Russian history is the study of the past events and developments that have shaped the nation of Russia, from its early beginnings as a collection of small principalities to its emergence as a powerful empire and later as the Soviet Union and modern-day Russian Federation. This field of research examines a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of Russian society, as well as key events such as wars, revolutions, and reforms. Researchers in this area often explore the influence of leaders, ideologies, and external factors on Russian history, as well as the impact of these historical developments on the country's identity, politics, and international relations.