This issue testifies to the continued collaboration of SEET with scholars in Poland specialized in Russian studies, in particular the heritage of Russian, non-Marxist and non-Soviet thought (philosophy). The first fruits of this collaboration appeared in volume 54, 1–2 (March 2002).

Of particular note about the present issue is the publication of the article by Professor Andrzej Walicki. Prof. Walicki can be reckoned as the spiritus rector of Polish studies in Russian thought and culture. By his numerous works in the domain he has set an example to more than a generation of scholars in Poland (doubtless elsewhere as well). He is to be counted among the pre-eminent historians of ideas in Russian thought; his research extends from the Enlightenment to the present. The number of times his name appears in references throughout the other articles appearing in this issue testifies to his achievement and standing.

It so happens that the present issue coincides with Professor Walicki’s eightieth birthday, for which reason the editors of SEET together with the authors are pleased to dedicate these studies to him.

In addition to the texts gathered by Prof. Dobieszewski we include two additional texts, that co-authored by A. Gęścińska and S. Lepez, as well as the review essay by K. Stöckl. The first is directly related to the theme of this issue’s, all the more so, it could be said, by virtue of the Polish-Russian connection it explores. The review essay by Dr. Stöckl analyzes a central aspect of current Russian religious (and nationalist, political) discourse.