Wartime Economics and Frontline Realities in Ukraine with Luke Cooper

In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations, Ivan Vejvoda is joined by historical scientist Luke Cooper to discuss Ukraine’s resilience in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion and the broader geopolitical challenges facing the country. Cooper shares insights from his recent visits to cities like Kyiv, Dnipro, and Lviv, noting the surprising resilience and sense of normalcy among Ukrainians amidst conflict. He emphasizes the social and economic impacts of the war, including widespread displacement and the steadfast resolve of those in Russian-occupied regions awaiting liberation.

Luke Cooper is a historical sociologist and political scientist specializing in conflict, democracy, and European studies, currently serving as an Associate Professorial Research Fellow at the Conflict and Civicness Research Group at the London School of Economics (LSE). He directs the PeaceRep Ukraine Program and co-founded Another Europe is Possible, an advocacy group focused on progressive European politics. Additionally, Cooper is an established podcaster and author, whose most recent book, Authoritarian Contagion: The Global Threat to Democracy (2021) examines the global rise of authoritarianism.