Russian Nationalisms at War

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

The war in Ukraine has not only emerged as a confrontation between Moscow and Kyiv but also as a clash between different versions of Russian nationalism and conflicting visions of the Russian state. Both Putin and some of his opponents, such as the Russian volunteer corps based in Ukraine or neo-Nazis within Russia, identify themselves as nationalists fighting for the Russian people. Furthermore, although Putin initiated the aggression under the pretense of eradicating Nazism in Ukraine, his armed forces include Russian far-right extremists who play a significant role in his war efforts. Moreover, within Russia, the war has been associated with aggressive nationalist indoctrination and propaganda, a rise in anti-Semitism, and a surge of ethnic violence. It has also shifted attitudes and policies towards migrants. The distinction between imperial and ethnic nationalism does not always help to interpret these processes and resolve the confusion.
To some extent, though, the contrast between state-framed and counter-state nationalisms, as well as the differentiation between welfare statism and statist nationalism, prove to be helpful. However, a more nuanced discussion in a roundtable format is necessary to synergize empirical inputs and thereby provide a better understanding of the differences between the various visions of the Russian nation and the Russian state that are clashing amidst the war in Ukraine. The conversation in a roundtable format enables specialists with diverse backgrounds to exchange their opinions and promptly get the necessary feedback.

Sub Unit

• Sociology, Public Health, Education

Chair

• Helge Blakkisrud, U of Oslo (Norway)

Roundtable Members

• Dmitry Dubrovskiy, Charles U in Prague (Czech Republic)

• Ivan Fomin, Charles U in Prague (Czech Republic)

• Petr Oskolkov, Ariel U (Israel)

• Alexander V

• Natalia Y