Downing a bottle of Vodka, slurring his words and making a fool of himself, the Russian with a drinking problem is the result of four centuries of a systemic alcohol problem that is by now deeply ingrained within Russian society. More sad than funny, Russias relationship with Vodka is built on a fascinating history of Tsars, peasants, industry, mercantilism, monopoly, population control, oppression, monarchy, authoritarianism, prohibition, communism, ideology and the abuse of addictive substances to create addicts that can be easily controlled and oppressed.
