[Conversations] Albena Azmanova: Victimhood Olympics, identity politics and the rise of autocracy

Victimhood Olympics

Identity politics and the rise of autocracy

with Albena Azmanova

Part of our Women Against Fascism (WAF) series

 Conversations  / Mon 19th May / 6.30 pm

Open to everyone | Booking required
Bar open

Writer, academic and political commentator Albena Azmanova joins WAF in Brussels to explore and discuss the idea of 'victimhood olympics' and how identity politics and the rise of autocracy interact. 

Identity politics has been a flagship idea of progressive politics. It gained prominence in the 1960s, as movements advocating for the rights of disadvantaged social groups began to challenge systemic injustices. Identity politics was institutionalised through the DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) policies meant to counter discrimination. Currently, however, Albena explains, the reactionary right has hijacked the logic of identity politics – as when protests against the Israeli atrocities in Palestine are banned as being allegedly antisemitic. At the same time, the far-right is dismantling DEI policies.

Albena argues that as we have mishandled the struggle against structural inequalities, we have ended up with a toxic dynamic of ‘victimhood Olympics’ – the fight among minority groups for patronage by political elites. This dynamic, she believes, lays the groundwork for the rise of dictatorship within our democracies.

Albena draws on history, philosophy, and sociology as she seeks to produce politically salient and critical analyses of modern societies. Join the conversation.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Albena Azmanova is Professor of Political Science at City St George's University of London with specialisation in critical social theory and political economy, as well as a writer and political commentator. Her research spans issues of social justice and political judgment, democracy, the rise of new ideologies, the critique of capitalism, and is animated by her political activism. She has been involved in the dissident movements that brought down the communist regime in her native Bulgaria and to this day remains engaged with transnational progressive social movements. Her book Capitalism On Edge has received numerous awards.

KEY LINKS

Albena Azmanova's personal webpage

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ADDITIONAL INFO 

FOOD & DRINK	EVENT SIZE	WHEELCHAIR
Bar open with snacks	Medium (20-50)	Available on request