REECASJACKSON SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL NE STUDIES,W UNIVERSITYSLETTER OF WASHINGTON FALL 2004

Letter from the Director STEPHEN E. HANSON

It is with enormous takes place on the UW campus from sort of undergraduate and graduate pleasure that I am November 18–20. We are very grateful to training will be most effective in produc- able to announce the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, which ing a new generation of Russia specialists; the founding of the is the principal sponsor for the Sympo- how to raise the public’s awareness of, Herbert J. Ellison sium. This meeting of nearly 70 leading and interest in, Russian affairs in the Center for Russian, American and Russian academics, post-Cold War era; and how to approach East European and government leaders, business people and the vexing problem of fundraising for Central Asian community organizers—including many academic and non-academic programs Studies—or, the of the leading figures in Russian studies dealing with Russia in an environment © EMILY SCHUCKMAN © EMILY Ellison Center, for today—is the first major discussion of of budget-cutting. After reviewing the short. This Center honors Professor the future of Russian Studies in the US discussions in Seattle on these and other Emeritus Herb Ellison, a University of since the events of September 11, 2001. subjects, Blair and I will spend the winter Washinton BA and MA and University of We will endeavor to move beyond old writing a “Call to Action” report describ- London PhD, who returned in the late discussions of the pros and cons of ing what we see as the necessary next 1960s to his alma mater to teach and to “Sovietology” to focus on more contem- steps for the future of Russian Studies; build the area studies programs that porary political, economic and intellectual we have been asked to brief the State became the corner-stone of REECAS. issues facing the field. Key topics to be Department on our findings in the spring Due to the incredible generosity of the discussed include: how Russia specialists of 2005. All in all, I cannot think of a Ellison family, along with contributions should relate to government policy- more suitable way to commemorate the from many other friends and supporters makers in both Russia and the US; what continued on page 2 of our program, we have built a new endowment for the study of our region that will ensure funding for our center’s INSIDE THIS ISSUE operations in perpetuity. Moreover, the Ellison Endowment will allow us to hire new staff to increase our outreach to Russian Opinion of the US: Causes and Conclusions ...... 3 local schools, colleges and non-profit REECAS Northwest Conference Call for Papers ...... 6 organizations; to offer new language and REECAS 2003 MA Graduates ...... 6 topical courses; to increase our support The Donald W. Treadgold Papers ...... 7 of graduate students; to augment our Politics as a Power Game: East and West in the Rediscovered Europe ...... 8 inter-national exchange programs and to Baltic Studies Summer Institute ...... 10 pursue other exciting new initiatives. At a Recent Acquisitions for the REECAS Outreach Collection ...... 11 time when public interest in Russia, East Teaching the Economic Development of Central Asia – What Is Europe and Central Asia is higher than There to Learn? ...... 12 at almost any time in the postcommunist 16th Annual Nicholas Poppe Symposium ...... 14 period, the Ellison Center will lead the way in supporting research, training Population Transfers: A Dangerous Trend in Central Asia ...... 15 students and connecting with the com- JSIS Series: Hot Spots in the World ...... 16 munity on issues related to this crucial Application to Study a Less Commonly Taught Language ...... 17 region of the world. REECAS Graduates Participate in US Nonproliferation Effort ...... 18 In order to mark the founding of the Documentary Film Workshop: Teaching Diversity and Cross-Cultural Ellison Center, Blair Ruble of the Kennan Understanding Through Film ...... 19 Institute of Advanced Russian Studies in Remembering Toregeldy Tolubaev ...... 20 Washington, DC and I co-organized “The REECAS NEWS ...... 21 Russian Studies Symposium: Keeping the International Updates 2005 ...... 22 Doors Open in the 21st Century,” which Upcoming REECAS-Related Events ...... 24 REECAS NEWSLETTER continued from page 1 renaming of the REECAS program in Meanwhile, the UW School of Drama has and in cooperation with its Pacific honor of Dr. Ellison, whose lifelong sent three drama students to work this Northwest Center for Global Security, institutional and intellectual commitment year with famous playwright Mark Weil continues to sponsor a series of cutting- to furthering the cause of US-Russian at the Ilkhom Theater in Tashkent. The edge courses on arms control and mutual understanding lies at the very Central Asian Summer Studies Program, nuclear nonproliferation, including a foundation of our program’s vision for directed by the renowned Professor Ilse course taught by visiting Russian the future. Cirtautas, once again offered intensive specialists from Obninsk for the first Along with the wonderful news about the advanced Uzbek in conjunction with a time this winter. Ellison Center, we have much more of Translation Workshop. UW also hosted Our speaker schedule for this year which to be proud as we begin the new the Baltic Summer Studies Institute for includes such well-known figures as Dr. academic year. Our major grant from the the second year running. Due to the Svetlana Broz, Professor Alexei Yurchak, US State Department to build institu- exceptional leadership of Guntis Professor Adam Budnikowski of the tional partnerships between the UW and Smidchens of the Scandinavian Depart- Warsaw School of Economics, Ambassa- several Uzbek institutions of higher ment, everything went smoothly and dor John Fox of the US State Depart- learning to promote the study of com- successfully. In celebration of the 15th ment, Professor Lucan Way of Temple parative religion is entering its second anniversary of the Foundation for University and many others. year. We have established a UW Office Russian-American Economic Coopera- tion (FRAEC), our two organizations In closing, I would like once again to and UW Resource Center in Tashkent thank the REECAS staff—especially (coordinated by UW alumnus Jamal co-sponsored a well-attended speaker series on US-Russian relations, culminat- Associate Director Marta Mikkelsen and Nasafi), which I visited in September. Program Secretary Carrie O’Donoghue Our goal is to develop the Resource ing this fall in lectures by Michael McFaul and Ambassador Jack Matlock. The UW — for their patience, perseverance and Center into a permanent UW Research aplomb. In addition, I would like to Press, with support from REECAS faculty Center. In addition, we have mounted a welcome our impressive incoming group members Michael Biggins and James major book collection drive to make of REECAS MA students, who cover the West, has published a stunning new Western scholarship on Central Asia and entire spectrum of regions and disciplines edition of William Brumfield’s History of comparative religion more accessible in we study. It is truly an honor to work Russian Architecture, as well as Ambassa- Uzbekistan; the books will be delivered with such an outstanding team and I dor Thomas Graham’s Disarmament on the Boeing plane scheduled to be look forward to seeing the Ellison Center Sketches. Finally, the Institute for Global delivered to Tashkent in December. This attain even greater levels of excellence in and Regional Security Studies, directed January, leading administrators of our the years to come. ◆ five Uzbek partners will be visiting by REECAS faculty member Christopher Seattle to discuss ways to consolidate and Jones with generous support from the to deepen our partnership. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Stephen E. Hanson, Director and Program Chair, REECAS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REECAS EMAIL: [email protected] Michael Biggins, Head Librarian 203B Thomson Hall, Box 353650 Marta B. Mikkelsen, Associate Director and Slavic and East European Section, UW Libraries University of Washington Outreach Coordinator Galya Diment, Professor and Chair Seattle, WA 98195-3650 EMAIL: [email protected] Department of Slavic Languages and PHONE: 206-543-4852 Carrie O’Donoghue, Program Secretary Literatures EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] Katarzyna Dziwirek, Associate Professor REECAS on the Internet: Emily Schuckman, Newsletter Editor Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures http://depts.washington.edu/reecas EMAIL: [email protected] James R. Felak, Associate Professor Laura Dean, Outreach and Website Assistant Department of History EMAIL: [email protected] Stephen E. Hanson, REECAS Director and Chair; Associate Professor, Dept. of Political Science Glennys Young, Editor, Treadgold Papers EMAIL: [email protected] Beth Kolko, Associate Professor Department of Technical Communication Anthony Milewski, Managing Editor, Treadgold Papers Judith Thornton, Professor EMAIL: [email protected] Department of Economics

2 REECAS NEWSLETTER Russian Opinion of the US: Causes and Conclusions BY TODD MYERS

During the 2004 US Presidential cam- The primary influences on Russian opinion. That number fell dramatically paign, perhaps one word best defined the political opinion about the United States in March 2003 at the beginning of the Democrats’ approach to foreign policy: are Russia’s internal economic and Iraq war to 28% positive and 68% “respect”. Opponents of President Bush’s political situation. When Russians feel negative. Such a dramatic collapse in the doctrine of preemption highlighted the more confident about their future, they standing of the US in the eyes of Russians nervousness of other countries at the tend to express positive feelings about could only be a result of negative American stance toward those who the United States. Looking at the data, it opinions about the Iraq war. harbor terrorists. In a speech in Seattle becomes clear that international conflicts The second noteworthy item is that outlining the themes of his foreign policy, have only a brief impact on Russian despite that dramatic drop, the Russian John Kerry said he wanted to create “An feelings toward the US and opinion opinion of the United States has largely America that is respected, and not just quickly returns to previous levels. A 1 rebounded just one year later. From a low feared.” Making “respect” the central foreign policy doctrine that places empha- of 28% in March of 2003, it increased to theme of foreign policy doctrine, Kerry sis on approval of the US at a particular 36% only two months later and then and others seem to endorse an Aretha point in time ignores the larger context back up to 47% in March of 2004, when Franklin doctrine as the alternative to of these relations. Further, it may unin- more Russians expressed a favorable the Bush doctrine of willingness to risk tentionally place Russian domestic politics opinion of the US than unfavorable. American image to promote American in a decisive position when developing While opinion of the US has not fully interests. foreign policy strategy. recovered to the level of the summer of This issue is critical to those committed To understand what Russia thinks of the 2002, it has regained much of the support to the study of international relations. United States and why, two sets of data it had lost. Analysts and diplomats must judge when will be examined. By comparing data While the Pew survey is focused prima- it is appropriate to risk relations in order from the Pew Global Attitudes Project rily on foreign opinions about the United to advance American interests. Former and data from the Levada Center in States, the survey did ask if Russians were Secretary of State James Baker wrote in Russia, a clearer picture of Russian satisfied or unsatisfied with the “overall his memoirs about the difficulty he had opinion emerges. 2 situation” in Russia. In the summer of with “clientitis”, where American diplo- 2002, Russians expressed a strongly mats overemphasize the damage certain Pew Global Attitudes Project negative opinion about the overall situa- actions would do to bilateral relations. tion in Russia, with only 20% saying they In the aftermath of the second Iraq War, The Pew Global Attitudes Project is a were satisfied and 71% expressing some argue that the war badly damaged worldwide effort to gauge the opinion of dissatisfaction. The percentage expressing America’s standing in the world. They people across the world about issues of satisfaction jumped to 35% in March of note that while many people around the the day and about the United States. 2003, but has eroded since that time, world expressed favorable opinions of Partnering with local polling firms, Pew falling to 28% and then 26% in March the US after September 11th, America’s creates questions that can be compared of 2004. standing in countries like Russia fell from country to country, year to year. The project was expanded after September Correlating these two graphs, we might dramatically after the Iraq War. Such draw an interesting conclusion: the worse declines led to criticism of Bush adminis- 11th to judge world views about the United States and terrorism. In Russia, Russians feel about themselves, the better tration policies for squandering that they feel about the United States. There good will. As a result, this argument Pew worked with a Russian polling firm, ROMIR, to conduct the survey. is some indication in the survey that this alleges that the United States made it conclusion may make sense. When more difficult to prosecute the war on Four surveys have been conducted in the Russians are asked “From what you know, terror by alienating key allies like Russia, summer of 2002, March and May of 2003 do people from our country who move who might otherwise be sympathetic. and March of 2004.4 The Pew survey to the US have a better life there, a worse Since the war, however, favorable opinion asked Russians if they “Have a very life there or is life neither better nor of the United States in Russia has favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat worse there.” More than half, 53%, increased significantly, rising from a low unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion answer “better”, while only 10% answer of 38% after the invasion to 59% in of the United States?” By combining “worse”. This seems to indicate that a January 2004, before falling to 53% in a favorable and unfavorable answers, two significant element of Russians’ opinions March 2004 poll.3 The number of those things become apparent. First, the of their country is based on its status expressing a negative opinion fell from Russian public appears to be sensitive to relative to other countries. There is a 55% to 36%. What accounts for these world events. In the summer of 2002, the great deal of data, however, that indicates changes so soon after relations seemed total percentage of Russians expressing a this is probably not correct. so strained? positive opinion of the United States was 61%, with 33% expressing a negative In his book The Russian People and continued on page 4

3 REECAS NEWSLETTER continued from page 3 Foreign Policy, William Zimmerman data, we can scrutinize the trends of 1999 to the middle of 2001. In fact, it argues that Russians pay little attention Russian public opinion and influences would make sense to think that Russian to foreign policy. Zimmerman used over time. concerns about American foreign policy public opinion research of the general Examining the data since the last eco- would increase. During that period of public, elites and policymakers in Russia nomic shock in 1998, two trends emerge time, the United States announced that it to measure the feelings of these groups (see Table 1). First, there has been a wide would withdraw from Anti-Ballistic related to foreign policy issues. He notes, range of public opinion about the United Missile Treaty, a move the Russian “Sizable sections of the Russian mass States. Favorable opinion fell to a low of leadership opposed. There seems to be a public turn out to be as ignorant of the 32% in 1999, and then peaked just after threshold of significance that interna- world outside as their American counter- the September 11th attacks in 2001 at tional events need to reach before they parts and foreign policy, narrowly 70%. Second, there are noticeable drops have an impact on Russians’ feelings. construed, plays a small role in their 5 and then rebounds at four points, in To understand the general trends, it lives.” As a result, foreign policy issues 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003.8 Each might be useful to look at the trends in only occasionally capture the attention correlates directly with an international Russian opinion about domestic issues of the public, and only for a very short event associated with the United States: (see Table 2). In the period after the period of time. Using the issue of NATO Kosovo in 1999, September 11th, the economic collapse of 1998, Russian views expansion as a case study, he highlights, Olympics figure skating scandal and about the economic direction were “The 1999 NATO incursion into Kosovo finally the war in Iraq in March of 2003. understandably negative. Since that time, seemed briefly to catch the attention of With three of these events, public there has been a general improvement in Russian mass publics, but by 2000 issues opinion about the United States fell, the Russian view of their economy and involving NATO were probably once sometimes dramatically. However, its future prospects. again not even at the same level as other favorable opinion level quickly returned foreign policy issues.”6 In the end, he asks The political situation is another poten- to the level just prior to the crisis. How tial indicator (see Table 3). Uncertainty whether public opinions about the US can we explain these two trends? are “Largely a product of external factors, about the direction of Russian politics including the policies of the United Additional data indicates that the cause has led many in Russia to support States or the West in general, or whether of the drop and rebound in Russian candidates who promise more stability, they have been driven primarily by public opinion is related to the fact that not only in the economic system, but also considerations internal to Russia.”7 Data foreign crises capture the public’s in the political system. This is evident in from another Russian source demon- attention only for short periods of time. the trend of views about the status of the strates that “internal considerations” As Zimmerman points out, the overall political system. An increasing number appear to be the driving factor in their level of public attention to foreign policy of Russians have rated the political opinion of the US. is relatively low. As a result, public system as “favorable” or “quiet” during opinion about foreign policy and the the past few years, reaching a post-1998 United States is only occasionally based high of 34% in January of 2004. Levada Center Public Opinion Data on a specific judgment about American Combining these polls provides some Perhaps the most respected post-Soviet foreign policy decisions and is likely to interesting results (see Table 4). When public opinion research firm in Russia is be based on some other factor. mapping favorable opinions about the the Levada Center, known as VTsIOM This also sheds light on the second trend: United States with favorable opinions of until late 2003. Its director, Yuri Levada, the general rise and fall of opinion about the Russian economy and the political polls regularly on issues relating to the United States. Examining the data, system, the trends are almost perfectly Russian public opinion. Levada’s data is there are not obvious reasons for a synchronized. Positive feeling about the useful, because he regularly asks the general increase in favorable opinion United States follows almost the same same, or similar, questions. With this toward the United States from the end of trends as positive feelings about Russia’s

General Feelings About US Russia’s Economic Direction

Table 1 Table 2

4 REECAS NEWSLETTER

Current Political Situation Russian Public Opinion Trends

Table 3 Table 4 economic outlook and political situation. Russian respect, it may find itself beholden power the US has on the minds of the The four notable breaks in this trend to Russian domestic politics, over which Russian public are likely to misunder- correspond to the events outlined above. it has little control. This could lead US stand foreign public opinion and to make For those periods of time, the news of foreign policy to miss opportunities to poor decisions based on those false these conflicts appears to overshadow pursue its own interests in the belief that assumptions. Facing such high stakes opinion about the direction of Russia. some action would result in a negative after September 11th, these mistakes The moments when opinion about the reaction. could be extremely costly. ◆ economy and the US diverge highlight For instance, in 2002, some Russian two concepts. Todd Myers received his MA from REECAS experts warned that the US military in 2003. First, as noted above by Zimmerman, presence in Central Asia after the war in Afghanistan would have a negative impact the data seems to back up the fact that 1 Kerry, Sen. John, www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/ Russians focus more on domestic issues on relations. Michael McFaul warned speeches/spc_2004_0527.html (July 18, 2004). He than on foreign policy issues. Unless an that while Putin had approved the US later built on this, making the theme of the Democratic National Convention, “Strong at home, respected exceptional foreign policy event occurs, presence, the American policy could have abroad.” public opinion follows trends relating to negative results on Russian public 2 Baker, James A., III, The Politics of Diplomacy (New the future of the economy and political opinion, putting pressure on Putin to York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995), p. 373. stability. Even when there is a divergence, change the policy. He told Congress: 3 Russiavotes.org, www.russiavotes.org/ world_tre.htm#126, (July 18, 2004). Russian public opinion quickly rebounds, “In making this decision, Putin was following general economic and political 4 All polls can be found at the Pew Research Center for leading elite and public opinion, not the People and the Press, http://people-press.org/. trends. Second, these trends do show that following it. To date, open criticism of 5 Zimmerman, William, The Russian People and Foreign Russians distinguish between general Putin has been limited. After all, Putin Policy: Russian Elite and Mass Perspectives, 1993- Russian economic trends and favorable still enjoys tremendous popularity, 2000 (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2002), feelings about the United States. Although p. 11. making it unwise politically to speak out 6 Zimmerman, p. 213. their level of knowledge of and attention against him. Below the surface, however, to foreign policy events is lower than for 7 Zimmerman, p. 224. there are subtle signs of discontent with 8 Note that as this article went to press, updating the domestic issues, they do pay attention at Putin’s new support for American mili- data through September indicate another drop, likely key points and are confident enough to tary action in Russia’s own backyard.”9 due to the terrorist attacks in Beslan. This dip merits make judgments about those events, even further analysis, but the trend does appear to follow the A backlash, however, never occurred. hypothesis with feeling toward the US improving if that attention quickly fades. immediately after the attack and then falling as feeling Had the United States made perceived about Russia’s economic and political stability fall. Russian public opinion a critical element 9McFaul, Michael, “Hearing on US-Russian Relations: Conclusions of its decision process, ongoing opera- An Assessment,” Testimony before the US House of tions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban Representatives Committee on International Analysis of Russian public opinion data Relations Subcommittee on Europe, February 27, indicates that the primary influences on might have been hampered. 2002, www.ceip.org/files/Publications/ Russian opinion of the US are Russian McFaul022702testimony.asp?from= pubauthor This is not to say that the US should be (July 18, 2004). domestic political and economic dismissive of Russian public opinion. circumstances. Opinion of the US seems Even Putin has shown that he is respon- to deviate from that trend only during sive to public opinion and the US must significant international crises. This consider its effects when making signifi- conclusion demonstrates the risks of cant policy decisions. To elevate “respect”, overemphasizing Russian public opinion however, to a position of primacy when when making foreign policy decisions. making those decisions is inappropriate. If the US places emphasis on earning Decision-makers who overemphasize the

5 REECAS NEWSLETTER

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Eleventh Annual Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies Northwest Conference SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2005 REED COLLEGE, PORTLAND, OREGON

We are currently soliciting papers, panels or roundtable If you would like to present at the conference, please reply presentations for this one-day interdisciplinary conference. via e-mail or regular mail by Friday, January 14, 2005 Proposals from faculty, graduate students and members of with your name and contact information, a paper title and the general public are all welcome. brief abstract to: Contributions are encouraged on literature, the fine arts, Marta B. Mikkelsen, Associate Director and Outreach Coordinator the environment, post-Soviet foreign policy, historical Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies Center research, economics, national identity or any other relevant The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies subjects. Papers related to the theme “Politics and Culture Box 353650, Thomson Hall, University of Washington in the Post-Communist World” are especially welcome. Seattle, Washington 98195-3650, USA Tel: (206) 685-3113 Small travel stipends may be available to graduate E-mail: [email protected] students and faculty traveling from the Pacific Northwest. Carpooling from UW will also be arranged.

REECAS 2004: MA GRADUATES AND THESIS TITLES

Mina Kirilov The Transition of Balkan Bulgarian Airlines: Emily Schuckman Human Trafficking and the Potential for Privatization and Bankruptcy Grassroots Activism: The Russian Far East and Asia Gustav Brown The Rise and Fall of Multinational Nationalism in Socialist Yugoslavia Nicholas Butler Past Legacies, Future Desires: Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the Russian Presidency A. Mahin Karim The Politicization of Islam in Central Asia: and the Future of Russia A Case Study Approach Jonathan Carver Triumph of Self: Memory and Meaning in Mariana Markova Life Histories in Russia in Late Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia Post-Soviet Period Sabrina Deasy Children Left Behind: The Policy and Law of James Myers Administrative Resource and Democratic Child Homelessness in Post-Soviet Russia Creativity: The 2003/2004 Russian Federal Election Campaigns Douglas Dyer Imagining the Russia-Ukraine Border in “Motherland” Russia and Nationalizing Anna Kolesnikova Chinese Expansion to the Russian Far East Ukraine, 1990–2004 as Covered by the Local and Central Press

6 REECAS NEWSLETTER

The Donald W. Treadgold Papers In Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies new! no. 40: Modernization through Resistance: War, Mir, Tsar and Law in the World of the Pre-Reform Russian Peasantry (2004) – Hugh D. Hudson, Jr., ($7.50) no. 41: Back to the Front: Russian Interests in the New Eastern Europe (2004) – Janusz Bugajski ($7.50) no. 42: Iconography, Power and Expertise in Imperial Russia (2004) – Andrew Jenks ($7.50) forthcoming! no. 43: The Legacy of Tolstoy: Alexandra Tolstoy and the Soviet Regime in the 1920s (2005) – Robert Croskey selected back issues no. 14: Nation, State and Economy in Central Asia: Does Atatürk Provide a Model? (1997) – Paul Kubicek ($6.50) no. 19: Ethnic Cleansing in Twentieth-Century Europe (1998) – Norman Naimark ($6.50) no. 20: Nationalism, Populism and Other Threats to Liberal Democracy in Post-Communist Europe (1999) – Vladimir Tismaneanu ($6.50) no. 21: The Formation of Post-Soviet International Politics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (1999) – Rafis Abazov ($6.50) no. 22: The Serb Lobby in the United Kingdom (1999) – Carol Hodge ($7.50) no. 27: Eastern Europe and the Natural Law Tradition (2000) – Sabrina P. Ramet ($7.50) no. 28: Local Self-Government and the State in Modern Russia (2001) – Thomas E. Porter and John F. Young ($7.50) no. 31: Military Threats and Threat Assessment in Russia’s New Defense Doctrine and Security Concept (2001) – Stephen Blank ($7.50) no. 32: Nationalism, Culture and Religion in Croatia since 1990 (2001) – Vjeran Pavlakovic, editor ($7.50) no. 33: Russian Policy toward the Middle East since the Collapse of the Soviet Union: The Yeltsin Legacy and the Challenge for Putin (2001) – Robert O. Freedman ($7.50) no. 34: Statistical Falsification in the Soviet Union: A Comparative Study of Projections, Biases and Trust (2001) – Mark Tauger ($7.50) no. 35: The Land Question in Ukraine and Russia (2002) – Stephen K. Wegren ($7.50) no. 36: Russian Regionalism: The Economic Dimension (2002) – Steven Rosefielde, Shinichiro Tabata, Akira Uegaki and Sadayoshi Ohtsu ($7.50) no. 37: Regionalism in Russia’s Foreign Policy in the 1990s: A Case of “Reversed Anarchy” (2003) – Mikhail Alexseev ($7.50) no. 38: Macedonia’s Child–Grandfathers: The Transnational Politics of Memory, Exile and Return, 1948–1998 (2003) – Keith S. Brown ($7.50) no. 39: ‘Great Russians’ and ‘Little Russians’: Russian-Ukrainian Relations and Perceptions in Historical Perspective (2003) – Andreas Kappeler ($7.50)

Prices are as marked. Please add $1.00 for international orders, 8.8% tax for WA state residents. A ten-issue subscription is available for $65 ($75 for international orders). Orders and subscriptions should be directed to: Managing Editor, The Donald W. Treadgold Papers in Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, Box 353650, Seattle, WA 98195-3650. Tel: 206-221-6348, Fax: 206-685-0668, E-mail: [email protected]. Submissions are welcomed. For submission information, contact Glennys Young, Editor, at the above address.

Excerpts of the Treadgold Papers are available at our website: http://depts.washington.edu/reecas/dwt/dwt.htm

7 REECAS NEWSLETTER Politics as a Power Game: East and West in the Rediscovered Europe BY RIMAS ZILINSKAS

In its transition from a Soviet republic East European countries faced this mately resigned just before signing this into a European democracy, Lithuania choice: join Western Europe or remain treaty several months later. On national claims a number of firsts: the first to under Russia’s influence. The pro- television, he said that such a suicidal break from the USSR, the first to bring Western nature of Baltic nationalism agreement would devastate the the party of former communists back to could at least partially explain why Lithuanian economy. The Conservative power and the first to sign border treaties European Union (EU) integration and party that had pushed the deal was angry, with Russia. Recently, it was also the first national self-determination are not seen and Paksas was removed from the party. to impeach its President. And perhaps as conflicting. In the EU, Lithuania But President Adamkus, seeing that more shocking — Lithuania will likely be submits itself to the rules of an emerging Paksas was gaining popular support, the first to give control of its parliament multicultural European political bloc asked him to join him as an adviser. to a political party created and led by a and sacrifices part of its economic and Influenced by Adamkus’ office, Paksas Russian-born businessman whose interests political independence because of this became the leader of another party, the and affiliations remain an enigma. One internalized need to see itself as Western. Liberals, and helped them to win votes in could legitimately ask: how could all of municipalities and in Parliament. After It seemed obvious that alliance with the this happen? the Parliamentary election, and pressure West would make Lithuania politically from Adamkus, Paksas formed a coalition For almost 100 years, two major tradi- and economically more secure. But with the party of Social Liberals and tions have defined Lithuanian national recently these hopes were devastated by once again became a prime minister. This culture. The first one views the country an unethical government alliance with coalition was Adamkus’ attempt to as part of the West, in constant danger of some American firms. The Conservative prevent Social Democrats and former Russia’s imperialist appetite. The second party sold shares and the manager’s President Brazauskas from forming a claims that Lithuania’s geopolitical rights of Lithuania’s oil refinery to an majority. Because of Paksas’ ambitions situation makes her constantly synthesize American investor — Williams Interna- and personality, the coalition did not last Western and Eastern cultural and tional. The company lobbied for and long. He had to resign again. Paksas was economic influences. Placing Lithuania received an incredible, secret deal — kicked out of the Liberal party and at the crossroads of the European empires Lithuania would bear all losses and created the party of Liberal Democrats. is deeply rooted in Lithuanian political provide stable transportation costs, while With this party, he ran for president in an discourse. For example, former President Williams obtained the right to veto any extremely aggressive campaign against Valdas Adamkus’ adviser Darius Kuolys construction on the shores of the Baltic Adamkus. Coincidentally, Williams sold has a radio show called “Between East Sea, among other things. It was a highly all of its shares around the same time to a and West”, which discusses the problems political decision to sell the oil company Russian company with which previous of transition toward more desirable to Americans, and not to Russians. Lithuanian governments had not wanted Western thinking. Former head of the Adamkus, who had spent most of his life to do business. The Conservative party Lithuanian parliament Vytautas in the US, openly supported this deal. was marginalized due to the scandalous Landsbergis has openly stated, “The more However, shortly before signing the sale and Adamkus’s popularity declined. America there will be in Europe, the less treaties, the scandalous details of the Likewise, the stability of Lithuania’s Russia there will be.” And state radio secret deal were leaked, and the Conser- political system was devastated. station begins every day with the greet- vative government was forced to resign. ing: “Good morning, Europe”. At that moment, Russian capital entered Adamkus Lithuanian politics. Paksas, who suppos- Indeed, if belonging to the West seems announced edly had no chance of winning the natural to Lithuanian intellectuals, their another election, managed to do so with the Western counterparts tend to complicate candidate for support of Russian businessman, Yuri the problem. They offer a revisionist prime minister, Borisov. This was a shameful victory: a approach towards early 20th century East Rolandas former Soviet general had given Paksas European national awakenings. Robert Paksas, who one million Litas (US $330,000) and had Young, in his book Postcolonialism, was to com- practically orchestrated his campaign declared that the Baltic fight for political plete contract with the best political advisors from independence of that time was a conse- negotiations Russia. Some sources claim he actually quence of the anti-Russian, anti-socialist with Williams. gave much more money, part of which politics of Germany. But can such revi- Paksas, also of Rolandas Paksas came from Russian oil companies. sionist logic be applied to the situation the Conserva- in Lithuania today? tive party, reported progress on changing Adamkus had not expected a strong rival, After the collapse of the Communist bloc, the pre-negotiated contract, but ulti- and realized too late in the campaign that

8 REECAS NEWSLETTER his chances of winning were minimal. He The impeachment process transformed mechanisms of impeachment. That intensified his campaign, accumulated Lithuanian political life entirely. Incred- defense proved weak and ineffective. huge debt and still lost. Paksas used ible alliances were created, eternal Paksas was found guilty of three types of Russian and Lithuanian public relations enemies united in their attempts to infractions. First, he violated the companies to destabilize the country. defend Lithuania against Paksas. It was Constitution by giving Lithuanian For example, his team paid for an entire hard to imagine: the leader of National citizenship to his financial supporter, newspaper issue on the last day of the Awakening Landsbergis quoted the Borisov. Although he initially surren- campaign, which announced that the former Communist leader Brazauskas, as dered his Lithuanian citizenship to biggest commercial bank in Lithuania if they were the closest political allies. The obtain Russian citizenship, Borisov later was going Conservative party begged Brazauskas wanted his Lithuanian citizenship back. bankrupt. to run for the presidency, if Paksas were Paksas illegally gave it to him. Second, he He also used impeached. United against Paksas, former violated the Constitution by divulging to Borisov’s political enemies encouraged each other Borisov that the SSD was recording his helicopter to to make every possible step to save phone conversations. Third, his team of fly to almost Lithuania from the influences of Russian advisors exceeded their constitutional every town, capital and Russian politics. They claimed powers by trying to influence the privati- promising to to be united in defending Lithuanian zation of a construction company. These restore “order” democracy, and, ironically, the country actions were declared unconstitutional to a country from its own citizens. “Only if we defend by the Constitutional Court; more than with a “corrupt Lithuania from its own voters, will two thirds of the parliament voted for political sys- democracy be achieved,” stated one of impeachment. tem”. The the leaders of the Conservative party. Valdus Adamkus Paksas was banned by the Constitutional people believed The impeachment of the President — Court from running in any elections ever him, but the press openly hated him. His a democratic procedure in a democratic again. It appeared that political stability unrealistic political promises to reform country — was successful, despite Paksas’ would be restored. But the situation Lithuania and its government, however attempts to avoid it. Paksas hired the best seems even worse now. From the time of appealing to voters, had little to do with attorneys to represent him, yet failed to the impeachment until the recent par- the very limited powers of the president show up for his interrogations or to liamentary elections, Lithuania has been and were used only to gain popularity. answer any questions. Instead, he chose in a state of continuous scandal. As His unbelievable political career caused a campaign-style strategy: Paksas drove analysts suggest, these scandals (most of fellow politicians to hate him, as well. from one town to another, proclaiming which are related to corruption in Paksas had been mayor of Vilnius, prime his innocence to ordinary people. His government institutions) are helping minister twice and finally the president attorneys did not question the allegations pro-Russian forces to come to power. of Lithuania; he left every post under upon which the impeachment was based, Lithuania is becoming the first East scandalous circumstances. Long before but instead focused on the juridical continued on page 10 he was elected president, Paksas was politically alienated. It was clear that any reason would be used to impeach him. Indeed, it took less than a year for scandal again to devastate Lithuanian political life. The head of the State Security Department (SSD) Mecys Laurinkus after a short trip to America announced that the president was surrounded by people influenced by Russian criminals. One of these people, persona non grata in Lithuania, was very interested in remov- ing Laurinkus from office in order to enter the country again. He wanted to use the President’s influence in privatiz- ing a construction company to launder money from Russia’s budget. When Paksas announced Laurinkus’ assignment as Ambassador to Spain, Laurinkus delivered a speech before parliament saying that people in the President’s office had ties to Russian criminal organiza- tions. This speech launched yet another DEAN © LAURA huge scandal. Memorials in front of the barricade constructed to protect the parliament from Soviet troops

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continued from page 9 European country to give control of its most likely paid by companies related to parliament and government to a Uspaskich. Lithuania has become the political party created and led by a first East European country where well- Russian-born businessman, Viktor planned injections of capital into politics Uspaskich, whose true political interests devastated political stability and brought and affiliations remain unknown. He a Russian-led party into power. The became a multi-millionaire through his Conservative party declared again that it connections to Gasprom, the Russian is willing to join an unlikely coalition gas monopoly that is believed to be con- with Social Democrats to prevent trolled by Putin’s inner circle. Uspaskich Uspaskich from leading the government, emerged as a savior, offering a vision of just like they did during the Paksas scan-

© RIMAS ZILINSKAS a “bright future” and “justice and Lithuania’s Presidential Palace dal. If this incredible political coalition is prosperity” to people who badly miss formed, it will be a clear signal to the visionaries after the collapse of the In the context of the new leadership Western world that Lithuanians have Soviet Union and are nostalgic toward which is emerging in the country, some opted for this last resort in order to resist the Soviet welfare system. With the help people think that pro-American the latest emergence of this old threat. ◆ of a famous American political consult- Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus ant, Joseph Napolitan, Uspaskich and his will be the only politician able to oppose Rimas Zilinskas is currently a PhD student cohorts are likely to win the most seats Uspaskich. However, even Adamkus has in the Department of Comparative Literature in the new parliament, and he intends to ties to Russia. As the press recently at UW. become the new prime minister. announced, his campaign debts were

The Eleventh Annual Baltic Studies Summer Institute

The Eleventh Annual Baltic Studies Summer Institute (BALSSI) was hosted at UW for its second year of the consortium rotation in 2004. From June 21–August 20, students explored various aspects of Baltic life and culture through language training, academic symposiums and cultural events. The program offered a two levels of intensive Estonian, Latvian or Lithuanian language courses, which were held for four hours, five days a week. Students also had access to English-language courses about Baltic history and culture and participated in symposiums on a wide array of topics ranging from students’ research interests to “Images of America in the Baltic.” A five part series entitled, “Current in Baltic Music”, brought the Seattle com- munity and BALSSI students together to explore various aspects of Baltic music. Film also featured prominently © GUNTIS SMIDCHENS in the summer schedule with a Friday BALSSI Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian classes, 2004 film series, regular showings of docu- Scandinavian Studies (NISSS). The In 2005, the Institute will be hosted by mentaries about the region and a two Summer Institute is a traveling program Indiana University. For more information day festival of Estonian Animated Film. that rotates every two years between about BALSSI and Baltic Studies at BALSSI was hosted in conjunction with various universities in the BALSSI UW, visit their website at http://depts. the National Institute of Summer Consortium. washington.edu/baltic. ◆

10 REECAS NEWSLETTER Recent Acquisitions for the REECAS Outreach Collection

The REECAS Center is pleased to present ended with Russia’s acceptance into the Priit Parn, Mati Kutt has also contributed this list of the most recent additions to ranks of the West — but at a terrible cost greatly to Estonia’s distinctive animation our outreach materials collection. Films, to national pride and the balance of scene. This collection includes four of teaching guides, educational software nuclear power. This program narrates his films (vol. 3). The fourth volume packages, reference texts and other the circumstances leading to President provides a survey of the kind of work resources are available for two-week Putin’s bitter decision to trade US that the top Estonian animators have checkout to students, faculty, staff and approval of the war in Chechnya for produced at the independent animation K-12 teachers. For more information, what has proved to be a diminished role studio Eesti Joonisfilm. including a complete listing of available in world politics. materials, visit the REECAS Center Putin: Stairway to Power (2002, 49 min.) Music: in 203B Thomson Hall, University of This program tracks the career of Yalla: Beard of the Camel (1995, 60 min.) Washington, telephone us at (206) 543- Vladimir Putin from KGB spymaster for The first western release by the leading 4852 or email [email protected]. the USSR to President of the Russian popular musical group in Central Asia. Federation. Footage of landmark events The music of “Yalla,” whose name is an Documentary and Educational — the fall of the Berlin Wall, the election Videotapes: Uzbek word for a song accompanied by and re-election of Boris Yeltsin, the war dancing, incorporates traditional ethnic Chekhov: Innovator of Modern Drama against Chechnya, terrorist attacks on folk tunes and poetry of their native (1968, 22 min.) This film analyzes Moscow — are featured. Uzbekistan and other Central Asian and Chekhov’s use of characterization and Visas & Virtue (1997, 26 min.) This Middle Eastern cultures, along with plot in The Cherry Orchard. Norris Academy Award-winning dramatic short contemporary pop and dance influences, Houghton examines the play’s dramatic film pays tribute to Japanese Consul into a unique international blend that devices and shows how the characters General Chiune Sugihara (to Lithuania) spells “d-a-n-c-e” in any language. reveal Chekhov’s attitudes toward life and who saved 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust Safar: Journey Tanovar (2002, 53 min.) the political and social currents of the and risked his own career by issuing life- Folk ensemble “Safar” performs tradi- time. saving visas in defiance of his govern- tional folk music of Central Asia using Czeslaw Milosz (1989, 60 min.) He was ment’s direct orders. traditional folk acoustical instruments. born in Lithuania in 1911 to a Polish- Uncle Vanya (1963, 110 min.) Laurence Percussionist Alisher Tulyaganov is the speaking family and won the Nobel Prize Olivier tops an amazing cast, including drummer and arranger for the Tashkent for Literature in 1980. Milosz is one of Joan Plowright, Rosemary Harris, ethno-pop group Yalla, but is also a the most important poets of the twentieth Michael Redgrave, Sybil Thorndike, conservatory-trained classical musician. century. In the film, Milosz reads from Lewis Casson, Max Adrian and Faye In collaboration with one of the best- “The Collected Poems”, “The Separate Compton in what is widely considered known performers of Uzbek traditional Notebooks” and “Unattainable Earth”. the best English language staging of the musical, they have created a duet that The reading took place on September 12, play ever. Olivier directed this production combines expert musicianship with very 1988, in Los Angeles. Mr. Milosz was for the stage at the 1962 Chichester traditional ethnic melodies, rhythms interviewed by poet Lewis MacAdams. Drama Festival and it was later filmed and sounds. Peter the Great: The Tyrant Reformer for television by Stuart Burge. (2000, 50 min.) This biography draws on Teaching Guides: a vast collection of archival material and Fiction and Animation: The Russian Far East: A Reference Guide the research of scholars like Nicholas Contemporary Estonian Animation, for Conservation and Development Riasanovsky and Dr. Paul Bushkovitch 4 Volumes (1992–1999, 293 min.) (Grades: HS-College) “Joshua Newell’s of the University of California to explore A collection of works by animation revised and greatly expanded handbook the life of the Czar who almost single- artists Priit Parn, Mati Kutt and the Eesti will be the definitive English-language handedly modernized and westernized Joonisfilm studio. Priit Parn’s films are reference source on the environment in his vast country. Examining the internal witty, richly textured investigations of the vast region known as the Russian Far reforms he instituted and the wars he individual identity within shifting and East. This text definitely belongs in the waged, as well as the life he led within the often absurd political, social and cultural reference collection of any library private chambers of his vast palaces, this landscapes. Often described as examples supporting programs in environmental is a captivating portrait of one of the of “grotesque realism,” rather than studies or international studies.” most fascinating figures of all time. surrealism, Parn’s films are strikingly – Michael Biggins, Slavic & East Putin: A Bitter Decision (2002, 49 min.) original and consistently intelligent. European Studies Librarian, UW. ◆ In the mind of Vladimir Putin, Septem- This collection includes eight of his films ber 11th triggered a chain of events that (vols. 1 & 2). Lost in the shadows of

11 REECAS NEWSLETTER Teaching the Economic Development of Central Asia – What Is There to Learn? BY GEORGE E. WRIGHT AND HAIDEH SALEHI-ESFAHANI

Central Asian area studies have tended to look at economic affairs as an outgrowth Change in GDP 1990–2003 for Central Asian Republics of geography, socio/political structures (1990 = 100) and personalities. Thus the region’s economic policies are often seen as reflecting great power rivalries, the balance of different elites or the person- alities of entrenched leaders shaped by the ideologies of the bygone Soviet era. While all this is true, economies also march to the beat of their own logic, one that politics cannot always veto, driven by stern realities and external forces beyond local control. Economic policy is far more than the latest machinations over oil fields and “political pipelines”. In response to this proposition, we offered in the spring quarter of 2004 at the University of Washington an advanced undergraduate course, “The Economic Transition and Development IMF Annual Country and Regional Reports, 2004 of Central Asia.” Supported as part of REECAS’ Title VI National Resource scaling each Gross Domestic Product multilateral development assistance. Center grant, it was, to the best of our (GDP) to 100 in 1990. A score of 70 thus Instead, international demands for rapid knowledge, the first such course in the means that total output fell by 30 percent structural reforms were added to the US devoted strictly to economic analysis from the year before independence. In tasks of managing the wrenching realities of the region. Originally envisioned as a the chart, Kazakhstan closely follows accompanying independence as well as research seminar, it drew an enrollment Russia and illustrates a calamity far subsequent external shocks. Additionally, of 45, primarily economics majors. The deeper and longer lasting than the Great unlike the West’s experience of the 1930s core question confronting student and Depression in the US. While some of this where government expansion was the instructor alike was — why offer such a fall consisted of useless bureaucratic key tool to recovery, Central Asia (as the specialized course? The answer lies first activity or unwanted, low-quality rest of the CIS) has had to deal with its in the crucial geopolitical role of these industrial production, the chart indicates depression while rapidly shrinking its new, old nations and the impact of major declines in living standards. The public sector. Finally, Central Asia’s large economic growth and improving living tragic civil war in Tajikistan generated the health, education and public service standards on social stability. Less obvious sharpest decline. The exploitation of infrastructure, previously supported by is the importance of Central Asia for Kazakhstan’s oil wealth has generated budget transfers from Moscow, has been economics. The region’s unique experi- recent rapid increases from a steep plunge. marooned as an unsupportable legacy to ence casts in sharp relief key issues and Uzbekistan’s resiliency in the 1990s was now poor nations. With salaries far debates swirling through the broader the best performance not only in Central below a living wage, a consequent web field of economic development. Asia; it is the first nation of the CIS to of informal employment, illegal fees and The core reality of Central Asia has been report a return to pre-independence corruption has emerged. The size and impoverishment at a scale greater than in GDP (although it should be noted, the trends of this sector are difficult to European areas of the former Soviet bloc. IMF disputes recent trends). measure. Traditionally among the poorest regions Even Uzbekistan’s steadier performance A second reason for offering this course of the former Soviet Union, Central has not fully met the demands of popula- is Central Asia’s challenge to economic Asia’s colossal fall in output, increase in tion growth. Large portions of Central analysis. Most of what has been written unemployment and raging inflation Asia’s citizenry have yet to recover from about the economies of the post-Soviet coalesced into a depression shared by all their plunge into abject poverty. Their era is rooted in “transition economics”, successor states, but one that hit the experience shares notable features with in which the experience of Central and “Stans” very hard. The accompanying other CIS nations, yet poverty has not Eastern Europe and Russia has stimulated chart tracks the region’s economies by been the central focus of western and a vigorous debate about the merits and

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meaning of “shock therapy” versus a gradualist approach. The publications of international financial institutions annually track the pace of structural reforms thought to constitute the transi- tion “from state to market” (the title of a major World Bank Report). The fact that Central Asia invariably lags far behind the Baltics is taken as evidence of an important failure. However, this Euro- centric formulation ignores a critical reality of Central Asia — these are low- income, developing countries. According to the World Bank, all five Central Asian nations had per capita Gross Domestic Incomes between those of Bangladesh and Ecuador as of 2003. (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan closer to Bangladesh; Turkmenistan and MIKKELSEN © MARTA Kazakhstan just below Ecuador.) But Dried fruit seller at the Chorsu market in Tashkent unlike societies with similar incomes, unsustainable international debt burden. controls as practiced in the region? Central Asia stands out with an inherit- Uzbekistan, extraordinarily slow to Seven formally structured student ance of comparatively high endowments reform, has consequently received com- of human capital and infrastructure. debates were held, each on a different parably little foreign aid and investment. current policy issue. Some debates were In sum, the region is not only engaged in It has so ignored the policy prescriptions set up with “Tashkent” on one side and the task of moving from centrally planned emanating from Washington that the the “IMF” on the other. Students learned to market-based economies, it simulta- IMF permanently closed its Tashkent that it was possible intellectually to neously shares with impoverished nations office. Yet until 2003, the Uzbek economy defend unconventional policies and the everywhere the struggle for economic out performed that of Kyrgyzstan. The debates provided a stimulating and development. The challenge for the often strident debate over globalization enjoyable learning experience. course was thus to integrate the perspec- and the power of the “Washington tives of transition and development Consensus” is thus mirrored in the What have we learned to improve this experience of the region — or as one of course? There are inevitable tensions in our lectures put it, “The Battle of Seattle an area survey course. Our main objec- Moves to Central Asia.” tive was to explore how large-order issues in transition and development econom- To address this challenge, the course ics play out in the realities of one region. started with an introduction to the Soviet Yet, student expectations differ for the legacy and political economy of the mix of applied economics, institutional region. It then looked at the theory and economics, political economy or reality of transition policy and concluded descriptive information. Breadth of with aspects of development economics. coverage trades off against depth. While The integrating element was a policy modeling and econometric literature focus, one supported by the available specific to Central Asia is still sparse, it is literature. Issues addressed included: expanding. Making relevant technical Was Soviet policy in Central Asia classic analyses understandable to undergradu- economic colonialism? How important

© MARTA MIKKELSEN © MARTA ates will become an increasing challenge. Rugs for sale at a small market in Bukhara were initial conditions at independence in determining subsequent performance? More broadly, most of the existing economics. Moreover, the region presents Should privatization or incentives for literature comes from a First World a fascinating natural experiment in what competition have priority among struc- perspective — one that is often sharply really counts for successful development. tural reforms? What has been the effect critical of Central Asia’s leaders, policies Starting with similar institutional and of transition policies on government and performance. Introducing a con- social structures from Soviet times, revenue? What is required to sustain core trasting local perspective is thus a Central Asia’s nations have trod different public services? What are the strengths challenge. It should be possible to meet paths. Kyrgyzstan followed international and weaknesses of oil-fired growth? in real time with a class in Central Asia in advice and was thus the first CIS nation Are export-promotion strategies relevant order to discuss students’ and instructors’ admitted to the WTO, but now (by the for a landlocked region? What are the views about their country’s pressing IMF’s assessment) it is saddled with an pros and cons of foreign exchange economic issues. Such direct contact continued on page 14

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continued from page 13 would enhance student interest here and Finally, given the geographic and cultural George E. Wright is an Associate Professor would remove the region from the realm proximity of the Middle East with its of Family Medicine at UW. Originally a of an abstract academic subject. To generally unhappy economic track development economist, Wright now promote such a possible exchange, we record, Central Asia’s emerging labora- specializes in health economics. have shared the syllabus and reading tory may become highly relevant to this Haideh Salehi-Esfahani is a Senior Lecturer packet with the Economics University in troubled region. We look forward to a in the Department of Economics at UW. Tashkent, and we hope to build on the joint research seminar on the economic framework that is already in place for development of the Middle East and Both authors were 1996-97 Fulbright exchanges between our university and its Central Asia that could explore common- scholars teaching economics in Uzbekistan. counterpart institutions in Central Asia. alities and lessons. ◆

16th Annual Nicholas Poppe Symposium BY CHARLES CARLSON

The 16th annual Nicholas Poppe Sym- homeland of the Finno-Ugric peoples. presentation was “Traditional Islamic posium on Central/Inner Asian Studies Professor Aida Sadykova, Head of the Crafts in Uzbekistan”. was held on May 22, 2004 at UW. Department of Contrastive Linguistics at In his paper “Islam in Central Asia under Participating in the symposium were the Kazan State Pedagogical University in Stalin”, Ali Igmen, PhC from the Depart- scholars from the US, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, in a paper entitled “The Kazan ment of History discussed some of the Kyrgyzstan and Tatarstan, Russia. School of Linguistics” discussed the role sources he uses in his class on Islam in As is customary each year, the event of linguists who worked in Kazan over Central Asia. opened with a welcoming address by the years, including the great Turkologist, Bahtiyor Bobojonov, UW visiting scholar Professor Ilse Cirtautus, organizer and Wilhelm Radloff. from the Al-Beruni Institute of Oriental facilitator of the Poppe Symposium. Visiting Scholar Musa Murataliev, a Studies, Uzbek Academy of Sciences, Professor Cirtautus referred to the tre- Kyrgyz writer living in Moscow, provided Tashkent, read his paper entitled “Central mendous contributions made to Central an overview of recent Kyrgyz writers in Asian Muslims’ Accommodation to Soviet Asian studies and Turkology by Professor his paper entitled “Kyrgyz Literature Policies”. Dr. Bobojonov traced the Poppe, both at UW — his place of work since Independence”. The Kyrgyz Manas history of Islam during its 14 century — and abroad. epic figured prominently in Musa’s paper. existence from the point of view both as The working portion of this year’s “conqueror” and as the “object of Next, Jacob Smith received the Seattle- Poppe Symposium began with personal conquest”. Examples of the latter include Tashkent Sister City Prize for the best reminiscences of Professor Poppe — the 13th century Christian conquest of student in first-year Uzbek (2003–2004). “Remembering Nicholas Poppe” — by Moorish Spain and the early 13th century Visiting Professor from Xinjiang The afternoon session opened with a Mongol invasion of Central Asia. discussion of the Kyrgyz epic Manas by University, Hamit Zakir. Professor Zakir, The Poppe Symposium closed with a Ewa Wasilewska, Department of Anthro- a student of Nicholas Poppe, described round-table discussion on “The Field of pology at the University of Utah in a Poppe’s work, his record of publications Central Asian Studies in the US and paper entitled “Manas: A Beloved, and how clear his mind was even in the Abroad: Accomplishments and Controversial, and Contradictory Hero final stages of his life. Desiderata”. Participants at the round of the Kyrgyz.” Professor Wasilewska’s Professor Penglin Wang of the Depart- table included many of the presenters, paper concentrated on the recent Manas ment of Anthropology, Central Washing- Dr. Stephen Hansen, Director of anniversary she attended in Kyrgyzstan. ton University, next read a paper entitled REECAS, and Professor Daniel Waugh “Septenary Praxis in Inner Asia” on the “The Linguistic and Cultural Setting of from the Department of History, UW. significance of the number ‘seven’ in Tuvan Throat Singing” was the title of a Professor Cirtautas acted as moderator. helping to understand how early peoples paper read by Stefan Kamola of Oberlin The discussion was intense and brought developed abstract ideas. College. In his paper, Stefan discussed forward many good ideas. These I read a paper entitled “New Theories on the possible influence of the linguistic roundtable discussions culminated in a the Proto-Homeland of the Finno-Ugric phenomenon of vowel harmony on the quest for more cooperative programs and Altaic Peoples”. It included a art of throat singing. between scholars in the US and Central ◆ discussion of the views of scholars like Mamoun Sakkal, architect, artist, calligra- Asia. Professor Poppe regarding the Uralic and pher and scholar from UW, discussed the Dr. Charles F. Carlson is the former Director Altaic hypothesis and the Altaic hypoth- main motifs used in traditional Islamic of the Central Asian Services of Radio Free esis of linguistic affinity, as well as some architectural monuments in Uzbekistan Europe/Radio Liberty and is presently a new ideas concerning the original with the help of slides. The title of his visiting professor at UW.

14 REECAS NEWSLETTER Population Transfers: A Dangerous Trend in Central Asia BY JUSTIN ODUM

The village of Kalacha lies thirty minutes It was immediately clear that the resi- Tajikistan have primarily amiable rela- south of Khojand in northern Tajikistan’s dents, who had come from various parts tions at the provincial and national levels. Soghd viloyat (province). Approaching of the Kyrgyzstan’s Batken oblast with the Both countries have more difficulties the almost entirely ethnic Tajik village, promise of houses, schools, electricity with Uzbekistan, which is reluctant to you pass cotton fields and a collection of and water for drinking and irrigation, enter into cooperative infrastructure ramshackle houses with adjacent garden lack basic infrastructure. Upon arrival projects, has instituted strict visa regimes plots. The center of the village consists of they found houses, but little else. Many and has even mined parts of its border a cluster of small mud brick dwellings of the residents returned to their original with both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.3 In separated by narrow, windy streets. homes, but others did not have the order to reduce its reliance on Uzbekistan Overlooking the village from a low ridge means to do so. For these people, life has for energy, Tajikistan negotiated a joint that forms a semicircle along Kalacha’s improved with the arrival of limited project with Kyrgyzstan to import south side there is a row of 60–70 very electricity, a school and a single village electricity from Batken to Soghd. It was modest houses that make up the village pump for drinking water, yet most still due in part to this project that Tajik of Maksat. Though in some cases the express both a desire to return to their authorities in Dushanbe told local houses are separated from Kalacha by original homes, as well as frustration at officials not to push the issue of Maksat’s only a few feet, the international border the deception by authorities to move water use. between Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz them to Maksat. While the localized conflict along the Republic lies between these neighbors. In an effort to supply the village with Tajik-Kyrgyz border is troubling, a Built in 1996, the Kyrgyz government much needed water for irrigation, Kyrgyz comparable situation involving inhabit- designed the housing strip, home to a few authorities plan to use water from the ants from Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains dozen ethnic Kyrgyz families, to keep Leilek River, which flows along the village and Zarafshan Valley is even more worri- residents of Kalacha from encroaching through Kyrgyz territory before entering some. These residents were relocated to on the Kyrgyz territory. Kalacha. They estimate the project’s areas along the country’s border with I came to Maksat as part of an ongoing completion by the end of 2004. Residents Uzbekistan, allegedly for their own safety study conducted by the National Bureau of Kalacha, however, fear that the water from the risk of avalanches. They were of Asian Research (NBR) on infrastruc- drawn off by the Kyrgyz will leave them moved to the districts of Beshkent, just ture development in Central Asia. The with insufficient quantities for their own north of Shaartuz in southwest Tajikistan, study is a broad examination of the needs. Moreover, there are concerns that and Zafarabad in northern Tajikistan. connection between the development of drawing off water for irrigation will cause Like those relocated to Maksat, these transport, water, energy and telecommu- the ground water to rise, potentially residents were promised a well-developed nications infrastructure, or in many cases causing serious problems for low-lying, infrastructure and, in some cases, small the lack of such development, and agricultural Kalacha. Some on the Tajik sums of cash. Some victims of avalanches regional political stability. All five Central side point to a water-use quota agreed were told that they would only be offered Asian countries were included in the upon during the Soviet era that allocated assistance from the government if they research for the project which took place 78 percent of the river’s water to the then moved to these locations. Arriving at from April to June of 2004.1 Maksat’s Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR), their new homes, villagers found desolate physical and water infrastructure pro- with the remaining 22 percent for the regions with no infrastructure. In some blems were the main reason for my visit. Kyrgyz SSR. Tajik observers also insist cases, they arrived to houses that were that further water use little more than sheds, sometimes by the Kyrgyz would without roofs. In Beshkent, many of the push them over their relocated villagers are still without clean allocated amount, drinking or irrigation water.4 though they acknowl- In addition to being economically dis- edge there is no advantaged, these people face major accurate mechanism public health crises, with diseases such as for measuring water 2 typhoid increasingly prevalent. The use. coping mechanisms they used to survive While the allocation in their mountainous homes are useless of water resources in the arid plains. Returning is out of the remains a potential question for most, given their lack source of localized of money for even basic survival, much conflict in regions less for transportation or the substantial such as Maksat, fee for changing residency permits. Kyrgyzstan and Meanwhile, there are already reports of continued on page 16

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continued from page 15

© DANEIL WAUGH © DANEIL Mountain village in Tajikistan on the road to Samarkand tension between the new inhabitants Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given and nearby, long time residents, who are the potential of the region and the upset over the further strain placed on relocation’s impact on peoples’ lives, the area’s already limited resources. it is essential that the international Some fear that combined with the community monitor these situations regional divisions that were at the heart and exert its influence to discourage of Tajikistan’s civil war, these tensions such policies. The troubling conse- could reignite conflict in the region.5 quences for the region and its people These population transfers were officially demand that the international com- ◆ carried out for the benefit of those munity take action. involved, but most observers in Tajikistan Justin Odum received his MA from see them as attempts to “Tajikize” these REECAS in 2003. This article is based border regions and to populate areas for on research he conducted in Central Asia future cotton cultivation. The govern- for NBR. ment of Tajikistan has announced its plans to relocate thousands more. According to one foreign official in 1 Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Dushanbe, the hope is that the humani- 2 Author’s interview with representative of the tarian crises for these villagers will be Association of Scientific and Technical Intelligentsia, sufficiently dire that the international Khojand, Tajikistan, May 2004. community will rush to build the basic 3 Uzbek authorities recently announced that they have begun to de-mine some of their border regions, infrastructure they require. This could though Kyrgyz and Tajik observers have not been create a very difficult situation whereby allowed to verify this. countries would face a choice between 4 Author’s interview with representatives of the United aiding a destabilizing policy by building Nations Development Program and the International Organization for Migration, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the needed infrastructure or sitting by May 2004. while acute humanitarian crises persist. 5 Author’s interview with representatives of the United Nations Development Program, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, The destructive population policies in May 2004. Kyrgyzstan and, especially, in Tajikistan, show just how misplaced regional leaders’ priorities can be. Thus far, relocations have taken place largely below the inter- national community’s radar. Similar transfers are known to have occurred in

16 REECAS NEWSLETTER

Application to Take a Less Commonly Taught Language for Current and Prospective UW Students and Faculty

The REECAS Program offers instruction in many languages from the region, but we have found that there is the occasional need for a graduate student to take a less commonly taught language (LCTL) not available at the University or to attain training at a more advanced level in one of our regularly- taught regional languages. Often, students will enroll in summer language programs for this sort of LCTL or advanced training, but that provides only one year of study. Many students would like to continue to study these courses during the regular academic year. In the two years of the program’s existence, over 30 students have had the opportunity to study Kazak, Kyrgyz, Georgian and Bosnian/ Croatian/Serbian. In order to augment our offerings, REECAS has attained some funding from the US Department of Education to support LCTL/advanced language tutorials. Thus, we are inviting applications to pro- pose such tutorials for the 2005–06 academic year. A fellowship committee composed of REECAS Program faculty will meet in March to consider applications. We expect to make our decisions as expeditiously as possible, so that announcements of the awards can be made by the beginning of April.

During specified quarters of 2005–06, successful applicants will be provided with a tutor from the appropriate native-speaking community in the Puget Sound region, and a faculty member to oversee the tutorial, in order to provide necessary language pedagogy skills. We will consider the following factors in making our decision: the importance of the tutorial for achieving students’ professional/ academic goals; the number of other students interested in the same language or language level; and the availability of appropriate native-language tutors.

Applications TO APPLY: Please submit a 2-page essay, double-spaced, 12-point font (Courier, Arial are due or Times New Roman), with 1 inch margins on all sides, to explain your interest in March 1, 2005. learning a LCTL or advanced level of a regional language and your plans for utilizing it in your research or post-graduate endeavors. You must be UW faculty, student or graduate school applicant to be considered. If you are currently enrolled in the university, please submit a transcript and letter of recommendation along with your essay. Please send application to: Stephen E. Hanson, Director, REECAS Program, Box 353650, Seattle, WA 98195

17 REECAS NEWSLETTER REECAS Graduates Participate in US Nonproliferation Effort

BY NICHOLAS BUTLER WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DOUGLAS DYER

After graduating with Master of Arts Degrees from the REECAS program in 2004, Doug Dyer and I received intern- ships in the Nonproliferation Graduate Program organized by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The program selects current or recent graduate students, trains them in the technology and policy of nonproliferation and then sends them to Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Washington, DC or Germantown, MD for a one-year appointment. Graduate fellows work for the National Nuclear Security Adminis- tration (NNSA) in several key areas of nonproliferation, including: securing nuclear materials, nuclear weapons and radiological materials at potentially vulnerable sites; reducing quantities of nuclear and radiological materials; bolstering border security overseas; strengthening international nonprolifera- tion and export control regimes; down- sizing the nuclear weapons infrastructure © NICHOLAS BUTLER of the former Soviet Union; mitigating Nicholas Butler and Douglas Dyer examine a piece of equipment used in anti-proliferation efforts risks at nuclear facilities worldwide; and conducting national security research nium for the atomic bomb dropped on trates the potential possessed by other and development. Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. This reactor nuclear sites around the world. The field of radiological security is rela- and its other plutonium production Russia’s “closed” nuclear cities such as tively new and continually evolving to reactors have long been shut down, but Arzamas-16, Semipalatinsk-16 or meet the demands of governments and the infrastructure that supported the Zlatoust-20 closely resemble the once communities in the post-Cold War world. nuclear endeavors still functions today, “secret city” PNNL occupied in Hanford, Conventionally, international and domes- with the very different goal of creating Washington, which explains why the lab tic security efforts focused on protecting ways to eliminate the very materials they pays particular attention to Russia’s special nuclear materials, such as pluto- used to produce. nuclear situation. The abundance of idle nium and highly-enriched uranium, but The US effort to deal with nuclear non- and still active nuclear reactors operating recently countries have begun to reevalu- proliferation is spread across several in these Russian cities is also of particular ate their approaches to dealing with their agencies, including the Department of concern to nonproliferation experts nuclear arsenals. The international com- Defense, the Department of State and a worldwide. Most of these reactors are still munity has begun to upgrade security semi-autonomous organization within in operation, not because of a desire to and environmental protection at facilities the Department of Energy: the National continue to produce plutonium for utilizing newly developed safety and Nuclear Security Administration Office weapons, but because these reactors scientific methods. The goals of the PNNL of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. An provide the sole power and heat sources program are important components of innovative world leader in nonprolifera- for thousands of nearby residents. this new strategy. tion and storage and handling of nuclear Doug and I work on different aspects of Nestled along the Columbia River in waste, the lab is working with the federal nuclear security, but have both found the south-central Washington in Hanford, government to find environmentally subject extremely interesting and in line with its famous B-Reactor, PNNL pro- and strategically sound means of creating with our regional and academic interests. duced the plutonium for the world’s first and providing energy to communities. My position is part of the recently created atomic explosion, the Trinity Test, on PNNL’s successful evolution from pro- Office of Global Threat Reduction. The July 16, 1945, at Alamagordo, New Mexico. ducer of weapon components to producer Office identifies, secures, removes and/or The B-reactor also produced the pluto- of nonproliferation technologies illus- facilitates the disposition of vulnerable

18 REECAS NEWSLETTER

nuclear and other radiological materials control points, physical barriers, peri- been extremely rewarding. Doug and I and equipment around the world that meter gates as well as interior systems are both learning about the way the pose a threat to the US and to the that restrict access to materials of government functions on the ground, international community. The office interest and force would-be thieves to the intricacies of the budget process, and approaches this task through several negotiate multiple control systems in the challenges of Washington, DC programs, including the Radiological order to exit the facilities. The program politics. It has been extremely interesting Threat Reduction Program (RTR), the is notable for its attempt to invest in to make the transition from classroom Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return local, Russian resources to sustain new analysis of foreign policy and prolifera- Program (RRRFR), the Foreign Research security systems after US funding expires. tion issues to dealing with them first Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel Acceptance To encourage this, Russian equipment hand. Program, the Reduced Enrichment for and Russian labor are used from the We both remain dedicated Russophiles Research and Test Reactors Program and beginning of the process whenever with a desire to see an equitable and fair the BN-350 Spent Fuel Disposition possible. Additionally, initial assessments Russian-American relationship, starting Project. I initially worked on the RTR by the US Department of Energy through in the first place with mutual respect and program, co-managing a project to PNNL, Sandia National Laboratory, genuine cultural and political exchange. upgrade security at various sites in Oakridge National Laboratory and This is, of course, most important in Kenya. This afforded me the opportunity Lawrence Livermore National Labora- regard to the two countries’ nuclear to travel to Kenya to see the program’s tory in addition to the Russian Ministry posturing and overall security attitudes work first hand. Upon returning from of Defense, attempt to identify any effec- toward one another. The REECAS Kenya, I joined the RRRFR Program and tive indigenous security systems. This program at University of Washington the BN-350 Project. process helps to assure that Russia will and PNNL’s NGP program have given us Doug’s office, the Office of Nuclear accept and implement the systems. wide latitude to pursue our goals of Warhead Protection (ONWP), works Doug will travel to sites in Russia, com- broadening Russian-American friend- closely with the Russian Navy to secure plete briefing reports, participate in ship in the future. ◆ Russian warhead-storage sites in various conferences and trainings and learn how areas on the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the government operates and interfaces Nicholas Butler and Douglas Dyer received as well as the Baltic Sea. This project with contractors. their MAs from REECAS in Spring 2004. involves large investment in new entry- Thus far, our new jobs with NNSA have

THE JACKSON SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PRESENTS:

Documentary Film Workshop: Teaching Diversity and Cross-Cultural Understanding Through Film

Saturday, December 4, 2004, 8:30am – 4:30pm All videos previewed at the workshop are available for class- Kane Hall, University of Washington room use from the Jackson School outreach centers at no cost to educators. Video catalogues will be distributed and This one-day workshop will show educators how to use instructors receive eight clock hours at no additional charge. documentary film to teach students about cultural diversity Downloadable registration forms at: and cross-cultural understanding. The morning session will http://jsis.artsci.washington/edu/04filmworkshop.pdf be conducted by Carol Hermer, President of the Society for Visual Anthropology and film curator Seattle Art Museum, PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE: who will provide techniques and strategies for making Eight clock hours, continental breakfast, box lunch, video resource effective use of film in the classroom. The afternoon will catalogues and bibliographies. focus on film from specific regions of the world including: To register, send a check for $40 payable to the “University of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the former Soviet Washington” to: Canadian Studies Center, Box 353650, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195. Students enrolled in teacher Union and Canada. training programs pay only $20. For more information, telephone 206-543-6269, or email: [email protected].

19 REECAS NEWSLETTER Remembering Toregeldy Tolubaev BY HEATHER SALFRANK

Toregeldy Tolubaev (REECAS MA, 2003) working short-term for the Organization routine answers. As one REECAS col- died in a car accident while visiting family for Security and Cooperation in Europe league recently mentioned, an excellent and friends in his hometown of Karaganda, office in Almaty, he decided that he question from Toregeldy at the end of a Kazakhstan on August 20, 2004. needed a more solid background in eco- mundane lecture session could turn the nomics in order to contribute effectively tide of the entire hour. He fully engaged Memorials are to civil society development in ideas, was hungry to learn as much as he difficult to write. Kazakhstan. Toregeldy dedicated his could, and was passionate about his I am afraid that weekends to studying in the local univer- subjects, the world, his country and his my words will sity library. One month later, he passed relationships. Toregeldy deeply cared

OVA not capture the an exam with the prestigious interna- about the things he discussed and about beautiful person tional auditing firms Ernst and Young people with whom he interacted. He was that Toregeldy and Price Waterhouse and was offered committed to affecting change in the was. Sitting here jobs with both companies. He was due world and, more particularly, about using © MARIANA MARK typing, however, to start his position at Price Waterhouse his education to enact positive, civil Torgeldy Tolubaev I can see his wide, this past September. society building change in Kazakhstan. bright and ready smile in my mind. A I first got to know Toregeldy at University We had long discussions over coffee and smile that was emblematic of his of Washington’s Suzzallo library while tea, in Seattle and Almaty, on civil society personality — it projected kindness and pouring over microfiches of Russian development and democracy building — generosity, depth of character, a passion newspapers, circa 1913. He generously and what they really mean — and on for life, sincerity, brilliance and wit. It was offered to help me decipher the pre- Kazakh history, culture and language. In also infectious. Toregeldy’s warm and revolutionary Cyrillic script and I quickly Kazakhstan, he opened up his home, his giving character spread like a comforting understood that speaking four languages family and his country to me. Toregeldy warm blanket, covering everyone with fluently (Kazakh, Russian, Turkish and became a good friend and later, when I whom he interacted. Over the past few English) at the age of 24 was merely one went to Almaty, a brother. I am grieved at weeks, I have received numerous emails of the many things that impressed me our loss, but grateful for the opportunity and letters marked for his family in about him. Toregeldy approached his life to have known so well such a beautiful, Kazakhstan in which colleagues and and ideas with a sincerity of thought and sincere and gifted person. In his short professors have expressed remembrances. a depth of insight that rivals few. He life, Toregeldy affected many people and ◆ Toregeldy had a brilliant mind and a asked hard questions, academically and he will be deeply missed. brilliant future ahead of him. After personally, and was never satisfied with

Toregeldy Tolubaev as a Student and Scholar BY STEPHEN E. HANSON All of us here at the University of quickly understood the full complexities separate institutional status for Russians Washington who had the chance to work of academic theory, and who could so in the Baltics or Central Asia made their with Toregeldy during his two years in powerfully and creatively connect theory post-Soviet mobilization comparatively Seattle will never forget his intellectual to the realities of his own social milieu. difficult, struck me as novel, persuasive curiosity, his warmth and his generosity. Toregeldy’s Master’s thesis, entitled and powerful. Nor am I alone in this Really, there are no words to describe the Imagining Homeland: Mobilization of assessment. Shortly after Toregeldy profound personal impact Toregeldy had Russian Speakers in the Former Soviet presented his main argument at a on everyone he met. Even after he Union Republics (1989-1991), examined conference on Central Asia at Indiana returned home to Kazakhstan, I felt sure the different levels of political mobiliza- University in the spring of 2003, my that we would be in touch for the rest tion of Russian minorities in post-Soviet colleague at Indiana, Henry Hale, wrote of our lives. Estonia, Moldova, Crimea and to me directly to tell me how impressed Kazakhstan. It is one of the best works everyone was with Toregeldy’s paper. As Toregeldy’s professor and advisor, I on this topic I have ever read. His Henry could not believe that Toregeldy want to emphasize something else about argument that the semi-autonomous was only a Master’s student! Both Henry him: he was absolutely brilliant. In all my institutional status of Transdniesteria and I strongly encouraged him to get his years of teaching here at the University and Crimea in early Soviet history doctorate in political science at some of Washington, I have never encountered generated a kind of “imagined” regional point in the future. It is a wonderful a student who without any previous community among Russian speakers in thing that we have Toregeldy’s completed experience in Western academia at all so these regions, while the lack of any continued next page

20 REECAS NEWSLETTER

thesis in our library as a testament to his prodigious work ethic and his genuine closely with him and to get to know him deep intellectual insight. love of scholarship. But, of course, as a person. His loss leaves a gaping hole I have no doubt that Toregeldy would Toregeldy was going to be a success in in the REECAS community and also in ◆ have been a huge success in academia, anything he decided to pursue. I am so my heart. given his quick conceptual mind, his grateful that I had the chance to work

REECAS NEWS

REECAS graduate JONATHAN CARVER industry during the height of the Cold China, thus providing a comparative (MA, 2004) was recently hired as the War. framework for analyzing transition Program Manager for the Washington- models. A seminar was organized at the Sakhalin Law Enforcement Partnership Academy in Beijing to discuss the book. STEPHEN E. HANSON is now Senior at the Foundation For Russian-American Advisor for Eurasian Policy Studies at Economic Cooperation (FRAEC). the National Bureau of Asian Research SARAH ABREVAYA STEIN, Associate (NBR); he has contributed a chapter on Professor, Department of History and VANNI D’ALESSIO, Assistant Professor of “Russia: Evil Empire or Strategic Partner?” the Jackson School of International Modern History in the Political Science for NBR’s annual edited volume Strategic Studies. Her book, Making Jews Modern: Department at the University of Naples Asia. Hanson was also invited to partici- the Yiddish and Ladino Press in the “Federico II”, visited UW this summer. pate in the Fall 2004 Roundtable in Slavic Russian and Ottoman Empires (Indiana Dr. D’Alessio spent six weeks researching Review devoted to a discussion of Stephen University Press, 2004) won the Salo the cultural, political and ethnic prob- Cohen’s essay on the reformability of Wittmayer Baron Prize for Best First lems connected with the collapse of the the Soviet system. Book in Jewish Studies for 2003. Stein Austrian Empire. This research follows has been awarded a National Endow- ment for the Humanities Fellowship and up his doctoral research, Beginning of REECAS graduate A. MAHIN KARIM a Charles A. Ryksamp Research Fellow- Nationalism and Political Mobilization (MA, 2004) was recently hired as the ship from the American Council of in 19th Century Istria. Assistant Director for the Eurasia Policy Learned Societies for work on her new Studies Program at NBR. book, Colonialism’s Forgotten Cultures: KATARZYNA DZIWIREK, Associate European Jews in Sub-Saharan Africa, Professor in the Slavic Languages and STEPHEN T. KERR, Associate Dean for c. 1870–1930. Literatures Department, Barbara Academic Programs and Professor in Lewandowska-Tomaszczyk and the College of Education and Olga GEORGE WRIGHT was invited by the US Anthony McEnery recently published Makhovskaia, a Senior Researcher at the State Department to give a seminar on “Polskoangielska gramatyka Institute of Psychology of the Russian Central Asia entitled “Why is Uzbekistan kontrastywna konstrukcji zlozonych Academy of Sciences, recently published Committing ‘Economic Suicide’ ”? He oparta na jezykowym materiale an article in Rossiiskaia Gazeta entitled: reviewed current Uzbek economic policy korpusowym – projekt badawczy”. “A New World for Those 16 and Older. and argued that its defiance of prescrip- In Wroclawska Dyskusja o Jezyku Polskim Schools in Russia and the US: Are They tions put forth by international financial Jako Obcym. For a list of the upcoming Better or Worse?” In Spring 2004, Dr. institutions was not solely the result of Polish events in the Slavic Department, Kerr was honored with a UW award for domestic political considerations, but visit the website: http:// dedication to lifetime learning. depts.washington.edu/slavweb. had its own internal logic that responded to perceived goals and constraints. A two- REECAS graduate MARIANA MARKOVA hour discussion centered on the proposi- KAREN FREEZE, Visiting Scholar, (MA, 2004) is pursuing a PhD at UW in tion that since lecturing the regime was REECAS, and Coordinator for Central the Anthropology Department. clearly not working, we should consider and Eastern Europe, Tensions of Europe: reengaging in discussions rooted first in Technology and the Making of Europe, a how best to achieve Uzbek priorities. European Science Foundation Network, KAZIMIERZ Z. POZNANSKI’S book, was program chair of TOE’s first plenary Negative Globalization: Expropriation of conference, held in Budapest in March National Capital in Eastern Europe, about REECAS graduate EMILY SCHUCKMAN at the Central European University. At privatization in the post-communist (MA, 2004) is pursuing a PhD at UW in the conference, Freeze presented a paper Eastern Europe, is now slated for publi- the Slavic Languages and Literatures on an unknown chapter in British-Czech cation in China. The book addresses not Department. collaboration in the textile machine only Eastern Europe but also Russia and

21 International Updates 2005 TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS IN YOUR WORLD

A lecture-dinner series addressing current international issues: we offer the latest insights from top university scholars, convenient early evening programs and buffet dinners featuring catered international cuisine. Sponsored by the Outreach Centers in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and the Global Business Center in the School of Business Administration, University of Washington, Seattle.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES SERIES, 2005

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Western Europe & Global Business Social Entrepreneurism in Europe Speaker TBA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Russian, East Europe and Central Asia & Canada Ancient Trade Networks Between Canada and Russia Tom Mexsis Happynook, Founding Chairman, World Council of Whalers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 East Asia and Southeast Asia Tourism in China and Northern Vietnam Duong Bich Hahn, UW Anthropology Doctoral Candidate

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 Middle East and South Asia Social Narcotics: Betel Nut [in India] and Qat [in Yemen] Mathew Schmalz, Assistant Professor, Department of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross Robert Burrowes, Lecturer, Middle East Center and Political Science, UW

22 INTERNATIONAL UPDATES REGISTRATION, 2005

LOCATION: Walker-Ames Room, Kane Hall, University of Washington, Seattle

TIME: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. COST: Lecture-Dinner fee is $25.00 per session, per person. Check or money order only, payable to the University of Washington. DEADLINE for registration is one week prior to each session. Please register early, as space is limited. Participants are eligible for 3 clock hours per session. They will receive clock hour forms at each dinner. For more information, call 206-221-6374 or e-mail [email protected].

Please mail registration form and fees of $25.00 per session, per person (payable to the University of Washington) to: International Updates Registration c/o Canadian Studies Center University of Washington Box 353650 Seattle, WA 98195-3650

International Updates 2005: Trends and Transitions in Your World

Please mark the dates for which LAST NAME FIRST NAME you are registering: ❑ Wednesday, February 23: Western

ADDRESS Europe & Global Business (TBA) ❑ Wednesday, March 2: Russian, East European and Central Asia & Canada CITY STATE ZIP CODE (Happynook) ❑ Wednesday, March 9: East Asia and

DAYTIME TELEPHONE FAX Southeast Asia (Duong) ❑ Wednesday, March 16: Middle East and South Asia (Schmalz & Burrowes) EMAIL Check if: Teachers also please indicate: ❑ Vegetarian meals are desired ❑ Clock hours are desired SCHOOL/SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADE LEVEL TAUGHT (no additional charge)

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at 206-543-6450 (voice); 206-543-6452 (TTY); 206-685-7264 (fax); or [email protected] (email).

23 UPCOMING REECAS-RELATED EVENTS

JANUARY 11, 18: REECAS Performance Series with Sherman Kane Hall, Walker-Ames Room, 5:30-8:30 p.m. See p. 23 Clay & Company for more information. Please join us for two piano concerts with REECA regional music at Sherman Clay, 1624 Fourth Avenue, Seattle. Concerts will be held APRIL 9: 11th Annual REECAS-NW Conference at Reed at 7:00 p.m. College, Portland, OR “Politics and Culture in the Post-Communist World.” From 9:00 a.m. FEBRUARY 7: REECAS Speaker Series –6:00 p.m. See p. 6 for more information. “The Rise and Fall of the Brezhnev Doctrine in Soviet Foreign Policy.” Matthew Ouimet, US Department of State. Thomson Hall, APRIL 11: The Donald W. Treadgold Memorial Lecture Room 317, 3:30 p.m. “Remaining Relevant After Communism: The Role of the Writer in Eastern Europe, 1989–2004.” Andrew Wachtel, Chair, Department FEBRUARY 2: REECAS Speaker Series of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Northwestern University. “Authoritarian State Building and Regime Dynamics in Belarus, Parrington Hall Forum, Room 309, 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow. Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.” Lucan Way, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Temple University. Communications APRIL 13: Jackson School – Extensions Program Series: Building, Room 226, 7:30 p.m. Hot Spots in our World “Kosovo Final Status: Independence or Something Less?” Dr. FEBRUARY: Film and Discussion Series on the REECAS Region Fredrick Lorenz, Adjunct Professor, JSIS, UW. See p. 16 for more Following each film, a professor will lead a discussion about the film information. and provide a political and cultural context. In conjunction with Edmonds Community College at the Edmonds Floral Center on MAY 6–7: Islam, Asia, Modernity Conference Tuesdays, 4:30p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Kane Hall, Walker-Ames Room. This event will include speakers from Central, East, South and Southeast Asia as well as experts MARCH 2: REECAS –Canadian Studies Center International across the US. Updates Lecture “Ancient Trade Networks Between Canada and Russia.” Tom Mexsis For more information on these and other events, go to the REECAS Happynook, Founding Chairman, World Council of Whalers. website: http://depts.washington.edu/reecas.

Non-profit Org. REECAS NEWSLETTER U.S. Postage P A I D 203B THOMSON HALL, BOX 353650 Seattle, WA JACKSON SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Permit No. 62 UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SEATTLE,WA 98195-3650

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