20 September, 2010 n Issue 3
The ninth Nordic summer school for doctoral students took place in the Åland Islands where the participants could enjoy the charming archipelago while discussing aspects of civil society. The summer school for 2011, entitled "Creativity and Control: Rephrasing Closed Societies”, has also received funding from NordForsk. Read more about the summer school on page 5. Centre of Excellence Programme in Research
Nordic cooperation continues
the Aleksanteri institute was chosen to the second stage
funding for CERES network
T
he Aleksanteri Institute is among the 36 research teams selected by The Board of the Academy of Finland to proceed to the second stage of the Centre of Excellence call. The aim of the CoE, "Choices on Russian Modernisation", is to reach a new definition of the research agenda on Russian modernization, and eventually result in a new paradigm in Russian studies. The Academy Board will make decisions on the units to be selected to the Centre of Excellence programme 2012-2017 in June 2011.
N
ordForsk has granted funding for a threeyear network project entitled "Choices, Resources and Encounters in Russia and other European post-socialist states” (CERES). The Aleksanteri Institute will be coordinating the network, as it did with the previous project, “Northern Europe – from Cold War Division to Restructured Europe” (NERU) in 2007–2009. Partners in the network include the School for Renewable Energy Science in Iceland, Århus University in Denmark, NUPI in Norway and Södertörn University in Sweden. The activities will begin during the autumn semester of 2010.
2
A
l e k s a n t e r i
N
e w s
3/2010
Face of the Month: sanna turoma
J
oseph Brodsky is often depicted as a tragic figure – a Soviet dissident writer who was forced to leave his beloved Leningrad, never to return. Dr Sanna Turoma, postdoctoral researcher at the Aleksanteri Institute, has challenged this approach in her recently released book entitled Brodsky Abroad (The University of Wisconsin Press, 2010). While Brodsky’s case is a tragic one, his career was also one of successful exile, as he was able to find a niche for himself in his new environment. “If Brodsky is analysed solely in the framework of literary exile, a lot is missed out,” says Dr Turoma. “His work should be studied from the perspective of displacement as a larger social and historical question, which relates his writings to the postmodern and postcolonial contexts of the time.” During a period when most Soviet writers could not leave the Soviet Union, Brodsky travelled extensively to places such as Latin America, Istanbul and Venice. “He was not a travel writer but a travelling writer, who commented, for instance, on the left-wing revolutions in Latin America,” Dr Turoma explains. “The authoritative position he assumed toward these countries’ revolutionary attempts was based on his own experience in the Soviet Union. What is particularly interesting is the ironic nostalgia for Europe’s imperial past that emerges throughout Brodsky’s texts; for instance, his nostalgia for the historical period when Mexico was still ruled by the Europeans.” Dr Turoma’s new research project entitled Imperial Space in Late Soviet Russian Culture, which is funded by
Facts about sanna turoma: University of Helsinki Postdoctoral Researcher at the Aleksanteri Institute Expertise: Russian literature, Russian cultural theory, imperial studies, Venice in world literature Recent publications include: Brodsky Abroad: Empire, Tourism, Nostalgia (University of Wisconsin Press, 2010) and Venäläinen kirjallisuushistoria [History of Russian Literature] (forthcoming by Gaudeamus Helsinki University Press) Coordinator of The Aleksanteri Institute Cultural Forum 2010-2011 www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/news/ events/2010/culturalforum.html
the University of Helsinki, examines Russia’s imperial legacies and how they were reflected in the Russian-language cultural practices of the late Soviet period. Among other things, the project will study popular Soviet-era films in order to analyse how geographical territories such as the Caucasus were represented by Soviet Russian authors and film-makers. As Dr Turoma says, “I analyse literature and films which Russia’s present-day political and cultural elites consumed in their youth. The cultural products I include in my research tell us a lot about the worldviews of contemporary Russians, including those in power.” Sanna Turoma has just returned from the Harriman Institute at Columbia University, where she spent the 2009–2010 academic year as a visiting scholar. “I never cease to be impressed by the cultural diversity of New York City. The global academic community at Columbia University is a perfect place to meet not only top American researchers but some of the best Russian scholars as well.” Back at the Aleksanteri Institute, Dr Turoma will be busy with teaching and research as well as Photo:Niina Into guiding the Aleksanteri Institute Cultural Forum. She is also particularly excited about being the co-author and co-editor (together with Dr Kirsti Ekonen) of the first Finnish language history of Russian literature, forthcoming by Gaudeamus Helsinki University Press at the end of 2010. Anna-Maria Salmi The Aleksanteri Institute cultural forum
programme of autumn 2010 n Sep 29: Discussions on Soviet aesthetics Andrey Maidansky: Aesthetic theories of Mihail Lifshits Edward Swiderski: Soviet aesthetics in the Post-Stalinist period n Nov 8: Länsimaisten rationaalisuuskäsitysten kritiikki Vesa Oittinen: Venäjä rationaalisuusteorioiden koetinkivenä? Krista Berglund: Rationalistisen lännen kritiikki nyky-Venäjällä n Dec 13: Russian Culture of Enlightenment Tatjana Artemyeva At 4-6 pm at the Aleksanteri Institute 2nd floor meeting room, Unioninkatu 33. Welcome!
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
A
l e k s a n t e r i
N
e w s
3/2010
3
Seminar news
What has changed in Russia? Two years of Medvedev’s presidency
O
n 2 September, the Aleksanteri Institute held a seminar that explored Dmitry Medvedev’s internal and external policies. The focus was on the following questions: Has anything changed? What is the situation in Russia today, especially compared to the Putin years? How have Russia’s external relations developed during this period? The speakers on the internal politics panel, which was chaired by journalist Susanna Niinivaara, were Bettina Renz (University of Nottingham), Jussi Lassila (Aleksanteri Institute), Kaarina Aitamurto (Aleksanteri Institute) and Edwin Bacon (University of London). The panel emphasised continuity more than change; the characteristics of Russian politics have not changed and civil liberties remain limited. Medvedev’s conservative modernisation policies are in line with trends that had already started during Putin’s presidency. Russian youth and orthodox religion are strong parts of Medvedev’s image. The Internet is the only place where you can find Russian satire of its own politics. The speakers on the external panel were Graeme P. Herd (Geneva Centre for Security Policy), Mikko Pa-
lonkorpi (Aleksanteri Institute), Kadri Liik (International Centre for Defence Studies, Tallinn) and Hanna Smith (Aleksanteri Institute). The chair of the panel was Mikko Kivikoski, Deputy Head of the Unit for Russia at Finnish MFA. The panel saw several issues as weak but positive signs of change. Medvedev’s new European security proposal is the first proactive Russian foreign policy initiative and there are signs that Russia has given greater respect to Baltic states. Russia-US Photo: Laura Päiväpuro reset politics have brought an atmosphere of “business as usual” to external policy. In Russia-Georgia relations, the regional reality has changed significantly since the August 2008 war and will determine relations between the two countries. The conclusion of the seminar was that Russian internal and external politics is more talk than substance. Having said that, talk and words matter more in external policies and, as a result, more change can be detected in that area. Hanna Smith & Katja Koikkalainen
new executive board of the aleksanteri institute
first Vice-rector ulla-maija Forsberg nominated as chair Helsinki Insight Seminar
“M
y first business trip to the Soviet Union was in 1969. If I had to go to Russia now, I’m not sure if I would dare, as such a dreary image of the country is transmitted through the media today.” This is how Stefan Widomski, a veteran of business relations with our eastern neighbour, opened a seminar that focused on everyday safety in Russia. The seminar, entitled “Venäjä uutisten takana: Arjen turvallisuus”, was held on May 27th as part of the ongoing “Helsinki Insight” fund-raising campaign by the University of Helsinki. The aim of the seminar was to shed light on the processes of change in Russia that rarely make the news but have an important impact on everyday safety. The seminar gathered an active audience, keen to discuss the issues presented by Markku Kivinen, Anna-Liisa Heusala, Jarmo Koistinen and Maija Jäppinen from the Aleksanteri Institute. The researchers each had their own approach to the questions of safety, ranging from law and administration to social work and the fiscal situation in Russia. The seminar acted as a launch for a new project on the changing juristic and administrative processes in Russia, entitled Venäjän uudet pelisäännöt: fokuksessa oikeus ja hallinto. Anna-Maria Salmi www.helsinki.fi/insight/venaja
T
he Rector of the Helsinki University has nominated a new board of trustees for the Aleksanteri Institute with a mandate for the period 1.7.2010 - 31.3.2014. Members of the board represent various Finnish universities, research organisations and other institutions. The new board will hold its first meeting on September 27th at the Aleksanteri Institute. For a complete list of board members and their deputies, please see: www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/institute/executive_board.html Upcoming seminars and guest lectures
georgia, media, cold war, philosophy... Seminar on September 23rd: Georgia two years after the August war www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/news/ events/2010/0923_georgia.html
Symposium on September 29th-30th: Philosophy of the Activity Theory www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/news/ events/2010/0929at_symposium.html
Guest Lecture on October 5th: Managing Public Outrage: Power, Scandal, and New Media in Contemporary Russia, by Florian Toepfl www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/ english/news/events/2010/1005toepfl.html
Workshop on November 1st-2nd: New Cold War Research www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/cwrg/activities.htm
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
4
A
l e k s a n t e r i
N
e w s
3/2010
Richard stites memorial seminar
Aleksanteri Conference 2010
the Passion of argument
Conference programme published
n August 2nd and 3rd, some forty scholars from all over Europe and the US gathered in the National Library of Finland to honor the scholarly legacy of Professor Richard Stites, 1931-2010. The Washington-based historian had been a frequent visitor to Finland for over 30 years, and used the Slavonic Collection extensively in his groundbreaking historical research on Russian history and culture. He died in Helsinki on March 7th.
he 10th annual Aleksanteri Conference, entitled “Fuelling the Future? Assessing Russia’s Role in Eurasia’s Energy Complex”, is scheduled to take place on 27–29 October 2010 at the University of Helsinki Main Building. The conference will be opened by the former Prime Minister of Finland, Mr Paavo Lipponen. The other main speakers are Mr James Sherr, Prof. Shinichiro Tabata, Prof. Shoujun Cui, Dr Alexey Gromov and Prof. David Dusseault. The main themes of the conference include: Coordination of Interests in the Energy Sector: Can’t business, institutions and society agree? Energy Industry Specifics: Exploring the structures that govern the hydrocarbon, electricity and alternative industries. Energy Geography: The Energy Trade from regional, state and local perspectives. The Strategic Perspective: Is there such a concept as energy security? Breaking Icons: New Approaches to the study of energy policy.
O
Photo:Esko Rahikainen
The seminar combined excellent scholarly presentations with personal reminiscences of Professor Stites. Speakers included Professor Boris Gasparov of Columbia University, Professor Daniela Steila of Torino University, and Professor Simon Dixon of University College London. The topics ranged from ballet, to music, to contemporary cinema plus many aspects of historiography, all reflecting the broad range of Stites’ research interests over his long career. The seminar’s title originated in a quote from Stites’ last interview, in which he states memorably that “a historian must be an archeologist, a rabbi, a lawyer, and a poet… The historian, like any other writer, should compose, refine, and edit, not only with readers in mind but also in order to express the passion of an argument.” The event was sponsored by The Competence Centre in Russian and Border Studies (EEWD), The University of Eastern Finland, The Aleksanteri Institute, and The Slavonic Collection of the National Library of Finland and culminated in the unveiling of a plaque honoring the memory of Richard Stites in the Slavonic Collection of the National Library. Brendan Humphreys Surveys on cooperation
lack of resources hinders progress
T
he Aleksanteri Institute was commissioned by the Kymenlaakso Regional Council to conduct a preliminary study of the situation regarding regional economic, cultural and social integration development between North-West Russia and South-East Finland, as well as the main prerequisites and impediments. The study, conducted by Taru Korkalainen, found that the biggest problems arose from business itself and the lack of resources. The large number of operators and their mutual competition – as opposed to co-operation – was considered the main problem in the public sector. The structural change in Kymenlaakso was seen as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. The Aleksanteri Institute is also carrying out a survey for the Nordic Council of Ministers on Nordic-Russian cooperation in education and research. The study will be completed by the end of 2010 and will be published at: www.norden.org.
T
The conference programme has been recently published on the conference’s website. Registration for the wider public will open shortly. For further information, please visit http://www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/conference2010. cooperation with saimaa university of applied sciences
studia generalia "Venäjä, Venäjä, Venäjä!"
T
he Aleksanteri Institute is organising a Studia Generalia series in Lappeenranta as the first step of a cooperation agreement between the Institute and Saimaa University of Applied Sciences. The first lecture, given on September 14th by Markku Kivinen, attracted an audience of hund r e d s . - We wish to cooperate with the regions that aim at developing a working relationship with Russia, and provide them with expertise, especially in project management and on the problematics of cooperation between higher education and work life. We see this is as one of the core functions of the university as an institution, stated professor Kivinen. 14.9. Markku Kivinen Venäjä maailmassa 12.10. Meri Kulmala Venäläinen kansalaisyhteiskunta ja naisten asema 9.11. Jarmo Koistinen Venäjän muuttuva oikeus 14.12. Elina Kahla Uskonnon uusi nousu Venäjällä 18.1. Sanna Turoma Venäläinen kirjallisuus 15.2. Markku Kangaspuro Kuka on Venäjän seuraava presidentti? 15.3. Anna-Liisa Heusala Miten Venäjää hallitaan? 2.4. Jussi Lassila Venäläisen nuorison uudet tyylit ja arvot 10.5. Ira Österberg Venäläinen elokuva On Tuesdays at 6 pm, Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Kimpinen campus, Pohjolankatu 23, Lappeenranta
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
A
l e k s a n t e r i
Helsinki SUmmer School 2010
Studying Nationalism
A
ugust, usually a quiet month, was brought to life in 2010 by an international student group interested in one of the strongest ideologies of the past two centuries: nationalism. Researcher Matti Jutila coordinated a course on Contemporary Nationalism around the World for the Helsinki Summer School. The course offered an in-depth presentation of the main research traditions and approaches to the study of nationalism and showed how they can be applied in concrete case studies. The lectures covered a wide area, both in terms of research traditions and geographical coverage. They demonstrated how nationalism affects international politics, global investments and the everyday lives of people around the world.
N
e w s
5
3/2010
In addition to scholars from the Aleksanteri Institute, attendees from other departments of the University of Helsinki shared their expertise on nationalisms in different corners of the world. Professor Ephraim Nimni from the Queen’s University, Belfast was also invited to discuss the Israel-Palestinian conflict. However, the greatest diversity of views came from an active group of 23 students, from countries as diverse as China, Nepal, Germany and the United States. The course received excellent feedback and the Photo:Niina Into Summer School has invited the Institute to organise the course again in the summer of 2011. More information about next year’s courses can be found on the School’s website www.helsinkisummerschool.fi in early 2011. Matti Jutila
Nordic summer school in Åland
The OVET project
Summer school brought together the best experts of civil society studies
Specialists in Russia and Eastern Europe in Working Life
T
he ninth Nordic summer school united doctoral students and prominent experts of the civil society in the Åland Islands on 6–11 June, 2010. During the summer school, which was arranged by the Aleksanteri Institute and the Nordic network and funded by NordForsk, 11 excellent lectures were presented on different aspects of the topic. In addition, doctoral students from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Latvia and Lithuania presented a total of 21 papers. The lecturers, which included Richard Sakwa, Maria Lipman, Lisa McIntosh Sundstrom and Risto Alapuro, provided comments on the lectures. It became clear during the week that there are many different approaches to the subject. Lecturers and doctoral students represented a variety of fields and approaches, from gender and media studies to political science, history and sociology. Nearly all the lectures and workshops touched upon the complex notion of civil society. The concept, which originated from the West, becomes problematic when it is applied to Russia. Besides theoretical ponderings, different kinds of case studies were also presented. Future research training courses could place greater emphasis on the participants’ fieldwork and more thorough discussions on how theories are being applied in practice. As the majority of the participants were not of Finnish origin, particular emphasis was given to the history and position of the Åland Islands. In a way, the islands also serve as an example of a civil society in the Baltic Sea. The venue, with its beautiful cliffs, boundless sea and wild forests, provided a perfect setting for fascinating discussions on civil society among junior and senior researchers, without any of the distractions of the city. Eeva Korteniemi
T
he OVET (Venäjän ja itäisen Euroopan osaajana työmarkkinoilla) project kicks off on 8 October with a panel discussion that will focus on specialists in Russia and Eastern Europe in working life. The same table will feature speakers representing universities, universities of applied sciences, working life and educational administration. The speakers will share their views on the current situation, challenges and the future of expertise on Russian and Eastern European working life. The OVET project supports broad Finnish expertise in Russia and Eastern Europe and strengthens cooperation between employers and institutions of higher education. The project also contributes to the ongoing debate on educational policy. OVET will be implemented from 2010 to 2013 with partial funding from the European Social Fund. The OVET project kick-off seminar, which will be presented in Finnish, will be held on 8 October from 9:30–12:30 at the Main Building, University of Helsinki, Unioninkatu 34, Runeberg Hall. Aleksanteri Alumni
visit to Sanoma Magazines
Aleksanteri Alumni is organising a visit to Sanoma Magazines on Friday, 8 October, 2010, at 2–4 pm in Sanomatalo, Helsinki. The intention is to enhance discussion between the academic and business worlds. During the visit, President and CEO of Sanoma Magazines, Eija Ailasmaa, will speak on the magazine business in Russia and Eastern and Central Europe and researchers of the Aleksanteri Institute’s Success Factors of Magazines in Russia research project will reflect on their findings. Participants are welcome to join the discussion, which will be held in Finnish. Registration for the event will be during week 37. For further information, please visit www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/alumni.
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
6
A
l e k s a n t e r i
N
e w s
3/2010
a two day symposium on stalinism
Visitor's view
STALINISM – WHAT IT WAS ABOUT
Davide torsello on corruption and environmental activism
A
two-day international symposium, held on 3–4 September 2010, discussed methods and different approaches to research on Stalinism. The symposium was organised by the Aleksanteri Institute and featured speakers from six countries. The symposium made it clear that research on Stalinism is lively in various universities. Professor Lennart Samuelson (Stockholm) presented an overall picture of the historiography of the research on Stalinism, evidencing several paradigm changes since the 1930s. Prof. Jutta Scherrer (Paris) focused on Russian history textbooks’ image of the Soviet Union’s Stalinist period which, surprisingly enough, tended to de-ideologize Stalinism and emphasise instead the continuum of Russian history from past to present. Prof. Mikhail Maslovskiy (Nizhnyi Novgorod) analysed Neo-Weberian approaches as a method of historical sociology to connect theory and empirical research. The symposium presented a multifaceted and profound perspective into the topic. It discussed a myriad of themes, ranging from the social preconditions and Hegelian interpretations of Stalinism, through to the history of Tsheka and, finally, to fashion in Stalinist times and Soviet musical culture.
www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/news/ events/ 2010/0903stalinism.htm Excellent opportunity
Erasmus staff training exchange
T
he University of Helsinki offers its staff the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus staff training exchange in order to enhance work placement and cross-cultural experiences. Two members of the Aleksanteri Institute’s administrative staff, Taru Korkalainen and Hanna Peltonen, took this opportunity and visited Freie Universität in Berlin in June 2010. During the exchange they met colleagues from the Institute for East European Studies who are involved in the same kind of issues as the Aleksanteri Institute. In addition to fruitful discussions, plans were also initiated to organise seminars, web courses and visits. There were also discussions of double-degree programmes and online-based MA programmes, both of which are interesting cooperation possibilities for the future. “We are happy to promote this opportunity for other colleagues” said Korkalainen and Peltonen. “After every exchange you have a plenty of new ideas for coming cooperation. Wunderbar!”
M
y current research project deals with the relationship between corruption and environmental activism in Eastern Europe. The research is based on ethnographic data collected in a number of case studies from Eastern European countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria). The case studies are EU structural development projects in the fields of transport (Trans-European Transport Network – TEN-T) and waste disposal. All case studies have three aspects in common: their environmentally harmful character, the creation and consolidation of civil society and environmental protest, and cases of corruption in the planning and implementation of the projects. In the context of the enlarged EU having challenged some common assumptions, such as the low level of civil society in post-socialist countries, the positive impact of transnational transport development projects in the EU and the cultural, national nature of corruption, the study has departed from theoretical engagement with the mainstream debates on environmentalism and corruption. The case studies revealed that environmental protection constitutes the ideological basis upon which civil society is built at the local and translocal levels. However, corruption is often the key issue that contextualises the protest in all the case studies, although there are notable differences. Corruption becomes a common discursive practice when the configurations of power emerging from the interplay between the local, national, and transnational (EU) levels increasingly alienate citizens from political participation, decision-making and even resistance. One of the reasons for this is that the planning, implementation and funding processes of the projects taking place at the EU level allow for a high degree of compartmentalisation of political power in decision-making processes. Tensions manifest particularly when what is decided at the national level does not coincide with the needs and preferences of local (and regional governments). It is within this political struggle that civic movements originate, conveying different messages that range from dissatisfaction with the competence of local government to open denouncement of corruption and violations of territorial and environmental laws. The results of this research will be published in 2011 in a book edited by Ashgate. Davide Torsello Upcoming symposium
philosophy of the activity theory 29–30 September at the Aleksanteri Institute, Unioninkatu 33, Helsinki
Programme and additional information available at: www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/news/ events/2010/0929at_symposium.html
Photo:Taru Korkalainen
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
A
l e k s a n t e r i
aleksanteri Visiting Fellows
three new visitors n Florian Toepfl received his PhD in political science from the University of Passau in Southern Germany in 2009. Since finishing his thesis, he has worked as a Lecturer at the LMU University, Munich and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harriman Institute for Russian Studies at Columbia University, New York. At the Harriman Institute, he coordinated a project on “New Modes of Communication in the Post-Soviet World”, which he plans to continue after his stay in Helsinki. Dr Toepfl’s PhD thesis investigated the transformation of Post-Soviet media systems after 1985. His more recent research has focused on the impact that growing Internet usage has had on Russian politics. Two of Dr Toepfl’s papers, “Scandals on the Russian Internet” and “The Blogs of Russian Governors”, are to be published shortly. Fellowship period: August-October 2010
n Davide Torsello is associate professor of social anthropology at the University of Bergamo, Italy. In 1999 he obtained an MSc in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics and in 2003 he received his PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Halle/ Saale. His main research interests are trust, social net-
N
e w s
3/2010
7
works, corruption and civil society. He has published extensively in academic journals and has written seven books, including (in English): Trust, Property and Social Change in a Southern Slovak Village (Lit Verlag 2003) and Social Networks in Movement: Time, Interaction and Interethnic Spaces in Central Eastern Europe (co-edited with Melinda Pappova, Lilium Aurum 2003). Fellowship period: AugustSeptember 2010
n Daniela Steila is professor of history of philosophy at the University of Turin, Italy. She studied in Turin, Saint Petersburg and Paris and received her PhD at the University of Florence in 1991. Her research interests include interactions between Russian and European philosophies since the 19th century, the quest for “Russian identity” and the history of Russian thought. Photo:Niina Into Among her books are Genesis and Development of Plekhanov’s Theory of Knowledge (Kluwer, 1991) and Scienza e rivoluzione. La recezione dell’empiriocriticismo nella cultura russa (1877–1910) (Le Lettere, 1996). Her current project concerns the role of the history of Russian philosophy within the definition of national identity in Post-Soviet Russia. Fellowship period: August-September 2010
Programme Autumn 2010 7 October Sergey Zhuravlev, Institute of Russian History, Russian Academy of Sciences "AvtoVAZ Car Building Factory in the Times of Transformation (late 1980s-recent time)" 21 October Cristina Rat, “Babes-Bolyai” University Cluj-Napoca "Undeserving Daughters of Hero Mothers: Family policies and poverty in rural Romania"
T
his series of seminars presents ongoing work of the Visiting Fellows of the Aleksanteri Institute.
To find out more about the Visiting Scholars Programme, please see www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/fellowship
4 November Irina Ochirova, Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany "Russia’s foreign policy as a tool of Russia’s modernization" Time: Thursdays, starting at 14:15 Venue: Aleksanteri Institute, Unioninkatu 33, Meeting room 2nd floor
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
8
A
l e k s a n t e r i
N
e w s
edited by Tomi Huttunen and Mikko Ylikangas :
Witnessing Change in Contemporary Russia
W
Edited by Tomi Huttunen and Mikko Ylikangas
Contributors
Witnessing Change in Contemporary Russia presents the results of a multidisciplinary scholarly programme called ‘Russia in Flux’, supported by the Academy of Finland.The volume offers invaluable information about such matters as air pollution in today’s Russia, as well as a survey of the economical, political, social, health care and cultural changes taking place. The book represents and reflects the latest achievements of international Russian studies, based on the experts’ close observations of the radical changes taking place within Russia. Much of the research was conducted in Russia, and some in collaboration with Russian scholars, so the articles collectively represent a synthesis of inside, outside and comparative perspectives. “...important cutting-edge research on Russia by Finnish scholars, many working with Russian scholars, who are actively disseminating their results to various audiences.”
– From the Evaluation Report of the Russia in Flux research programme.
Cover photo by Dmitrii Konradt (St. Petersburg)
Edited by Tomi Huttunen and Mikko Ylikangas
Witnessing Change in Contemporary Russia
Arto Mustajoki Markku Kivinen Hiski Haukkala Vadim Kononenko Katri Pynnöniemi Sinikukka Saari Kari E.O. Alho Eva Liljeblom Benjamin Maury Risto Alapuro Kaarle Nordenstreng Jukka Pietiläinen Tomi Huttunen Pekka Pesonen Elina Hemminki Meri Larivaara Tatiana Dubikaytis Mika Gissler Olga Kuznetsova Anna Rotkirch Katja Kesseli Pauliina Aarva Ilkka Pietilä Markku Tykkyläinen Anna-Maija Matilainen Veli-Matti Kerminen Eija Asmi Sanna Kuokka Miikka Dal Maso Kimmo Teinilä Risto Hillamo Markku Kulmala Bruce Forbes Elina Kaarlejärvi Timo Kumpula Nina Meschtyb Anu Pajunen Florian Stammler Tuula Tuisku
Edited by Tomi Huttunen and Mikko Ylikangas
itnessing Change in Contemporary Russia presents the results of a Witnessing Change in Contemporary Russia multidisciplinary scholarly programme called ‘Russia in Flux’, supported by the Witnessing Change in Contemporary Russia Academy of Finland. The volume offers invaluable information about such matters as air pollution in today’s Russia, as well as a survey of the economical, political, social, health care and cultural changes taking place. The book represents and reflects the latest achievements of international Russian studies, based on the experts’ close observations of the radical changes taking place within Russia. Much of the research was conducted in Russia, and some in collaboration with Russian scholars, so the articles collectively represent a synthesis of inside, outside and comparative perspectives. B38
ISBN 978-952-10-5153-1 ISSN 1455-4828
The Aleksanteri Institute is a national research centre for the study of Russia and East Europe affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Kikimora Series B is a refereed publication series for research results and text books.
“...important cutting-edge research on Russia by Finnish scholars, many working with Russian scholars, who are actively disseminating their results to various audiences.” – From the Evaluation Report of the Russia in Flux research programme Kikimora Publications B 38. ISBN 978-952-10-5153-1. 350 p. 26 EUR + VAT 9% edited by Vesa Oittinen: C=80Y=70
C=85Y=70K=15
Max Weber and Russia
T
Säädä niskan leveys oikeaksi Huom! kannnen ja takakannen puolelle jää 10 mm palkki mustaa
Vesa Oittinen (ed.)
CONTRIBUTORS Hartwig Frank Josephien van Kessel Vladimir Krzhevov Mikhail Maslovskiy Vesa Oittinen Elena Ostrowskaya Gregory Sandstrom Rimma Tangalycheva Larisa Volodina Arthur Zijlstra Evert van der Zweerde
This book is dedicated to the great German sociologist and political economist Max Weber (1864—1920) and his influence on Russian society; a topic which up to now has remained largely under researched. Few people even know that Weber taught himself Russian in order to better examine the social and political problems of the country. However, Russia has since remained at the margins of Weberian sociology for several reasons. Primarily, Weber was regarded as a challenge to Marxism-Leninism in the Soviet Union. Therefore, the authorities did not allow studies into his intellectual heritage. However, following the demise of the Soviet Union, the situation has gradually changed, and many questions have gone unanswered: How well can Western sociological theory describe a country which many consider to be “the Other” in comparison to the West? Are such Weberian core concepts as charisma, rationality, or ideal type applicable to Russian realities? Or what kind of challenge does Russia pose to the “sociological imagination”? This volume contains eleven papers originating from a symposium organized by the Aleksanteri Institute in 2007. The scholars, from Russia, Finland, the Netherlands, Canada and Germany, in turn, discuss various aspects of Weber’s heritage and its relationship to Russia.
Max Weber and Russia
his book is dedicated to the great Vesa Oittinen (ed.) German sociologist and political Max Weber and Russia economist Max Weber (1864—1920) Max Weber and his influence on Russian society; a topic which up to now has remained and largely under researched. Few people Russia know that Weber taught himself Russian in order to better examine the social and political problems of the country, and Russia has since remained at the margins of Weberian sociology for Aleksanteri Series 2/2010 several reasons. Primarily, Weber was regarded as a challenge to MarxismLeninism in the Soviet Union. Therefore, the authorities did not allow studies into his intellectual heritage. However, following the demise of the Soviet Union, the situation has gradually changed, and many questions have gone unanswered: How well can Western sociological theory describe a country which many consider to be “the Other” in comparison to the West? Are such Weberian core concepts as charisma, rationality, or ideal type applicable to Russian realities? Or what kind of challenge does Russia pose to the “sociological imagination”? This volume contains eleven papers originating from a symposium organized by the Aleksanteri Institute in 2007. The scholars, from Russia, Finland, the Netherlands, Canada and Germany, in turn, discuss various aspects of Weber’s heritage and its relationship to Russia. ISBN 978-952-10-5154-8 ISSN 1796-3192
The Aleksanteri Institute is a national research centre for the study of Russia and East Europe affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Aleksanteri Papers is a refereed publication series for research results and textbooks.
Aleksanteri Series 2/2010. ISBN 978-952-10-5154-8.197 p. 20 € + VAT 9 %.
3/2010
Aleksanteri Institute
Finnish Centre for Russian and Eastern European Studies The Aleksanteri Institute is affiliated with the University of Helsinki and operates as a national centre of research, study and expertise pertaining to Russia and Eastern Europe, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. The institute co-ordinates and promotes co-operation and interaction between the academic world, public administration, business life and civil society in Finland and abroad. The Aleksanteri Institute was founded in 1996. It has grown rapidly into a working community of around 50 people, including doctoral students in the Institute’s Graduate School who work at their respective universities. The Institute has a board of trustees that represents the University of Helsinki and other interest groups. The Institute also has an international Advisory Board and is also guided in its various activities by the executive boards of the Master’s programme and of the Graduate School and by an editorial board. Aleksanteri Institute P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33) FI-00014 University of Helsinki
[email protected] Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english Aleksanteri News is published in both electronic and printed format. Download the electronic version at www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/ news/newsletter. The next newsletter will be published in October 2010 Editor: Niina Into Writers: Brendan Humphreys, Niina Into, Matti Jutila, Katja Koikkalainen, Eeva Korteniemi, Anna-Maria Salmi, Hanna Smith, Davide Torsello Layout: Niina Into Join the Aleksanteri Email List to stay informed in between the quarterly Newsletters. More information and instructions at : www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/news/aleksanteri-list.html To receive the newsletter directly to your e-mail, please send an e-mail to
[email protected]
P.O. Box 42 (Unioninkatu 33), FI-00014 University of Helsinki n
[email protected] n Tel. +358 (9) 191 24175 n www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english
