In response to "Rise and Fall of Russia's Economic Think Tanks," a comment by Anders Aslund on Dec. 19.
Editor,
I was disappointed to see this comment written by my former Carnegie colleague. The author writes, "Carnegie Moscow Center has closed its economic program and domestic politics program, remaining a mere shadow of its former self."
This is far from the truth. The center's Domestic Politics Program is alive and well. Long chaired by analyst Nikolai Petrov, it will soon be directed by Maria Lipman, one of the most respected commentators of the Russian social and political scene. The center's economics program is equally strong.
For four years in a row since 2009, the Carnegie Moscow Center has been named the best think tank in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Last year, we received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
At the same time, we always try to improve our operating methods. This involves updating our programs and prioritizing the next-generation scholars. Like Alice in Wonderland, we need to run just to remain in one place. But in Russia, we need to run twice as fast.
Dmitry Trenin, Director, Carnegie Moscow Center
