I have always been fascinated by Russia and was fortunate to learn about the current state of U.S.-Russia relations in Moscow through my participation in the Kremlin Fellows Program. At 22 years old, having never traveled outside of North America, I was very excited to be nominated for the prestigious fellowship by Senator Carl Levin and later selected by the Russian government. I was part of a delegation of 15 undergraduate and graduate student leaders from various disciplines across the U.S.

King’s College London is set to open a Russia Institute in 2013 that will aim to become the leading international centre for the study of contemporary Russia. The Institute will launch master’s and doctor of philosophy  programs designed to complement those of the existing Global Institutes at King’s, focusing on nations that are emerging as the key cultural, economic and political powers of the 21st century.

Professor Keith Hoggart FKC, vice principal of External Relations at King’s College London, speaks to Modern Russia about the developments.

Barnaul is one Russia’s modernization capitals, boasting some of the country’s most vibrant and productive industries. Below are some interesting facts you may not know about this city:  

Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is often associated with images of the Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s. But lately Moscow’s image has freshened and is now more reflective of today’s Russia and its forward-looking, modern culture. Moscow is a city with a budding reputation; it is quickly becoming regarded as a global business and financial center, as well as a cultural and tourist destination, drawing attention from investors, artists, athletes and travelers alike.