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20.12.2007 The First Annual Columbia-Harvard Russia/Eurasia Forum: Does Leadership in Russia Matter? Thursday, 21 February 2008–Friday, 22 February 2008 The Century Association 7 West 43rd Street New York, NY The Harriman Institute at Columbia University and the Davis Center at Harvard University, the country’s two leading centers for the study of Russia and the surrounding area, are launching a joint project to foster in-depth comparative discussion of the region and of the big intellectual issues surrounding it. We aim to consider and debate how best to understand trends in this strategically important region of the world by going beyond conventional wisdom and tired stereotypes that often pass for analysis. The Columbia-Harvard Russia/Eurasia Forum will be a lively annual event. It will bring together a mix of professionals, scholars, and interested citizens, each with their own perspective and experience. Each forum will be organized around a unifying question. The question for the first forum is the extent to which leadership, as opposed to underlying factors and forces, drives events in this part of the world. Do leaders—not only in the realm of politics, but also in business, culture, and grassroots organizations—make difference? Do they make more or less of a difference, and in similar or different ways, than they would in other places, including the United States? This guiding question is especially timely in light of the impending transfer of the Russian presidency from Vladimir Putin to a successor. Should you care? Come to the inaugural Columbia-Harvard Russia/Eurasia Forum on February 21 and 22 and find out for yourself. We will convene on the evening of February 21st for dinner and a debate on our central question and will continue the discussions on February 22nd with a series of panels focused on politics, economics, NGOs/grassroots, and culture and the arts. Registration fees: The registration fee is $1,200 per delegate, which includes dinner on the evening of February 21st, attendance at all sessions of the forum, lunch, coffee breaks, and a reception on February 22nd. A discounted rate of $1,000 is available for registrations received prior to December 15th. A special academic/government rate of $400 is available. Registration information: Please contact Irene Coffman at ibc3@columbia.edu. Hotel accommodations: Hotel accommodations are not included in the conference fee. For out-of-town delegates, a block of rooms at the Club Quarters Hotel in Midtown has been reserved. Upon registration, details on how to book your accommodation with the hotel will be made available. « back to News archive print this page email this page