Discussion “Nations and States of Eastern Europe: A 2026 Perspective” (13 May 2016)

Discussion “Nations and States of Eastern Europe: A 2026 Perspective”

13 May 2016, 18:30

Crowne Plaza Hotel (13 Kirova Street, Minsk)

It once seemed that the future had been predetermined for us after the decline of communism: all that remained was to build democracy and a free market, even if with temporary obstacles. The “end of history” was a powerful illusion. The paths of post-communist transition in Eastern Europe could differ, but they all seemed to lead to one final goal. Yet history has returned to the post-communist countries, though this return has been paid for with clashes and blood, as war ceased to be a phantom threat.

Within this discussion, we will try to analyse the development paths of Eastern European countries in recent years. The main questions will be: Can we consider state-building and nation-building in post-communist countries successful? How have the consequences of the global crisis affected these societies? What has the Ukrainian-Russian conflict changed in the region?

The answers to these questions should lead to forecasts about the future. Can Eastern Europe return to peaceful coexistence? What are the prospects for the expansion of the “Russian world”? What is the future of the European perspective? What awaits us in the next ten years?

The discussion is expected to include Alfredas Bumblauskas (Vilnius University, Lithuania), Andrei Kazakevich (Political Sphere Institute, Belarus-Lithuania), Georgiy Kasianov (Institute of History of Ukraine), and Alexey Miller (European University at Saint Petersburg).