The Gonchar-Stahl ρ2-theorem and associated directions in the theory of rational approximations of analytic functions

The Gonchar-Stahl rho(2)-theorem characterizes the rate of convergence of best uniform (Chebyshev) rational approximations (with free poles) for one basic class of analytic functions. The theorem itself, modifications and generalizations of it, methods involved in its proof and other related details constitute an important subfield in the theory of rational approximations of analytic functions and complex analysis. This paper briefly outlines the essentials of the subfield. The fundamental contributions of A. A. Gonchar and H. Stahl are at the heart of the exposition.