Russian state
Definition
The Russian state refers to any sovereign nation that has existed on territory belonging to modern-day Russia. This includes various forms such as Kievan Rus', Muscovy, Russian Empire, Soviet Union and today's Russian Federation.
Analogy
Consider this like your favorite TV series that goes through different seasons. Each season represents a different form or era for Russia - Kievan Rus' could be season one (the beginning), Muscovy might be season two (a new direction), and so on until we reach today's Russian Federation (the current season).
Related terms
Kievan Rus': A federation of East Slavic tribes in Europe from late 9th to mid-13th century under reigns of Varangian rulers; considered a predecessor to modern nations like Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Muscovy: A principality in western Russia that emerged in the 14th century as a dominant power in the region and later became the core of the unified Russian state.
Soviet Union: A socialist state spanning Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991; it was a one-party state governed by the Communist Party with Moscow as its capital.
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