Anglo-Saxon academic culture and Russian scientific communication: "global" and "local" in the realm of Russian science

Abstract

The past decade has been characterized by the endeavors of Russian researchers to integrate into the global academic community, a drive that has received official endorsement. This endorsement is manifested through various channels, including incentives for participation in international events, prerequisites for recipients of grants from the Russian Science Foundation (RNF), criteria for universities involved in the "5-100" and "Priority 2030" programs, as well as the stipulation of having publications in leading international journals and presenting research findings at global academic forums. However, this approach has encountered strong resistance in specific university and research circles, accentuating a dichotomy between "us" and "them." It has led some to compromise scientific ethics by resorting to publications in so-called "predatory" journals and, ultimately, spurred cross-cultural interference within the academic environment, giving rise to novel conference formats and transformations in publishing practices, among other changes. This study places particular emphasis on the impact of Anglo-Saxon academic culture on Russian scientific journals and publication standards, which have undergone substantial modifications to align with international expectations. While changes in the geopolitical landscape during 2022–2023 have prompted a reevaluation of established practices within the academic community, these new external realities do not necessarily signify a complete abandonment by Russian science of the entrenched communicative practices of the preceding decade.