Feminist Perspectives on Militarization, Resistance, and Solidarity in Eastern Europe

This panel examines the intersections of militarization, feminist agency, and cross-border solidarity in the context of Russia’s aggressive policies and the resulting regional conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. Bringing together discussions on Russia’s patriotic education and youth militarization, Ukrainian women’s roles in resistance, and the transnational feminist and queer support networks in countries like Georgia and Estonia, panelists will explore how feminist scholarship illuminates the dynamics of nationalism, war, and gender in this turbulent region. Each presentation will contribute unique insights into how militaristic narratives are cultivated, resisted, and countered by feminist and queer activism across borders. By analyzing the contrasting political contexts of Eastern Europe, from authoritarianism to democratic resilience, this panel will discuss the possibilities and challenges of feminist solidarity and the role of gendered activism in shaping future resistance movements. This discussion invites reflections on how feminist frameworks can deepen our understanding of regional conflicts and offer new pathways for peace and solidarity in times of war.