Russia Revisited

The dissolution of the USSR recast the world balance of power. In the wake of that upheaval, the field of Russian studies is evolving, too. Gone are the preoccupations with Soviet governance and Communism. Taking their place is research on Russia and its uncertain pursuit of new political, economic, and cultural norms.

Those changes, in the real Russia and in academic interpretation, make up the program for the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Davis Center for Russian Studies, on May 1 and 2. Between private dinners featuring senior American and Russian diplomats, the Center will present a day-long series of panel discussions, open to the public, on Saturday, May 2, in Science Center C. Topics include the nature of Russian studies, moderated by Timothy J. Colton, Ph.D. '74, Feldberg professor of government and Russian studies and director of the center; Russia as nation, empire, or region, moderated by Richard Pipes, Ph.D. '50, Baird professor of history emeritus; and a session on applying knowledge (featuring James F. Collins '61, U.S. ambassador to Russia; Chrystia Freeland '90, Moscow bureau chief for the Financial Times; and Craig G. Kennedy '83, Ph.D. '94, an investment banker). For a complete schedule, inquire by e-mail of "griesenb@fas.harvard.edu" or consult the center's website, "www.fas.harvard.edu/~daviscrs/".