As we watch the tragic fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, experts are trying to unpick exactly how we got here.
Much of this analysis centres on one key question: what drives Russian president Vladimir Putin?
Marlene Laruelle from George Washington University joined the
Religion and Ethics Report to explore the complex politics behind Putin's "culture war".
"Putin sees Russia as a country that was humiliated but is now regaining its power and prestige and recognition," Professor Laruelle says.
Read the full story to understand how culture, religion and politics have shaped the current conflict, and what it could mean for those on the ground.
Closer to home, experts say history is being made in an entirely different way.
Historian Mark M. Smith joined
Life Matters to discuss what he terms a sensory revolution:
the biggest shift in sensory experience since human history began. Professor Smith argues the pandemic has fundamentally rearranged the way we see, hear, smell, touch and taste, and explains how sensory history may play a part.
From the art world,
The Stage Show also looked back in time, featuring
a conversation with actor, musician and director Zindzi Okenyo about exploring racial history and politics on stage.
Hear from Okenyo about how she's tackling
questions of identity, racism, sexuality and class from the perspective of the African diaspora. And you can catch up on all our stories via the
ABC listen app. Enjoy your weekend,
Anna Levy, RN deputy digital editor Enjoy getting Radio National in your inbox? Forward to a friend so they can too!
