The SRAS Newsletter
A Resource for Students, Educators, and Anyone Curious about Russia Welcome from SRAS!
By the time you receive the next SRAS Newsletter, Russia will have a newly elected Duma. Russia will elect a new President in March of next year. America will hold elections next November. As we move into this time of change (or potential lack thereof) we have seen a small flurry of reports and studies by the US government and various other sources on Russia's government, military, and foreign relations. We've used this newsletter to bring you a sampling of these, mixed with our own original articles and resources.
2008 will be a particularly fascinating year for study abroad in Russia, allowing students to see what the real effect the elections will have on the country, whether it will become more democratic or more authoritarian. Both directions are entirely plausible, both have been advanced by analysts, and either will have a major impact on US foreign policy, and likely, the US economy. If you have views or material you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact us. To subscribe to this free newsletter, send an email with "Subscribe SRAS" in the subject field to jwilson@sras.org. News and Announcements CCPCR is now collecting data for "Eastern European" and "Other Slavic" languages in addition to the figures it gathers on Russian programs. Professors, please, submit your department information! MLA has announced a nation-wide rise in the number of Russian-language students of 3.9%. Download the full report. American Airlines to start Chicago-Moscow flights in June!  Walking on Ice is a new memoir by Fred Andresen, who ran several successful businesses in Russia after 1991. Fred has been a long-time friend to SRAS and has even contributed to this newsletter before. We recommend his book to anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of Russia.
Soviet-American Relations: The Détente Years, 1969–1972 is a joint documentary publication, collected and compiled by historians from both the U.S. Department of State and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides unprecedented insight into Soviet-American relations during a critical era in the history of the Cold War. Read comments by Secretary Rice on the publication. SRAS Congratulates Olivia Schum, winner of the Charles Braver Language Exploration Grant for Spring, 2008. Olivia will receive 1500 USD to fund her language studies in Russia, which she hopes someday will aid her in finding employment with the US State Department working on US-Russia relations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Обзоры: Learn About Russia and Eurasia through the News | | These news reviews strive to paint an accurate and balanced picture of life in Russia and to deliver information on important events affecting Eurasia that do not receive heavy coverage in the Western news. | | | Putin's "Direct Line"
In his latest marathon Q&A with the Russian public, President Putin focused on social issues. How the News is Reported in Russia
A look at how major channels covered some major events, including the anniversary of the October Revolution and Russia's defeat of England in soccer. Russian Foreign Policy
Several official events have been held in preparation for the upcoming G8 meeting in Germany. Russian Business and Economy
Focus on international business relations and investment, as well as demographics, labor, and xenophobia issues.
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 Is Russia Becoming Our Enemy Again?
(streaming audio)
Six experts on Russia policy recently took on that question in an Oxford-style debate. Three experts argue in favor of the proposition and three argue against. Audio sponsored by NPR. Putin and the Problem of 2008
When Putin announced he would head United Russia's list of candidates running for the state Duma this December, political analysts were sent scrambling for new theories of what Russia will be like in 2008. Why This Cold Peace?
If a lack of recognition of what Russia has to give us has hindered our nations' success in working together, it is not just an ignorance of the talents to be found there. It is an ignorance of the worth of the relationship itself. Russia's Power Ministries (PDF)
This publication by Brian Taylor of Syracuse University gives an in-depth look at who is ruling Russia. He overviews the major government agency, personages, and concepts currently affecting the Russian state - with an emphasis on what this might mean for American interests in Russia. Chief among these concepts are corruption and the Russian populace's inherent lack of trust in the state. Russia on the Eve of National Elections
(Streaming Video - requires Media Player)
Want to know what the US Congress really thinks of Russia? Watch this video on a recent meeting of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. It's long, but interesting - if a bit one-sided and depressing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Understanding Your Russian Visa
This fully updated page from SRAS is designed to help students better understand their visas and the Russia's new registration procedures. Russian Visa Reform and Study Abroad
Russia has recently passed sweeping reforms to its visa regulations which may unexpectedly have positive effects on Russia's educational markets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 America on the Caspian (YouTube broadcast)
Steve LeVine explains his view of why America's policies toward Central Asia and Eastern Europe have been what they historically have been. A shorter version on the same subject is also available, as is Steve LeVine's new book . Russia and Central Asia (PDF)
This issue of the Russian Analytical Digest discusses the relations between Russia and the Central Asian countries. The authors examine the importance of oil and gas to the geopolitical make-up of the region and the impact of natural resources on the Russia-Central Asia relationship. The issue further also analyzes the trade patterns and trade volumes between Russia and the respective countries of the region.  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summer Programs in Russia
SRAS has an updated list of six highly-varied offering across the Russian state. Politics, Economics, Language, and Art are all available. What are you doing this summer?
Faculty-Led Travel in Russia
SRAS has recently updated and slightly expanded this article. Faculty should strongly consider organizing group travel to Russia this summer, which is a fantastic way to boost interest and membership in Russian programs. However, you should start marketing the idea to students before the winter break! SRAS has many more programs. Click here! Hotel Search Engine Feature Added
Our hotel search engine below is your gateway to over a thousand available hotels across Eurasia. Scholarships and Grants for Students and Scholars of Russian Studies
An updated list of all deadlines for current Russia-related scholarship cycles.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olga's Blog: Жаркие экзамены
This month, Olga finishes her description of her examination sessions at Moscow State University. Last month's lesson has also been updated with new grammar exercises focusing on reflexive verbs.
Image of the Month: Lavrov on Missiles
This month's image is actually a video. Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, spoke to reporters (in slow, clear Russian) about Russia's stance on several diplomacy issues with America. With non-simultaneous translation provided, this video should be very interesting for those hoping to learn more about the type of Russian language used in diplomacy. Russian Mini-Lessons Archive
Russian mini-lessons will return next month. For this month, check out our mini-lessons archive, our online testing, and our image of the month archive if you haven't already done so! | 
