Introduction

In the introduction to Translating Russian Literature in a Global Context, the editors explain the key notions, questions, and methodological theories that underpin this volume. Our introduction addresses the function of Russian literature as a global vehicle for Soviet soft power during the Cold War, contrasting this open market with the subsequent reception of post-Soviet writing internationally. It briefly discusses the uncertain future of literary translation from Russian, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The editors situate this survey within a brief historiography of the academic study of Russian literary translation. We conclude with an overview of those countries and regions which will be discussed in dedicated sections of the edited volume, explaining why we were not able to commission essays on every part of the globe.