Hero Projects

Focusing on the ambitious megaprojects undertaken by Russian leaders over the last century, the book explores how these initiatives shaped the nation's identity and power. It highlights the contributions of various groups, including peasants and prisoners, in constructing monumental infrastructure like nuclear power stations and transcontinental railroads. By examining these projects, the author reveals deep continuities in Russian political culture, redefines the concept of empire to include internal colonization, and enriches the discourse on environmental and social history linked to large-scale technology.