Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko: Scholar of Oriental and Islamic Studies
Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko, known for his expertise in oriental and Islamic studies, was a distinguished Russian academic and political scientist. He made significant contributions to the understanding of these fields during his lifetime. Born on February 2, 1951, his legacy lives on through his work and publications.
Early Life and Education
Malashenko embarked on his academic journey by graduating from the Institute of Asian and African Countries in 1974, where he earned a degree in history. His thirst for knowledge led him to study in Egypt and Turkmenistan in 1972. His commitment to learning and his country prompted him to serve in the Soviet Armed Forces in Algeria from 1974 to 1976.
Research and Academic Roles
Aleksey Malashenko’s career in academia was marked by his association with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He served as a researcher at the institute from 1976 to 1982. In 1978, he achieved a significant milestone by successfully defending his dissertation on Islam in Algeria.
His contributions extended to the realm of publishing as he took on the role of an editor at the journal “Problems of Peace and Socialism” from 1982 to 1986. His dedication to research and scholarship led him to become the head of the religious department at the Institute of Oriental Studies in 1986. He held the position of lead researcher from 1999 to 2001.
A testament to his international academic engagement, Malashenko served as a visiting professor at Colgate University in the United States in 1990. He later shared his knowledge as a professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations from 2000 to 2006, followed by a teaching role at the Higher School of Economics from 2007 to 2008.
Contributions to Think Tanks and Research
Malashenko’s influence extended beyond traditional academia. He was a valued member of the scientific council of the Carnegie Moscow Center from 2007 to 2016. In October 2016, he assumed the role of head of scientific research at Dialogue of Civilizations. Additionally, he served as the head of the expert council at RIA Novosti.
Multilingual Scholar and Prolific Author
Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko possessed a remarkable command of languages. He was fluent in Russian, Arabic, English, and French. His linguistic prowess enabled him to write and edit 18 books in these languages, contributing significantly to the field of oriental and Islamic studies.
Legacy and Passing
Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko’s contributions to academia, research, and international relations continue to be celebrated. Sadly, he passed away on January 3, 2023, at the age of 71. His work remains an enduring testament to his dedication to scholarship and the pursuit of knowledge.
