THE NINTH PANEL: «THE GLOBAL LEFT ON GLOBAL WAR: IDEOLOGIES, SOLIDARITY AND ACTIVISM»
The panel discussion «The Global Left on Global War: Ideologies, Solidarity and Activism» concluded the international conference «Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South».
Discussion featured the following speakers: Manuel Férez Gil, a Chilean journalist, co-author of the «Ukraine’s Many Faces: Land, People, and Culture Revisited»; Oleksii Haran, a professor at the University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Research Director at the «Democratic Initiatives» Foundation; Kavita Krishnan, an Indian activist and feminist; Leila Al-Shami, a Syrian writer, activist, and author of «Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War»
The discussion was initiated by the moderator of the panel, who started with an introductory speech about the insufficient backing from the «leftists» in the fight against Russian imperialism. Ms. Shynkarenko cited the example of Russia’s colonizing policy towards Crimea, as the Russian Empire destroyed the state of the Crimean Tatars almost 300 years ago by colonizing the peninsula, forcibly evicting the indigenous population and destroying it. Today, according to Ms. Shynkarenko, we are witnessing the third wave of Russification of Crimea, which is a consequence of the lack of response to the occupation of the peninsula from the international community, including the «left» forces.
The discussion began with Ms. Kavita Krishnan emphasizing the need to spread information about Ukraine as a separate state, not in the context of its former Soviet past. She also stressed that it’s essential to fight against double standards to enhance the effectiveness of the fight against autocracies.
Oleksii Haran shared his perspective on the spread of Russian colonialism, highlighting the importance of pointing out to the «left wing» representatives that Putin is working towards restoration of an empire, not just the Soviet Union, as some perceive the last one positively. Mr. Haran emphasized that Ukraine lacks those who truly share «left» views, not just supporters of communist ideology. The speaker noted that it is not the ideology of communism that is prohibited in Ukraine, but rather the propaganda of symbols of totalitarian statehood.
Ms. Samira Ardalani emphasized that «leftists» should primarily defend human rights and take proactive action instead of merely reacting to challenges. Leftists’ attempts to appease dictators result in nothing except for indirectly contributing to propaganda and undermining leftist values when it comes to human rights.
Manuel Feres Gil joined the discussion online and discussed the impact of Russian propaganda on how Ukraine is perceived in Latin American countries. Mr. Feres Gil emphasized that due to the lack of information and Spanish-language sources about Ukraine, Russia can spread its narratives more effectively, expanding its media presence in Latin America. He called on the Ukrainian academic community to cooperate and cover Russia’s colonial aggression against Ukraine more effectively as well as to counter Russian propaganda, which is widely spreading among the population of Latin America.
Ms. Leila Al-Shami talked about the «leftists» reaction to Russia’s invasion of Syria. She emphasized real imperialists are disconnected from the social context and reminded of the importance of protecting civilians victimized by authoritarian regimes. She urged a return to fundamental principles and to consider silent inaction as a response for which people should also be held accountable.