Co-sponsored by the Department of History and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies:

Belarusian president of 26 years Alexander Lukashenko is sometimes called the last dictator of Europe. Despite repeated election fraud and policies violating people’s basic rights, he could rely on strong popular support in the past. However, the elections of August 9 have markedly changed this picture. For over a month now, hundreds of thousands of protesters are on the streets, defying riot police violence, arrests and deportations.

We will debate the protest movement from a variety of perspectives. Felix Ackermann (German Historical Institute, Warsaw) will focus on historical aspects of the conflict where both sides claim historical events for their cause. Sociologist Elena Gapova (Western Michigan University) will discuss the outstanding role of female leaders and protesters. Lev Lvovsky (BEROC Economic Research Center, Minsk) will look at the economic aspects of the unrest. Finally, political scientist Tatsiana Chulitskaya (Vytautas Magnus University) will comment on the political aspects of the conflict.

This event is moderated by:

Olga Klimova, Slavic Languages and Literatures

Alissa Klots, History

Jan Musekamp, History