CREES Newsletter CENTER for RUSSIAN, EAST EUROPEAN & EURASIAN STUDIES FALL 2016

CREES Newsletter CENTER FOR RUSSIAN, EAST EUROPEAN & EURASIAN STUDIES FALL 2016

CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE INTERIM DIRECTOR DIRECTOR’S LETTER basis, by teaching Russian next day, on “Return Mi- can in order to discuss the language and culture at gration and the Creation writing of the book, -cur 1 the Juvenile Detention of a Transatlantic Polish rent trends in area studies, Center in Lawrence, and Culture.” and then celebrate their SECURITY CONFERENCE by serving on the Kansas Later in October, we accomplishment. 2 WW I Centennial Com- welcome Dr. Andriy Danyl- For further informa- mittee. The good news enko, of Pace University tion on these lectures and CHORNOBYL ANNIVERSARY is that the College agreed in New York City, who other events scheduled 2 to replace the administra- will lecture on Oct. 17 on for this semester, take a tive associate position, “The Ukrainian Bible and look at the full CREES fall LECTURE CALENDAR which provides support Russian Imperial Censor- events listing enclosed. I 2 for both CREES and the ship.” We are grateful to would also encourage you CREES Director Vitaly Center for Latin American a number of co-sponsors to come to the CREES STEPHEN PARKER Chernetsky has received & Caribbean Studies. We for support in bringing Fall Mixer, on Sept. 2, in are happy to welcome in Professor Danylenko, REMEMBERED the Hall Center’s inaugural order to get acquainted Mid-Career Research Fel- Mr. Chad O’Bryhim to the including the Department and share good food and 3 lowship, for a book proj- Center in this capacity. If of History, the School of conversation. ect entitled “Displacement, you would like to know a Languages Literatures & We are pleased to wel- THE VIA EGNATIA Desire, Identity: Migration bit more about Chad, you Cultures, the Department come a new cohort of 3 and Diasporization in Slavic can check out his short bio of Slavic Languages and REES MA students to KU; Literatures.” Professor Al- in this newsletter. Literatures, and Religious you can find out more UKRAINE: NOTES FROM exander Diener has kindly Despite working with Studies. As with the Ri- about them elsewhere in THE FIELD agreed to step in as acting a limited budget and staff abchuk and Bilotserkivets the newsletter. We are director for the academic this year, CREES continues lectures noted above, we also glad to welcome a 4-6 year, August, 2016 – May, to impress with its wide remain most grateful to the new affiliate of our Center, SPRING BROWNBAGS 2017 range of events and out- Palij family and their con- the Rev. Dr. Joshua Lollar, reach. It is a pleasure to tinued support of Ukrai- a specialist on eastern 7 It is an honor and an announce that CREES will nian studies at KU. Christianity in the Reli- exciting challenge to be host no fewer than five Finally, in early Novem- gious Studies Department, SPRING SNAPSHOTS stepping into the role of visiting lecturers this fall. ber we will welcome back and two new CREES fel- 8-9 CREES Interim Director. As First up, we have one of former CREES Director Dr. lows, Dr. Brett Chloupek, a faculty member whose Ukraine’s leading political Edith Clowes, who is now a KU alum now teaching FACULTY & STAFF NEWS position was seeded as thinkers, Mykola Riabchuk, the Brown-Forman Profes- at Northwest Missouri 10-11 part of a previous CREES who will deliver a lecture sor of Slavic Languages State University, and Dr. Title VI NRC grant, you “Two Ukraines Reconsid- and Literatures at the Kristopher White of KIMEP INTERVIEW WITH GERALD can be sure that I have a ered: Forging the National University of Virginia. Dr. University in Kazakhstan, MIKKELSON special appreciation for the Identity in a War-Torn Clowes and her co-editor, who will be based at our Center and its activities. I Country,” on Sept. 22. The Shelly Jarrett Bromberg Center as a visitor during 11-12 am pleased to have the op- following day, acclaimed (associate professor and the fall semester. portunity to give back to a poet Natalka Bilotserkivets chair of the Department FALL BROWNBAGS I am grateful to the community that I treasure, will speak about modern of Spanish and Portuguese friendly and diverse CREES 13 and work with a team of Ukrainian poetry and the at Miami University), have family for its commitment talented and dedicated challenges she and oth- produced an interdisciplin- to developing and sharing STUDENT & ALUMNI NEWS staff members. ers face. ary introduction to area knowledge about the re- 14-15 As have many units and The Backus/Cienciala studies, entitledArea Stud- gion we study and to forg- departments at KU, CREES Polish Studies Fund has ies in the Global Age: Com- ing meaningful intellectual NEW DEVELOPMENTS has suffered from budget made it possible to bring munity, Place, Identity, and dialogue. In the current 15 cuts and staffing short- in noted historian Keely we plan to have a panel complex political climate, ages over the last several Stauter-Halsted, the He- discussion on the book and our work is more relevant GIVING OPPORTUNITIES years. Adrienne Landry, jna Family Chair of Polish its contribution to the field than ever. Here is to future Studies at the University on Nov. 3. A number of KU 16 our Outreach Coordinator/ scholarly accomplishments Program Officer, accepted of Illinois at Chicago, who faculty members and grad- and to helping through our @KUCREES another opportunity in the will deliver a lecture on uate students contributed efforts as engaged scholars spring of 2016, and her Monday, Oct. 3 entitled chapters to the volume, make the world a better position remains unfilled. “Prostitution and Social which is the direct result place! While she has been absent Control in Partitioned Po- of a CREES-sponsored from the office, Adrienne land.” Dr. Stauter-Halsted conference held at KU in Alexander Diener CREES.KU.EDU continues to serve the has also agreed to deliver 2011. We will assemble as Center on a volunteer a Brownbag lecture the many of the authors as we INTERIM DIRECTOR 2016 KU SECURITY CONFERENCE: RUSSIA ALONG NATO’S BORDERS CREES STAFF KU’s Office of Graduate Mariya Omelicheva (Associ- Military Studies, Center for ate Professor, KU Political INTERIM DIRECTOR Global and International Science), Aric Toler (Con- Alexander Diener Studies (CGIS), Center for sultant, Bellingcat), David [email protected] Russian, East European & Trimbach (PhD Student, KU Eurasian Studies (CREES) Geography) and Thomas ASSISTANT DIRECTOR and Department of Political Wilhelm (Director, Foreign BART REDFORD Science hosted a half-day Military Studies Office). The Security Conference on afternoon featured a key- [email protected] April 15, 2016. note address by Karatnycky Speakers at the event on the conflict in Ukraine OFFICE MANAGER included, pictured at left, and its broader implica- Chad O’Bryhim Adrian Karatnycky (Senior tions, which was followed [email protected] Fellow, Atlantic Council’s by two panel talks, the first Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Cen- focused on several real or ter), Roger Kangas (Dean, potential conflict zones, and Near East South Asia Cen- the second on the drivers of APPLICATIONS ter for Strategic Studies), Russian security policy. COMMITTEE SHANNON O’LEAR IVAKHIV LECTURES ON CHORNOBYL ANNIVERSARY GEOGRAPHY CREES and the Environmental Stud- within a series of widely varying spatio- ies Program at theUniversity of Kansas temporal reference frames, including NATHAN WOOD organized a special lecture to mark the histories of the Soviet Union, its growth HISTORY 30th anniversary of the Chornobyl and eventual collapse; relations -be nuclear accident. On April 28, Adrian tween Ukraine, Ukrainians, and their Ivakhiv, professor of environmental neighbors; militarized “black sites” thought and culture at the Rubenstein and Cold War (and post-Cold War) 2015-16 School of Environment and Natural conspiracy theories; nuclear power Resources, University of Vermont, gave and the anti-nuclear movement; scien- EXCOMM a talk entitled “30 Years (or 30,000): tific experiments on biotic populations; Seven Spectral Stories of Chornobyl.” zombie and “stalker” cultures and sub- CHAIR In his talk Ivakhiv interpreted the cultures; and the Anthropocene and its VITALY CHERNETSKY Chornobyl nuclear accident of 1986 theorization.

SLAVIC STEPHEN DICKEY FALL 2016 LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS Sex in the Bourgeois Family: ANI KOKOBOBO Global Headlines: BREXIT Center For Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies Panel Talk Prostitution and the Middle-Class Poetry Reading HISTORY Monday, August 29, 4-5:30 p.m. Home in Partitioned Poland Featuring celebrated Ukrainian Poet Natalka Bilotserkivets Backus/Cienciala Lecture ERIK SCOTT Kansas Room, Kansas Union Speakers: Victor Bailey (History), Monday, October 3, 7 p.m. We POLITICAL SCIENCE Robert Rohrschneider (Political Malott Room, Kansas Union Shall Science), Felix Meschke (Business), Speaker: Keely Stauter-Halsted Not ROBERT ROHRSCHNEIDER (History, U. of Illinois at Chicago) Lorie Vanchena (European Studies) Die iN LIBRARY Two Ukraines Reconsidered: The Ukranian Bible and Russian PariS Imperial Censorship Modern Ukrainian Poetry JON GIULLIAN Forging the National Identity in a -- Changes and Challenges War-Torn Country Palij Lecture PROFESSIONAL Palij Lecture Tuesday, October 18, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 7 p.m. Room 330, Strong Hall Friday, September 23 Center For Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies SCHOOLS Speaker: Andriy Danylenko (Rus- Noon, KS Union, Jayhawk Ink @KUCREES Malott Room, Kansas Union The Palij Family Fund supports lecturerers specializing in Ukrainian studies and KU studentsPublic specializing in Ukraine Lecture CREES.KU.EDU TOM VOLEK Speaker: Mykola Riabchuk (Political sian & Slavic Linguistics, Pace um as asped modigniscia ad Analyst, Ukraine) University, NYC) AT LARGE us The pliquat enis simposan SHANNON O’LEAR We Shall Not Die in Paris: Area Studies in a Global Age o ukranian dolor susam, ten Modern Ukrainian Poetry - Roundtable tan bible and uame autatur GRADUATE STUDENT Changes and Challenges Thursday, November 3, 7-9 p.m. ut Russian optat atus dolo m Poetry Reading The Commons REPRESENTATIVE/ Friday, September 23, 12 p.m. Speaker: Edith Clowes (Slavic Lan- lat imperial umendern amus REESGO Jayhawk Ink, Kansas Union guages & Literatures, University iq censorship uo que comnim of Virginia) & several book chapter Andriy Danylenko SUSAN SWANTON, MA REES Speaker: Natalka Bilotserkivets amet doluptiusProfessor of Russian & Slavic Linguistics estiber ibut Pace University (New York)

Co-sponsored by KU’s School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures, (Ukrainian Poet) authors here at KU dolupiciisDept. expel of Slavic Languages & Literatures, Dept.ipsusa of History, and Religious Studies nusa Tuesday, October 18 eptassim illabo. Nem re@KUCREES volu 2 CREES NEWSLETTER 7pm, 330 Strong Hall The Palij Family Fund supports lecturerers specializing in Ukrainian studies and KU students specializing in Ukraine CREES.KU.EDU AUGUST 5, 1939 - MARCH 14, 2016 IN MEMORIAM: STEPHEN PARKER The University of Kansas located in Wescoe Hall, which in Slavic languages and literature mourns the death of Professor houses a comprehensive col- and his work to expand KU’s rep- Emeritus Stephen J. Parker, who lection of Russian literature. He utation in the field,” said Chancel- died March 14. co-authored “Russia on Canvas: lor Bernadette Gray-Little. “On “Stephen was always cheerful Ilya Repin” with his mother, behalf of the KU community, I and gracious and was respected Fan Parker, and was one of the extend my condolences to Pro- and beloved by colleagues and world’s leading authorities on fessor Parker’s family, friends, students alike,” said Professor Vladimir Nabokov. colleagues and former students.” Stephen Dickey, Department of “I join the University of Kan- Parker was the third chair Slavic Languages & Literatures sas community in mourning of the department and served chair. Dr. Parker also was the the death of Professor Stephen for 13 years, stepping down in donor of the Parker Slavic Library, Parker, renowned for his research 2000. EXPLORING THE VIA EGNATIA By Sandra King-Savic

REES Alumna Sandra King-Savic contacted us in early June regarding her plans to hike the Via Egnatia over the summer, interviewing people who live along this historic Balkan byway about their attitudes on migration and other issues. Below is her description of the project, and you can read about her trek at https:// voicesoftheviaegnatia.wordpress.com.

Coping with a large and sudden influx of migrants can pose various challenges for receiving countries and local communities alike. Xenophobic attitudes disrepair. In the 15th century, the rising Ottoman are, perhaps as a result of the “sudden” arrival of Empire later used, and relied heavily on this same migrants, discernible in many European Union artery to move its army, goods, and cultural tradi- member states, as well as in Switzerland. Proof for tions westwards. As a result, one is able to see mar- such a sentiment is, for instance, the approval of kets, amphitheaters, charitable kitchens, hammams, the Ausschaffungsinitiative (deportation initiative). mosques, and churches that variously date back to What is the perception of immigrants regarding the Byzantine, Roman, and/or the Ottoman Empire. the collective approval of this political initiative, As such, the Egnatia served as an artery that initially and do migrants (still) feel welcome in Switzerland connected Rome with Byzantium and subsequently in particular, and in Western Europe in general? Istanbul with the West. Yet the route evolved into By extension, how do individuals in the Balkans perceive the migratory policies of Western Europe a road of much more importance. The Via Egnatia in general, and particularly in Switzerland? The fol- was a highway by which goods, ideas, and cultural practices travelled back and forth between the Sandra King-Savic and her husband Josh, in the lowing project seeks to answer these questions in Republic of Macedonia. two successive stages. East and the West. The Egnatia is, in other words, a Central to the first stage of the project is the cultural heritage that preserved the common history What were the factors that lead to their decision to Balkan region itself. The goal of this initial phase is of the Balkan region. ‘up and move’ their entire life, to leave their family to introduce individuals in Switzerland to the rich My partner and I will hike the Egnatia between and their friends behind? What were their dreams cultural traditions, the people, and history of the July 16 and August 18, 2016. We start our trek in and hopes before leaving for Western Europe, and Balkan region. It is for this reason that my partner Durres, Albania, and make our way to Thessaloniki, did their family approve of their decision to leave? and I have chosen to hike the Via Egnatia. The Via Greece to learn more about the everyday life of How do their family and friends view Western Eu- Egnatia, built sometime between 146 and 120 BCE, individuals along this route, and to understand how rope, and Switzerland in particular from afar? One of was initially known as the via militaris, as it served they perceive the Egnatia, the Balkans in general, and the major objectives is thus to broach the question the purpose of connecting the Roman Empire with crucially, how they perceive the ‘West’ from afar. Do of migration from a human perspective. Byzantium. The Egnatia, however, turned into a they have relatives who moved to Switzerland, or else Upon completing the project, we hand the visual via publicus, and thus served the purpose of trade, the European Union? How do they feel about the lo- and oral data to a Swiss theater, which turns the data travel, and tourism. With the onset of the mid-fifth cal outmigration, and does it affect them personally? into a play. Additional outputs will include articles in century and subsequent collapse of the Roman Migrants who moved to, and made their home in cultural magazines. The project is financed by the Empire, the Egnatia suffered invasions and fell into Switzerland, are the focus in stage two of the project. Landis and Gyr foundation in Switzerland. FALL 2016 3 UKRAINE: NOTES FROM THE FIELD Over the summer we asked three graduate students to contribute elements for this issue of the CREES Newsletter. All three spent a substantial amount of time in Ukraine over the past year, con- ducting research and/or studying Ukrainian language and culture. The foci of their research efforts are considerably different, but all benefited from the resources that KU is able to offer with regard to the study of modern Ukraine. KU is one of only a handful of universities in the country that offers Ukrainian and it is the only ac- credited U.S. university with a summer study abroad program in the country of Ukraine. The program was founded in 1993 by then-CREES Director Maria Carlson, and was built in large part by the efforts of Yaroslava Tsiovkh and the late Dr. Alex Tsiovkh. Gen- erations of CREES students first studied Ukrainian with Yaroslava and then travelled to Lviv with Alex in order to experience Ukraine firsthand. With the critical developments in the region in recent years, we are proud of the fact that KU continues to offer all levels of Ukrainian language study, as well as courses in Ukrainian history, politics and culture. An excellent Photo by Joshua DeMoss example of this continuing tradition is Dr. Oleksandra Wallo’s SLAV 600 Biography of a City: Kyiv, offered lens,” foregrounding certain elements of Crimean this fall. The course traces the historical, social, intel- history, culture, and geography that center the lectual and artistic development of this ancient city. region within competing discourses of national First up is Austin Charron, a PhD Candidate in identity. The full power of these divergent na- Geography, who describes his work with Internally tional discourses about Crimea was revealed in Displaced Person (IDPs) in Ukraine. Next, REES MA/ the spring of 2014 in the immediate fallout of JD candidate Joshua DeMoss shares his experience the Euromaidan protests, when Russia’s leaders studying in Kyiv in the spring, and then interning in the evoked the same narratives of Crimea’s inherent United Nations/World Trade Organization agency for “Russian-ness” that I had encountered in my own international trade - the International Trade Centre research to justify their illegal, covert annexation (ITC) - over the summer. Finally, Geography PhD of the Ukrainian region. Many in Crimea were Candidate and REES alum Nathanial Picket describes indeed pleased to join the Russian Federation, his field research on the role of information and yet many others — particularly ethnic Ukrainians technology on the transformation of political spaces and Crimean Tatars — staunchly opposed the oc- in the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster. Enjoy! cupation and continued to identify as Ukrainian citizens, prompting thousands to flee Crimea for AUSTIN CHARRON: the Ukrainian mainland. The goal of my research was therefore to immerse myself within the com- Charron with Mustafa Dzhemilev, member of INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLES (IDPs) munity of internally displaced Crimeans in order the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) and to understand the complex intersections between leader of the Crimean Tatar people. FROM CRIMEA Crimean, Ukrainian, European, ethnic, and dia- sporic identities in post-Euromaidan Ukraine. ducted around 90 interviews and focus groups My research project in Ukraine, which was I arrived in Ukraine September 2015 to begin with an extremely diverse cross-section of the funded by a Doctoral Dissertation Research roughly 8 months of fieldwork. I chose to focus community of internally displaced Crimeans, in- Improvement Grant from the National Science my research activities within Kyiv and Lviv — the cluding politicians, activists, journalists, religious Foundation, was an exploration of the shifting two Ukrainian cities that have emerged as major leaders, artists, musicians, filmmakers, academics, and evolving socio-spatial identities of Ukraine’s destinations for Crimean IDPs — spending around teachers, students, soldiers, business owners, Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) from Crimea four months in either city. For this project I chose and laborers from each of Crimea’s three major following Russia’s annexation of the region in to employ an ethnographic methodology that ethnic communities, as well as other smaller ethnic 2014. This project builds upon my previous would give substantial voice and agency over research concerning Crimean regional identities, the trajectory of the research directly to my minorities. In addition to interviews, I also carried which was the topic of my MA thesis. participants. I relied primarily on in-depth, semi- out numerous participant observation sessions at Through my earlier fieldwork in Crimea, car- structured interviews with Crimean IDPs from events such as demonstrations, lectures, perfor- ried out prior to the Russian annexation. I dem- a variety of backgrounds. Through social media mances, exhibitions, and conferences involving or onstrated that regional identity is strong among and the networks of friends and acquaintances relating to Crimean IDPs and their experiences. Crimeans of all ethnic backgrounds - principally that I had made previously in Crimea, I gained Toward the very end of my fieldwork, I also Russians, Ukrainians, and the indigenous Crimean incredible access to members of the Crimean IDP implemented an online survey concerning the Tatars — but that each of these groups view community from all walks of life. views and experiences of Crimean IDPs, focusing Crimea through their own particular “national During my eight months in the field I con- on the themes and issues that had emerged as 4 CREES NEWSLETTER FALL 2016 as an integral part of the Ukrainian civic nation outlets mentioned Ukraine nearly every day. like never before, their profile within mainstream Fortunately, I was in a seminar at the time with Ukrainian culture and politics ascending to new Prof. Oleksandr Tsiovkh, and we had various dis- and remarkable heights. As one Crimean Tatar cussions concerning the ever-changing situations friend put it to me, “in the dance of Ukrainian in Ukraine. It’s safe to say that this is the moment culture, right now Crimean Tatars are having a when my interest in Ukraine sparked. solo.” The world got a glimpse of just how strongly I did not really commit to focus on Ukraine Ukraine had embraced the Crimean Tatars this until after studying international trade in the law past spring when Crimean Tatar singer Jamala school. Ukraine and the EU finally signed an Asso- was chosen to represent Ukraine in the Eurovi- ciation Agreement (AA), and a large part of the AA sion song contest with a song about the 1944 is the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agree- deportation of the Crimean Tatars from the re- ment (DCFTA). I recognized new prospects and gion — a song with which she ultimately won the challenges would arise from these relationships, competition. Jamala’s success in Eurovision and and as an aspiring international trade lawyer, I had as a Ukrainian performer more generally became to seize the opportunity. Having already studied a major component of my research project, as Russia and Russian language, I knew studying it demonstrates and encapsulates much of the Ukraine and the Ukrainian language would give evolving relationship between Crimean Tatars me a leg up in the field. and the Ukrainian state, and what it means to be Thus I have focused my research on Ukraine’s Crimean and/or Crimean Tatar in modern Ukraine. international trade system, particularly its chal- As an inclusive sense of Ukrainian civic identity lenges from shifting from predominantly trading has grown increasingly salient following the Eu- with Russia, to now more-or-less openly trading DeMoss at Motherland monument in central romaidan, more than any other group, Crimean with the EU, and having to adjust to a new market Kyiv Tatars have become emblematic of a Ukraine and requirements. Knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian came in particularly helpful when read- most salient during the course of my fieldwork. that celebrates and defends its ethnic, linguistic, ing trade agreements, statistics, and viewpoints of With the help of the new friends and colleagues I religious, and cultural diversity. the Ukrainian citizens. I learned that understand- had made during my months in the field, through Outside of work relating directly to my re- ing Ukrainian is essential, especially when reading social media my survey quickly reached hundreds search, my extracurricular activities consisted any government releases and documents since of Crimean IDPs, giving me a dynamic dataset mostly of assisting in various events and meetings the official language is Ukrainian. to bolster the rich qualitative data I had already promoting the use and practice of English. I regu- gathered through interviews, focus groups, and larly attended an English discussion group hosted participant observations. by the NGO Crimean Diaspora — an organization “...on three different The work of organizing and analyzing my data that provided legal and limited financial support, occasions to three different is now only just beginning, but I can say that my and a space for lessons, seminars, meetings, and preliminary conclusions speak to the evolution socialization for IDPs from Crimea and the Don- people, when I spoke of Ukrainian identity more broadly, fitting com- bas. I also regularly attended events at America fortably alongside a growing body of literature House, a US-funded space in Kyiv offering free Ukrainian, they responded, concerning the growth of Ukrainian civic identity access for Ukrainians to a variety of facilities and following the events of 2014. Where I had previ- educational opportunities ultimately aimed at ‘it touches my heart.’” ously found that regional identity was most salient promoting American culture, values, and interests. among Crimeans, I now find a pronounced streak I became a fixture at their weekly English club - Joshua DeMoss of Ukrainian patriotism largely informs the con- meetings, and was involved in a variety of other Of course, knowing one Slavic language was struction of social identities among Crimean IDPs. events, such as hosting a screening and discussion a great benefit to me when I started studying On the surface, it may seem obvious that those of the documentary film King Corn. Ukrainian. On top of that, when I decided to go who chose to resettle in the Ukrainian mainland Perhaps the most interesting opportunity I to Ukraine and study and research at Kyiv-Mohyla rather than remain under Russian occupation had while in the field was my involvement in a Academy, I used both languages every day. At in Crimea would already identify strongly with short documentary film about the annexation of first, I found it frustrating when I wanted to speak Ukraine. But through my research I encountered Crimea. I was approached to star in this film as an one or the other: menus in Ukrainian, waiter a diverse range of narratives describing a certain American researcher studying Crimean Tatars, in speaking Russian, professor speaking Ukrainian, awakening of Ukrainian civic identity among a role very similar to but ultimately distinct from advertisement in Russian, etc. I worried that I many Crimeans, influenced by the events of the myself as an actual researcher studying Crimean would speak someone’s second language or of- Euromaidan, the annexation of Crimea, and their Tatars. Working on this project gave me a lot of fend them when I spoke with them. Then, I had an own experiences navigating the new cultural interesting insight, both into the experiences of opportunity to go to the native village of one of and geopolitical landscape that has emerged in Crimean IDPs and the film production process, but my friends in Central Ukraine, and everyone there Ukraine since 2014. it also afforded me the opportunity to interview spoke “surzhik” (a mixture of the two languages). Although my research focused broadly on some important people, including a very candid I learned to relax and find common language in Crimeans of all ethnic backgrounds, the Crimean and intimate conversation with world-renowned which to communicate. As a foreigner, most as- Tatar community ultimately emerged as the most leader of the Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev. sume if you are going to speak a foreign language important element of this project. It was the you would speak Russian, but on three different Crimean Tatars who most adamantly opposed the occasions to three different people, when I spoke annexation, demonstrating to the rest of Ukraine JOSHUA DEMOSS: Ukrainian, they responded, “it touches my heart.” the extent of their patriotism following decades HELPING UKRAINE ENTER THE EUROPEAN Besides understanding how language operates of ambivalence in Kyiv’s relationship to this group during my time in Ukraine, several conversations of indigenous Muslims, who had only begun to UNION MARKET in classes and at extracurricular activities such as resettle in Crimea in the late 1980s following Ukrainian speaking club allowed me to understand decades of Soviet-imposed exile. If there is any During my first year of study at KU, the Eu- diverse viewpoints about Euromaidan, politics, the silver lining to the Russian occupation of Crimea, romaidan protests ensued, Crimea was annexed, it is that the Crimean Tatars have been embraced and the conflict in Donbas escalated. Media CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE FALL 2016 5 tensions with Russia, Ukraine’s future, as well as trip I had picked enough up in order to get around my research topic on the DCFTA, which came into in Russian-speaking cities like Odesa. That was the force in January when I arrived in Kyiv . One of my start of my interest in Ukraine, and after I returned professors worked at the EU Mission to Ukraine, to the US and finished my undergraduate degree, I so she always informed us of all the specific de- enrolled in REES at KU where I focused on study- velopments between the EU and Ukraine. ing Ukraine and Ukrainian language. As a result of my Ukrainian studies and re- The courses I took in REES exposed me to search, I have been awarded some great oppor- research into Ukrainian history, politics, society, tunities. For instance, I am interning this summer and culture, as well as to the broader community at the joint United Nations/World Trade Orga- of graduate students and faculty interested in the nization agency for international trade - named region, which is how I ended up pursuing a PhD in accordingly – the International Trade Centre (ITC). geography. One of the most interesting aspects of I am in the Office of East Europe and Central Ukraine is its relationship to its space—there have Asia, and one of the primary reasons ITC offered been numerous states or polities called or claimed me the internship was because of the agency’s as Ukraine, but they all had different borders, new project in Ukraine, with which I am helping included different people, and experienced differ- Ukrainian fruits and vegetable exporters enter the ent levels of legality, authority, and sovereignty. EU market and overcome the DCFTA challenges As I became more interested in Ukraine’s politi- of new standards. Because I knew some of the cal geographies, I found the Chornobyl disaster opinions about the DCFTA from my research, to be an especially fruitful topic for this subject; particularly its trade quotas in the agriculture sec- the disaster both physically changed Ukrainian tor, I was able to convey to businesses how the space and changed the relationships between that system works and how it is beneficial to Ukraine space, the government, and citizens. and the EU. For the Fulbright, I was based solely in Kyiv, Although professionally and academically where the majority of the archives I wanted to studying Ukraine and its language is rewarding, access and people I wanted to interview were. It traveling around Ukraine and enjoying the culture was interesting to observe the political-cultural Pickett at Chornobyl was just as enjoyable. From seeing beautiful cit- changes that had occurred since my first visit a ies such as Lviv and Odesa, to mustering up the decade ago, especially regarding language use in est city in both the Soviet Union and Ukraine. Its courage to visit Chornobyl and mourn the tragedy Kyiv. Before, I heard more Russian spoken and deliberate design is the pinnacle of Soviet urban on its 30th anniversary, to wearing a vyshyvanka many speakers were hesitant to switch to Ukrai- planning with its green spaces, central square, and and eating borsch with salo, it was a truly valu- nian if I asked them to, but now there seems to be distinct districts—each named for and designed able experience. I would encourage any student a concerted effort to speak Ukrainian, especially in to evoke cities in other Soviet republics who sup- considering a specialization in REES to learn public. A small example: almost all of the Soviet- plied workers in Slavutych’s construction. Now, more about Ukraine. Known as the breadbasket era documents I read in my research were in Rus- the city still feels young even if it has begun to of Europe and for its sunflowers, Ukraine is not sian, but all of the interviews I conducted—with show its age—a vibrant youth culture permeates that much different from Kansas. political leaders, community organizers, members the city and its atmosphere is unlike any other city of NGOs, and academics—were in either Ukrainian in Ukraine I have visited. This was definitely on NATHANIEL RAY PICKETT: or English. Considering the events and aftermath display in full force during the third 86 Film and of Maidan in 2014-15, including Russia’s forays Urbanism Festival, held this past May, as hundreds THE AFTERMATH OF CHORNOBYL into Crimea and the Donbas, I perhaps should not of filmmakers, artists, and attendees from dozens have been as surprised as I was about the amount of countries occupied a large portion of the city This past academic year I had the privilege of of Ukrainian spoken. for a few days. It was a fantastic experience. (If receiving a Fulbright to Ukraine in order to con- Though my work does not specifically focus you want to read more about Slavutych, check out duct research for my dissertation. My work looks on Maidan, the annexation, or the war, many of this article I wrote on it for Toxic News.) at the role of information and technology on the my interview subjects brought up all of these So many things were great about my time in transformation of political spaces in the aftermath issues. One lecture I attended, hosted by Ful- Ukraine that I could fill pages—it really is a wonder- of the Chornobyl disaster. Given this scope, the bright Ukraine as part of the Chornobyl 30th ful, vibrant place. My trip was the result of invalu- Fulbright was an immeasurable help; there is no Anniversary Lecture Series, explicitly linked the able advice and assistance from faculty members, way I would have been able to research my topic transformative effects on society that Chornobyl my advisor, and the Fulbright office at KU—my without physically being in the country, searching had on Ukraine to post-Maidan social and cultural sincere thanks to them. Though I had previous through archives, and talking with the people who shifts. The speaker noted a number of similarities experience in the country, the REES program was experienced it all. Though it was not my first trip in the situations, including a surge in volunteerism an essential part of my success this past year. to Ukraine, it had been nearly a decade since I respectively as either liquidators or members of Ukrainian language and literature classes advanced had last been there and it was interesting to see the ATO, and an increase of distrust and dislike my language skills and allowed me to participate in what and how much had changed. of Russian government leaders. The war seemed academic and advanced level writing and conversa- My interest in Ukraine began in 2005 when I to be on everyone’s mind, an almost constant un- tion. The broad spectrum of courses—from fin de lived there for two years doing philanthropic and dercurrent of anxiety, yet many people expressed siècle Central Europe to post-Soviet literature—in- missionary work. I had three months of intensive hope in the future and the idea that in many ways, spired my ability to make larger, transnational, inter- language training in the US before arriving in this is Ukraine’s war of independence from its disciplinary connections, demonstrating Ukraine’s Kyiv, the capital, in March 2006. That kind of Soviet and tsarist past. important role in global politics and the ongoing language immersion was intimidating, but within One of the case studies in my research is the need for scholars and students to be involved in the a few months I was able to read, write, and speak city of Slavutych, created after the Chornobyl di- region. Hopefully as more people become aware Ukrainian comfortably—no amount of classroom saster as a replacement for the evacuated Pripyat, of Ukraine’s existence, its history, and its culture, studying can replace immersion learning. Not to house people that still worked at the nuclear they will be interested in studying it and visiting. everyone in Ukraine speaks Ukrainian as their power plant (the disaster only knocked out of For anyone who is interested in studying Ukraine primary language though, and so while I had not commission one of the four active reactors at the or Ukrainian, I highly recommend getting out there officially studied any Russian, by the end of that plant). Built in 1988, Slavutych was the young- and seeing it for yourself. 6 CREES NEWSLETTER FALL 2016 BROWNbaG Lecture SERIES

Spring 2016 Highlights videos of these lectures and many others are archived on the KUCREES YouTube Channel

Between Wartime Atrocity And The Genocide Of The Jews: Early Soviet Representations Of The Nazi Death Camps And Polish Responses, 1944-1945

On February 16, 2016, Alana Alana discussed the role that he played Holland (History PhD) gave a brown in mediating between Soviet and bag lecture on the Soviet Jewish Polish interests. She also addressed artist, Zinovii Tolkachov. Tolkachov ordinary Polish citizens’ responses to a was the first Soviet artist to depict the series of Tolkachov’s exhibitions in the Nazi atrocities at the Majdanek and major cities of Poland from 1944-45. Auschwitz concentration and death Alana’s presentation on Tolkachov as camps in Poland. He participated in the an individual addressed larger issues Soviet Red Army’s liberation of eastern concerning the nexus of wartime and Poland towards the end of WWII, and postwar Polish-Soviet-Jewish relations. Croatian Responses to the Refugee Crisis

On April 5, 2016, Terry Koenig, meeting refugees’ needs, and risks they Rick Spano and Sherry Warren (Social faced in working with the refugees. Welfare) gave a brownbag lecture Major themes included the meaningful on their qualitative interviews with impact for responders in helping the Croatian responders to the refugee refugees; and the need for expanded crisis, e.g., journalists and NGO support from the broader European volunteers. Interview questions Union. These findings were presented at explored responders’ perceptions of the International Qualitative Congress refugees, their views of support for on May 18, 2016.

Citizenship Capital: A Critical Examination of Citizenship, Ethnicity & Political Power among Estonian Russian-speakers

David Trimbach (Geography, PhD) presented challenge current media gave his second brownbag lecture on and policy representations of Estonian March 1, 2016 on Estonian citizenship Russian speakers and the City of Narva policy and its ethnicized impacts on in particular. Estonia’s Russian-speakers’ identities His presentation also highlighted and political power. He discussed how the potential role of local insight and Russian-speakers in both Tallinn and on-the-ground research in policy- Narva understand citizenship, identity, making and geopolitical analysis. David and politics and why that matters within the current geopolitical context. gave a follow-up presentation at the The presentation incorporated CREES annual security conference narratives and survey data derived ,“NATO Along Russia’s Borders” in April from his doctoral fieldwork in Estonia. 2016 and has also published three The narratives and survey data articles related to this topic in 2016. FALL 2016 7 BCS FEST 30 April 2016 2016 Spring Semester Snapshots CREES HOLIDAY PARTY 14 December 2015

DAVID STONE 25 February 2016

SPRING FESTIVAL 6 March 2016 2016 SPRING WWI LECTURE SERIES The KU WWI Commemorative Lecture Se- ries continued in the spring with lectures by David Stone (Professor, Strategy and Policy, FESTIVAL CRAFTS! U.S. Naval War College) and Robert Blobaum (Eberly Professor of History, West Virginia

8 CREES NEWSLETTER FALL 2016 PALIJ FEATURES AWARD WINNING AUTHOR YURI ANDRUKOVYCH

CREES welcomed noted nov- elist and essayist and poet Yuri Andrukhovych for a reading of some of his work and a far-rang- ing question and answer session. Andrukovych is one of the co- PALIJ LECTURE founders of the Bu-Ba-Bu poetic group, which stands for бурлеск, 21 February 2016 балаган, буфонада, ‘burlesque, BCS FEST side show, buffonery.’ 30 April 2016 2016 Spring Semester Snapshots SUA INTERNATIONAL NIGHT: RUSSIA

BOB BLOBAUM 29 March 2016 ALINA BASHIROVA 2016 SPRING WWI LECTURE SERIES 11 April 2016 University). Dr. Stone spoke on “The Rus- sian Army in the Great War: The Eastern Fron, MEGAN LUTTRELL 1914-1917”, while Blobaum spoke on “A Minor Apocalypse: Everyday Life in Warsaw during the First World War.”

FALL 2016 9 FACULTY & STAFF NEWS In March we were saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Emeritus in Slavic Languages & Literatures (SLL) Stephen Parker. Professor Parker was the third chair of SLL and served for 13 years. He is also the donor and namesake of the Parker Slavic Library. For more, see In Memoriam on page 3. Vitaly Chernetsky (SLL, CREES Director) co- edited an anthology of post-Euromaidan Ukrainian poetry, Letters from Ukraine. Published by Krok press in Ukraine, it was launched in Wroclaw, Poland during a month-long festival of Ukrainian culture in April 2016. He has published 2 new articles, “Mykola Khvyl′ovyi’s ‘A Sentimental Story’: In Search of a Ukrainian Modernity,” in Harvard Ukrainian Studies, and “Between the Poetic and Prof. Greenberg (4th from left) with Clausal Complementation in South Slavic working group at the Documentary: Ukrainian Cinema’s Responses the University of Zurich, March 2016. to World War II,” in the volume Contested Interpre- eign Languages (ADFL), for which he attended Science) has a number of new and forthcoming tations of the Past in Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian the annual meeting in New York in Nov. 2015 publications, including several joint publications Film: Screen as Battlefield (ed. Sander Brouwer), and in June 2016 ran a workshop on “Managing with students: O’Lear, Shannon, Thomas Heilke, published by Brill. His translation of an excerpt Small Programs.” In January at the MLA Meeting Mariya Omelicheva, and Eric Hanley, (forthcom- from the novel Felix Austria, by Sophia Andruk- in Austin, TX he participated in a panel on “Navi- ing) “This isn’t your usual obstacle course: Critical hovych, came out in the journal TrafikaEurope. He gating New Waters: Contemporary Challenges pedagogy with Special Operations Forces”,Geofo - presented a paper at the BASEES conference in of the Chair” and ran a demonstration on the rum; Reiz, Nicole and O’Lear, Shannon, (forthcom- Cambridge, England, and participated in the panel academic interview process. In March he gave a ing) “Spaces of Violence and (In)justice in Haiti: A “Russian New Generation Warfare in Ukraine: paper “Antemurale innovationis: the Mura river Critical Legal Geography Perspective on Rape, UN Implications for Regional and Global Security” at area as both a center and a periphery” at the Peacekeeping, and the United Nations Status of Ft. Leavenworth. He became the first recipient University of Zurich as part of a working group Forces Agreement”, Territory, Politics and Gover- of the new Mid-Career Research Fellowship from on “Variation in space and time: clausal comple- nance, published online 20 January 2016; O’Lear, the Hall Center for the Humanities, and will spend mentation in South Slavic,” a long-term project Shannon. 2016. “Unconventional Classroom: the 2016-2017 academic year in residence there. funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Critical Work with Special Operations Forces The American Association of Physical Anthro- In May he participated in the Language Leader- Officers”, The Annals of the American Association pologists, the primary scientific society in the ship Conference at Georgia State University. of Geographers (themed issue on Geography and field, presented the Charles R. Darwin Lifetime Recent publications include “Introduction” to the Militarism) 106(3), pp. 536-542; Trimbach, David Achievement Award to Michael Crawford, head Brill Bibliography of Slavic Linguistics (3 vols.) and and O’Lear, Shannon. 2016. “Russians in Estonia: of KU’s Laboratory of Biological Anthropology an article “The Slavic Area: Trajectories, Borders, Is Narva the Next Crimea?”, Eurasian Geography and professor of anthropology, on April 15 at its Centres, and Peripheries in the Second World” in and Economics 56(5), pp. 1-12. annual meeting in Atlanta. Dick Smakman and Patrick Heinrich’s Globalising Jonathan Perkins (Director, Ermal Garinger Dietrich Earnhart (Economics) published Sociolinguistics: Challenging and Expanding Theory, Academic Resource Center) reports that the “’Effective Regulatory Stringency’ and Firms’ published by Taylor & Francis. He is now working open-access Russian program Mezhdu nami re- Profitability: The Effects of Effluent Limits and as co-editor-in-chief (with René Genis) on Brill’s ceived the Access to Language Education award Government Monitoring,” Journal of Regulatory Encyclopedia of Slavic Languages & Linguistics, at the 2016 conference for the Computer As- Economics, 2016 (forthcoming) scheduled for publication in 2019. sisted Language Instruction Consortium. Released Jon Giullian (KU Libraries) had two articles ac- Jake Kipp (CREES) delivered a paper at a con- publicly in the summer of 2015, the program is cepted for publication inSlavic and East European ference on The Russian Military in Contemporary currently in use at seven universities, with at least Information Resources. The first, “Assessment of Perspective Organized by the American Foreign seven more already planning to adopt for the Fall KU Libraries’ Area Studies Collections: Purpose, Policy Council Washington DC, May 9-10, 2016. of 2016. He noted also that the KU Language Process, and Potential” was presented in an earlier The tile was “Russian Naval Power under Vladimir Training Center completed its inaugural session of version at the 2015 ASEEES annual convention. Putin, 2000-2016.” two-week Russian immersion classes for military The second is “Aspects of Diversity in ASEEES Ani Kokobobo (SLL) received a grant for personnel, hosting a total of 10 students, includ- National Conferences as a Reflection of the Field $20,000 from the National Endowment for the ing CREES MA student Paul Aldaya. of Slavic and Eurasian Studies in North America: Humanities. This grant will fund research for a new Norman Saul (History, emeritus) published the Case of Gender, Location, Discipline, and Insti- course on ethics and community in 19th century “Zenaida Ragozin and Elizabeth Reynolds Hapgood: tution.” Jon Giullian and Kit Condill co-convened Russian literature. Two Remarkable Russian American Women” in Rus- the 2016 Slavic Librarians Summit, held at the Lisa McLendon (Journalism) won the 2016 Tim sian/Soviet Studies in the United States, Amerikanistika University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, June Bengtson Faculty Mentor Award, which honors in Russia: Mutual Representations in Academic Proj- 11-13. Jon also attended meetings of the Slavic a journalism faculty member who demonstrates ects, edited by Ivan Kurilla and Victoria Zhuravleva and East European Section of ACRL at the 2016 dedication to student mentorship and inspires (Lexington Books, 2016), 29-44. He also returned American Library Association’s annual conference students to reach their full potential. She also at- to Kansas’ connections with Russia with two held in Orlando, FL tended the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) articles, “William Allen White and the Russian Marc Greenberg (SLL; Dir., School of Lan- conference in April, along with six KU students. Revolution,”Kansas History: A Journal of the Central guages, Literatures & Cultures) served the first At ACES, she presented a session, “Real Rules vs. Plains, 38, 4 (Winter 2015-2016), 268-82, and year of his three-year term on the Executive Grammar Myths,” that drew over 200 attendees. “The ‘Russian’ Adventures of Henry and Me: Wil- Committee of the Assoc. of Departments of For- Shannon O’Lear (Geography & Atmospheric liam Allen White and Henry Justin Allen in Stalin’s

10 CREES NEWSLETTER FALL 2016 Russia,” in Kansas History 39, 1 (Spring 2016), 32-47. He is co-directing FACULTY ADDITIONS (with William Benson Whisenhunt) AN INTERVIEW WITH a series of over 20 books, Americans Joshua Lollar in Revolutionary Russia, for Slavica completed his PhD Press (Indiana University) and has RETIRING REES in Greek patristics submitted for republication with at the University introductions and annotations the of Notre Dame works of Julia Grant Cantacuzene, PROFESSOR GERALD in 2011 with a Russian People (Scribner’s, 1920) and dissertation on the Ernest Poole, The Village (Macmillan, contemplation of 1919). The project involves recruit- MIKKELSON nature in Maximus ing a number of leading scholars and By Bart Redford the Confessor overseeing the republication of books (d. 662) and by American eyewitnesses in the field Retiring Professor Gerald Mikkelson his predecessors. He continues to pursue of the Russian Revolution. has taught several generations of REES research in the area of Greek patristics Erik Scott (History) has a new students about Russian language and and in the relationship between religion book out, Familiar Strangers: The culture, and has been recognized for and philosophy. He is married with five Georgian Diaspora and the Evolution of children. He is an ordained priest in the Soviet Empire, which was published by teaching excellence on numerous occasions. He was a finalist for the H.O.P.E. Eastern Orthodox Church and serves in Oxford University Press in March. He a small parish in Lawrence. also won the NEH Summer Stipend Award at KU in 2013, REES students for his new project, Soviet Defectors nominated him in spring 2012 for the and the Borders of the Cold War CTE’s Celebration of Teaching, and the World, supporting research this Central Association of Russian Teachers NEW CREES FELLOWS summer in Ukraine and Georgia. Prof of America (CARTA) awarded him its Scott was also named as a Hall Center Excellence in Teaching Russian award in 2008. Dr. Mikkelson is Brett Chloupek Fellow to work on this same project. well-known for his love of the Russian language and literature, has served as Oleksandra Wallo (SLL) pre- and his fondness for one Russian city in particular, St. Peters- Assistant Professor sented “Plotting the Nation: Repre- burg. His “Biography of a City: St. Petersburg” course reflects of Geography in sentations of Ukraine in the Prose his long acquaintance with this city, and his deep knowledge of the Department by Contemporary Women Writers” its cultural and philosophical history. Alexander Kuhn, a REES of Humanities and at the 21st Annual Convention of co-major who took the course in fall 2012, said that Mikkelson’s Social Sciences the Association for the Study of immense personal knowledge of the city was evident through- at Northwest Nationalities (14-16 April 2016, out the course, as was his love for the subject matter. “He was Missouri State Columbia University). For the sum- very engaged, and enthusiastic about discussing anything that University since mer of 2016, she received the New related to St. Petersburg.” 2013. He received Faculty General Research Fund Dr. Mikkelson, who has taught at KU since 1967, has taught a B.S. in Geography and Computer Award to conduct a study in second a variety of courses over the years, but is perhaps known most Science at the University of Nebraska- language acquisition of Ukrainian at in recent years for organizing a number of team-taught courses, Kearney in 2005, an M.S. in Geography the Ukrainian Catholic University’s some of which involve teachers and students from several U.S. at Oklahoma State University in 2007, and School of Ukrainian Language and and overseas universities. “The Siberia and the Circumpolar a Ph.D. in Geography at the University Culture in L’viv, Ukraine. Arctic” course, taught in the spring of 2012, for example, was a of Kansas in 2011. Academic areas of Nathan Wood (History) gave collaboration between KU, the University of Alaska at Anchorage his interest include cultural and political a lecture on “Understanding Life (UAA), Gorno-Altaisk State University (GASU), and Tyumen State geography, spatial history incorporating and Death on the Eastern Front: University, all of which contributed speakers and participants for GIS, cartography, and Central and Eastern A Personal & Historical Journey,” the online course. In marking his retirement, we took the oppor- Europe. His current research projects as part of the KU Libraries’ Gallery tunity to check in with him about his work and his future plans. focus on the politics of place naming Lecture Series Q: I would imagine that the types of courses you taught, and the (toponyms). He lives in Maryville, MO with Shannon O’Lear (Geography), way in which you taught, changed dramatically over the course of his wife Sylvia and their two daughters, Alexander Diener (Geography), and your teaching career. Can you describe that evolution? Vilhelmina and Antonia. David Trimbach (Geography PhD) A: My MA and PhD at the University of Wisconsin were Kristopher had articles published in the most in Slavic languages and literature, principally Russian. I also recent edition ofEurasian Geography White (Ph.D. and Economics. Well done! CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE University of Connecticut) is a geographer and Associate Professor O’BRYHIM JOINS CREES AND CLACS OFFICE at KIMEP University in Almaty, On August 8th, Chad O’Bryhim lution communication. He is adept at Kazakhstan. officially joined the KU CREES and troubleshooting technology issues and Capitalizing on CLACS offices as their shared Admin- has a background in event facilitation, more than a decade istrative Associate. Mr. O’Bryhim has design, and desktop publishing. of regional fieldwork, recent research served as the acting Office Manager “I hope my largest contribution to has focused on human-environment since July of 2015. the center will be providing a stable, interrelationships in the Aral Sea basin, Chad graduated from Baker Uni- positive workplace,” said O’Bryhim. regional conceptualizations of Central Asia, versity in 2009 with degrees in busi- “I’m really excited to be joining the and cultural landscape links with snow ness management and dispute reso- staff in a permanent role!” leopard conservation in Kazakhstan. FALL 2016 11 GERALD MIKKELSON INTERVIEW (CONTINUED) earned a certificate in Russian Area the Siberia course. She contributed matches receiving from a student The SPASIBO moniker is an ac- Studies and made it my PhD minor. expertise in IT matters, hard sci- several years later a note, or a re- ronym in both English and Russian I gained a comprehensive knowledge ences, Siberia’s indigenous peoples, quest for a letter of recommendation for Saint P etersburg and Siberia on of Russia from outstanding scholars and interuniversity exchanges. She for graduate school, that says you Mt. Oread. In Russian, СПАСИБО of Russian history, Soviet geography, and I combined our resources to helped them through a rough patch = Санкт-Петербург аж Сибирь на Soviet government and politics, So- expand and enrich the Siberia course or were a positive influence in their Ореаде. viet economics, and the peoples of via videoconferencing with three young life. By initiating the fund and naming the USSR (anthropology). other universities—two in Russia and To mitigate an abrupt exit from it SPASIBO I wish to say “thank you”, In that regard, KU with its Slavic one in the U.S. the classroom I now teach short to express my deep gratitude, to and Soviet Area Studies Center (now Q: What advice would you give courses on Russian civilization to all the students, faculty colleagues, CREES) was a perfect place for me young professors today, working to elderly folks in the Osher Lifelong and support staff members who be- to work. In addition to teaching become effective teachers? Learning Institute. friended and supported me all those Russian language and literature, I A: I could not have prospered Q: I understand that you have a 48 years, made highly rewarding my organized and supervised interdis- in the academic profession without new project, a fund to continue some personal and professional life. ciplinary courses called “Biography consistently pursuing research in my of your initiatives at KU. Can you tell Q: What plans do you have for your of a City: St. Petersburg” (formerly area. Moreover studying the life and us about that? retirement? Leningrad) and “Siberia Yesterday works of Pushkin and other Russian A: During their 25-30 year A: Besides the occasional short- and Today.” writers is my passion. However, duration, the St. Petersburg and term teaching at Osher I continue In the courses on Siberia and St. teaching has always been my forte Siberia courses were mainstays in my research and writing, putting Petersburg I taught Russian literature among the triad of activities that the curriculum. They served the the finishing touches on articles that while REES colleagues from other consume our time and energy. needs of a few hundred REES, sat in my desk drawer for various disciplines contributed lectures in It is viscerally satisfying for me to SL&L, and at large students. As- lengths of time. Since retiring on their fields, primarily Norman Saul see on a student’s face, or conclude suming it would be beneficial for May 16, 2015, I have given papers at (history), Leslie Dienes (geography), from an oral presentation or writ- future students to delve into their two conferences abroad, in Croatia and Maia Kipp (theatre and drama). ten work, that this young person subject matter, I have established and England, and seen in print two Others lectured more occasionally, has gained new knowledge and with KUEA the Gerald E. Mikkelson articles, one on Pushkin, one on depending on how I designed the absorbed some of your enthusiasm Fund for sustaining the Siberia and Valentin Rasputin, two book reviews, courses. Whenever the Soviet for the subject. After all, the Russian St. Petersburg components of KU’s and one eulogy for a recently de- Writer in Residence (1975-1993, language and Russian literature are instructional profile. I am cooperat- ceased friend and colleague. 2011) happened to be from either among the wonders of the world. ing with KUEA to ask for contribu- Perhaps my most important St. Petersburg or Siberia, I also incor- I was fortunate in receiving tions to this fund from former and activity now is spending more time porated our guest into the syllabus. several awards from colleagues present Siberia and St. Petersburg with my wife Meg, four very grown I should also mention Dr. Cynthia and students for my teaching, both students, participating faculty, and up children, six grandchildren, and Annett, who collaborated with me in here and in Russia. Nothing quite friends of CREES. friends.

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS CENTER FOR RUSSIAN, EAST EUROPEAN & EURASIAN STUDIES | CREES.KU.EDU FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE KINO

AUGUST 26 | THE TRIBE OCTOBER 21 | THE INNOCENTS 7:00 PM (UKRAINIAN, RUSSIAN & SIGN LANGUAGE) (FRENCH, POLISH & RUSSIAN) SEPTEMBER 9 | THE MERMAID OCTOBER 28 | THE OUTSKIRTS 318 BAILEY (RUSSIAN) (RUSSIAN) SEPTEMBER 23 | A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN SPLIT NOVEMBER 11 | ŠIŠKA DELUXE (CROATIAN & SERBIAN) (SLOVENIAN) CREES.KU.EDU

12 CREES NEWSLETTER University of Kansas AUGUST 30 CENTER FOR Dynamics and Implicati ons of the Failed Coup in Turkey RUSSIAN, Mike Wuthrich, CGIS, REES EAST EUROPEAN SEPTEMBER 6 Inclusive Educati on in Ukraine for & EURASIAN Students with Disabiliti es Lisle Kauﬀ man, STUDIES 2016 Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine CREES.KU.EDU SEPTEMBER 13 Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlanti c Fall 2016 Aspirati ons post-BREXIT LECTURE SERIES Ken Zurcher, Foreign Service Oﬃ cer, US Embassy, Sarajevo (Hosted via Skype) For over 30 years, the CREES Brownbag Lecture Series has been an informal forum for KU and the surrounding community to discuss SEPTEMBER 20 general topics related to Russia, Meet me in Mussolini Square: Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Commemorati ve Street Renaming in From the arts and literature to Kosice, Slovakia politi cal science and current events, Brett Chloupek, Assistant Professor of the CREES Brownbag Lecture Series Geography, Northwest Missouri State conti nues to educate and inform all those interested in this diverse and University dynamic area of the world. 318 BAILEY HALL SEPTEMBER 27 TUESDAYS Defending Moscow: A Screenshot of 12:00 PM (NOON) Patrioti sm in Russia Today FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Raymond Finch, REES GAP CREDIT AVAILABLE OCTOBER 4 Return Migrati on and the Creati on of a @KUCREES Transatlanti c Polish Culture Keely Stauter-Halsted, Professor of History and Hejna Family Chair in Polish CREES.KU.EDU Studies, University of Illinois, Chicago OCTOBER 18 Central Asian Migrati on to Russia: Gender and Vulnerabiliti es CREES Brownbags are taped by KU IT’s Victor Agadjanian, Foundati onal Media Production Studio and available at youtube.com/KUCREES Brownbag Professor, Sociology

CREES NEWSLETTER FALL 2016 13 CREES 2016 STUDENT & ALUMNI NEWS GRADUATES AND Alina Bashirova (REES MA) and several SLL students took part in SUA-sponsored AWARDEES International Night: Russia. Megan Luttrell (SLL) performed a medley of popular Russian songs. David McVey (SLL) and Irina Six (SLL) REES Co-Bachelor of Arts Russian, took part in a joint Q&A on Russia as well. Liam Burnside (REES MA) spent the sum- East European, and Eurasian Studies mer teaching for the Hudson Group and studying Russian in Moscow. In fall 2016 Holly Nicole Mills, he will be studying international policy and Applied Behavioral Science Spring ‘16 economics at the Higher School of Economics. Austin Charron (Geography PhD) spent the fall and spring in Ukraine, during which time Bramlage Family Foundation he sat in as a guest host on the StopFakeNews desk. He also got engaged in December, to Scholarship Kate Russell. Liam Burnside, MA REES Laura Dean (Political Science PhD ‘14) was a Kennan Institute Scholar in Residence in summer 2016, where she pursued research on human trafficking policy variation in the CREES/FMSO Security Analyst Post-Soviet region. Dean’s first academic ap- Internships pointment was at Clayton State University, but she has now accepted a position as an As- Liam Burnside, MA REES sistant Professor of Political Science at Millikin University, where she will start in August 2016 Michael Rose (MA 2015), right, in Sumy, Joshua DeMoss (REES MA/JD), who spent Ukraine recruiting students to study in the Jarosewycz Family Scholarship the spring in Ukraine, received an internship U.S. for the American Councils FLEX program. at the UN/WTO joint agency for international Ukranian Studies trade for the summer in Geneva. He worked the Polish Senate and the Taube Center for the Andrew Bilbo, PhD Political Science in their East Europe and Central Asia office, Renewal of Jewish Life in Poland; the award assisting on a project to help Ukrainian busi- covers all lodging, transportation, and per-diem Franklin Conard, BA Anthropology nesses export. expenses. Joshua DeMoss, MA/JD REES Ashlie Koehn (Environmental Studies BA, Nathan Pickett (Geography PhD Can- Economics, and Global and International didate, REES Alum) has had a busy time in Faelan Jacobson, Studies ‘16) was recognized in the 2016 KU Ukraine, while on his 2015-16 Fulbright. He Engineering, REES Minor Chancellor Report as one of “the best of had a guest appearance on StopFakeNews. KU.” The report covered a variety of faculty, And in May had an article devoted to Slavu- students, staff and international researchers tych, the last nuclear monotown, published Jerkovich Award who help contribute to the mission of KU in on the website Toxic News. educating leaders, building healthy communi- Michael Rose (REES MA ‘15) became the Kayla Grumbles, ties, and making discoveries that change the latest Jayhawk alum who was able to help PhD Slavic Languages and Literatures world. Ashlie also received an undergraduate the American Councils FLEX program recruit Susan Swanton, MA REES research award in spring 2016, to pursue a more young people from the region to study project with Dietrich Earnhart (Economics) in the U.S. He spent two months recruit- Travis Toon, on Environmental Regulation, Profitability, ing in Ukraine and two months recruiting in MA Global and International Studies and States in Transition: the Porter Hypoth- Georgia. Mike writes, “I was blessed to work esis in the Transition of Central and Eastern with the most interesting, hard-working and European States.” warm-hearted people I could have hoped Roy D. and Betty Laird Essay This year’s Roy D. and Betty Laird Essay Con- for. Thanks to the language component of test winners are Travis Toon, a master’s degree REES, I was able to conduct business in Rus- Competition student in global & international studies, for his sian successfully enough to be referred to as essay titled “Kosovo in Crisis: Caught between ‘that friendly young American man’ by some Ashlie Koehn, The Snake and the Zajednica,” and Ashlie Koehn, school directors in Ukraine. I will always look BA Global and International Studies, a 2016 graduate who majored in economics and fondly back on everything about KU CREES Economics, Environmental Studies minor global & international studies, and minoring in as I move forward and currently attempt to Travis Toon, environmental studies, for her essay, “Imperial enter government service. Rock chalk!” MA Global and International Studies Style, Comrade Couture, and the New Frontier Ashley Velez (GIS, SLL) received a Fulbright Russian Fashion.” As a recipient of the award, Mr. English Teaching Assistant award for Russia. Toon and Ms. Koehn received a combined $750, Ken Zurcher (REES MA ‘01) is finishing up a certificate, and a $75 book budget. year three of four in Sarajevo as the Deputy Palij Ukrainian Studies Award Congratulations to Holly Mills (REES BA Political Counselor. He frequently talks to Amy Lauters, ‘16) for being selected for the highly competi- visiting U.S. students (short term regional MA Slavic Languages and Literatures tive 2016 program, “Exploring Poland Heritage or long term exchanges), and will be doing a Study Tour.” This 10-day tour is sponsored by Brownbag lecture this fall by Skype. 14 CREES NEWSLETTER FALL 2016 NEW REES MA STUDENTS

Samuel Buyers graduated from FLAS LINKEDIN FALL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE Texas Tech Uni- versity in 2015. He received a CALL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED degree in History GROUP CREATED and a minor in Eu- The Council on Foreign Foreign Policy in Campaign The U.S. Department of Education Relations organizes periodic 2016 ropean Studies. office of International and Foreign During his under- conference calls on timely Wednesday, October 12, Language Education (IFLE) recently issues featuring national 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. graduate career created a LinkedIn group for Alumni of he researched the experts and allowing for Speaker: James M. Lindsay, the Foreign Language and Area Stud- submission of questions by Senior Vice President, Soviet justice system and politics. At ies (FLAS) Program. We are hopeful CREES, he hopes to broaden his knowl- listeners. All CFR Conference Director of Studies, and that FLAS alumni will use LinkedIn to edge in all Russian subjects in order to Calls will be broadcast in Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, connect with fellow language and area bring new point of views to his research. Bailey Hall, Room 318 and are CFR studies specialists, share stories about After the MA program, Sam wants to open to faculty, students and their experiences in the FLAS program, pursue a career in international politics the general public. U.S.–Russia Relations and network with alumni working in and help the government gain a better Wednesday, November 9, understanding of Russia before continuing similar fields of expertise. In addition, Women, Peace, and Security 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. his academic career. the group will help IFLE track and Thursday, September 29, Speaker: Angela E. Stent, gather more detailed outcome data on 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Director of the Center John C. fellows’ paths of continued study and Speaker: Jamille Bigio, for Eurasian, Russian and Stanko, origi- employment after graduation. Adjunct Senior Fellow for East European Studies and nally from New Please share this invitation with Women and Foreign Policy, Professor of Government Jersey, graduated any current or former FLAS fellows CFR; Senior Director, Amida and Foreign Service, from Texas Tech you know. Technology Solutions Georgetown University University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in FMSO SECURITY ANALYST INTERNSHIP Russian Language & Area Studies. KU students interested in gaining a better un- The internship will require, on average, 10 hours His primary academic interests are empire derstanding of the global security environment and a week for the duration of the semester. and diplomacy, especially the interactions how the U.S. military determines operational envi- The CREES/FMSO Security Analyst Internship between diplomacy and imperial collapse. ronments are encouraged to apply for a CREES/ is not funded and there is no associated remunera- John will be continuing his study of the FMSO Security Analyst Internship. The internship tion; however, students have the opportunity to Russian language, and hopes to study will give REES-area students an opportunity to receive the following benefits: abroad in Russia while at Kansas. Upon apply regional expertise and target language skills • Publication in Operational Environment completion of his Master›s degree, John in the analysis of security related issues under the Watch; plans to pursue a career with the Depart- guidance of experts at the U.S. Army’s Foreign • Practical application of REES-studies; ment of State, preferably in the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) and CREES. FMSO • Guided work experience in security analysis Service. analysts research defense and security issues using unclassified materials that reflect a foreign ELIGIBILITY. The internship is open to any Uni- Alyssa Wood perspective. Some of these findings are published versity of Kansas student with strong knowledge of in Operational Environment Watch, a monthly e- hails from Hud- Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia with advanced journal that presents non-American perspectives son, Wisconsin. target language skills. Preference will be given to regarding unique aspects in security affairs. She currently REES graduate students and those students pursu- serves in the U.S. Selected students will collaborate with analysts ing a REES graduate certificate. Army as a Foreign at FMSO in preparing brief, timely and relevant Eligible languages include: Russian, Ukrainian, Area Officer with commentaries for the monthly Operational En- Turkish, Polish, Czech, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, expertise in the vironment Watch publication. FMSO experts will Tajik/Farsi, Uyghur, Yiddish, and Slovene. regions of Europe- help students identify relevant foreign language Eurasia. She will sources, and guide them through the process of begin her REES translating and analyzing this information for better HOW TO APPLY. Interested students should MA program after a year of traveling and understanding of the REES region. submit a CV, recent transcripts (unofficial copy), working in various countries across Eu- The CREES/FMSO Security Analyst Internship and a short statement expressing how the CREES- rope. At CREES, Alyssa desires to improve is a great opportunity to learn more about global FMSO Security Analyst Internship relates to their her Russian language skills and to continue security and military operational environment academic and professional goals. Application building on her knowledge of the region. analysis, deepen knowledge of a particular region materials should be sent electronically to crees@ After KU, Alyssa will attend military train- or topic, and discover how open source foreign ku.edu with the subject heading “CREES/FMSO ing at Fort Lee, Virginia prior to her next perspective materials are used in developing solid Internship App.” assignment, which is yet to be determined. research products. Deadline: Sept. 2

FALL 2016 15 GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

The Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies BECOME A CREES DONOR TODAY (CREES) has been a national leader for the study of the former CREES GENERAL FUND ROY & BETTY LAIRD FUND Soviet Union and Eastern Europe The CREES General Fund supports a This fund is named after the late since 1959. wide range of educational and outreach Professor Roy D. Laird, a longtime member activities on campus and in the wider com- of the Russian and East European Studies The Center is a degree-granting munity. Among its dedicated sponsors are (REES) and Political Science faculties, and program within the College of the Oswald P. Backus/Anna Cienciała Ms. Betty Laird, whose continued support Memorial Fund for visiting lecturers in of CREES activities includes sponsoring Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Polish Studies, the Bramlage Family Foun- the annual Roy & Betty Laird Essay University of Kansas. dation Fund, which provides scholarships Contest. Monies donated to support to KU REES MA students who have strong this fund will primarily contribute to the Many of our activities are connections to the state of Kansas, and advancement of Russian Studies. enhanced through private the Norman E. Saul Fund. Named after donations to the Center for KU History Emeritus Professor Norman JAROSEWYCZ FAMILY FUND Russian, East European & E. Saul, the Saul fund supports REES students with travel grants to collections or The Jarosewycz Family Fund provides Eurasian Studies. to REES-related conferences for profes- scholarships for graduate students who sional development. have shown commitment and scholarly Special events, guest lecturers, interest in Ukraine and Ukrainian Studies. scholarships and study abroad PALIJ FAMILY FUND opportunities are just some of ALEXANDER TSIOVKH the ways your donation can help The Palij Family Fund supports visiting lecturers specializing in Ukrainian studies. MEMORIAL FUND us ensure our Center’s vitality. The fund also supports the Ukrainian The fund is named after the late Studies Prize for an outstanding student Professor Alexander Tsiovkh, a longtime We hope that you will specializing in Ukrainian. professor of Ukrainian Studies at University contribute generously to of Kansas. Monies donated to this fund strengthen the Center’s GEORGE C. JERKOVICH FUND are used to support students studying Ukrainian Area Studies at KU. programs by sending your gift The mission of the Jerkovich Fund is today. twofold: 1) to support the development of KU’s South Slavic library collection; 2) SPASIBO FUND Your gifts are tax deductible to provide awards to outstanding students The Gerald E. Mikkelson Fund is as allowed by law. Thank you for who have demonstrated an interest in intended to sustain the Siberia and your support! the study of Croatian or Serbian history, St. Petersburg components of KU’s literature, folklore, or culture. instructional profile. FOR ONLINE DONATIONS A secure online donation can be made to CREES via the KU Endowment website at: crees.ku.edu/give-crees FOR DONATIONS BY MAIL If you would like to make a donation by check or money order, please make your check payable to KU CREES and mail your donation to:

Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies Bailey Hall, 1440 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 320 THANK YOU Lawrence, KS 66045-7574