December 19, 2001 Newsletter

Author: Linda DeLaine
Website: RL Online
Department:
Page: 0   ( 0) pages

Summary: New face of international arms control, Ded Moroz and the art of Russian Lacquer miniatures.

RUSSIAN LIFE'S
RUSSIAN CULTURE GUIDE NEWSLETTER

By Linda DeLaine, Editor
December 19, 2001

WHAT'S NEW

What's new? Arms control, that's what. You're probably thinking, "this is a decades old issue, not new." During the Cold War, arms control was of primary concern between the U.S. and Soviet Union. It continued to be an important issue with the Russian Federation in the 1990s. Russia ratified START II in 2000 and both nations announced that they had achieved full compliance with START I on December 5, 2001.

Today, arms control is a 'new' issue because the landscape has been dramatically altered. On December 13, 2001, the U.S. announced its withdrawal from the 1972 ABM Treaty so that it can legally construct a National Missile Defense shield (NMD). This action, according to the Russian ratification document for START II, nullifies either party's obligation to the latter treaty. And on it goes.

Arms control is an old issue but with a new face and an uncertain future.

New Resource: Arms Control
US Withdrawal from the ABM Treaty

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Century of Rebellion - Church Schism
The balance of Alexis' reign, the reforms and controversy of Patriarch Nikon and resulting schism within the Russian Orthodox Church.

What's in a Name?
Russian names have meanings that stretch well beyond what you'd expect...

Christmastide Tradition
St. Nicholas, Babouschka, Christmas Eve festivities . . . leading to Christmas on January 7th.

Russian Lacquer Miniatures: A Mythic Art
Russian lacquered miniatures came to fruition in the Soviet era--skilled icon painters' adaptation of a centuries-old art to new, secular reality. Collector and expert Cherry Gilchrist offers a fascinating look at the history of this art form, plus offers useful tips on how to buy top-quality miniatures.

Kievan Rus' and the Church
The origin of the Rurik Dynasty and introduction of the Orthodox Church.

Red Tsar
The life of the Soviet Union's infamous dictator, Joseph Stalin, who rose to power on November 12, 1927. Stalin was born on December 21, 1879.

And much more . . .

REGULAR FEATURES

Russian Culture Update
Your Update page includes special on-line features such Time Photo Essays, Russia Journal Lifestyle reports, current ruble rate and more. As always, this page is your source for daily headlines, OP/ED, sports and business news.

Today in Russia's History - December
Key events in Russian history from the debut of The Nutcracker, Stalin's birth and Yeltsin's surprise resignation.

PARTING THOUGHTS

Many of us will be observing Christmas next week on Dec. 25. I would like to wish all of you a wonderful and safe holiday.