Russia in Focus uses modern technology in order to transcend physical distances, challenge conventional beliefs, and provide a venue for interaction and dialogue between established experts in the field of Russian area studies and up and coming students of Russia.  We bring together the diverse international community of experienced Russia specialists and the younger generation of aspiring Russia experts and encourage them to collaborate, exchange observations and engage in discussion of various Russia-related topics through our online forum.

Mindful of the need for graduate students and recent graduates of Russian area studies programs to find an outlet for their ideas and a platform for demonstrating their individual merits, Russia in Focus publishes their papers and articles on its web site.  Prominent members of the scholarly and policymaking communities within and outside Russia are also invited to contribute their works to generate an intercontinental discussion on topics of interest to them and to provide support and encouragement for a new generation of Russia analysts.

In the spirit of fostering mutual understanding and disseminating quality research as broadly as possible, Russia in Focus actively seeks the involvement of specialists and students based in Russia itself.  We are committed to encouraging Russian scholars, students and recent graduates to publish their essays and actively participate in our forum.  To this end, our site offers publications both in English and in Russian, with a subsection for translated works in both languages.

We hope that by engaging the future generation of Russian leaders in a vigorous discussion about the past, present, and future of their country, Russia in Focus will contribute towards a better understanding of the current and future trajectories of the Russian Federation, its democratic transition, and its economic development.