May 14-15, 2015 marked the 15th annual International Likhachov Scientific Conference, hosted by St. Petersburg University of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Since 1993, this annual conference has provided a forum to discuss the most pressing contemporary humanitarian issues. Originally titled the International Scientific Conference, in 2001 the conference was renamed to honour Dmitry Sergeyevich Likhachov; an outstanding Russian scientist and a public figure, and an internationally acclaimed humanist. In further recognition of Dr. Likhachov’s exceptional work and the conference’s outstanding contribution to scientific research, the forum was awarded state status by special decree in 2001 by then President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

This year’s conference theme was Contemporary Global Challenges and National Interests. In his presentation, EURUS professor Dr. Dutkiewicz presented a paper on “Global Strategic Instability – Five Thoughts”, which is available here. St. Petersburg University is a close partner of Carleton University and EURUS. The conference program and presented papers will be of key interest to the EURUS community and are available here.