This teacher resource text and student text are part of a continuing series on current and historical international issues, placing special emphasis on the importance of educating students in their participatory role as citizens. It examines the debate on Russia's identity from a Russian perspective in the areas of economic development, political organization, and foreign policy. At the core of the unit are three distinct directions, or Futures, for Russia in the coming years. Each Future is grounded in a clearly defined philosophy about Russia's place in the world and offers broad guidelines on fundamental public policy issues in Russia. The background reading prepares students to assess Russia's policy choices. Part 1 surveys key periods of change in Russian history, ranging from the reign of Peter the Great to the Mikhail Gorbachev era. Part 2 reviews the momentous changes that have taken place in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union, focusing in particular on new political thinking, economic reform, and Russia's evolving international relations. Includes five- and three-day lesson plans. (BB)