Russian Émigré Communities, Identities, and Belonging in the Interwar and Postwar Periods

Session Submission Type: Panel

Brief Description

In recent years, interest in what is colloquially known as “Russia Abroad” has grown exponentially, especially in light of the flight of hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Studies of diaspora have sought to better understand emigres relationships with both their country of origin and their new host country, as well as with their fellow migrants. This panel expands upon our understanding of diaspora and emigration by exploring the formation, dissolution, and legacy of three distinct émigré communities.
Nina Bogdan’s paper focuses on the case of the Russian war brides in the aftermath of the American Expeditionary Force to Russia in 1918-1920. It will explore how these women navigated wartime choices, acclimated to life in the United States, and interacted with later waves of Russian emigres. Liao Zhang’s paper investigates the experiences of the Russian émigré community in Interwar Shanghai. As well as exploring the community itself, the paper will assess the lasting legacy and memory of the community during the Cold War. John Romero’s paper focuses on the community of Volga Tatars who made their way to Germany before, during, and immediately following the Second World War. Of particular importance is their role in the formation and programming of the Tatar-Bashkir Service of the U.S.-funded Radio Liberty after 1953.

Sub Unit

• History: 1900-1945

Chair

• Susan Grunewald, Louisiana State U

Papers

• Russian War Brides in Interwar San Francisco - Nina Bogdan, U of Arizona

• Eurasian Imprints: Rediscovering and Remembering the Russian Émigré Community in Interwar Shanghai - Liao Zhang, New York U Shanghai (China)

• Émigré Politics and the Birth of Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir Service - John Mulvey Romero, U of North Georgia

Discussant

• Jonathon Randall Dreeze, Cornell College