On the development of Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s personality (the childhood, the adolescence, and the university years)

Aim. To identify the main stages of the development and formation of Vladimir Zhirinovsky's character traits and the foundations of his worldview during his childhood, adolescence, and university years.

Methodology. The primary sources used for the study are Zhirinovsky's memoirs, as well as documents dedicated to the biography and political activities of Vladimir Zhirinovsky, discovered by the author of this article in the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History and introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time. The analysis and study of these materials is the primary focus of this study, based on a comparative historical method.

Results: The analysis revealed that it was a difficult childhood and adolescence, filled with hardships, that shaped the future politician's character and determined the foundation of his worldview. This article summarized significant material gleaned from memoirs devoted to this issue. For the first time, a number of documents from the Russian State Archives of Socio-Political History (RGASPI) containing little-known facts and episodes from V.V. Zhirinovsky's biography were brought to light and introduced into scholarly circulation.

Research implications. The historical significance of this research lies in the systematization and classification of these data, which can serve as a basis for further scientific studies of Vladimir Zhirinovsky's biography in his early years. It is crucial to note that this article is the first scientific study of the childhood and youth of this prominent politician and scholar. The practical significance lies in the potential use of these materials in teaching relevant special courses on modern Russian history and political science.

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