It was an unfortunate and, quite frankly, sad event to see the closure of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s American Russian Center (ARC) on January 5,2009. The local news station had an informative report on the event. What makes the closure notable is the loss of an historically significant and useful set of institutional connections with academic and commercial groups in the Russian Far East.

To be fair, I am not currently in Anchorage but I am familiar with the length of the program and its evolution since 1993. Having served as a Branch Coordinator for ARC in Yakutsk and Magadan (1995-1998), I can confidently state that the diversity of activities and depth of connections are not something that will be easily replaced. The opportunity to engage with Russia has been elusive and the evolving political situation does not suggest that times will be easier in the future. However, it is unquestionably important that the USA maintain and expand its connections with one of the most powerful countries in Asia and, let’s be honest, the world. As a trading partner for services, products and energy supplies, Russia is increasingly significant and requires the attention of diplomats and businesses.

It also seems appropriate for the future development of Alaska to seek greater ties that offer opportunities outside of natural resource extraction or tourism. While both have a legitimate role in Alaska’s economy, it seems logical to look for other areas of cooperation and collaboration that build upon the economic and geographic similarities shared by Alaska and the Russian Far East. I hope that other institutions and organizations recognize the need to stay connected with Russia both politically and economically. The American Russian Center will be missed.

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