Revitalizing H-Russia - Introducing New Network Editor and Plan for Network for 2022/23

Dear H-Russia subscribers,

My name is Oleksa Drachewych. I am happy to announce that I am now the new network editor for H-Russia. My name should be familiar to subscribers as I have served as one of the review editors for the network since 2018 and will be maintaining that position for the time being. I specialize in the history of the Bolshevik Revolution, of the Comintern, and of Russian foreign policy.

In the coming months, I will be leading an ambitious series of initiatives to kickstart the forum at a time when I think it can serve an incredibly important role in the field and take advantage of the unique opportunities a forum like H-Russia provides. Here is a short list of some of those initiatives:

1. Considering recent discussions on decolonizing Russian studies, H-Russia will start a blog inviting scholars on different topics to provide recommendations, either for researchers or teaching, to help in this matter.
2. Another series will invite scholars to provide commentary on the top 3 to 5 books to dive into a topic (e.g. top three books to read on the Great Reforms), seeking to help students, new and old, learn this history.
3. A blog series on stories from the archives, offering unique recollections from senior scholars about research during the Soviet Era, or in Russia in the 1990s. Part of this will serve to express solidarity with new researchers about the adventure that is archival research. Plus, it will be an opportunity for scholars to look back at the history of archival research in Russia and surrounding areas and record their unique stories.
4. Among the most important new initiatives I hope to oversee - H-Russia will aim to host and establish a definitive and comprehensive list of relevant archival resources located outside of Russia. This will help ensure specialists can still study archival documents despite Russia’s War in Ukraine and the uncertainty of doing research there. I also hope graduate students will eventually find it invaluable especially as many are reconsidering the feasibility of their own research projects.
5. I will look to develop relationships with fellow networks to create cross-posted content or host unique discussions on key issues affecting the regions we study and take advantage of some of the unique benefits of being part of H-Net.

Invitations and calls for papers related to these initiatives will be sent out or posted later this month here on H-Russia. However, please do not hesitate to reach out via the network email (editorial-Russia@mail.h-net.org ) or to me directly (odrachew@uwo.ca ) if you have interest in contributing to one of these series or would like more information.

These initiatives will also be on top of usual duties – book reviews (We are always looking for qualified book reviewers!), ToCs of relevant journals, and the like. And this is just the start.

Many longtime subscribers will recall a time where H-Russia was amongst the most vibrant and important resources available to Russian, Soviet, and Slavic historians. It is my hope that over the next year, H-Russia can be revitalized and return to its notable spot in the field. Keep an eye on https://networks.h-net.org/h-russia or follow the network on Twitter (@HNetRussia).  

I look forward to interacting with you all through this network.

Sincerely,

Oleksa