Social Science Research Council

Russia/Eurasia in World Context: A Dialogue with East Asian Studies
Princeton University

The Eurasia Program of the Social Science Research Council, in partnership with Princeton University's Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), East Asian Studies Program, and Russian and Eurasian Studies Program, invites applications for a three-day dissertation development workshop that opens up area studies boundaries, encourages interdisciplinary conversations and explores the continuities, connections and contrasts that can be investigated across the Eurasian/East Asian regions.

Following the workshop on Russia/Eurasia in World Context: A Dialogue with Middle East Studies held in 2004, this workshop focuses on a different, but analogous, set of cross-regional interactions and comparisons. It aims to investigate commonalities in research agendas and frameworks, as well as differences and pitfalls, and to develop new questions through juxtapositions. Discussions should range from interpretive categories (empire, nation, the state, gender, modernism, modernity, authoritarianism, democracy) to transnational issues (development, trade, governance, private corporations, corruption, water, oil, environment, health, disease, terrorism, IT, diasporas, cultural exchange, war), to see what does, or does not, link Russia/Eurasia with East Asia, as well as to investigate the ways in which all regions are constructed in scholarly and public discussions.

Up to twelve graduate students and six faculty discussants attended the workshop. Participants convened for three days of intensive and critical discussion of the students' dissertation projects, alongside larger theoretical and methodological issues. Graduate students from social science disciplines and the related humanities who are at any stage of the dissertation process (from proposal to write-up) are eligible to apply. Applicants need not possess expertise in both area-studies contexts but should work within one or the other area-studies field and possess a curiosity to explore potential similarities or differences in subject matter, approach, and or methodology across the regional divide.

The SSRC and Princeton University will cover all transportation, accommodation, and related expenses for participants. SSRC and Princeton envision continuing with additional workshops to promote dialogues among world regions and the disciplines. Participation in multiple workshops would be possible.

Applicants should submit the following material:

If selected, participants will be required to submit a 15-25 page dissertation chapter or writing sample. The five page application statements, writing samples and CVs will be circulated among all conference participants. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited PhD program, and working at some stage on their dissertation projects. A limited number of places will be available for students in universities outside the United States and such students are encouraged to apply.

Please address all inquiries and correspondence to:

Social Science Research Council, Eurasia Program
810 Seventh Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 377-2700 x 459; Fax: (212) 377-2727
E-mail: Eurasia@ssrc.org

NOTE: All narrative statements and CVs should be submitted by email, and all letters of reference should be sent by post to the address listed above.

Funding is provided by the United States Department of State, Program for Research and Training for Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII) and by Princeton University Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) and its East Asian Studies and Russian and Eurasian Studies Programs.