Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and recent diplomatic and military involvement in the Middle East have brought the country back to the forefront of the news. In order to understand Russian policies on Ukraine or the Arab world, we must place them in a long perspective. A look back at their origins will allow us to take a fresh look at the issues referred to as the “great imperial questions” during the tsarist period – the “Eastern question,” the “Ukrainian question,” the “Jewish question,” the “Muslim question” – and get a better grasp on Russia’s current interests outside its borders.