INVERARAY HISTORY Society launched its new season this month with a thought- provoking lecture titled ‘What does Peter the Great teach us about Vladimir Putin?’ delivered by Air Commodore Andrew Lambert.
Speaking to a well- attended meeting in the Church Hall, Mr Lambert sketched the sweep of Russian history from the Viking influence on early Slavic states through periods of domination by the Mongols, Ottomans and Swedes.
He then focused on Peter I (1682–1725), outlining the Tsar’s long wars with the Ottomans and Sweden, the creation of a Russian navy, and territorial gains in the Baltic formalised by the Treaty of Nystad (1721).
Peter’s tours of Western Europe, and his drive to import European culture, science and technology, were set against his reputation for ruthless autocracy.
Mr Lambert contrasted Peter’s reforming zeal with the leadership style of Vladimir Putin, arguing that while Russia’s current president cites Peter as an inspiration—particularly on the importance of state strength and military power—he does not emulate the Tsar’s openness to European ideas or his programme of internal reform.
The speaker also noted Putin’s admiration for strongman leaders of the 20th century and discussed how historical narratives are used to justify modern policy, including the war in Ukraine.
The talk prompted questions on the durability of Russian central authority, the role of the army in nation-building, and how lessons from Peter’s era are invoked in contemporary politics.
The Society’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 4 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, when Neil Owen will present ‘The Atlantic Convoy System at Oban.’ All are welcome; visitors £5.
