Democracy Studies Annual Lecture

Gwendolyn Sasse 
Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) Berlin

Thursday 30 November 2023
h.17.30 - 19.00

This lecture starts from the premise that democracy plays a critical role in Russia‘s war against Ukraine. The juxtaposition between Russia’s authoritarian system and democratization in Ukraine is the central axis in this war - with the Russian political system centred on self-preservation. In Ukraine, democratization has been closely linked to repeated cycles of mass protest demanding accountability and the rule of law. This political choice from below fostered a civic identity that, in turn, became a source of resilience during Russia‘s full-scale invasion. Internationally, the war has highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of democracy. 
Apero will follow.

Watch the Democracy Studies Annual Lecture 2023 Recording

2022 Stefano Bartolini on "The Nature of Political Institutions"

2021 Bo Rothstein  on "Is there a contradiction between democracy and quality of government?"