Aleksey Malashenko, Russian academic and political scientist, Died at 71

 Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko: Renowned Scholar of Oriental and Islamic Studies

Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko, a distinguished Russian academic and political scientist celebrated for his profound expertise in oriental and Islamic studies, left an indelible mark on these fields through significant contributions. Born on February 2, 1951, his legacy endures through a rich body of work and publications.

Early Years and Academic Pursuits

Aleksey Malashenko embarked on his academic voyage by earning a history degree from the Institute of Asian and African Countries in 1974. Fueling his thirst for knowledge, he pursued studies in Egypt and Turkmenistan in 1972. Responding to a deep sense of duty to his country, he served in the Soviet Armed Forces in Algeria from 1974 to 1976.

Research and Academic Engagements

Aleksey Malashenko's academic journey was intertwined with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where he served as a researcher from 1976 to 1982. In 1978, he achieved a significant milestone by successfully defending his dissertation on Islam in Algeria.

He also made notable contributions in the realm of publishing, acting as an editor at the journal "Problems of Peace and Socialism" from 1982 to 1986. His dedication to research led to his role as the head of the religious department at the Institute of Oriental Studies in 1986, followed by his position as lead researcher from 1999 to 2001.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Malashenko shared his knowledge globally, serving as a visiting professor at Colgate University in the United States in 1990. He furthered his impact by teaching at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations from 2000 to 2006, and subsequently at the Higher School of Economics from 2007 to 2008.

Contributions to Think Tanks and Extensive Authorship

Beyond traditional academia, Malashenko's influence extended to prominent think tanks and research institutions. He notably contributed to the scientific council of the Carnegie Moscow Center from 2007 to 2016. Later, in October 2016, he assumed the position of the head of scientific research at Dialogue of Civilizations, showcasing his dedication to a multifaceted approach to knowledge.

Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko possessed an extraordinary command of languages, being fluent in Russian, Arabic, English, and French. This linguistic prowess empowered him to write and edit 18 books across these languages, making significant contributions to the field of oriental and Islamic studies.

Legacy and Farewell

The academic, research, and international relations contributions of Aleksey Vsevolodovich Malashenko continue to be celebrated and remembered. Sadly, he passed away on January 3, 2023, at the age of 71. His work remains a lasting testament to his unwavering dedication to scholarship and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.