Programme

Monday 11 September

KOL E 18

09:00

Admission and Registration

09:30

Welcome and Opening

Prof. Daniele Caramani University of Zurich

09:45

PANEL 1

Domestic Politics and Peace/Conflict: The Soviet Union in 1991 and Russia Today

Seminar

Jeffrey Checkel European University Institute, Italy

moderated by Christoph Steinert University of St. Gallen, Switzerland

In 1991, the Cold War ended with (almost) no shots fired.  Thirty-one years later - in 2022 - war returned to Europe.  In both cases, developments in Soviet and now Russian domestic politics played a central role in bringing about these outcomes.  But what do we mean by 'domestic politics'? I will argue for a broad conception, where a combination of changing domestic institutional dynamics and identity narratives empower individual agency, thus leading to unexpected, large-scale change. The Soviet leader in 1991 - Mikhail Gorbachev - chose peace, while the Russian leader in 2022 - Vladimir Putin - chose war.  Why?

Readings

• Checkel, Jeffrey T., Ideas and International Political Change: Soviet/Russian Behavior and the End of the Cold War (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1997) – Chapter 1 (‘Ideas and Policy Change’) & Chapter 2 (‘Policymaking in an Authoritarian State’) (25 Pages).
• Frye, Timothy, Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin's Russia (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2021) – Chapter 3 (‘The Autocrat’s Dilemmas’) & Chapter 9 (‘Great Power Posing: Russian Foreign Policy’) (34 Pages).
• McFaul, Michael, “Putin, Putinism, and the Domestic Determinants of Russian Foreign Policy,” International Security 45/2 (Fall 2020): 95-139 (44 Pages).
• Mearsheimer, John J., “John Mearsheimer on Why the West is Principally Responsible for the Ukrainian Crisis,” Economist (19 March 2022) (5 Pages).

10.45

     Morning break

11.00

Interactive session and Q&A

12.00

     Lunch break

Workshop

13.30

Mentorin Session on ACADEMIC WRITING 

14.30

Discussion

15:30

     Afternoon Break

16.00

Keynote

Jeffrey Checkel European University Institute

The Cold War ended, democracy in Europe spread and 'moved East' - and look where we are today: large scale war has returned to the continent.  Indeed, something has gone wrong in the equation between democracy and peace.  I argue that it has been a combination - of Western hubris, especially by the European Union; American miscalculation and disengagement; and political agency empowered by historically constructed identity narratives - that have brought Europe to where it is today.  When something big happens, it is tempting to reach for simple answers. 'It's NATO's fault!'  'If it weren't for Putin ...'  In contrast, I argue the opposite. To understand the return of war to Europe, we need multiple tools - institutional theory (EU's role), comparative political theory (American domestic politics), and theory on identity construction (competing identity narratives).

17.00

     Welcome Apero

Tuesday 12 September

KOL G 222

09:00

PANEL 2

Democratic Peace and Democratic War

Seminar

Livia Schubiger University of Oxford

moderated by Tobias Risse University of St. Gallen

Are democratic countries more peaceful than authoritarian ones? Do they wage less wars and repress their citizens less? Does democratization lead to political violence? More generally, what do we know about the relationship between political institutions, collective violence, and peace? In this session, we will discuss insights from political science research, and specifically comparative politics and international relations, on these and related questions. The session will cover dynamics associated with regime transitions; theories and studies on interstate and domestic ``democratic peace’’; scholarship on public opinion towards war in democracies; the relationship between repression and political (dis)order across regime types; how armed actors can influence elections; and how organized violence can impact democratic processes and institutions.

Readings

• Barnhart, Joslyn N., Robert F. Trager, Elizabeth N. Saunders, and Allan Dafoe. “The Suffragist Peace.” International Organization 74 (4), 2020: 633–70.
• Dill, Janina and Livia Schubiger. “Attitudes Toward the Use of Force: Instrumental Imperatives, Moral Principles and International Law.” American Journal of Political Science, 2021, 65(3): 612-633.
• Ray, James Lee. Does Democracy Cause Peace? Annu. Rev. Polit. Sci. 1998. 1:27.46
• Steele, Abbey and Livia Schubiger. “Democracy and Civil War: The Case of Colombia.”  Conflict Management and Peace Science, 2018, 35(6): 587-600.
• Weeks, Jessica L. “Autocratic Audience Costs: Regime Type and Signaling Resolve.” International Organization 62(1), 2008: 35–64.

10.45

     Morning break

11.00

Interactive session and Q&A

12.00

     Lunch break

Workshop

13.00

Firdavs Kobilov University of Glasgow, CEES UZH

Uzbekistan’s foreign policy change toward regional cooperation after the leadership transition”

13.45

Rail Safiyev Western Caspian University, CEES UZH

Corruption, Informality and Democracy in South Caucasus

14.30

     Afternoon Break

14.45

Juliana de Souza Oliveira University of São Paulo

The birth of democracy in Latin America post WWII

15.30

 Break

Discussion

Wednesday 13 September

KOL G 222

09:00

PANEL 3

Promoting and Defending Democracy during War

Seminar

Paulina Pospieszna University of Adam Mickiewicz

moderated by Marcela Ibanez University of Zurich

There are different means and instruments of democracy promotion available to states, NGOs, and international organizations in order to pressure other states to democratize or to protect and respect democratic values and norms. These tools include more direct forms, such as conditionality, aid, diplomacy, sanctions, and military interventions, or more indirect means such as socialization and ties. Some of them are coercive measures (e.g., sanctions) and other provide incentives (democracy assistance). In general, democracy promotion instruments are designed to have an impact on target groups through encouraging and demanding. 

This panel is designed for students who, having a basic understanding of what democracy is and how countries democratize, want to delve deeper into the specific area of international democracy promotion, i.e., influences from outside nation-state that help democratize a country. The panel will begin with the major theories and concepts found in the democracy promotion literature. It will provide how external democracy promotion works, outlining major actors (international governmental and non-governmental organizations, countries) and key strategies that international actors have to facilitate elections, democratic institutions, strong civil society and/or to protect human rights and other democratic values. We will also discuss 1) challenges, such as democracy promotion backlash or shrinking civic space, lost credibility and trade-offs; as well as 2) effectiveness of democracy promotion efforts (e.g., Which tool—democracy aid or democratic sanctions—is more effective if the EU wants to influence the level of democratization in recipient countries?). Then, we the panel will discuss the specific context of democracy promotion during the war and if/how the Russian invasion of Ukraine reshaped democracy support policies. The panel will focus on sanctions and aid as the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the instructor will share her recent research in this area by focusing on the EU’s democracy promotion and protection activities in Ukraine, as well as on Poland’s support for Ukrainian civil society before and during the war.

Readings

• Carothers, Thomas. "Rejuvenating democracy promotion." J. Democracy 31 (2020): 114.
• Dietrich, Simone, and Joseph Wright. Foreign aid and democratic development in Africa. No. 2012/20. WIDER Working Paper, 2012. 
• Finkel, Steven E., Aníbal Pérez-Liñán, and Mitchell A. Seligson. "The effects of US foreign assistance on democracy building, 1990–2003." World politics 59, no. 3 (2007): 404-439
• Hellquist, Elin, and Stefano Palestini. "Regional sanctions and the struggle for democracy: Introduction to the special issue." International Political Science Review 42, no. 4 (2021): 437-450.
• Ottaway, Marina. "Promoting democracy after conflict: The difficult choices." International Studies Perspectives 4, no. 3 (2003): 314-322. 
• Pospieszna, Paulina. "When recipients become donors: Polish democracy assistance in Belarus and Ukraine." Problems of Post-Communism 57, no. 4 (2010): 3-15.
• Pospieszna, Paulina, and Patrick M. Weber. "Amplifying and nullifying the impact of democratic sanctions through aid to civil society." International Interactions 46, no. 5 (2020): 724-748.

10.30

     Break

10.45

Interactive session and Q&A

12.00

   Lunch break

Workshop

13.00

Davit Petrosyan University of Konstanz

The Role of Humanitarian NGOs in Civil Wars and Irregular Warfare

14.00

Lucas Damasceno Pereira University of São Paulo - American University

Between ballots and bullets: international organizations and the observer’s dilemma

15.00

     Break

16.15

Discussion

Thursday 14 September

KOL G 222

09:00

PANEL 4

Democracy in Post-Conflict Societies

Seminar

Belen Gonzalez University of Zurich

moderated by Marcela Ibanez University of Zurich

Dealing with the legacy of war seems an almost impossible task for countries riddled with conflict and violence. To succeed, post-conflict countries need to (re-)build their political, economic, and social fabric. At the same time, however, most post-conflict societies lack the material and political resources that guarantee a functioning state. A key question is therefore how post-conflict countries can design inclusive state institutions and establish a democratic polity that is able to ensure accountability, alleviate wartime grievances, and enforce peaceful collaboration between former adversaries. This panel is aimed at students who seek a deeper theoretical and empirical understanding of both the political challenges in post-war societies as well as their potential solutions. A key focus of the panel will be the role of domestic institutions, the international community, and civil society in rebuilding conflict-ridden societies.

The panel will draw on lessons from successful and unsuccessful cases of post-conflict stabilization and democratization in order to study the effectiveness of different policy tools geared towards consolidating democracy in such challenging environments.

Readings

• Hartzell, C. A., & Hoddie, M. (2015). The art of the possible: Power sharing and post—civil war democracy. World politics, 67(1), 37-71.
• Brancati, D., & Snyder, J. L. (2013). Time to kill: The impact of election timing on postconflict stability. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 57(5), 822-853.
• González, B., & Traunmüller, R. (2023). The Political Consequences of Wartime Sexual Violence: Evidence from a List Experiment. Journal of Peace Research, forthcoming.

10.00

     Break

10.15

Interactive session: Discussion of assigned readings

11.00

     Break

11.15

Interactive session: Case analysis

12.00

   Lunch break

Workshop

13.00

Leslie Aileen Virginia Fischer University. of St. Gallen

Victimised societies and voter turnout: A natural experiment assessing the price of indifference to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

13.50

   Break

14.00

Robin Gut University of Zurich

Democratic Quality before Democratic Quantity? Referendums in non- and semidemocratic countries.

14.50

   Break

15.00

Jose Mario Achoy Sánchez University of Costa Rica

Constitutional-solution failure: post-conflict experiences from Central American region

15.50

   Break

16.00

Nora Meier University of Zurich

Under Which Circumstances Can Which Types of Secession Conflicts Lead to Negotiated Settlements?

16.50

Break

Friday 15 September

PEA E 23

10:00

PANEL 5

War and Democracy in Ukraine

Seminar

Yuliya Bidenko, Karazin Kharkiv National University

This panel explores the intricate relationship between democracy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Focusing on the period during the war, it examines the challenges and opportunities that emerged for the Ukrainian democratic system.The conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014, has profoundly impacted the country's democratic institutions, civic identity and the uprise of civil society. The lecture starts by providing this brief historical context, highlighting Ukraine's aspirations for democracy following Euromaidan and decentralization reforms launched in 2015-2022. It then delves into the complex dynamics that unfolded during the war, analyzing both civic activism and cohesion, and the various challenges faced by Ukrainian democracy (such as human rights violations, civil end election rights restrictions, and issues of media freedom and governmental transparency).However, amidst these challenges, the lecture also highlights the opportunities that emerged for democracy in Ukraine during the war. It explores the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their commitment to democratic values and EU-integration. It discusses how civil society organizations played a crucial role in advocating for democratic reforms, fostering social cohesion, and providing humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.

Furthermore, the lecture analyzes the role of international actors and the impact of external support on Ukraine's democracy. It examines the efforts of the international community to promote democratic values, provide financial aid, and the EU commitments to support Ukrainian urgent and post-war reconstruction. Lastly, the panel concludes by reflecting on the future prospects for democracy in Ukraine. It discusses the lessons learned from the conflict and the measures needed to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights in ensuring a resilient democratic system. Through this comprehensive exploration of democracy in Ukraine during the war, the lecture aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the country, shifts in its political culture and landscape, and shed light on the path toward democratic consolidation in a post-conflict setting.

Readings

• “The Puzzle of Ukrainian Resilience: Hidden Factors and Potential Risks”. Bidenko Yuliya. ZOiS Spotlight N4. Centre for Eastern European and International Studies. February 22, 2023
• “Ukraine: Nations in Transit 2022 Country Report. Bidenko Yuliya, Freedom House. April 2022
• The Link between Decentralization and EU Integration”. Solodkyy S., Levoniuk T., Balasanyan V., Dzupyn M., Kalashnikova O., Kozun Ye., Bobyrenko V., Bidenko Yu. New Europe Center, ZOiS, 2020.
• “Foreign Interference in Ukraine’s Politics During the 2019 Elections: The Case of the Kharkiv Region”. Nedelcu Harry, Panchuk Dmytro, Bidenko Yuliya. New Eastern Europe. January 2020. 
• “(De)Structuring of the Civil Society in the Political Process in Ukraine and Belarus”. Bidenko Julia. Chapter 2 in Smith, D.H., Moldavanova, A.V. & Krasynska, S. (Eds.) The Nonprofit Sector in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia: Civil Society Advances and Challenges. Leiden, Netherlands, and Boston, MA: Brill Publishers. 2018. Рр. 29-55.

12.00

     Lunch break

14.00

Guided Tour Exhibitions of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich

15.00

Roundtable

Alina Nychyk ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Yuliya Bidenko Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ukraine

Marina Keda European University Institute, Italy

Iuliia Lashchuk European University Institute, Italy (online)
and Daniele Caramani University of Zurich, Switzerland

17.00 - 19.00

     Closing Apero @Museum and Garden PEA