The University Alliance Ruhr's Liaison Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) successfully hosted the international lecture series “An Attempt at Democracy: Russia from 1989 to 1999 – Economy, Politics, Society, Culture and Media” at Ruhr University Bochum.

Held from June 10 to 12 at the Event Center (Veranstaltungszentrum), the series brought together prominent voices from political science, sociology, journalism, literature, and human rights to reflect on the transformative post-Soviet decade. In the context of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the event offered a timely and critical examination of the 1990s – a period once marked by democratic hopes, openness, and reform.

Keynote speakers included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov, Irina Scherbakova, Ekaterina Schulman, Kirill Rogov, and Galina Yuzefovich, among others. Their diverse perspectives shed light on the political and societal dynamics of the time and their continuing impact on Russia’s present-day trajectory.

The UA Ruhr Liaison Office EECA was proud to facilitate this important academic exchange, which drew wide interest from both the university community and the general public. We thank all speakers, participants, and guests for their engagement in what proved to be an inspiring and thought-provoking series.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dmitry Muratov

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov delivers his lecture, using photographs to illustrate key moments in Russia’s recent history.

Opening of the Lecture Series

Elena Resch, Executive Director of the UA Ruhr Liaison Office EECA, open the lecture series on June 10th. 

Reflection and Exchange

Dmitry Muratov (left) in conversation with Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum (right), following the presentations.