Welcome:
GERHARD MARCHL, Karl-Renner-Institut, European Politics
Speakers:
OLGA GUSHCHINA, Guest Researcher at the Institute of Political Science in Hagen FernUniversity
ELENA LIPILINA, President of the Russian LGBT Sports Federation
GREG YUDIN, Professor of Political Philosophy at Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences & Visiting Research Scholar, Princeton University
Moderation:
STEPHANIE FENKART, Director of the International Institute for Peace (IIP), Vienna
Content:
Large parts of the Russian civil society are under shock. The mobilisation of 300,000 reservists has brought the war in Ukraine into the middle of society and to the minds of the population. The unwritten social contract that says that ordinary citizens do not interfere in the Kremlin’s politics, but can live a normal life is being challenged. Since Putin’s announcement, hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled the country or tried to do so. According to recent surveys, support for Putin has dropped, but remains on a high level. The question, however, is if these surveys show a credible picture. Can the Russian president still rely on the backing of his people?
The war in Ukraine goes hand in hand with the decline of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Russia. Freedom of media and freedom of expression are under attack. How does the society react to the increasing repression? What is the situation of critical representatives of civil society, such as activists, artists, scientists, and the LGBTIQ community?
The Western sanctions against Russia led to the disruption of economic, cultural, social, and sports relations. Travelling has become difficult, if not impossible. Active members of the Russian civil society are also, if not particularly, affected by the sanctions. How can the West support and protect critical civil society members without lifting the sanctions against Putin and his regime?
