But Muscovy was always considered an Asian state by Western Europeans at the time. Moscow is called the "Third Rome" because it was part of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire (located in Turkey) was a culture that was a blend of Graeco-Roman and Middle Eastern influences. According to RUSSIAN author Vladmir Baranovsky Byzantine Empire was an increasingly Asian entity. Even the Eastern Orthodox church is not western in many of its practices. In many ways the enlightement skipped Russia and that era was a core element of the modern west. Yes Russia went through periods of Westernization (Peter the Great) but they never succeeded in making the nation entirely European. There has always been a Turkic and Oriental element in Russian/Ukranian culture. In fact Russian dance and music is derived from many Turkic and Central Asian societies. And as far as success in adopting a Western style government, Russia has not been very successful in that department up until now. Even a few years ago the country was a little less than stable. What do you have to say to that?
I would have to say, with all due respect, that you are wrong on several counts.
First, Muscovy was considered Asian by Western Europeans at the time...what time? Are you referring to the time when Western Europeans thought the East Indies could be reached by sailing across the Atlantic, with nothing in between? Given the geographical knowledge of the world at the time, Russia by way of comparision to Western Europe could indeed be considered Asian and/or exotic but keep in mind that for much of Europe's history, there were only 3 continents even known.
You will have to excuse me as I will respond in greater detail in a day or so.