Ongoing protests in Russia and the Ukraine, increasingly restricted democratic rights in Hungary, the NSA spying scandal and growing inequality as a result of the economic crises—2013 was a year of change and dramatic developments. This was also true for the IWM, as well as for the regions of (South-)Eastern Europe which have been important foci of the Institute’s work since its foundation. Themes of the current issue of the IWMpost include looking at what became of past visions of the future and what political or social realities replaced them, and the challenges which are facing the old and the new EU-member states today. While Katherine Lebow and Leon Botstein tackle issues of historical relevance, Jan-Werner Mueller, Balázs Trencsényi and Mykola Riabchuk focus on some of today’s most pressing questions. Aleš Debeljak und James Dodd in turn write about individuals whose influence shaped their lives.
Shortly before this issue went to press, the situation in Ukraine escalated. Under the heading “Ukraine in Focus” IWM fellows, alumni and friends have been commenting on the protest movement since the beginning of December 2013; their contributions can be read online: www.iwm.at/ukraine-in-focus. Also available on the our website are details on the Institute’s past and future events. A new feature in this IWMpost is a central spread giving an overview of past events. Information on upcoming events and calls for fellowship applications currently open can be found on the final page. We hope you enjoy reading and wish you all the best for 2014!
Download the IWMpost 112 as a PDF
Contents
Democracy Under Threat
From Goulash-Communism to Goulash-Authoritarianism? / by Balázs Trencsényi
Should Extremist Parties Be Banned? / by Jan-Werner Mueller
“Managed Democracy” in Crisis / Conference Report
Ukraine: Across the Dividing Lines / by Mykola Riabchuk
Unfinished Utopia
Nowa Huta: Poland’s Unfinished Utopia / by Katherine Lebow
Good Jobs—Bad Jobs
Traveling Back In Time? Job Quality in Europe / Report by János Mátyás Kovács
Religion and Secularism
Between Magic and Mass Protests: Secularism Today / Conference Report by Paolo Costa
Religious Traditionalisms and Politics / by Kristina Stoeckl
Inequality and Solidarity
Are the Rich no Longer Afraid of the Poor? / Conference Report by Christina Pössel
Solidarity and the Promotion of Good Life / Report of the Debate at the Burgtheater
Events in Retrospect
Political Salons / City Talks
Guest Contribution
Music and Politics / by Leo Botstein
From the Fellows
Durable Fiction. Danilo Kiš and His Library / by Aleš Debeljak
Krzysztof Michalski als Erzieher / by James Dodd
Books, Articles and Talks
Fellows and Guests
Fundings and Awards/Varia
Upcoming Events/Call for Applications
