Today's episode of the Anthems podcast dives into the complexities of Russia, both in terms of its vast geography and its tumultuous history. The focus is on the national anthem of the Russian Federation, a piece that has gone through numerous iterations, reflecting the country's shifting political landscape. As the host navigates through Russia's rich cultural identity and the layers of propaganda associated with its anthems, listeners will gain insight into how the country's past informs its present. The episode also touches on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, acknowledging the war's impact on national sentiments while shifting the conversation toward a celebration of Russian music. With a mix of historical context and personal reflections, this episode invites listeners to appreciate the intricacies of Russia's anthem and what it represents for its people today.

I know that you're hearing a lot about Russia. But it's really big on a map and additionally I can't, and won't, hold the citizens all responsible for the things happening. Life is complicated.

Regardless, this has been a complicated episode to write because of the complicated nature of Russian history. Expect more about this folks. Here are my sources:

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2. https://www.theguardian.com/science/across-the-universe/2015/jul/28/pluto-ten-things-we-now-know-about-the-dwarf-planet 
3. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/russia 
4. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/russia/ 
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16. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Religious_Schism_in_the_Russian_Aristocr/tuvVBQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA6&printsec=frontcover 
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20. Ledeneva, Alena V. (1998). Russia's Economy of Favors: Blat, Networking and Informal Exchange. Cambridge Russian, Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies. Cambridge University Press. p. 1. ISBN 0-521-62743-5.
21. https://archive.org/details/shostakovichlife0000fayl/page/138/mode/2up 
22. Shostakovich, Dmitriĭ Dmitrievich (2004). Testimony : the memoirs of Dmitri Shostakovich. Volkov, Solomon. (25th anniversary ed.). New York: Limelight Editions. pp. 261–262. ISBN 9780879109981.
23. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/dec/27/russia.ameliagentleman 
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25. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/22/world/end-soviet-union-text-declaration-mutual-recognition-equal-basis.html 
26. http://militera.lib.ru/memo/russian/mihalkovy_sv_mv/01.html 
27. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Fairy_Tales_and_True_Stories/zfiZAAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Sergey+Mikhalkov+Uncle+Styopa&pg=PA386&printsec=frontcover 
28. John Barron, KGB: The Secret Work of Soviet Secret Agents. New York: Reader's Digest Press, 1974. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1974. New York: Bantam Books, 1974.
29. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shostakovich_and_Stalin/x__ntDIlYGYC?hl=en 
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31. https://archive.org/details/yeltsinrevolutio00aron 
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37. http://www.gov.ru/main/symbols/gsrf4_2.html