Displacement Through Dissent in the Landscape of Late Capitalism

• In Event: Displaced Populations of Late Capitalism

Abstract

In November 2013, protests and political outrage erupted in Kiev, Ukraine which has instigated the most violent months the country has faced since independence was gained in 1991. Recently, the violence has intensified. The events surrounding the protests are complex and have attracted significant global media attention due to growing conflict between protestors and police. The struggle for power and legitimacy in Ukraine brings attention to the problem of police violence as a vehicle of repression and the role of international organizations and outside powers on national politics. The global North has pushed for free trade in a global market (with an emphasis on natural resources) and democracy. This pressure has placed the former Soviet state in the middle of a battle for power between Russia and the global North, namely the IMF and European Union. This paper contextualizes the events, exposing two powers continuing to enforce a violence that goes further than the subjective violence visible on (inter)national broadcasts. The actions in Kiev epitomize violence inherent in late capitalism, where it has manifested itself in Ukraine's political environment. The violence is reminiscent of old geo-political struggles that are haunting (late)modern politics. This case poignantly places the nature of protesting within the landscape of late capitalism where displays of dissent instigate violence and oppression.

Author

• Travis Milburn, Old Dominion University