Abstract Notion and Idea

The abstract notion of a "West Eastern Emperor" can be interpreted as the enduring idea of a centralised authority governing a vast, multi-ethnic territory spanning Europe and Asia.  This idea has evolved over time, from the Roman and Byzantine emphasis on universal empire and Christianity to the Soviet Union's communist ideology and the Russian Federation's modern-day nationalism.

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In the Science of Abstract Consciousness – there is a transc-geopolitical chart – that deals with the Eurasian landmass.  One of the elements / terms – is the “West-Eastern Emperor.”  "The West Eastern Emperor transc-geopolitical argument, posits that the Empire of Constantine, the Byzantine Empire, the Soviet Union, and now the Russian Federation can be abstractly considered as a continuous polity, rooted in a shared notion and idea. Below is a discussion of this concept, supported by arguments, sources, and references.

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The Concept of a Continuous Polity

The idea of a continuous polity suggests that despite changes in political structures, borders, and ideologies, there is an underlying continuity in governance, culture, and territorial influence.  This concept can be applied to the entities mentioned - Constantine's Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation - as they share historical, geographical, and ideological threads.

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Supporting Arguments

1. Empire of Constantine (Roman Empire)

   • Constantine the Great (306–337 CE) established Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Roman Empire, shifting the center of power eastward.

   • This marked the beginning of a distinct Eastern Roman identity, which later evolved into the Byzantine Empire.

   • Continuity: The Byzantine Empire inherited the administrative, legal, and cultural traditions of the Roman Empire.

 

Sources:

• The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon.

• Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire by Judith Herrin.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Constantine the Great

 

Geographical Map:

• Map of the Roman Empire under Constantine

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1. Byzantine Empire

   • The Byzantine Empire (330–1453 CE) was the direct continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire, with Constantinople as its capital.

   • It preserved Roman law, Greek culture, and Orthodox Christianity, serving as a bridge between antiquity and the medieval world.

   • Continuity: The Byzantine Empire maintained the idea of a universal Christian empire, which later influenced the Russian Tsardom.

 

Sources:

• Byzantium: The Early Centuries by John Julius Norwich.

• The Oxford History of Byzantium edited by Cyril Mango.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Byzantine Empire

 

Geographical Map:

• Map of the Byzantine Empire at its Height

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1. Soviet Union

   • The Soviet Union (1922–1991) emerged as a successor state to the Russian Empire, inheriting its vast territorial expanse and multi-ethnic population.

   • It positioned itself as a global superpower, echoing the imperial ambitions of its predecessors.

   • Continuity: The Soviet Union maintained control over much of the same territory as the Russian Empire and continued to exert influence over Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

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Sources:

• The Soviet Experiment: Russia, the USSR, and the Successor States by Ronald Grigor Suny.

• Russia and the Russians: A History by Geoffrey Hosking.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Soviet Union

 

Geographical Map:

• Map of the Soviet Union

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1. Russian Federation

   • The Russian Federation (1991–present) is the legal successor to the Soviet Union, inheriting its seat on the United Nations Security Council and much of its geopolitical influence.

   • It continues to assert itself as a dominant power in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, echoing the imperial ambitions of its predecessors.

   • Continuity: The Russian Federation has revived the idea of a "Russian World" (Russkiy Mir), emphasizing cultural and historical ties to former Soviet states and the legacy of the Byzantine Empire.

 

Sources:

• The New Russian Nationalism: Imperialism, Ethnicity, and Authoritarianism by Pål Kolstø.

• Putin's Russia: Past Imperfect, Future Uncertain edited by Stephen K. Wegren.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Russian Federation

 

Geographical Map:

• Map of the Russian Federation

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The Concept of a Continuous Polity with Christianity as the Unifying Theme

The idea of a continuous polity can be further refined by focusing on the role of Christianity as both a unifying and divisive force across these empires.  Christianity's evolution—from its adoption as a state religion to its role in shaping cultural identity and political legitimacy -provides a thread connecting these polities.

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Supporting Arguments

1. Empire of Constantine (Roman Empire)

   • Constantine the Great (306–337 CE) legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan (313 CE) and later adopted it as the state religion.

   • Christianity became a unifying force for the Roman Empire, providing a shared religious and cultural identity.

   • Divisions: The early Christian Church faced theological disputes, such as the Arian controversy, which threatened its unity.

 

Sources:

• The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon.

• Christianity and Roman Society by Gillian Clark.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Constantine the Great

 

Geographical Map:

• Map of the Roman Empire under Constantine

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1. Byzantine Empire

   • The Byzantine Empire (330–1453 CE) was deeply intertwined with Orthodox Christianity, which became a cornerstone of its identity.

   • The Byzantine Emperor was seen as God's representative on Earth, and the Church played a central role in governance and culture.

   • Divisions: The Great Schism of 1054 split Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, creating a lasting divide between East and West.

 

Sources:

• Byzantium: The Early Centuries by John Julius Norwich.

• The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity by Timothy Ware.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Byzantine Empire

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Geographical Map:

• Map of the Byzantine Empire at its Height

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1. Soviet Union

   • The Soviet Union (1922–1991) officially promoted atheism and suppressed religious institutions, including the Russian Orthodox Church.

   • Despite this, Christianity persisted underground, and the Church re-emerged as a unifying force during World War II and the post-Soviet era.

   • Divisions: The Soviet policy of religious repression created a divide between the state and the Church, but Christianity remained a cultural and spiritual anchor for many citizens.

 

Sources:

• The Soviet Experiment: Russia, the USSR, and the Successor States by Ronald Grigor Suny.

• Religion and the State in Russia and China by Christopher Marsh.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Soviet Union

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Geographical Map:

• Map of the Soviet Union

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1. Russian Federation

   • The Russian Federation (1991–present) has embraced Orthodox Christianity as a key component of its national identity.

   • The Russian Orthodox Church has regained its prominence, playing a significant role in politics and society.

   • Divisions: The Church's close ties with the state have sparked debates about religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

 

Sources:

• The New Russian Nationalism: Imperialism, Ethnicity, and Authoritarianism by Pål Kolstø.

• Putin's Russia: Past Imperfect, Future Uncertain edited by Stephen K. Wegren.

• Encyclopedia Britannica: Russian Federation

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Geographical Map:

• Map of the Russian Federation

 

Christianity as a Unifying and Divisive Force

Christianity has served as both a unifying and divisive theme across these polities:

• Unifying: It provided a shared cultural and spiritual framework, legitimized rulers, and shaped national identities.

• Divisive: Theological disputes, schisms, and state policies often created internal and external conflicts.

 

The analysis demonstrates how Christianity's progress and divisions have been a unifying theme across the Empire of Constantine, the Byzantine Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation.  Each polity adapted Christianity to its political and cultural context, ensuring its enduring influence despite periods of repression or division.  The sources and maps provided offer further evidence for this interpretation.

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The argument for a continuous polity from Constantine's Empire to the Russian Federation is supported by historical, cultural, and geopolitical continuities.  Each entity inherited and adapted the legacy of its predecessor, maintaining a shared notion of imperial authority and territorial influence. The sources and maps provided offer further evidence for this interpretation.