The Graduate Initiative in Russian Studies (GIRS) at MIIS hosted two leading experts on Russian foreign and domestic policy on campus last week as part of the Visiting Experts series.
The Visiting Experts series is organized and supported by GIRS. It is directed by Professor Anna Vassilieva and is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Its programming aims to help advanced Russian language students with an interest in Russian politics and society to develop the language and analytical skills and field research experience to become informed policy leaders.
Dr. Pavel Minakir, Director, Economic Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences and one of the leading Russian economists, delivered three lectures in Russian on the Russian economic crisis and Putin’s economic policies. During his visit, Dr. Minakir discussed how plateaus in oil and gas prices have affected the Russia’s domestic economy, as well as the ways in which Russia’s relatively high interest rate affects economic growth, among other topics. He used this analysis to underpin his prognoses for the future of Russia’s economy.
Mr. Michael Kimmage of the US State Department Policy Planning Staff delivered a lecture entitled, “Russian for Policy Makers.” Mr. Kimmage is a Franklin Fellow at the State Department, where he works on issues relating to Eastern Europe and Russia, and he is also an associate professor of history at the Catholic University of America. Mr. Kimmage’s lecture, presented in English, detailed the academic knowledge required today for a professional career in policy relating to Russia. The topic was of great interest to the audience, which was largely made up of advanced Russian language students with an interest in Russian politics and society policy, many of whom are considering careers in government. Following both lectures, students had the opportunity to discuss issues pertinent to their research interests with Dr. Minakir and Mr. Kimmage in individual consultations.
Dr. Minakir and Mr. Kimmage are two of the five lecturers who will visit the MIIS campus this semester through the GIRS program. The Visiting Experts program is a foundational element of the GIRS initiative, alongside three other objectives: a field research trip to the Russian Far East for MIIS and Middlebury students led by Professor Tsuneo Akaha; coordinating and supporting MIIS students in undertaking summer research and internship opportunities in Russia; and translating weekly public opinion polls conducted by the Levada-center from Russian to English. For more information on the list of upcoming experts for this semester and on the Initiative itself, please visit: http://www.miis.edu/academics/researchcenters/russian-studies