# Kolmogorov complexity in the USSR (1975--1982): isolation and its end

**Authors:** V. V. V'yugin  
**arXiv:** [1907.05056](https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.05056)  
**Date:** 2019-07-11  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1907.05056v1/

## Key points

- The article discusses the "dark ages" of algorithmic information theory in the USSR from 1975 to 1982.
- Political and social factors led to a significant decrease in the number of people working in this area during this time.
- L.A. Levin published several seminal papers that laid the foundation for modern algorithmic information theory during this period.
- A.N. Kolmogorov's talk at a seminar sparked a new wave of interest among younger researchers who obtained new results in algorithmic information theory.
- Isolation from international research communities affected progress in this field, with political factors such as censorship and limited access to international literature impeding scientific research.
- Despite these challenges, researchers persisted with their work and made significant contributions to advancing our understanding of fundamental concepts related to computation and information processing.
- Collaborations with international researchers helped break down barriers and advance research in this field even further.

## Summary

The article "Kolmogorov complexity in the USSR (1975--1982): isolation and its end" by V. V. V'yugin provides a detailed account of the "dark ages" of algorithmic information theory in the USSR during the period of 1975 to 1982. The author describes how, after a great interest in this topic in the 1960s and early 1970s, the number of people working in this area decreased significantly due to political and social factors. However, during this time, L.A. Levin published several seminal papers that laid the foundation for modern algorithmic information theory. The situation changed when A.N. Kolmogorov gave a talk at a seminar organized by him at Moscow State (Lomonosov) University Mathematical Department (Logic and Algorithms Division). This talk sparked a new wave of interest among younger researchers who obtained some new results in algorithmic information theory. The author provides personal reminiscences about this period and discusses how isolation from international research communities affected progress in this field. The article highlights how political factors such as censorship and limited access to international literature impeded scientific research during this time period. Despite these challenges, researchers persisted with their work and made significant contributions to advancing our understanding of fundamental concepts related to computation and information processing. Furthermore, collaborations with international researchers helped break down barriers and advance research in this field even further. Overall, "Kolmogorov complexity in the USSR (1975--1982): isolation and its end" provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by researchers working on algorithmic information theory during a difficult period in Soviet history; it highlights both their resilience as well as their contributions to advancing our knowledge on computation and information processing.