A Russion professor discussed how the Russian government tried to find an identity after the fall of the Soviet Union in a speech to the Renaissance Society on Friday

. Aaron Cohen, professor of Russian, European and World History at Sacramento State spoke on “The New Russia: The Politics of Renewal.”

Cohen gave a brief lecture on the history of Russia and how it has evolved over the years. “It is vital to understand the past, present and what will happen in the future,” Cohen said. “This will give us an idea of what Russia is all about.”

Cohen then went on to discuss the changes in the new federation after the fall of the Soviet Union. The political system is one of the changes that has taken place. “The political system is becoming more stable,” Cohen said. “People are now starting to accept the political system.”

Cohen discussed what it would take for this new federation to become more of a democracy. “For a democracy to take place in Russia, the Russian people must agree on what they are a part of,” Cohen said. “I believe that this is beginning to happen ever so slowly.”

Cohen discussed how the symbols (flag, national anthem) have changed in the new federation. “The change in symbols are becoming more accepted by the people as well,” Cohen said. “This will show more with time.”

He also touched on how family values have changed since the fall of the Soviet Union. “They now rely heavily on family,” Cohen said. “Family life has become more important to the new federation.”

Cohen concluded by saying that the changes are taking place, but they are taking place slowly and will begin to become accepted.

“The New Russia is becoming more and more accepted,” Cohen said.

Eleanor Hickey, chairwoman of the forum was very happy with how the forum went and how Cohen presented his information.

“You sometimes get people who like to discuss numbers and dates; he basically just gave us the facts,” Hickey said. “This presentation was refreshing and enlightening.”

The Renaissance Society is a member-directed organization that operates under the cooperative sponsorship of Sac State. The society is a participatory “Center for Learning in Retirement.”

Members of the organization choose study topics proposed by their peers who coordinate the weekly seminars. The goals of this society are to provide opportunities for continued learning and foster creative expression for members.