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29PREFACE, or I have always considered myself Tambovskii
The Clemson University-Tambov State University Russian Provincial Politics Program is a unique contribution to the world of international education and study abroad. All across the United States, universities continuously and passionately argue about the crucial necessity for American undergraduates to achieve a diversified and profound global understanding of the world in which they live. These are not empty words; it is paramount for the United States, if it wishes to remain a true and constructive partner to the global community, that it produces new generations of Americans who not only appreciate the complex world in which we all live, but also are able to engage that world in ways previous generations found impossible. These priorities are honored by the Russian Provincial Politics Program and it establishes a foundation for American undergraduates to understand the world beyond their beloved South Carolina.
The following commentaries come from the experiences of Clemson students in the summer of 2006. These reflections emerged largely from a series of political roundtables in which the Clemson students engaged their Russian peers across a broad and deep series of issues. The students have been given freedom to express themselves and complete independence in choosing their topic of focus. They are serious discussions, meant to not only reflect their own personal areas of interest but also give Tambov a sense of the thought processes American political science students go through. Some of the commentaries may not necessarily be flattering. This is the nature of political analysis, where often scholars work in criticism exactly because of how deeply they love a place. This is undoubtedly the case in this journal; without exception every single Clemson student fell in love with the glories of Tambov and especially fell in love with its people. Thus any critical commentary from them is not meant to be an insult to Tambov or Tambovians but is instead meant to be a sincere and hopeful entreaty to see Tambov always improve, always prosper and always remain the HEART OF RUSSIA.
15 years ago a young college student came to Tambov in order to experience Russia and learn the Russian language. No American had ever before come to Tambov to study. It was a difficult year as this young American ended up living and studying in Tambov during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the traumatic liberalization of prices. Despite the hardship and difficulties, what that young American left with was a life-time full of memories, a deep love for all things Russian and a profound conviction in the similarity of our peoples and the need to create greater ties between us all. 15 years ago he left Tambov vowing to become a professor, and, if given the chance, creating a program that would extend to his students the opportunity to see the Russia that he had fallen in love with, to see the Russia that only Tambov could give. I was that young student 15 years ago. I am that professor today. Over the years there has been no harsher critic of some of the choices and directions Russia has taken in trying to become a democracy. Despite that criticism, my love and dedication to Russia in general and Tambov in particular has never waned. This journal and our program is a testament to that spirit - the spirit that says the greatest patriots are those not willing to accept the status quo but instead always demand something better. I hope to one day see both of our countries in a true partnership. We will all be better, safer and happier because of it.
I am positive Clemson will always be thankful to Tambov for the opportunity given to our students. Our students will live the rest of their days with a piece of Tambov deep in their hearts. In just one short month they got to experience why, in spirit, I have always considered myself Tambovskii.
Dr. Matthew D. Crosston Professor of International Relations and Comparative Politics Department of Political Science Clemson University
МОЛОДЕЖНАЯ КУЛЬТУРА РОССИИ И АМЕРИКИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ГЛОБАЛИЗАЦИИ
