QUCEH Seminar Series
We organise a bi-weekly in-person seminar at Riddel Hall during term time. Please contact Ruth Flanagan to find out more about our seminar series.
Next Seminar:
Date: 23 February 2024, 13:00-14:30
Speaker: Julia Zimmermann (TCD)
Title: Reactionary Utopia: Radicalization and Violence in the Russian Empire
Location: QBS Conference Hub Seminar Room (01.012)
Abstract:
We examine the influence of left-wing terrorism in imperial Russia between the 1880s and 1900s through previously unexplored surveillance records of the Okhrana, the pioneering political police force until its dissolution in 1917. Radicals around the world drew inspiration from Russia, adopting the “Revolutionary Catechism” of Nechaev and the anarchist writings of Bakunin and applying the 'Russian method' of political warfare through bombings and assassinations.
We focus on deliberate political instability through indicators such as the dissemination of propaganda, membership in anti-Tsarist organizations, incitement to riot and assassination in over 400 districts, and establish a link to the results of the Constituent Assembly of 1917, the last free election before Bolshevism. We ask whether revolutionary violence helped Russia move toward liberal democracy or triggered a conservative backlash, controlling for factors such as land disputes, support for industrial workers, and anti-Jewish violence.
We find that increasing instability led to a shift in preferences to the right, and revolutionary activity reduced the appeal of both left and right factions, setting the stage for civil war. The Okhrana's sophisticated strategic approach to effectively crushing social opposition groups underscores the importance of skillful political policing to the longevity of autocratic regimes.
Date: 23 February 2024, 13:00-14:30
Speaker: Julia Zimmermann (TCD)
Title: Reactionary Utopia: Radicalization and Violence in the Russian Empire
Location: QBS Conference Hub Seminar Room (01.012)
Abstract:
We examine the influence of left-wing terrorism in imperial Russia between the 1880s and 1900s through previously unexplored surveillance records of the Okhrana, the pioneering political police force until its dissolution in 1917. Radicals around the world drew inspiration from Russia, adopting the “Revolutionary Catechism” of Nechaev and the anarchist writings of Bakunin and applying the 'Russian method' of political warfare through bombings and assassinations.
We focus on deliberate political instability through indicators such as the dissemination of propaganda, membership in anti-Tsarist organizations, incitement to riot and assassination in over 400 districts, and establish a link to the results of the Constituent Assembly of 1917, the last free election before Bolshevism. We ask whether revolutionary violence helped Russia move toward liberal democracy or triggered a conservative backlash, controlling for factors such as land disputes, support for industrial workers, and anti-Jewish violence.
We find that increasing instability led to a shift in preferences to the right, and revolutionary activity reduced the appeal of both left and right factions, setting the stage for civil war. The Okhrana's sophisticated strategic approach to effectively crushing social opposition groups underscores the importance of skillful political policing to the longevity of autocratic regimes.
Link to Current Seminar Schedule:
Full Archive of Past Seminar Schedules:
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2022-2023
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2021-2022
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2020-2021
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2019-2020
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2018-2019
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2017-2018
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2016-2017
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2015-2016
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2014-2015
- QUCEH Seminar Schedule: 2013-2014
International Macro History Online Seminar:
The International Macro History Online Seminar (IMHOS) is a collaboration of an international network of universities. Administered by the CEPR, it brings macroeconomic history topics to an interested public on a bi-weekly basis. QUCEH is one of the participating organisations.
The International Macro History Online Seminar (IMHOS) is a collaboration of an international network of universities. Administered by the CEPR, it brings macroeconomic history topics to an interested public on a bi-weekly basis. QUCEH is one of the participating organisations.