At the Harriman Institute, in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, I became acquainted with the resources and insights that paved the way for my doctoral research on Soviet nationality policy and its enduring impact. It was the Harriman’s auspicious intellectual environment and vigorous scholarly community that incentivized me to continue pursuing the study of the history of Eurasia and Eastern Europe at Princeton University, where I earned my Ph.D. in 2024. In the face of Russia’s aggression and other authoritarian challenges to a rules-based international order, the need for de-imperializing and decentering Eurasian and Eastern European studies is more acute than ever. As I strive to turn my dissertation into a monograph on the Soviet appropriation of the literary heritage of non-Slavic nations, I remain grateful to the Harriman for the support and mentorship that continue to guide me in my academic career.