The (Grass)roots of Illiberalism: Contemporary Authoritarianism, Identity Projects, & Culture Wars in Europe

The Slavic Connexion

In this episode, Nick and Eliza talk with widely respected historian and sociologist Marlène Laruelle about the concept of illiberalism and its spread across Europe. Dr. Laruelle explains how she frames the relatively new term as a cluster of ideologies that is challenging liberalism in its various forms, mostly based around two key arguments: (1) the need for sovereignty, and (2) the idea that traditional hierarchy must be reinforced and protected. She also talks about Russia's rebranding of itself as an anti-colonial power in order to appeal to the Global South which she holds has been a successful and efficient tactic that resonates with nations opposed to European and Western overreach. Thanks for listening!

ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Marlène Laruelle is the Director of the Illiberalism Studies Program and former Director of the Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (IERES) at George Washington University. She works on the rise of populist and illiberal movements in post-Soviet Eurasia, Europe and the US. Trained in political philosophy, she explores how nationalism and conservative values are becoming mainstream in different cultural contexts. She focuses on Russia's ideological landscape and its outreach abroad. She has been also working on Central Asia's nationhood and regional environment, as well as on Russia's Arctic policy.

PRODUCER'S NOTE: This episode was recorded on November 3, 2023 via Zoom.

If you have questions, comments, or would like to be a guest on the show, please email [e-mail] and we will be in touch!

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Hosts: Eliza Fisher, Nicholas Pierce
Assistant EP: Misha Simanovskyy (@MSimanovskyy)
Associate Producer: Cullan Bendig (@cullanwithana)
Associate Producer: Sergio Glajar
Assistant Producer: Taylor Helmcamp
Production Assistant: Faith VanVleet
Production Assistant: Eliza Fisher
Supervising Producer: Nicholas Pierce
SlavX Editorial Director: Sam Parrish

Main Theme by Charlie Harper and additional background music by King Elizaebeth, Makaih Beats, Juanitos, Eaters, Holizna, Ketsa)

Executive Producer & Creator: Michelle Daniel (@M_S_Daniel) www.msdaniel.com

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Special Guest: Marlène Laruelle.