Russian Studies in the UK dates from the 19th century, when it was introduced first at Oxford (1869), then at Cambridge (1889). Since then, the relative health of the field has fluctuated in correspondence with the state of the United Kingdom's relations with Russia.[1]
The Oxford University Russian Society was founded in the Oxford University in 1909 by Prince Felix Yusupov, then a student at the University College, Oxford, in order to promote links between Russia and the University. Almost a hundred years onwards, the society continues to espouse the same values with cultural events and talks by well-known and influential figures. It is not affiliated with any political party or movement, which allows it to host political speakers of great diversity.
The Russian Society currently numbers around 900 members. The aims of the society are to unite compatriots in Oxford, to promote Russian language and culture, and to support Russian-speaking students who wish to study in Oxford. In order to realise these aims, the Russian Society regularly holds many events, such as screening Russian films, organising conversational lunches, holding Russian celebrations and concerts, organising lectures by famous politicians and prominent cultural figures from Russia and other countries on the topics related to contemporary Russian politics and culture.[2][3][4]
The website of the Oxford University Russian Society is listed in the British Library's Guide to Slavonic and East European internet resources.[5]