Critical Conversations in Russian Studies: Russia's Geopolitical Humor: The Kremlin's Media, Diplomacy, and Comedy

Monday, March 28, 2022

11:00 A.M.

Location: Online

Russia's Geopolitical Humor: The Kremlin's Media, Diplomacy, and Comedy

Russia's international behavior is no laughing matter. Yet, Russian global media and diplomacy have increasingly used jokes, memes, and other humorous expression to troll the liberal West on social media and beyond. This interdisciplinary panel of scholars of Russian media, society, and foreign policy will unpack the origins and logics of the Kremlin's newfound love of comedy.

Panelists + Moderator

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Stanislav Budnitsky is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Russian Studies Workshop. His research explores how nationalisms shape institutions and practices of global communication, with a focus on Russia and Eastern Europe.

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Precious Chatterje-Doody is a Lecturer in Politics & International Studies in the School of Social Sciences & Global Studies at The Open University. Her work engages with the role of historical memory and identity in international relations; soft power, political communication and global media (particularly Russia's international broadcaster, RT); and critical approaches to security, including emotions and war.

"From Russia with Lols: Humour, RT, and the Legitimation of Russian Foreign Policy"

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Dmitry Chernobrov is a Senior Lecturer in Media and International Politics and the Director of Research and Innovation for the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield. His work focuses on international crises and public opinion, public diplomacy and humour, diasporas and conflict, and digital technology in humanitarian response.

"Strategic humour: Public diplomacy and comic framing of foreign policy issues"

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Julie Hemment is a Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She is an anthropologist and ethnographer who works in postsocialist Russia. Her research interests include gender, NGOs, youth and civil society and feminist, participatory and collaborative methodologies. 

"Arousing Patriotism: Anna Chapman and the Curious Case of the Sexy Spy"