The Russian Review
The first issue of The Russian Review appeared in November 1941. This timing coincided with the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany. A small group of Russian émigrés and American historians created the journal to fill a void in Western understanding. George de Mohrenschildt, a geologist by trade, helped launch the project alongside William Henry Chamberlin. Chamberlin was an American historian and journalist who became a vocal anti-Soviet advocate. They sought to establish the first American academic journal dedicated to the history and society of Russia and the Soviet Union. Vladimir Nabokov contributed texts to that initial November 1941 release. Hélène Iswolsky, an activist, also wrote for the debut edition. Michael Karpovich, known as the father of Slavic Studies in the United States, joined their ranks. From its very beginning, the publication maintained a critical stance toward the Soviet system.
Dr. Eve Levin served as editor at the University of Kansas before her retirement. She stepped down from her role after many years of guiding the journal's direction. Erik R. Scott took over as editor in 2020. The Contact Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies hosts the publication today. The university manages the quarterly schedule under the guidance of Wiley-Blackwell. This transition marked a new chapter for the organization while preserving its core mission. The board of trustees remains independent of any national or professional association. No political alignment dictates the editorial choices made within these pages. The shift from Levin to Scott ensured continuity during a period of changing geopolitical landscapes.
The journal covers history, literature, culture, fine arts, cinema, society, and politics. It focuses on the Russian Federation, former Soviet Union, and former Russian Empire. Researchers explore gender and sexuality alongside theatre and geography. Military history and material culture form another pillar of their inquiry. The scope extends beyond Russia to include Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Scholars aim to move past confounds that limit understanding of the region. They seek to highlight the diversity found within the Soviet Union and its successor states. A multidisciplinary approach allows for deep dives into specific cultural moments. The content reflects both the past and present conditions of the area. This breadth ensures that no single perspective dominates the conversation.
Wiley-Blackwell publishes The Russian Review on a quarterly basis. Academic databases like JSTOR make the articles available to researchers worldwide. The Contact Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies at the University of Kansas oversees operations. Readers access the journal through institutional subscriptions rather than individual purchases. The partnership with Wiley-Blackwell has sustained the publication since its early days. Quarterly issues ensure consistent delivery of new scholarship to the field. Digital archives preserve back issues for historical reference. The distribution model supports the goal of reaching a global academic audience without commercial interference.
Early issues aimed to portray an accurate historic and sociocultural image of Russia and the Soviet Union to the United States. The founding group viewed the Soviet system critically from 1941 onward. Their work sought to counteract misinformation or one-sided narratives prevalent during World War II. The journal's board of trustees refuses alignment with any political association. This independence allows them to maintain a critical perspective regardless of shifting government policies. Western understanding of Eastern Europe was shaped significantly by their contributions. Critics praised the effort to go beyond simple confounds when analyzing the region. The publication remains a key resource for those studying the history of the former Soviet states.
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Common questions
When did The Russian Review first appear and what historical event coincided with its launch?
The first issue of The Russian Review appeared in November 1941. This timing coincided with the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany.
Who founded The Russian Review and which notable figures contributed to the initial release?
George de Mohrenschildt and William Henry Chamberlin helped launch the project alongside Vladimir Nabokov, Hélène Iswolsky, and Michael Karpovich. These contributors included a geologist, an American historian, and the father of Slavic Studies in the United States.
Who currently edits The Russian Review and where is it hosted today?
Erik R. Scott took over as editor in 2020 after Dr. Eve Levin stepped down from her role at the University of Kansas. The Contact Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies hosts the publication under the management of Wiley-Blackwell.
What topics does The Russian Review cover regarding Russia and Eastern Europe?
The journal covers history, literature, culture, fine arts, cinema, society, and politics within the Russian Federation and former Soviet Union. It also explores gender, sexuality, theatre, geography, military history, and material culture across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
How can researchers access The Russian Review and what is its publication schedule?
Wiley-Blackwell publishes The Russian Review on a quarterly basis through institutional subscriptions available via academic databases like JSTOR. Digital archives preserve back issues for historical reference while maintaining global distribution without commercial interference.