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The World and the West: Russia

British historian Professor Arnold J Toynbee considers how the West interacts with Russia, in his first Reith lecture.

This year's Reith Lecturer is British historian Arnold J Toynbee. The former Director of Studies at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, he is currently the Koraes Professor of History at London University. He considers how Europe interacts with other countries in his Reith Lecture series entitled 'The World and the West'.

In his first lecture entitled 'Russia', Professor Toynbee explores the historic relationship between Russia and the West. He identifies the West's opposition to autocratic regimes as one of the biggest problems, and reflects that political ideologies, such as communism, have strengthened this division. He claims communism is a Christian heresy, and examines how Russia's communist ideals and counter-offensive weapon stance are causing concern in the West.

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 16 Nov 1952 09:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 16 Nov 1952 09:00

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