Circassian Trans-Nationalism in the 21st Century

"Navigating Between History, Memory, and Politics: Circassian Trans-Nationalism in the 21st Century". A Discussion with Prof. Madina Tlostanova (Linköping University, Sweden) and Prof. Lidia Zhigunova (Tulane University, USA). RUCARR seminar, Malmö University (Sweden), June 15, 2022 (https://rucarr.mau.se/).
ABSTRACT: In recent decades, we have witnessed a renewed ethnic mobilization among Circassians in the North Caucasus region in Russia, as well as among Circassians living in diasporic communities throughout the world. There has been an increased interaction between these two communities, especially since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 and the attempts of Circassians to save their compatriots by bringing them back and helping them to resettle in their homeland in the Russian North Caucasus. Our discussion will focus on the new forms of Circassian trans-diasporic mobilization and activism that led to the emergence of grassroots activism, the new civil society organizations and a substantially increased number of internet-based initiatives. Navigating between history, memory, and contemporary politics, Circassians have been able to cross many divides that no longer seem to be an issue in a post-Soviet digital world. They have showed a strong sense of common purpose in response to the many challenges faced by this community, whether defending their political and linguistic rights, or pushing Russia to reexamine its imperial legacy in the North Caucasus.