Dr. Renee Buhr, Political Science Department, will give a presentation, titled “Identity and Politics in Belarus,” on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
This is the third presentation in International Education’s Earth Trek series for 2010-11. In this series, faculty members who have received travel grants will speak on their travels and related research.
Buhr will present the findings of surveys of Belarusians conducted in Belarus in 2009 and 2010. These surveys examined the "civic" and "ethnic" aspects of contemporary Belarusian identity, and indicated that Belarusians' reluctance to accept very ethnic markers of identity such as language or birthright is a reflection of Belarusians' attachment to a vision of themselves as a tolerant and civic nation – particularly one that is accessible to people who speak different languages and practice different religions. This research provides interesting new ways of thinking about national identity in general and in the post-Soviet states specifically.
The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 201, John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts. All students, faculty and staff are invited. Bring a lunch; light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
