The Launch Conference of the recently founded Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) focused on new research perspectives on Eastern Europe.

ZOiS researchers, guest speakers, and young scholars supported by ZOiS presented their current research. The talks and discussions were linked to the ZOiS research priorities "Stability and Change of Political Regimes", "The Dynamics of Conflict", and "Migration". There was also a roundtable discussion on the future of Area Studies. An exhibition of work by the photographer Mark Neville added an artistic perspective to the ZOiS research on political identities shaped by the war in Ukraine.

9.00-9.15 am
Welcome and Opening Statement by Gwendolyn Sasse

9.15-10.45 am

Panel 1: Conflict Dynamics in the Post-Soviet Region

10.45-11.15 am
Coffee break

11.15-12.45 pm

Panel 2: Politics from Below

12.45-1.45 pm
Lunch break

1.45-2.45 pm

Different Perspectives on Migration in/from Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union

Room 1: Sociology
Discussion with Tatiana Golova and Magdalena Nowicka

Room 2: Literature and Cultural Studies

Discussion with Adrian Wanner and Dirk Uffelmann

Room 3: Arts
Discussion with artists Elke Steiner, Aleksander Zograf and Mark Neville

2.45-3.15 pm
Coffee break

3.15-4.15 pm

The Study of Authoritarian Regimes: Methodological Challenges and Innovations

The presenters are recipients of ZOiS dissertation completion grants 2016-2017

Room 1: Understanding Authoritarian Regimes from within

Room 2: How to Study Economic Policy in Russia?

4.15-4.30 pm   
Short break

4.30-6.00 pm             

Roundtable: Quo Vadis Area Studies?

Chair: Gwendolyn Sasse
Participants: Mark Beissinger, Katharina Bluhm, Markku Kivinen, Patrick Köllner,  Sebastian Lentz

6.00-6.15 pm
Short break

6.15-7.30 pm             

The Displaced Ukrainians: Discussion with Artist Mark Neville

Based on Mark Neville’s ZOiS project

Moderation: Nina Frieß, with Radka Rubilina and Daniel Schulz

From 7.30 pm
Exhibition opening and reception