On Thursday, October 21st, at 6:30 p.m., in Fahy 236, and via TEAMS, Slavic Club, will be hosting an interesting and informative presentation, "Russia's 'Return' to
Africa: Minerals, Mercenaries, and Beauty Pageants" by Dr. Maxim Matusevich, - the
Director of the Seton Hall's Russian and East European Studies Program (REESP), and
History Professor.
In his presentation Prof. Matusevich will discuss how as the end of the Cold War was
drawing near the Soviet Union largely abandoned its previous commitments in Africa.
For almost two decades following the collapse of the USSR, Russia showed little interest
in the continent. However, with the rise of the nation's international stature and
the surge of Russian nationalism under Putin, the Kremlin staged a comeback, which
witnessed Russia's return to Africa, but this time on terms very different from the
Soviet past. It's a fascinating story of mercenaries and oligarchs, oil and gold,
internet disinformation campaigns, and even beauty pageants.
Dr. Matusevich has published extensively on the history of Russian/Soviet-African
encounters. He is currently finishing a new book-length project, which examines the
stories of Black travelers in the Soviet Union.
Please come and find out all the details pertaining to this very interesting topic.
The event is free! Everyone is welcome! Slavic food will be served!
And here is the TEAMS link!
Categories:
Arts and Culture, Nation and World
