History has always unfolded at the crossroads of empires. Nowhere is this more evident than in the complex, often misunderstood relationship between Russia and Europe. This book was born out of a desire to make sense of this intricate geopolitical puzzle, especially at a time when history is not just remembered but reactivated. The past is not behind us — it's alive in today's headlines.

This work combines history, politics, and foresight. It is not intended as a definitive answer, but as a framework for deeper understanding. I invite you, the reader, to question assumptions, revisit narratives, and imagine futures beyond the binaries of East and West.