Struggles for Liberation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

Struggles for national independence, cultural heritage, and democratic development lie at the heart of history and politics in many contemporary societies. This roundtable will examine the state of scientific knowledge about struggles for liberation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Participants will discuss various theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of contentious politics. Under which conditions do marginalized groups rise against the ruling elite? Which coalitions are formed to achieve the goals of challenger organizations? Are violent or nonviolent tactics more effective in bringing about social change? What is the impact of state repression on political behavior? Which factors explain within- and cross-country variations in the dynamics and outcomes of civil resistance? These are some of the questions that align well with the convention’s theme of liberation and advance our understanding of various struggles for political, economic, and cultural freedoms in the region.

Sub Unit

• Politics/Law

Chair

• Olena Nikolayenko, Fordham U

Roundtable Members

• Maryna Antaniuk-Prouteau, Stanford U

• Kathleen A. Collins, U of Minnesota

• Erica Marat, National Defense U

• David Roger Marples, U of Alberta (Canada)