By Vestnik Kavkaza
Edvard Radzinsky, historian, writer, presented his new book. The novel titled “The Prince” is based on real historic events and devoted to the last decades of the Russian Empire. The book is written as a diary of Alexander II. According to the author, “in his diary the emperor slowly discovers anawful and tragic truth – to save the monarchy, it should be limited.” Edvard Radzinsky worked on the novel for 9 years. However, the book is not only about Alexander II, but also about the author’s view of Russian history.
“Preparations for the revolution began in 1825, the country starts moving. And, unfortunately, Nicholas I and especially Alexander III did a lot for this revolution to happen. Here we look at another tsar - Alexander II. His greatest mistake, these fools do not understand it, was not that he abolished serfdom but the fact that after he initiated the reforms he attempted to reverse them. Because initiating reforms is very dangerous, but reversing them is even more dangerous. In the 19th century Russia could not continue living in serfdom. 23 million people that could be sold, lost in cards in a civilized world. Slavery did not damage the economy, it corrupted souls.”
Under Alexander II, Russia began to extend the Empire’s borders, swallowing up the North Caucasus and Batumi. Victories in the Caucasus War were gained in early years of his reign. The tsar visited the Caucasus three times. And now a possibility of restoration of monument to him is being discussed.
Edvard Radzinsky told Vestnik Kavkaza: “It was necessary to secure the southern border, and the Caucasus was joined to Russia. Whether it was important to join the Caucasus or not, we will realize it in the future. We will realize it in the future because it is a very complicated topic; it is a different world. The worst thing is a possibility that it will turn into a gunpowder room, like it used to be. And it will be dangerous not only for Russia, but also for the Caucasus. There are too many nations; it is a big tower of Babel. What a smart, I would even say, cunning management is needed there to make it stable! Any games are very dangerous there not only for the region, but for the whole country and the whole world because they will turn into a war of religions at once. When games with ideas begin, it is the most dangerous and complicated thing. Ideas are too powerful and influence very strongly on people’s minds, especially ethnic ideas. It is very irresponsible to play these games.”
