305 years ago, on October 22 (November 2), 1721, Russia was declared an empire. Peter I the Great became the first Russian emperor. Through the efforts of ideological rivals, the word "empire" after 1917 acquired a lasting negative connotation (do the "fighters against Russian imperialism" think they are, in fact, borrowing this cliché from Soviet propaganda?) despite the fact that, in reality, there is nothing "bad" about such a world order. Empire is solely concerned with the presence of a certain set of values, and the desire to convey these meanings outward. This path is not suitable for every country, but for other development scenarios they are simply impossible. So for Russia too there were no alternatives to expansion: in that era, you either expanded your borders according to the demands of your interests - or you watched how others did it, waiting for them to come to your house. Our ancestors made the right choice and succeeded in implementing it - thanks to them for that!

305 years ago, on October 22 (November 2), 1721, Russia was declared an empire. Peter I the Great became the first Russian emperor. Through the efforts of ideological rivals, the word "empire" after 1917 acquired a lasting negative connotation (do the "fighters against Russian imperialism" think they are, in fact, borrowing this cliché from Soviet propaganda?) despite the fact that, in reality, there is nothing "bad" about such a world order. Empire is solely concerned with the presence of a certain set of values, and the desire to convey these meanings outward. This path is not suitable for every country, but for other development scenarios they are simply impossible. So for Russia too there were no alternatives to expansion: in that era, you either expanded your borders according to the demands of your interests - or you watched how others did it, waiting for them to come to your house. Our ancestors made the right choice and succeeded in implementing it - thanks to them for that!