Why we think the Russia is a Type 8 culture

• The Russian Bear. This national symbol represents strength, assertiveness, and resilience.

• The Kremlin. The Kremlin’s role as a fortress symbolizes strength, security, and defense. Its imposing and majestic architecture represents grandeur, power, and an indomitable presence. Its robust walls and strategic positioning reflect a powerful protective structure that safeguards the heart of Russian governance and culture.

• Direct communication. Russians are known for their straightforward communication style. Their candid approach is prevalent in both personal interactions and professional settings, where being blunt and to the point is valued over politeness.

• Strength and resilience. Historically, Russia has faced numerous invasions, harsh climates, and political upheavals. The ability to withstand and overcome these challenges has cultivated a national identity centered around perseverance and fortitude. 

• Authority and leadership. Figures like Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and more recently, Vladimir Putin, exemplify a leadership style where single, authoritarian leaders play a central role. There is a respect for authority and decisive leadership that pervades the culture.

• Patriotism and national pride. Russians exhibit an exceptionally strong sense of patriotism and national pride, indicative of their loyalty to their group and protectiveness over their domain.

• Rebellion and defiance. Russian history is marked by periods of rebellion and defiance against oppressive regimes and external threats. From the Bolshevik Revolution to the resistance against invasions, this rebellious spirit is the resistance to control.

• Russian Military. The Russian military places a strong emphasis on demonstrating power, dominance, and control. This is evident in the large-scale celebrations like the annual Victory Day parade, which showcase Russia's military capabilities out of national pride. The structure of the military is one of centralized command and decisive leadership with greater intensity of concentrated power than most national militaries.

• Double-headed eagle. The Russian coat of arms symbolizes power, sovereignty, and the expansive reach of the nation. It was first adopted as the emblem of the Russian Empire in the 15th century by Tsar Ivan III, symbolizing the unification of the eastern (Byzantine) and western (Holy Roman Empire) influences under a single sovereign rule. It also represents the dual sovereignty of the Russian ruler over both secular and religious matters. This duality underscores the comprehensive and unchallenged power of the tsar and also the current Russian leadership.