The recent discussion on future of Russia got me thinking... if one considers their earlier histories, both Russia and Germany have some uncanny similarities. The predecessors of both were formed out of a variety of small states, princedoms, republics, and whatnot, under VERY loose central authority that, at times, was strengthened temporarily by a particularly successful ruler. In effect, comparing Kievan Rus to Holy Roman Empire of about the same time seems rather apt, in terms of organization (or lack thereof), theoretical authority of Grand Prince of Kiev and that of Holy Roman Emperor (minus religious overtones), and variety of states under the de jure (but not de facto) authority of both.
So, it is not hard to posit a timeline where no single state won the battle for supremacy amongst the Russian statelets, not for a very long time, resulting in what we know as "Russia" being divided into a number of states - Moscow, Novgorod, Pskov, Vladimir-Suzdal, etc etc etc. At the same time, let's presume that a single state won the battle for supremacy in Germany by, let's say, 1500 AD or so. What would be the most likely state(s) to do so? How would history play out with early united Germany, and divided Russia (which may or may not unite at a much later point in history)?
Discuss.
So, it is not hard to posit a timeline where no single state won the battle for supremacy amongst the Russian statelets, not for a very long time, resulting in what we know as "Russia" being divided into a number of states - Moscow, Novgorod, Pskov, Vladimir-Suzdal, etc etc etc. At the same time, let's presume that a single state won the battle for supremacy in Germany by, let's say, 1500 AD or so. What would be the most likely state(s) to do so? How would history play out with early united Germany, and divided Russia (which may or may not unite at a much later point in history)?
Discuss.
