Why does the West keep getting Russia wrong? In this raw and revealing episode of Ideas Have Consequences, Larry Alex Taunton kicks off a new series exploring Russia’s unique history, religious roots, and cultural complexities — with a focus on Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Drawing on his background in European history and Russian studies, Larry breaks down the brutal cycles that have shaped Russia's worldview — from Mongol domination to Orthodox Christianity — and explains why Western attempts to "understand" Russia often fail. This is not the typical mainstream take. It’s a deep dive into how geography, faith, and centuries of hardship forged a nation that defies Western logic — and why that matters now more than ever.