NEWS
Autocracy Across the Globe
The community is invited to join the Davidson College Dean Rusk International Studies Program for a panel discussion on press freedom, democracy, and modern Russian politics: Autocracy Across the Globe: A Conversation with M. Gessen & Elena Kostyuchenko, moderated by Dean Rusk Director, Dr. Jane Mangan.
Event Details
- Date: September 29, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Tyler-Tallman Hall, Davidson College
- Cost: Free and open to the public (Ticket reservation required)
Featured Speakers
- M. Gessen (they/them): CUNY Distinguished Professor, "New York Times" opinion columnist, National Book Award winner, and 2024 George Polk Award recipient. Gessen is a leading expert on Russian politics, democracy, and LGBTQ+ rights, and author of "Surviving Autocracy" and "The Future Is History."
- Elena Kostyuchenko (she/her): Fall 2026 James K. Batten Professor of Russian Studies, independent journalist, and LGBTQ+ activist designated a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. She is a former "Novaya Gazeta" reporter, Harvard Nieman Fellow, and contributor to the "New Yorker."
A book signing with M. Gessen featuring "Surviving Autocracy" and "The Future Is History" will take place immediately following the discussion.
Admission is free, but space is limited and tickets must be reserved in advance.
Reserve Your Tickets: Get Tickets Here
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