The SRAS Newsletter
A Resource for Students, Educators, and Anyone Curious about Russia Welcome from SRAS!
Russia will face more challenges in 2008 than it has in the last eight years. Gas and oil production, which has long driven the country's growth, is set to plateau this year. With growing inflation at home, and a strengthening rouble and rising labor costs making the Russian economy less competitive abroad, some are predicting an economic slowdown. While the Medvedev-Putin team is almost certain to lead Russia after the next election, whether that team will be harmonious and effective is being hotly debated.
On the other hand, Moscow is the new number one destination for retailers opening new locations in Europe. St. Petersburg is number two. Auto manufacturing will rapidly grow as several new plants, now under construction, come online. Russia's IT market, already worth more than a half-trillion dollars, is set to grow another healthy 20% this year. Agriculture, timber, and commercial fishing could all experience substantial growth if more of the immediately available resources for them are harnessed. What will really happen to Russia's economy and politics? Hard to say - but we'll be following it - as well as delivering lots on Russian culture and the Russian language all this year! 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 5-Day Visa Delay - Plan for Summer Early! The Russian embassy in the US has begun enforcing a policy whereby student visas can only be used to enter Russia five business days after being issued. Add to this that last summer consulates refused to rush-process student visas, and you have a situation whereby students should plan to wait 2-3 weeks for visa processing. Start thinking now about summer study abroad. Deadlines are in March! SRAS Congratulates the Winners of the AATSEEL Book Awards! Click the link for more info and links to buy these great books! ACTFL Announces Student Podcast Contest. The deadline is Feb 15th. Vestnik, the Journal of Russian and Asian Studies is now in its eighth call for papers. Students (undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate) who have written exceptional work within the last year are highly encouraged to submit them for publication! "Borderlines: Russian and East European - Jewish Studies" seeks submissions in history, philosophy, literature, the visual arts, anthropology, and studies that explore the intersections among these fields. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | 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. | Russian Business and Economy
The future of the Russian stock market, Moscow named #1 in retail destinations, and more several new auto plants... the USRCCNE newsletter covers it all.
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 The Medvedev Economy
Russian oil and gas will slow - but the new "hot spots" in growth could well be agriculture and timber. Politics in the Former Soviet Union
Lena Zezulin, born of Russian immigrants, and having followed Soviet and post-Soviet politics all her life, comments on the current state of those politics here. Bright and Dark Sides of Russia (RealAudio)
BBC Radio's "Start the Week" recently broadcast a show that showcases both a major Russian art show in London, contrasted with the controversial closure of British Council offices in Russia. Russia's Year in Review (YouTube)
This twelve-minute video broadcast recaps Russia's year. It is quite thorough, though is from Russia Today television and generally positive towards Russia's roll in events. You may also try this editorial for a darker look at the year. The New Duma (PDF)
Seats are reapportioned, committees formed, and new legislation is being fast-tracked. What does it all mean? Issue five of the PBN "Russia Election Update" explains. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Summer Programs
Our students are painting at the Hermitage, studying Russian in Moscow, exploring Siberia... what are you doing this summer? Study Abroad Probed at 15 Institutions
Study abroad programmes at 15 colleges and universities, including Harvard and Columbia, are being scrutinised by the New York attorney general's office to ensure that business deals are not cheating students. SRAS has many more programs. Click here! Scholarships and Grants
An updated list of current Russia-related scholarship cycles. Professors, Grow Your Program!
SRAS offers help to more and more professors every year who are looking to excite their Russian students by bringing them to the motherland. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Russian Dylan Cover (MySpace Music)
Oxana Mysina is an actress and musician in Moscow. She recently released an interesting, liberally translated, version of Bob Dylan's "Things Have Changed." The tune is bluesy and hip and Oxana's voice is clear and carefully enunciated. We are sure that readers will enjoy it not only for its musical but also pedagogical value. A larger page (all in Russian) can be seen here.
IKEA Does Cyrillic! (YouTube)
This YouTube video of IKEA's latest commercial for advertising its chain's expanding business in Russia gives an amusing rendition of the Russian alphabet, set to music. Those just beginning to learn Russian will also appreciate this handy Guide to Russian Letters from Professor Jules Leven. Президентская афиша - Presidential Poster (JPEG)
The most talked-about election ads are shown in this month's "Image of the Month." Some are based on popular movie posters - with the film title replaced by the words "выборы президента россии" (elections for the president of Russia). True Love - Истинная любовь
Special for Valentine's Day - this month's Russian Mini-Lesson focuses on a few things people might say in Russia as they fall (and stay) in love. | 
