Dear CCI Friends,
As most of you know, Center for Citizen Initiatives was first organized in 1983 by Californians determined to do something at the grass roots level to avert nuclear war between Russia and the United States. Formally incorporated two years later, its mission was – and is to this day – to bring Russian and American citizens together in peace. Developing, sharing and promoting programs and educational materials on the cultures of the two countries is what we do.
Since the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022, some of our friends and followers have been disturbed that we continue to promote friendly, respectful relations between Russia and the US. The question frequently asked is, “What about Ukraine?!” The implication seems to be that the ongoing bloody conflict in that country must somehow nullify our mission to avoid a nuclear war with Russia. It does not. On the contrary, we feel the tragedy in Ukraine makes our work of promoting understanding more critical than ever.
The video below features an interview with Professor Nicolai Petro, University of Rhode Island, hosted by Glenn Diesen. Prof. Petro’s credentials as a scholar and expert on Russian and Ukrainian geopolitical history are extensive and we hope you will take the time to carefully consider his analysis of the entwined cultural roots shared by Russia and Ukraine. His perspective will deepen your understanding greatly.
The video is long and for those of you who prefer to receive information in a written format, a CCI friend has kindly taken the time to create what he calls a ‘rough’ transcript which follows the video. It is very helpful and much appreciated!
We look forward to your comments.
Center for Citizen Initiatives
“Deep Roots,” by Prof. Nicolai Petro:
Transcript
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U18uip7gBefDHARzOS_sp1agPQJnldVy/edit