Join us for a timely and critical discussion on how the war in Ukraine is understood, interpreted, and justified within Russia.
In this panel event, leading scholars Jeremy Morris and Ilya Yablokov will explore the narratives shaping Russian public opinion, the role of state propaganda, and the broader implications for Russian society and global geopolitics. They will examine how the Kremlin constructs consent, how ordinary Russians respond to the war, and how the boundaries between truth, belief, and coercion are navigated in a time of conflict.
Whether you're interested in international politics, post-Soviet studies, or the dynamics of information warfare, this conversation will offer nuanced insights into one of the most consequential conflicts of our time.
Our chair for the evening will be Stefanie Ortmann.
Jeremy Morris
Jeremy is professor of Russian and Global Studies at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. He does ethnographic fieldwork in Russia and writes on many aspects of Russian politics and society. He is the author of books on the Russian working-class and rustbelt, Russian civil society, and Russian ‘everyday’ politics.
Ilya Yablokov
Ilya is a lecturer in digital journalism and disinformation, and co-founder of the Disinformation Research Cluster, at the University of Sheffield. His research is on Russian disinformation, state-led conspiracy theories and the history of media post-1991. He’s written books on Russian conspiracy theories and Kremlin's propaganda and for the New York Times, BBC and Open Democracy.
CHAIR BIO
Stefanie Ortmann is Associate Professor in International Relations at the School of Global Studies, University of Sussex. She has previously taught at the American University of Central Asia, Bishkek, and at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her research is focused on relations between Russia and Central Asia.
This event will take place upstairs in The Nightingale Room at The Grand Central Pub, Brighton. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available at this venue.
DOORS OPEN : 19:00
TALK STARTS : 19:30
AUDIENCE Q&A : 20:30
BOOK SIGNING : 21:00