King’s College London to open Russia Institute

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.

Can you tell us a bit about the Institute and its aims?

The King’s Russia Institute has come about as part of our strategy of strengthening relations and understanding between the U.K. and other nations. At King’s we think Russia is one of several nations that will be 21st Century forces for change – politically, economically and also culturally – so we are focused on developing capacity for understanding what role they will play in a globalized world.

King’s central London location will allow the new Russia Institute to leverage unparalleled access to the intellectual, policy and cultural resources available in the UK and in Europe, while simultaneously building an authoritative profile in Russia, based on partnerships with major academic institutions, government and the corporate sector, and on engagement with public debates there.

Why does King’s feel it is important to open a Russia Institute?

Russia is a major 21st Century power, and we feel at King’s that there has been insufficient attention and understanding of the nation in recent decades. In order to understand Russia and the important role it is undoubtedly going to play in the modern world, we in Britain (and beyond) need to develop a deeper understanding of its cultural, economic and political affairs.

We already have a variety of Russian interests at the College, so the formation of a Russia Institute should give greater prominence to, as well as providing a focal point, for strengthening our expertise and activities that are Russia-centered. 

Along with King’s Brazil, India and China Institutes, the new Russia Institute will aid understanding in a comparative sense of how these BRIC economies are becoming ever more important on the world stage. The idea is to build capacity to understand these nations in their own terms – the success they are having as dynamic economies, but also the challenges they face and the frictions associated with their rise to power, so having a Russia Institute is critical to providing that comparative framework. 

Is there any significance in the timing of the opening?

Russia, with its fascinating history, rich culture, complex contemporary politics, and growing economic power, has long been at the center of attention for academic, policy, business and artistic circles. But now, as openness and global integration have brought Russia more fully into the world than ever before, the opportunities to truly understand the country have never been greater. 

At King’s we recognized some years ago that Russia was going to be of increasing importance in a globalized world, and so it has been part of the next phase of our international strategy to develop a fully-fledged Russia Institute, alongside other Global Institutes that focus on Brazil, India and China.

What will be the key areas of research focus?

The mission of the new Russia Institute will be to promote, undertake and coordinate interdisciplinary, balanced, and cutting-edge studies of how Russian society functions and on the country’s place and impact in global affairs. 

King’s already has an established tradition in studying Russian society – from its history and law to politics and religion; the College has also recently developed close ties with the country’s academic, political, and cultural organizations. 

The new Institute will draw on this existing expertise but primarily focus on Russia’s position in the world – with research into Russia and global politics, ethics and governance, entrepreneurship and economic change, social change, and health, science and environment policy. Other research strengths at King’s, such as security and diplomacy, and politics of development will be drawn on to provide students an in-depth understanding of Russia in the context of globalization. 

We will also be focusing on Russia’s relations with neighboring countries and developments in Eurasia and the Caucasus. Given Russia’s enormous geographic, cultural, ethnic and religious diversity, the Institute is aiming at establishing specific programs on the Northern Caucasus, Siberia, and the Far East, alongside research and teaching interests in Russia’s immediate neighbours, many of which, such as Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, share its historical legacy and have close economic and political ties.  

The Institute is developing MSc and PhD programs that will include unique modules drawing on advanced methods and concepts across the social sciences, humanities, and other subject areas, such as medicine and law. As a result, while focusing on Russia, students will acquire a range of transferable analytical skills necessary for successful careers in a variety of fields within and outside academia. 

Professor Keith Hoggart FKC is vice principal (External Relations) at King’s College London. Hoggart’s external relations remit includes the development of the College’s global networks of research and collaboration, providing academic leadership on partnerships with key international institutions, student recruitment and exchanges and promoting the College’s achievements to a global audience.