Russian America and Beyond: Interview

Abstract

On May 20, 2026, the Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Sciences hosted the International Scientific Conference "USA, Russia, and the World: 250 Years of Interaction." The conference was organized jointly with the Institute of Advanced Historical Research, an association for the promotion of academic science and education, and with the support of Transneft. The editors of the journal "Concept: Philosophy, Religion, Culture" offer readers an interview with the conference organizer, Doctor of Historical Sciences Aleksandr Yu. Petrov. Aleksandr sheds light on the formation of his scientific interest in Russian-American relations and Russian America from his school years to his professional work at the Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Key topics discussed include the role of the Russian-American Company in the development of trade and diplomacy (including with China and Japan), its geopolitical influence, its contribution to round-theworld expeditions and the exploration of the Pacific Ocean. The discussion also addresses the unique nature of its relations with Indigenous peoples, compared to other colonial powers, as well as the preservation of Orthodox traditions and Russian customs among the Indigenous peoples of Alaska. The interview further explores the relevance of Russian America and the importance of studying it for understanding Russia's place in world history, as well as the region's role in early globalization and contemporary processes in the Asia-Pacific region. It demonstrates how personal academic decisions can lead to profound scholarly discoveries and emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, international cooperation, and work with foreign archives for a comprehensive study of Russian-American relations and the history of Russian America.