Etc Quote by Karl Marx
“Russia is a name usurped by the Muscovites. They are not Slavs; they do not belong to the Indo-Germanic race at all, they are des intrus [intruders], who must be chased back across the Dnieper, etc.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Communist Manifesto, 1848
Marx claims that the term “Russia” was imposed by Muscovy, arguing they are not true Slavs nor part of the Indo‑Germanic peoples, and should be expelled beyond the Dnieper.
In simple terms: Marx argues that Russia is an imposed identity, not native Slavs, and should be removed.
Question the legitimacy of imposed national identities.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political discourse
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports or refutes Marx’s ethnic classification?
- How do modern scholars view Russian ethnic origins?
The claim oversimplifies complex ethnic histories and can fuel xenophobia.