Eurasian Studies in Russia
The Center for Eurasian Studies 'Ra' (CES) is a research unit residing under the Faculty of History and International Relations. The 'Center', maintained by resources of the Department of Regional Studies and International Relations, Volgograd State University, is the sole educational unit in southwestern Russia specializing in Eurasian (post-Soviet) regional studies. The department has an extensive network of research contacts in Russia, the new independent states (including Kazakhstan, Kirgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine), and other countries (Iran, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA).
* By SERGEY GOLUNOV
The 'Center' is located in the Volgograd region, which is part of the South Volga area (the ancient name of the river Volga is the Ra) and is, from a strategic point of view, uniquely situated at the crossroads of very important communication routes that connect Central Asia, the Caucasus, Ukraine, and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is itself a zone of intensive contacts between different religions (Orthodox, Muslim, and Buddhist civilizations), and different national groups (Russians, including Don Cossacks, Tatars, Kalmykhs, Chechens, Azeris, Armenians, and peoples of Daghestan). Similarly, a good part of the Russian-Kazakh border, which is the sole example of a 'transparent' border between European and Asian, Christian, and Muslim civilizations, is situated in this region.
At present, the above-mentioned contacts are brimming with prospects (including for international and interregional co-operation), but equally contain certain aspects that can create serious problems for regional, national, and even international security. To name but a few of these: illegal migration, contraband drugs and arms, and exacerbation of ethnic tensions.
Thus, the Center's research interests apply to different aspects of political, economic, cultural, and other forms of interaction between subjects and structures (e.g. regional and state authorities; economic, educational, and other organizations; national groups; and individuals) with different backgrounds in regard to civilization, ethnicity, and culture. Special attention will be paid to consequences of this interaction for regional security and co-operation. This does not mean that the geographical limits of the Center's research interests are restricted to the South Volga area. On the contrary, the CES especially encourages interdisciplinary studies that use empirical material about the area for comparative and theoretical studies.
The Center's researchers have extensive experience organizing ethnographic expeditions (M. Ryblova), and ecology monitoring programmes (A. Porokh). At the moment, CES research fellows are involved in three projects supported by grants. These projects are: the 'Religious organizations in the South Volga region in the twentieth century' (O. Red'kina, S. Golunov), 'Ethno-cultural features of the population of Volgograd region', and 'Russia-Kazakhstan borderland: conflict and co-operation' (S.Golunov).
THE CENTER FOR EURASIAN STUDIES 'RA'
Executive Director:
Prof. Alexander I. Kubyshkin, The Department of Regional Studies and International Relations, Volgograd State University, 30, 2-ya Prodolnaya Str, Volgograd, 400062, Russia.
Tel: +7-8442-43-2025
Fax: +7-8442-43-3786
Professor Sergey V. Golunov is Deputy Director of the Center for Eurasian Studies 'Ra', Volgograd, Russia. His research interests include the socio-political processes in Muslim countries of the CIS, the international relations of CIS countries, and new borders between post-Soviet states.
E-mail: sgolunov@mail.ru