Alena Struzh is a recipient of two PepsiCo Travel Fellowships.
What region/topics are you focusing on?
Mostly I’m focusing on Russian politics and society. I am particularly interested in Russia as an authoritarian regime, and how we can study this regime during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That said, I believe it’s really important to decenter and diversify my studies, so each semester I’ve been also taking classes on Ukraine and the Caucasus.
What is your thesis about?
My thesis investigates war-induced migration from Russia. I am conducting interviews with Russians who have left their home country since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. I am particularly interested in this migration community’s political behaviors and how the host societies are affecting experiences of migration.
What are some of your favorite things about studying here?
To be encouraged and challenged, both by students and faculty. The beauty of graduate study is that you enter the program thinking you already know a lot, but the longer you learn, the more you understand that you know very little. This might sound discouraging at first, but being part of the Harriman community inspires me — we all support one another on this shared path of learning.
What’s your most memorable experience here so far?
In a funny twist of fate, I ended up on stage translating for Russian pop star Monetochka, deemed a foreign agent by the current regime, during a Harriman event. It was a surreal moment that highlighted the intersection of art, politics, and culture. Monetochka also played some of her songs, and I’ve never had such an exclusive view at a concert!
Where in the region have you traveled?
In the summer of 2024, I traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia to interview Russian migrants for my thesis. In the winter, I went to Vilnius, Lithuania to do a comparative study. These two places are remarkably different, yet they were both part of the Soviet Union and demonstrate similarities — in their architecture, and in the fact that you can get syrniki (East European breakfast cakes made of farmer’s cheese) at any cafe in both cities. Also, I am originally from Moscow, but I have not been there in a while.
Fun fact about you:
I have very good relations with the best Samsa seller at Brighton Beach. Tyotya Raya has been selling stuffed rolls to the Brighton Beach emigre community since 2003 (before moving to New York, she lived in Florida for a few years – originally, she’s from Russia). You gotta try her $2 Samsas with cabbage next time you’re there!
Pictured: Alena Struzh in Tbilisi during her summer 2024 research trip.
