The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war has given rise to critical examinations of its underlying causes and contextual preconditions. In these analyses, there is a growing emphasis on exploring the war’s colonial or decolonial dimensions. One key inquiry is to what extent the conflict can be characterized as stemming from the imperial legacies in Russian government policy. Through a broader interdisciplinary discussion, we explore the nuances of colonial actions of Eurasian powers, geopolitical goals and approaches, behaviors challenging the prevalent notion that colonialism was/is solely a (historical) product of Western hegemony.
By interrogating these (neo)colonial legacies, we aim to broaden scholarly discourse and foster a more inclusive understanding of colonialism's complexities. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and critical engagement, the sessions seek to unravel the intersecting layers of power, identity, and resistance inherent in (neo)colonial systems, opening new avenues for research and activism in decolonial praxis.
Engaging with these topics will advance the academic discourse beyond the limited view of colonialism, dominated by the experiences of Western imperialisms, by illuminating colonial and decolonial dynamics in diverse contexts. Additionally, these discussions will contribute to the theoretical and political debates on European and international affairs.
The EUI Widening Europe Programme initiative, backed by contributions from the European Union and EUI Contracting States, is designed to strengthen internationalisation, competitiveness, and quality in research in Widening countries, and thus foster a more cohesive European Higher Education and Research area.