Traditionally, many saw the rise of a stable middle class as a key to political democratization—and Russia was no exception. Yet just a decade after the onset of civil protests of 2011-2013, many of the well-educated, urban professionals were within the ranks of Putin’s authoritarian state machine. What has become of those on whom so many hopes for Russia’s future once rested?

In this talk, Tamara Kusimova, PhD candidate at the Central European University and Junior Research Fellow at IGRec, examines the fate of young professionals and how did their pursuit for better life has put them in front of a dire choice: joining the state machine, leaving the country or being put in jail.

At the event, Tamara will discuss:

• How global frameworks of ambition and class mobility intersect with Russia’s unique political economy
• What forms of work and aspiration shape mobility in modern Russia
• How state-led programmes such as Leaders of Russia and expanding semi-state corporations create—or restrict—career paths

The event takes place with support of Dialogbuero Vienna
🕔 November 18th, 19:00
📍 Eßlinggasse 9/6, 1010 Wien, Dialogbüro, 2nd floor
✍️ Free entry upon a sign-up: see the button above
🗣 Event language is English

About the speaker:

Tamara Kusimova is a sociologist working in the interdisciplinary field of culture and cognition. She particularly focuses on how culturally mediated perceptions shape opportunities for and barriers to upward social mobility. Her works have been published in the Journal of Cognition and Culture and Laboratorium.