The main aim of the study, outlined in the chapter by Zajda, is to explore the intersection between ideology, the state and nation building as described in history textbooks in Russia. He states that Russia, during this period, was in flux as it searched for an authentic Russian past, which ironically was sought in pre-communist Russian history. This led to difficulties in striking a balance between modernity and tradition. The textbooks described, which were written during the period 2001-2010, aimed to enhance a new sense of patriotism and national identity. Zajda begins the chapter by discussing ideology and nation building in Russian history textbooks and how historiography and critical thinking are reflected in them. He then describes the history textbooks in Russia during this period, giving specific examples of some of the topics featured in the textbooks such as Peter the Great, the revolutionary period, the Great Patriotic War, etc. Despite the practice of lauding the collective greatness of the Russian people, these textbooks exalted Russian individuals such as Lenin. The new history textbooks fail to recognize the suffering of the Russian people and the dichotomy of attempting to remain relevant using Western ideals and notions, while still holding on to Communist Russian tendencies.