What is sociology, and how can it help us understand society, power, class, revolutions, and history? In this episode of Know Time, sociologist Georgi Derluguian joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the foundations of sociology, Soviet history, Russia, the collapse of the USSR, social class, nationalism, revolution, and the forces that shape modern societies. Georgi Derluguian is a sociologist and professor whose work explores historical sociology, the Soviet Union, Russia, the Caucasus, nationalism, social movements, and global political economy. Drawing on history and sociology, he explains how societies change, why states and institutions evolve, and how the Soviet experience continues to shape Russia and the wider world. We discuss: Sociology 101: What exactly is sociology? How societies, institutions and social classes develop Marx, Weber and the origins of modern sociology Understanding the Soviet Union through sociology The Russian Revolution and the Soviet system Why the USSR collapsed Russia after the Soviet collapse Nationalism, class and political power The Caucasus and the legacy of the Soviet Union How historical sociology helps us understand Russia today Georgi Derluguian is a professor of sociology and a scholar of historical sociology, with extensive research on the Soviet Union, Russia, nationalism, social movements and global political economy. Subscribe to Know Time for conversations on history, philosophy, science, politics, culture, society and ideas. Georgi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgi_Derluguian SUPPORT: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/knowtime Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime/support Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ-937lA3_s2g5AxdpKQjVg/join Merch: https://know-time-shop.fourthwall.com/ PODCAST: Anchor: https://anchor.fm/knowtime Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CjRJPktODLDeHavCNDLGA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-time/id1535371851?uo=4 CONNECT: Youtube: Subscribe! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowtimetofly/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/shalajlawania/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/knowtimetofly Twitter (Personal): https://twitter.com/shalajlawania Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowtimetofly Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/knowtimetofly/ Merch: https://know-time-shop.fourthwall.com Blog: http://www.sadisticshalpy.com/ Producer & Host: Shalaj Lawania TIMELINE 0:00 Trailer 1:41 Introduction 2:50 Structure vs. Agency 12:01 The Great Man Theory 28:36 Georgi’s Journey 39:42 The History of Sociology 51:30 Why Did The Soviet Union Collapse? 1:08:18 Do Nations Have A Destiny? 1:15:45 World-Systems Perspective 1:22:11 Bias in Sociology 1:30:36 Lego & Meaning of Life #history #sovietunion #sociology