Slavic-Eurasian Research Center

• 1. Cold War Origins And Formation

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  On the 24th of June 1953, Hokkaido University made a decision to coordinate research activities. This moment occurred just one year after the end of the US occupation of Japan on the 28th of April 1952. Scholars gathered with a broad remit covering Soviet and Communist studies or Area studies. The group operated without formal structure for two years before taking official shape. On the 1st of June 1955, the entity became known as the Slavic Institute. It was incorporated into the University's Faculty of Law during this period.

• 2. Organizational Evolution And Renaming

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  The institute gained organizational independence on the 1st of April 1978. At that time it received the new name Slavic Research Center (SRC). Geopolitical changes followed the end of communism in Europe and the breakup of the Soviet Union. These events obviated the validity of Communist studies as a field of inquiry. On the 1st of April 2014, the Center underwent another renaming process. It became the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center (SRC) once again. This change reflected the shifting political landscape across Eurasia.

• 3. Academic Divisions And Scope

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  Research within the center is conducted through five specific divisions today. Russian Studies forms the first pillar of their academic work. Siberian and Far Eastern Studies covers the vast northern territories of Asia. Central Eurasian Studies examines the heartland regions between Russia and China. East European Studies focuses on nations to the west of the former Soviet bloc. Comparative Studies allows scholars to analyze patterns across all these distinct areas. The center also maintains an Eurasian Unit for Border Research to handle specialized inquiries.

• 4. International Collaboration Networks

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  In 2018 the SRC collaborated with 27 universities and research institutes from across Eurasia. Within the framework of the Foreign Visitors Fellowship Program, tens of foreign scholars have been invited since 1978. This program has operated continuously for over four decades without interruption. Partnerships span the entire region from Eastern Europe to the Pacific coast. These connections allow researchers to access archives and conduct fieldwork in multiple countries simultaneously. The network remains active despite changing political climates in the participating nations.

• 5. Notable Visiting Scholars

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  Prominent historians and political scientists have conducted research at the center through the fellowship program. Norman Davies served as a visiting scholar during his career. Tsuyoshi Hasegawa contributed significant historical analysis while based there. Tomasz Kamusella and Dariusz Kołodziejczyk both utilized the facility for their work. Stephen Kotkin and Vladislav Krasnov produced important studies using the center's resources. Taras Kuzio, David Marples, Vojtech Mastny, Alexander Nekrich, Sabrina Ramet, Jadwiga Staniszkis, and Jerzy Tomaszewski all spent time researching at the institute. Their collective output shaped modern understanding of post-Soviet states.

• 6. Scholarly Publications And Output

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  The institute produces two major academic journals under its own name. Acta Slavica Iaponica serves as one primary publication outlet for regional scholars. Slavic Studies functions as the second journal dedicated to Eurasian topics. These publications disseminate findings from the five research divisions to global audiences. They maintain high standards for peer review and academic rigor. The journals cover diverse subjects ranging from border conflicts to cultural comparisons. Researchers submit manuscripts that undergo extensive evaluation before acceptance for print.