AUTHOR

Robin Gillham

Robin is keenly fascinated by Soviet history, especially the period following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the 1980s. He has written two dissertations on the social impact of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and traveled to the abandoned nuclear town of Pripyat and the exclusion zone. He also has a passion for the history of space exploration, photography, and Japanese folklore. He holds a BA in History from Bangor University and an MA in Russian and Post-Soviet Politics from UCL. In his spare time, he explores abandoned Soviet military bases and documents his experiences through his photography.

Education:University College London, 2016MA Russian and Post-Soviet PoliticsBangor University, 2014BA HistoryExpertise:

Soviet Union

Chernobyl

Soviet Space Program

NASA

History of Nuclear Power

Member since: Jul 01, 2021Location: United KingdomPublished posts: 13

Articles by Robin Gillham

The 1999 Apartment Bombings in Russia: History & Unanswered Questions

Collectivization in the USSR: How Did It Work?

Collectivization transformed the Soviet Union from a rural economy into an industrial powerhouse. Explore how this policy worked and the dire consequences it had.

The Real-Life Inspirations Behind Japanese Yōkai Folklore

Yōkai are a key part of Japanese folklore. This article explores how religious practices, mythology, and natural phenomena led to their development.

The Impact of NASA’s Shuttle-Mir Program on Space Exploration

In the 1990s, Russia and the United States worked together on the Shuttle-Mir program. Here’s how it paved the way for space exploration today.

The 8 Must-See Rooms at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met’s rooms and galleries are overflowing with cultural artifacts from around the world. Here are 8 rooms everyone should see when visiting the museum.

Was Chernobyl the Catalyst for the Soviet Union’s Collapse?

Trofim Lysenko: The Controversial Scientist Who Changed the Soviet Union

Trofim Lysenko was one of the most influential figures in Soviet science. Here’s how he rose to prominence and transformed Soviet agriculture.

Joseph Stalin: How Did He Die and What Happened Next?

The Soviet Union: How and Why Did it Fall?

The Soviet Union fell apart on December 31st, 1991. But how and why did it fall? Read on to find out the truth.

The August Coup: The Soviet Plan to Overthrow Gorbachev

Stalin vs Trotsky: The Soviet Union at a Crossroads

Following Lenin's death, Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky fought for control of the Communist Party. How did Stalin ultimately come out on top?

Who Was Joseph Stalin & Why Do We Still Talk About Him?

How did Joseph Stalin, a.k.a. "man of steel", become one of the most influential and infamous figures in modern history? Read on to find out more.