Effects of the War in Ukraine is CEE

Abstract

This panel examines the evolving role of civil society and ethno-linguistic divisions in Eastern Europe amid the geopolitical shifts prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, focusing on Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Through a comprehensive analysis, it explores how civil societies in these countries respond to the pressures of war, repression, and geopolitical changes, offering insights into the implications for democratic governance and regional stability. Key themes include the impact of ethnolinguistic divisions in Latvia on public attitudes towards national defence before and after Russia’s invasion, revealing an increased but uneven willingness to fight among different ethnic groups. The resilience and adaptation of Belarusian civil society in exile following the 2020 political crisis and subsequent repression are also examined, highlighting the challenges and responses of Belarusian activists and organizations in the face of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Additionally, the panel investigates the mobilization of environmental civil society organizations in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, emphasizing their critical role in shaping environmental policies and contributing to Ukraine’s democratization and EU accession efforts.

Title	Details
Ethno-linguistic Divisions and the Willingness to Fight: Attitudes in Latvia before and after Russia's Invasion of Ukraine	View Paper Details
Belarusian civil society in exile in the context of the war in Ukraine	View Paper Details
The Impact of the War on Ukraine on Civil Society Mobilization	View Paper Details