Archive 2020

Press release, 9 November 2020

How Belarusians lost their faith in the authorities

Belarus has seen large-scale protests since the presidential election. In a new ZOiS Report, Nadja Douglas examines the underlying causes of this fundamental breakdown of state-society relations and demonstrates how Belarus has transformed from a social welfare state into a state dominated by domestic security concerns.

Press release, 1 September 2020

No unity about Kazakhstani identity

As a multi-ethnic republic, Kazakhstan adopted a dual approach towards national identity in the early 1990s. The relation between its different ethnic and its civic – Kazakhstani – components is investigated in a new ZOiS report. A survey shows that multiple identities exist, but Kazakhs and non-Kazakhs might identify as Kazakhstanis for different reasons.

Press release, 16 July 2020

45.3% of Young Belarusians intended to vote for Babaryka

The oppositional candidate Viktar Babaryka who has just been excluded from the presidential election was by far the most popular candidate among young Belarusians. A new ZOiS survey among young people shows the high level of political interest and an awareness of political protests.

Press release 8 July 2020

Religious plurality in Azerbaijan: a national brand subject to state control

A new ZOiS report examines how Azerbaijan responds to growing religious plurality. While the image of religious plurality is marketed on an international stage, religious groups and communities associ-ated with transnational or oppositional influence are subject to rigid control.

Press release, 30 April 2020

Academic isolation: Higher education in Europe’s de facto states

Engagement with the higher education sector in de facto states such as Abkhazia, Transdniestria, and northern Cyprus benefits societies, but can also help conflict-resolution efforts. A new ZOiS Report examines challenges and opportunities.

Press release, 16 April 2020

Young Russians agree with official World War II narrative, but criticize excessive victory celebrations

This year’s 9th may parade on the occasion of the 75th anniversary is probably going to be postponed due to the Corona-Crisis. A new ZOiS Report provides insights into the attitudes of young people towards the celebrations. The study reveals that while the Soviet victory in World War II still provides a shared historical foundation for young Russians, many young people also criticize today’s victory celebrations as excessive and would prefer a more intimate remembering.