Nadia Lvov: Russia: Between Asia and Europe

Professor Nadia Lvov will “set the stage” for the cultural struggle unfolding in Russia today.
Russian culture has developed under Byzantine influence, much of which was introduced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, and with the conversion of Slavs to Christianity. As a result of Peter the Great’s reforms at the beginning of the 18th century, Russia made a sharp turn towards western European culture. The mixture of Byzantine and Catholic traditions produced unique works of art, literature, and music. It also influenced politics. Heated debates between slavophiles and pro-westerners brought instability to Russian political life in the beginning of the 20th century and still divide Russian society today. The western European way was chosen by Mikhail Gorbachev when he came to power in 1985; the Byzantine way of a strong Orthodox Church and absolute power was chosen by Vladimir Putin. Future development of Russia will depend on which tradition will win in society.
Nadia Lvov, who came into contact with our Ethical Society through her friendship with Gus Lindquist, was born in Moscow, Russia, the former USSR. In 1996 she immigrated to the US and in 1997 was admitted to NYU Graduate School, Department of Physics. After she obtained her MS in physics she joined the faculty at Essex County College in Newark, NJ, where she is currently teaching physics and astronomy. Nadia Lvov is married and has three daughters. She lives in Congers NY.