“Traditional Values” and the 2013 Russian Propaganda Ban
In 1993, the Russian law against sex between men, which had been put into place under Stalin in 1934 and led to the arrest and…
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Examining the Threat of the Azov Movement in Ukraine
The Azov movement has gained in reputation and power, not only in their home country of Ukraine, but across the world. The group, which began…
Renting in Russia: Language, Legalities, and Culture
The word for “landlord” in Russian is actually the same as the word for “host” – . Renting in Russia, whether apartments or rooms, comes…
Russian MiniLessons: Холодная война – The Cold War
The following bilingual Russian MiniLesson is meant to build your vocabulary by providing Russian phrases within English text. Hover over the bold Russian to reveal…
Moscow’s Reopening and COVID Response: A View from the Ground
As of Tuesday, June 23rd, after nearly three months of quarantine measures, Moscow has reopened. The city was able to mobilize phenomenal resources and put…
The Dacha in Modern Russian History and Legislation
The Russian word “дача” is often translated into English as “summer residence” or “cottage,” but the best translation is simply a transliteration to English: “dacha.”…
Russian MiniLessons: Summer Camps for Kids and Related Russian Vocabulary
The following bilingual Russian MiniLesson is meant to build your vocabulary by providing Russian phrases within English text. Hover over the bold Russian to reveal…
A Comparative Look at Coronavirus Responses in Eurasia
The global health crisis has changed life around the world, but in often very different ways in various places. Even countries located close to each…
Karabakh: Youth, War Zones, and Unrecognized Borders
The views expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of GeoHistory or SRAS. This fascinating interview is presented here as documentation of what…
The Logistics of Social Change and Times of Crisis
With quarantine foremost on everyone’s minds, many are asking how current events will change society. Many articles have been published. Yet, very few bother to…
2020 Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly in Side-by-Side Translation
Vladimir Putin’s annual Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly of 2020 may go down in history as one of Russia’s most important. In the address,…
New Diameter Lines of Moscow Metro Open
Moscow’s public transportation system continues to grow and develop at an incredible pace. New “above ground” metro lines are now being developed, which include a…
Svyatoslav Vakarchuk: The Ukrainian Parliament’s Rock Star
Svyatoslav Ivanovich Vakarchuk is best known as the lead singer of Okean Elzy, arguably Ukraine’s most popular and successful rock band. He has long used his…
Climate Fest in Bishkek
On Friday, September 20, 2019, Climate Fest was held. Millions of people around the world gathered together in support of a cleaner environment. Along with…
An Armenian Abroad: Adjusting to Life in St. Petersburg
Studying abroad in Russia as an Armenian American was eye-opening. I am a Russian Studies major that has always been interested in Russian culture and…
Voice of Ukraine: Campaign Platform in English
Voice is a Ukrainian political party established by Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, the lead singer of Okean Elzi, one of the most popular Ukrainian rock bands in…
Volodymyr Zelensky: Comedy and Politics
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky is the current President of Ukraine. He won the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election in a landslide and surprise upset against Petro Poroshonko,…
Volodymyr Zelensky – Campaign Platform in English
In March of 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky did what many thought would be impossible. In the presidential election that month, it looked like Ukraine would see…
Russia’s Communists Celebrate a Birthday… and Possible Succession?
For those following Russia’s domestic political scene, the fairly heavy coverage of Gennady Zyuganov’s 75th birthday should be of interest. Zyuganov is the leader of…
Putin and Pompeo Meet
This issue presents Russian news broadcasts on issues of policy and politics with full transcripts and full side-by-side translations. It is aimed at providing vocabulary…