Russian Studies in the United States: Past Experience and Today’s Problems

Russian Studies as an established discipline has been continuously evolving for over a century, with American socio-political and area studies delving into various faces of Russian reality. This article delves into the origins of Russian Studies in the United States, its unique methodological characteristics, and offers a periodization framework by the writer, highlighting the developmental phases of the discipline over the past century. It’s worth noting that Russian Studies is an interdisciplinary field of academic endeavor that brings together insights from diverse areas within the social and humanities sciences. The article also addresses the challenge of delineating the subject matter of this discipline and the development of research approaches for studying Russia, particularly within the historical context of the last half of the 20th century. There’s a specific focus on nurturing the growth of academic and expert talent: specialists in Russian Studies and Sovietology. In this regard, the article posits the idea that Soviet Studies carries practical political-ideological and political-technological significance. It has emerged as a pivotal mental force shaping public opinion and influencing the decision-making processes of American elites during the Cold War era. The article concludes by examining the contemporary challenges and prospects facing Russian Studies. It primarily concentrates on the present state of “Russian Studies,” encompassing its theoretical underpinnings, empirical research, and intellectual dimensions. This occurs in the context of the evolving public discourse about Russia within the United States and the significant deterioration of American-Russian relations. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2024.