Nakanune (newspaper)

Nakanune (Накануне, meaning "On the Eve") was a Russian émigré newspaper published in Berlin from 1922 to 1924. It served as a major voice of the Smenovekhovtsy movement, a trend amongst Russian émigrés who believed that the Bolshevik regime would evolve into a more moderate and nationalistic form of government and that cooperation with it was necessary for Russia's revival.

The newspaper was founded by Aleksei Tolstoy, Yuri Klyuchnikov, and others. It attracted contributions from prominent intellectuals and writers who shared the Smenovekhovtsy view, including Nikolai Ustrialov, Sergei Chakhotin, and Ilya Ehrenburg. Nakanune advocated for reconciliation with Soviet Russia, arguing that the revolution had ultimately served the interests of the Russian nation and that émigrés should return and contribute to its development. It also promoted trade and economic ties between Russia and the West.

Nakanune's pro-Soviet stance made it highly controversial among other émigré groups who were staunchly opposed to the Bolsheviks. It was criticized for its perceived support of a totalitarian regime and its betrayal of the White movement. However, its arguments found resonance with some segments of the émigré community who were disillusioned with the prospects of overthrowing the Soviet government.

The newspaper ceased publication in 1924, partly due to financial difficulties and partly due to a shift in Soviet policy towards émigrés. While short-lived, Nakanune played a significant role in shaping the debate surrounding the Soviet Union in the Russian diaspora and in fostering the Smenovekhovtsy ideology.