Supporting Global Dialogue: Rossen Roussev's Academic Exchange

In a world increasingly interconnected, the exchange of ideas across borders has never been more crucial. Professor Rossen Roussev, a renowned philosopher with a global perspective, recently returned from a transformative experience at the 4th International Colloquium in Contemporary Philosophy and Culture. Supported by the Aleksander Foundation, Professor Roussev's participation in this prestigious event not only enriched his own research but also highlighted the foundation's commitment to fostering education in Bulgaria.

A Distinguished Scholar

Professor Rossen Roussev is a distinguished academic in the field of Contemporary Philosophy. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” University of Veliko Tarnovo and as a Visiting Professor of World Culture at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts “Krastyo Sarafov” in Sofia, Bulgaria. His extensive teaching career includes positions at North South University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Kazakh British Technical University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, and St. John’s University in New York. Additionally, he has been a Research Resident at Albert Ludwigs Universität Freiburg in Germany.

Professor Roussev earned his doctorate in philosophy from The New School for Social Research in New York under the mentorship of Professor Agnes Heller. His academic interests span Contemporary Philosophy, Critical Theory, Philosophy of Literature and Art, Feminist Philosophy, and the intersections of Western and Asian philosophy. He has published extensively in these areas, including his monograph “Philosophy and the Structure of Modernity: Fragments of Actualization.” He is also the editor of the journal “Global Conversations: An International Journal in Contemporary Philosophy and Culture.”

A Global Conversation

The 4th International Colloquium in Contemporary Philosophy and Culture, themed “Nature, Spirituality, and Culture,” was a landmark event organized by the Society for Philosophy as Global Conversation in collaboration with the University of Nagano. Held from May 31 to June 2, 2024, at the Learning Hall of the University of Nagano in Japan, the conference attracted a diverse group of scholars and artists from around the world. As one of the main organizers and deputy chair of the conference, prof. Roussev played a pivotal role in shaping the event's agenda and fostering meaningful dialogue. 

Engaging with colleagues from diverse backgrounds broadened his horizons and provided new insights into his research. The paper he presented, titled “Nature, Culture, and Deconstruction: Claude Lévi-Strauss and Jacques Derrida,” delved into the relationship between nature and culture, drawing on the insights of two of the 20th century's most influential philosophers, and shedding light on a topic of immense relevance in today’s socio-political and literary discourse. The vibrant exchange of ideas at the conference has already influenced the direction of his ongoing research, and he anticipates publishing a comprehensive academic article based on his findings in the renowned journal, Global Conversations.

Long-lasting Impact

The conference provided Prof. Roussev with a unique opportunity to engage with colleagues from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. These interactions have inspired new research directions and strengthened existing collaborations. Furthermore, the feedback he received on his presentation has helped him to refine his arguments and make significant progress on a forthcoming academic article.

The Aleksander Foundation is dedicated to advancing Bulgarian education by providing opportunities for students and researchers to engage in extraordinary academic and research endeavors. By helping prof. Roussev to attend this international conference, the foundation has enabled him to expand his knowledge, enhance his reputation as a scholar, and contribute to the global conversation on philosophy and culture.