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

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 [email protected] 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 DISCLAIMER: Texas Podcast Network is brought to you by The University of Texas at Austin. Podcasts are produced by faculty members and staffers at UT Austin who work with University Communications to craft content that adheres to journalistic best practices. The University of Texas at Austin offers these podcasts at no charge. Podcasts appearing on the network and this webpage represent the views of the hosts, not of The University of Texas at Austin. Special Guest: Marlène Laruelle.