Ivan the Terrible: Russia’s Bloodthirsty Reformer
An online lecture by Dr. Elena Osokina
Who was Ivan the Terrible, the ruler of the Muscovite state for half a century—merely a bloodthirsty despot or a great reformer? What were the roots of his cruelty? What trajectory of development did he set for Russia? Why does his reign still spark debate in Russian society?
This lecture will trace Ivan’s journey—from his troubled childhood to his role in shaping the Muscovite state, examining him as both a person and a statesman.
About the Speaker
Dr. Elena Osokina is Professor of Russian History at the University of South Carolina. She was born and raised in the Soviet Union and received her Ph.D. from the Department of History at Moscow University.
Leaving behind the studies of Imperial Russia, which was the subject of her first dissertation (defended in Moscow in 1987), she began, with the opening of the Soviet archives, a scholarly journey into the social and economic history of the Stalin era. Her research of the Soviet trade and the black market under Stalin resulted in a defense of a second dissertation (Moscow, 1998), and the production of several books and articles published in Russia, USA, Canada, China, Germany, France, and Italy.
In 2011, she was granted the USC Russell Award for Excellence in Research. She taught Russian history internationally—from the genesis of the East Slavs and the creation of the Russian state to the present.
Connecting with Zoom
This virtual lecture is presented live via Zoom. Registered users will be emailed a link to join this Zoom program. To get started, please download Zoom on your chosen device and explore the Frequently Asked Questions.
This program will be recorded and posted to the museum’s YouTube channel.