The University of Kansas Libraries

New Databases for Slavic and Eurasian Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies (MECAS). A systematic, and non-evaluative bibliographic index of research, policy, and scholarly discourse on the countries and peoples of the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa. Over 12,000 records of recently published & "grey" literature are added annually. Coverage includes the following fields: political affairs & law, international relations, economic affairs: business & industry, cultural heritage, arts & humanities, society & social welfare, ethnic diversity & anthropology, significant religious events & movements, and recent history (1900 - present) & archaeology.

International Affairs. This internationally renowned journal is the English translation of the Russian-language journal Mezhdunarodnaia zhizn (www.mezhizn.ru). Offers unique, first-hand analysis of major foreign policy and security issues facing Russia and other former Soviet republics. Published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the editorial board of this journal is traditionally headed by the minister himself, while the journal’s contributors are primarily experienced, high-ranking diplomats. As such, International Affairs is an excellent primary source for anyone interested in the course of Russian policy in foreign affairs. International Affairs often includes material from independent analysts, whose opinions may or may not differ from the official line. Roundtable discussions on topical world issues will also usually include representatives from the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as from think tanks and universities. In addition to current issues, International Affairs also features a section devoted to History and Memoirs, in which retired diplomats reminisce about their service to the homeland in various parts of the world. These pieces are usually devoted to a diplomat’s experience in contested, or relatively unknown, episodes of international relations.

Russian Regional Newspapers (UDB-REG) [Available beginning 9/1/2009]. Provides access to in-depth coverage of developments taking place at Russia’s regional and local levels.Newspapers covered in UDB-REG are those with the largest circulation in their regions and considered the most authoritative. Сurrently, UDB-REG contains 107 newspaper titles from 54 Russian regions of the Russian Federation, as well as newspapers covering local issues of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Includes newspapers from the troubled Northern Caucasus (Groznenskii rabochii, Severnaia Osetiia; from oil & gas rich Western Siberia (Tiumenskie izvestiia); and from the investment-friendly Volga region (Nizhegorodskie novosti and Samarskie izvestiia. Use UDB-REG to follow local news, trace local reactions to national and international events, gauge ethnic relations, or assess issues concerning freedom of the press. Many resources go back to 2000, with a few going back to 1997. Click here to see list of titles.

Digital National Security Archive. Provides electronic access to significant primary documents central to U.S foreign and military policy since 1945, including more than 43,000 of the most important declassified documents regarding critical U.S. policy decisions.