rhetoric toward the Baltic states, Georgia, and other post-Soviet countries. Meanwhile, Moscow refuses to acknowledge that these nations became Anti-Moscow not by choice, but in response to the daily threats to their independence from the Kremlin. Every former colony of Russia understands that as long as Russia exists, their sovereignty remains under threat.
11. Moscow = Anti-World (Originally Anti-Rome)
     The entire Moscow imperial ideology is built on opposing itself to the rest of the world, which is reflected in its anti-Western rhetoric and rejection of international norms. This rhetoric was skillfully imposed on Moscow’s rulers in the late 15th century when the Moscow prince was offered the “Constantinople bride,” a marriage that allegedly granted him the right to the throne of both New and Old Rome. In reality, however, Venice manipulated Moscow into clashing with two of its rivals: the Ottomans (Rum) and Rome.
12. Moscow Wants to Turn the Entire World into One Big Colony → One Big “Russia”
     The Kremlin’s geopolitical strategy is based on the subjugation of all nations, with its ultimate goal being the creation of a global (Orthodox) empire under Moscow’s rule.
13. Putin’s Mission — To Restore Moscow as the World’s Capital
     The foundation of Russia’s foreign policy doctrine is the restoration of Moscow’s dominance, reflected in military campaigns, information warfare, and even the rhetoric of its rulers. They view the world as their personal property, while other world leaders are seen as temporary, insane usurpers who have unlawfully seized power over what rightfully belongs to Moscow.

The formula of Moscow Imperialism is a structured collection of schizophrenic ideas that, according to its own logic, justify Moscow’s expansionist and repressive policies. At its core lies an aspiration to transform the entire world into a replica of modern Russia — a centralized and autocratically governed structure. However, this approach inevitably provokes resistance, forming an Anti-Moscow — a coalition of nations striving for freedom and sovereignty. Thus, while Moscow positions itself as the center of the world, it has, in fact, become its antagonist — Anti-World — standing in opposition to the global security system and international law.