The second issue includes reports made at meetings of the Academic Council of the IRI RAS and its research and production sections in 1997-1998. This publication includes a wide chronological range of reports, from ancient times to the problems of Russian history at the end of the 20th century. Thus, the history of our country appears in its integrity, continuity and features of each of the periods. Transcripts of the discussion of reports are of no less value, showing not only the great interest of historians in the stated problem, but also the versatility of approaches, different points of view, and the existence of discussion issues.