Post-Soviet Legacies in the Global Context
INFO
The working group “Post-Soviet Legacies in the Global Context” seeks to investigate the extensive and often underexplored influences of the Soviet Union that extend far beyond the geographic boundaries of the former USSR. While much of the academic and popular discourse around the Soviet legacy focuses former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe, this group will take a broader, more global perspective. The group will critically examine how Soviet policies, ideologies, and practices have impacted social, political, and economic structures in diverse regions in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean and vice versa.
A central question for the group will be the translation and applicability of postcolonial and decolonial perspectives in post-Soviet contexts. This focus will address the complex challenges involved in reconceptualizing these frameworks to account for the unique history and legacy of the Soviet Union, particularly in the countries and regions that were either directly influenced or engaged with the Soviet bloc. Through this lens, the group will engage in discussions about power, resistance, identity, and the continuing influence of these legacies in the present day.
The group will therefore also reflect on how post-Soviet entanglements continue to shape contemporary global dynamics, particularly in relation to the rise of new global powers, shifting international alliances, and the ongoing impacts of Soviet-era economic and political practices on post-Soviet states and their former and new allies.
In addition to these themes, the group will encourage collaboration across disciplines, drawing insights from fields such as sociology, history, political science, and cultural studies to develop a richer, more nuanced understanding of the global reach of Soviet legacies. The group is designed to be an inclusive space for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of post-Soviet histories, decolonial perspectives, and global power structures.
Goals of the Working Group:
Promoting dialogue between scholars, activists, and political actors to develop new solutions for post-Soviet challenges.
Regular events on various topics related to post-Soviet legacies.
Reading groups focused on current scholarly works, theories, and political perspectives in the context of post-Soviet history and its global impacts.
Workshops and discussions that integrate theory and practice, fostering interdisciplinary exchange.
Deepening the understanding of postcolonial and decolonial perspectives and their applicability to post-Soviet contexts.
Discussions on new geopolitical alignments and their connection to post-Soviet entanglements.
Sharing ideas and projects focused on contemporary political and social movements related to the post-Soviet world.
Engaging experts from various disciplines (sociology, history, political science, cultural studies, etc.) to develop a more comprehensive understanding of post-Soviet legacies.
Collaborating with activists and politically engaged actors to bridge theory and practice.
Creating an open framework for diverse perspectives and methodologies.
Providing an inclusive space for individuals from different backgrounds and countries to exchange experiences and ideas.