Harry Leeds, Author at NYU Jordan Center

Crimea “has always really been part of Russia” only after it had already been annexed. That is, the sentiment that some parts of Ukraine are really Russia was not an issue of such gravity until after they saw a chance to make a move.

Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Meat Stick: Crimean Tatars, the Media and the Crimea Crisis

This was the first week someone had asked me to edit their guerrilla warfare recruiting propaganda.

Told you so about Sochi (Part II)

Strangely enough, fears of violence against gays can act as good PR for Russia by drawing attention away against a real threat: terrorism from the Caucasus.

Told you so about Sochi (Part One)

I’m looking forward to saying I told you so. About Russia, about the Olympics.

Elton John as Gay Propaganda in Russia

An Imam in Kazan had prayed to prevent Elton John from performing because of his homosexuality. This is about as peaceful and spiritual as protests get.

Second World Problems (and their solutions)

I wanted to write about the plane crash in Kazan but I keep sneezing because my apartment is dusty.

I’ve Got A Lucky Ticket

The phenomenon of the lucky ticket is one that every Russian knows from childhood if she is lucky enough to take the bus.

Mikhail Lermontov Part II: The Flesh Mop

Borrowed culture, without full cognizance of origin, is still pervasive in much of the hipster culture of Russia.

Mikhail Lermontov Part I: The Original Hipster

If Russian literature is a history of Pushkin imitators, then Lermontov came first, and he’s still the best. Many have tried imitate Pushkin’s style, but few went as far to write tragic poems about his hero’s death in a duel, and proceed to, years later, perish in a duel himself. People just aren’t committed to their writing like that anymore.

Jordan Center for the
Advanced Study of Russia

Harry Leeds

Articles by Harry Leeds

What “Shooter” Gets Wrong about Russian Conspiracies: The Real Thing Is Way Worse.

Russians React (to Trump’s election)

ZERO Die In Russian Gay Night Club Shooting. You’ll Never Guess the Reason Why.

Victoria’s Open Secret (or Russia Embraces Granny Panties)

Smoked Out

The “Doctor Oz” of Russia

Liberty Island or Liberty Peninsula?

Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Meat Stick: Crimean Tatars, the Media and the Crimea Crisis

Told you so about Sochi (Part II)

Told you so about Sochi (Part One)

Second World Problems (and their solutions)

I’ve Got A Lucky Ticket

Mikhail Lermontov Part II: The Flesh Mop

Mikhail Lermontov Part I: The Original Hipster

The Simpsons go to 1990’s Russia

Russian Riddles Unsolved by Americans