Although similarities and differences of countries and nationalities have been studied for centuries, the researches reveal that there is still much to explore. Recent studies of American and Russian similarities and contrasts bring light to more conspicuous details and features; some of them may disappoint a curious reader, while others may cheer you up or even amuse.

The researchers Duane Goehner and Yale Richmond conducted a thorough investigation of most noticeable Russian and American differences and similarities and their studies are worthy of, at least, brief overview.

Actually, the similarities between our nations are numerous. Both Russia and America are multi-ethnic and settled by diverse groups, both are great powers and expansionist, continental and wild to a certain degree. People are energetic and inventive, hospitable to visitors from abroad. Both countries are very patriotic.

However, there are a lot more contrasts between America and Russia and it is interesting to view the gaudiest examples.

Both countries are great warriors, but America has always fought wars abroad allowing little or no devastation in the country. Russia sees constant cruelty, wars, devastation and hardships within its borders.

Specific Russian culture has been developed under the influence of European culture as well as under the effect of unstoppable invasions in the country at the early stages of Russian state rise. The ideas of goodness, freedom and honor have European roots, which are the same as in the West.

Early settlers of today’s Russian territory were Vikings and traders from Scandinavia; they established the city-principality of Kiev, the capital of ancient Russia. But Russian blood is a mixture of Slavic, Finnish and Tatar, since in 1234 the Mongols (Tatars) conquered Moscow and Kiev in 1240. Their rule was unlimited despotism and slavery and continued for about 160 years until Moscow liberated from the Tatar yoke in 1480 and the Russian state was born.

In addition, culture and national character traits have been formed under the influence of geography and climate. Compared with West, Russia has a very harsh climate (though locals won’t say so), which is a crucial factor in development such features as moral strength, ability to endure extreme hardship, resistance and cautiousness.

As for geography, Russia is a huge distance from other centers of civilizations and has traditionally been boiled in its own broth. Geography is also responsible for wars on the territory of Russia; Russian lengthy borders have no natural defenses.

Compromise is native to America, but not to Russia. Communal spirit and togetherness are still common to Russians, while Americans are more inclined to individualism and competitiveness. These differences are rooted in the traditional occupation of both countries. Russia has been an agricultural village commune, while America is a recognized business and commercial expert.

An intriguing characteristic of Russian nationals is their pessimism. Americans believe things go well and become disappointed when they don’t; Americans believe in American dream rather than misfortune or bad luck. Russians expect things go poorly and have accustomed to misfortunes and hardships; hence, American habit of smiling all the time is surprising for Russians.

The majority of Russians are always preoccupied with their own troubles. Nevertheless, along with the junction to western culture and values Russians become more optimistic today. Earlier people were not used to setting and achieving personal goals, they just swam with the tide.

The most outstanding difference of Russian people from other nations is their, as people often say, generous and wide Russian soul. Russians’ inner world is brilliantly described in prose and poetry as sensitive, passionate, imaginative, mystic, both stubborn and submissive, cruel, irrational, whole and so on and so forth.

In fact, it is better to read something from Russian literature as to understand the unique integrity of the Russian’s inner world. People, who actually sense authentic Russian culture and follow cultural traditions, are morally rich and virtuous.

Anyway, Russians are not ideal. One of the most widespread drawbacks is unlimited corruption and bribery. This concerns the police, the government, the military, the law, the businessmen, and any other, who is connected with cash and power.

The most surprising thing is that people who are involved in bribery and embezzlement believe it is the only way of living, maintaining their needs and settling down the problems.

In the USA, bribery is not flourishing as in Russia. But I think the British can easily understand Russian passion for bribery since they also enjoy it.

See a very simple example. The negotiations between two businessmen. Americans generally see compromise as the only possible way of doing business. Russians generally see money as the only way of doing business. Sometimes, additional money is needed to turn “No” into “Yes”.

Despite these contrasts between Russians and Americans, Russians admire Americans and always accord them a hearty welcome. Hospitality is a great Russian merit; hospitality is Russian heart.