Where in the World is Cat?

So, as you all know, I'm back in Moscow. I'd be lying if I said I'm happy to be here. Don't get me wrong, I will be happy to be here in about a month or so. Things are just difficult to get used to, and although this time around I've got a year's experience underneath my belt, it still is frustrating. It's amazing what we take for granted in the United States, or perhaps in the western world in general. For example, efficiency and preparation. Rationalization. Though everybody's drinking Pepsi, wearing Dolce & Gabbana and listening to Madonna, that's about as far as the westernization in Russia has come. Westernization with only half the modernization, and almost no liberization. (Don't get me started on democratization!)

A typical Russian might be offended by this last statement. They might say, "Who says we want to Westernize?". There has been a significant rise in anti-western sentiment here in Russia in the last couple of years, mostly due to the unfulfilled expectations of peristroika and democratization. The problem is, Russian culture (as I see it) is one that almost inherently goes against the grain of Western culture. They imported music, products, foods, pop culture and politics from the West, but no Western ideology or Western mentality. What results is one big mangled mess of double-standards and incomprehensible rules and laws for the Russians to try and salvage a normal life from. A person can easily have a good home feed their children, but I don't see Russians seeking purpose in life like most Westerners do. Even here at MGIMO, what I'm told repeatedly is the most prestigious school in Russia, money drives everything, even for the students. No one is here to change the system, save Russia or to champion a cause they are passionate for. This worries me greatly.

What has happened to Russia? More importantly, what will happen to Russia? Am I just socializing with the wrong people? People here seem to have lost their will to dream and think big, but rather focus on the material things that they now have within their reach. What will it take to get a nation to dream again?

These are just some of the questions that continually motivate me to continue to study, observe and learn this country and its politics. I have many times wanted to throw my hands up in the air and hop on a plane back home, but something in me just can't leave. Russia is infectious. It has left a mark on me, and for whatever reason, I want to leave a mark on Russia.