The Annual Stanford US-Russia Forum (SURF) Issue for the 2019-2020
In this journal, some of the papers take a forward-looking approach to analyzing the bilateral relationship, identifying exciting prospects for partnership across multiple domains. Other papers turn a critical eye to either frequently overlooked or highly-contentious issue areas. Each of the papers this year insightfully contributes to the academic literature in its field and offers real-world applications to the issue area addressed.
The Cyber Security team identifies ethical hacking, specifically bug-bounty programs, as a viable way to instill trust in and strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure. Also within the security field, the Counterterrorism group analyzes the nature of cross-border white nationalist groups in both Russia and the US and suggests new strategies to combat them. The dynamics of American dependence on Russian transport to the International Space Station was taken up by our Space team, who considered what this means for future US-Russian space collaboration. The Arms Control team evaluates the impact that emerging technologies will have on strategic stability in the era of crumbling nuclear nonproliferation regimes. The Applied History group examines a similar issue from a different perspective, taking a critical and extensive look at the formation of treaties under previous nuclear regimes in order to draw out historic lessons.
Our two Business groups examine Russian business practices and call attention to opportunities for growth and development. Business I analyzes the role of information technology in Russia's digital economy, while Business II assesses the landscape, risk, and priorities of Russia's venture capital market. The Education group examines the case study of a liberal arts institution in Tyumen, an innovative educational endeavor in Russia, to assess prospects for expanding such a novel form of higher education in Russia. Given the urgent need to address climate change, it is fitting that both our Energy and Environmental groups look closely at energy production and efficiency. The Energy group developed a project addressing the critically-important issue of methane gas leakage mitigation in gas and oil production infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Environmental group proposes a sustainable microgrid wind power generation solution to Russia's ecologically fragile Arctic region.
Each of these papers are a testament to the breadth and depth of issues facing both the US and Russia. What our research teams collectively show is that with the right resources, motivations, and information, such problems are indeed surmountable and solutions to them ultimately beneficial for all stakeholders involved. In an era of increasingly limited opportunities for collaboration, we are proud to showcase the fine work of these groups and give a platform to these issues that now, more than ever, need to be addressed.
This year would not have been possible without the tireless and committed efforts of the entire SURF leadership team, a resilient group of individuals who have devoted themselves to this worthwhile organization and without whom this organization would not succeed. In addition, we would like to offer our deepest and most sincere thanks to the many organizations, faculty members, experts, scholars, practitioners, professionals, and supporters who graciously contributed their time and service to SURF. Whether by meeting with our delegation, giving useful feedback, or offering logistic or institutional support, these partners provided invaluable support. We are also indebted to the countless SURF alumni who continue to offer their time and energy to sustaining SURF. Our biggest thanks to this year's delegates, who represent the best and brightest in each of their respective fields and who have proven to be fantastic researchers and ambassadors for their respective countries.
This journal is the culmination of hard work and rigorous research. We believe in the power of open dialogue, whether in the form of interpersonal interactions or collaborative research like this; such dialogue substantiates the backbone of any constructive and sustainable relationship. Conducted in the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, these ten research papers are tangible reminders that bilateral relations and productive dialogue must be prioritized.
