Introduction

Educational institutions of higher learning in Moscow encapsulate many distinct kinds of places with extremely different missions, structures, and ideologies, with some institutions state-sponsored, Western-oriented, humanities-focused, and more. Many of these higher level institutions were shaped by the political and social climates of the times during which they were established, such as ones with imperial or Soviet heritages, and they all reflect parts of their varied histories. More importantly, these institutions have evolved over time with the ebbs and flows of different governments controlling Russia, although remnants of the past still linger to varying degrees. The effects of the changing regimes are also reflected in the different architectural styles and teaching philosophies of these institutions, along with the alumni they produce, the faculty they have, and the curriculum they utilize. Thus, on this tour of educational institutions of higher learning in Moscow, we are focusing on the interactions between the institutions and the states, along with tensions and divergences that emerged as interests and motives came into conflict. The Moscow that emerges through the lens of these five institutions of higher learning is one that is incredibly complex and nuanced, irrevocably changed by the different governments that helmed the states throughout the years.