Riding the Backlash Against Globalization

US Positioning Towards Russia's Role in the World

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Against the backdrop of Russia’s new geopolitical ambitions, and in times of increasing American restraint, Eastern Europe appears to be forced to search for an adequate position in today’s global order. Squeezed in between Russia and the European Union, actors in the region are challenged to navigate their way in politics, culture, science and business, while being confronted by increasing disparities, the rise of populism, ongoing political crises, and mutual economic sanctions. But how to react to these pressing issues in times of relative reserve in the political discourse?

Under the title “Riding the backlash against globalization – US positioning towards Russia’s role in the world”, the Science Lounge wants to provide a platform for public debate. It brings together researchers from both sides of the Atlantic, media representatives, NGOs, and policy advisors to discuss different perspectives on how to understand and react to geopolitics, migration, and regional development in Russia and Eastern Europe, and its position in a globalized world.

The event seeks to open up a space for exchange between European and US communities, connecting public and scientific discussions on both sides of the Atlantic. Together with the audience, Corey Johnson (University of North Carolina at Greensboro), Beth Mitchneck (University of Arizona) and Sebastian Lentz (Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography) challenge existing presumptions and empty words. In an open conversation, the experts offer insights into the mechanisms and structures of Eastern European societies and try to understand the plethora of perceptions of seemingly overpowering processes of globalization, as well as the kaleidoscope of individual reactions to them.

The Leibniz ScienceCampus ‘Eastern Europe – Global Area’ is a collaborative research network. It brings together the most innovative and important expertise on Eastern Europe in its global entanglements from Germany and the region. The dialogue with the public is one of its main aims.

Welcoming Remarks

David Gill
German Consul General in New York

Prof. Matthias Kleiner
President of the Leibniz Association

Panelists

Prof. Sebastian Lentz
Director of the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography
Speaker of the Leibniz ScienceCampus “Eastern Europe—Global Area”

Prof. Corey Johnson
Department Head at UNC Greensboro

Prof. Beth Mitchneck
Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona

Moderator

Prof. James M. Lindsay
Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

Event Information

January 8, 2020, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

German House, 871 United Nations Plaza (First Ave. at 49th Street), New York, NY
Organizer(s): Leibniz Association, Leibniz ScienceCampus "Eastern Europe – Global Area", German Consulate General New York, German Center for Research and Innovation New York

Location

German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York

Address: 871 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: +1 (212) 339 8680
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