Vol. 29, No. 2, Fall/Winter 1991 - "USSR: Geographical Perspectives"



WHITHER RUSSIA?: ALTERNATIVE TERRITORIAL FUTURES FOR THE USSR

(pp. 1 – 14)


Philip S. Gillette

Department of Political Science and Geography

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia


Abstract


The Soviet Union may experience three types of fundamental territorial change. Chipping refers to small regions along the Soviet border uniting with neighboring states. Fragmenting connotes the union republics seceding and becoming independent. Fusing suggests processes by which one or more republics (possibly the residuum of the USSR after the withdrawal of several republics) forms a new union or confederation. As candidates for chipping, the study looks at the three territories of Kaliningrad Oblast, Nakichevan Autonomous Republic, and the southern Kuriles. Under fragmenting, the inquiry weighs the conditions for success of six "separatist" republics. The argument is made that the Baltic republics have the best chance to secede. Three possible combinations under the fusing classification are explored: a new Russian federation, a Slavic "heartland" grouping of four republics, and a union of nine republics.




THE CATHERINE (YEKATERINSKY) PALACE AT PUSHKIN

(pp. 15 – 26)


Lydle Brinkle

Geography Department

Gannon University

Erie, Pennsylvania


Abstract


The town of Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo--Tsar's Village), situated in the suburbs of Leningrad, is extremely interesting for its history and architectural monuments. The town has borne the name of the great poet since 1937. The spectacular Catherine Palace is a landmark of serenity and aesthetic perfection. The palace and park complex, a striking monument to Russian architecture of 18th-19th centuries, is world famous. Some of the best architects, artists, sculptors, and gardeners helped to create the beautiful architectural ensemble there. At Pushkin the Russian aristocracy reached the zenith of its fairy-tale existence. In the town the imperial family of Russia lived amidst luxury and ruled by absolute power. Devastated by World War II, Pushkin and its beautiful Catherine Palace have been largely restored.




THE REFLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL PROBLEMS

(pp. 27 – 32)


Irina Rodionova

Geography Department

Moscow State University

Moscow, Russia


Abstract


Both the general public and the scientific community benefit from the creation of atlases illustrating the complexities of global problems. The importance of such efforts, the contribution of foreign cartographic efforts to Soviet geography, and examples of major atlases presently being developed in the Soviet Union are all discussed in this article.




REPORT ON RELIGION IN RUSSIA

(pp. 33 – 35)


Peggy Mclnerny

Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies

Wilson Center

Washington, D.C.


Abstract


Russian Orthodoxy is replacing Marxism-Leninism as the predominant ideology of Russia today, contended Dmitrii Radyshevskii in a lecture at the Kennan Institute on 13 January 1992. Radyshevskii is a reporter for the newspaper Moscow News and recently worked at Time magazine in Washington, D.C. Thousands of people are being baptized in the Russian Orthodox Church every day, but this does not always indicate a conscious choice of a church or religious doctrine, claimed Radyshevskii. People are searching for spirituality and an identity apart from communism, and the Russian Orthodox Church-- because it is part of the Russian tradition--is the obvious choice for many, he said.




CORROSION OF BRONZE PLAQUES IN THE PHILADELPHIA REGION

(pp. 36 – 48)


Thomas C. Meierding

Department of Geography

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware


Abstract


Acidic deposition due to urban air pollutants has formerly been blamed for bronze statuary degradation, as evidenced by occurrence of green corrosion products. In this report, horizontal ground level bronze plaques were found to turn green with age in eight cemeteries around the Philadelphia, PA region, but no correlation could be discovered between acidic deposition amounts (deduced by surrogate indices) and rate of greening. In fact, plaques in all cemeteries turn green at identical non-linear rates regardless of distance from the city or from industries. Plaques installed in the 1930s and 40s are almost completely green, whereas those from the 1970s and 80s are non-corroded. For unknown reasons, most greening occurred during the 1950s and 60s.



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