The Center for Russian Studies (CRS) at Tel Aviv University, in cooperation with the Hoover Institution and the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law, held a workshop titled “Lessons and Warnings from Russia’s Reform Era” on January 10.

              The CRS Stanford Workshop, hosted by the Hoover Institution and the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law at Stanford University, aimed to subject the initial research program of CRS to rigorous scrutiny. The core research group of CRS presented the program to an audience of leading global experts, gathered at Stanford University for a day of intensive discussions. The goal was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed program, providing valuable advice and guidelines to ensure its successful launch.

              Opening Remarks

              The workshop began with a welcome address by:

• Professor Stephen Kotkin, Stanford University
• Professor Kathryn Stoner, Stanford University
• Professor Itai Sened, Tel Aviv University

              In his opening remarks, Dr. Anatoly Chubais introduced the participants to the work of CRS and the objectives of the CRS Workshop.

              Research Presentations

              The research team of CRS, based at Tel Aviv University, has developed a multidisciplinary research program integrating perspectives from culture studies, sociology, political science, and economics. This approach aims to construct a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding contemporary Russian realities. Presentations on specific research areas were delivered by:

• Professor Victor Vakhshtayn (CRS) – Methodology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary connections, and Future Work Plan
• Mr. Dmitry Butrin (CRS) – Economics
• Professor Alexander Arkhangelsky (CRS) – Culture
• Mr. Alexander Baunov (CRS and Carnegie) – Politics
• Professor Alexander Libman (CRS and Freie Universität Berlin) – Foreign Policy

              Discussion and Closing Remarks

              The research presentations were followed by a discussion led by Professor Stephen Kotkin. The discussion also featured contributions from:

• Professor Michael V. Alexeev
• Professor Timothy M. Frye (Columbia University)
• Professor Michael Ross (UCLA)

              The seminar concluded with closing remarks from:

• Professor Stephen Kotkin
• Professor Kathryn Stoner
• Professor Michael McFaul
• Professor Itai Sened
• Dr. Anatoly Chubais