Beyond ‘regime’ and ‘opposition’: structural features of protest and social movements in Putin’s Russia—Mischa Gabowitsch 

Protest in Russia is often portrayed as a struggle between the political regime and a liberal opposition supported by a small urban middle class. Yet all of these terms are misleading. Rather than reflecting the experiences of Russian activists, they are perpetuated by the structural biases of both traditional and online media in Russia. Going beyond such portrayals, this talk analyses structural features shared by a wide range of movements of very different sizes and orientations, regardless of whether they present themselves as political or apolitical, liberal or nationalist, future-oriented or commemorative.

Russia in search of a new identity: European Dimensions—Vladimir Kuznetsov

Former Russian diplomat Vladimir Kuznetsov explores Russia’s history, geography, demographics, religion and culture to explain Russia’s ongoing search for an identity in the post-Cold War era. Dr Kuznetsov will examine the different identities put forward by Russian leaders and the propaganda of their creation. He will seek to offer an understanding of how Russia sees itself today, exploring traditional identities such as a superpower, regional power or influential global actor. Concluding his talk by offering a reality check, he will suggest that Russian leaders and citizens will have to embrace a fundamental paradigm shift, both in the nation’s interest and in pursuit of political survival.

RSVP

europe@anu.edu.au
By Thursday 2 March

Free and open to the public

For more information download the event flyer (305KB PDF)

The ANUCES is an initiative involving six ANU Colleges (Arts and Social Sciences; Law; Business and Economics; Asia and the Pacific; Medicine, Biology & Environment, and Engineering & Computer Science) co-funded by the ANU and the European Union.