2016 Summer Teacher Workshop

Thomson Hall 317, University of Washington, Seattle

The Rise of Populist Movements Across Europe and Russia

The last few years have witnessed the rise of populist movements both within the United States and abroad. In the US we have seen a movement away from establishment candidates with the rise of Donald Trump and the success of Bernie Sanders. In Europe, the populist parties, France’s National Front, Britain’s UKIP, Poland’s Law and Justice party, Jobbik in Hungary, Austria’s Freedom Party, and Greece’s SYRIZA (to name a few) have gained in vote share. In Russia, there are various radical right organizations and parties ranging from the Night Wolves nationalist biker gang to Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s LDPR.

At last summer’s workshop, teachers and community college instructors learned about the complexities of the migration crisis and discussed how to break down the complex issue for their classrooms.

Voters have come to rally around the idea of ousting establishment candidates and finding those who appeal to the “everyday person,” the person who is not afraid to stand-up and voice their opinion.

What has led to the success of such parties and candidates in recent years? Is it the economy that has pushed voters more to the extreme sides of the ideological spectrum? Is it a fear of the “other” that is driving the movement? Is this just an aberration that will resolve itself in a few years’ time or is it the new normal?

On Wednesday, August 10, 2016, the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, the Center for West European Studies, and the Center for Global Studies are partnering for an educator workshop. The one-day event is designed to consider current electoral trends in Europe and Russia.

Teachers will discuss and debate current electoral, economic, and multicultural issues facing Europe and Russia to equip themselves with the tools necessary to teach complicated and controversial subjects in schools and community college settings. Participants will consider how changing demographics affect both national and common European senses of identity and the effects of the economy on electoral outcomes. The confluence of events in Syria, the slow recovery from the recent financial crisis, and recent terror attacks all play a role in the electoral process, but how?

The registration fee is $35. The workshop includes 7 clock hours, parking, teaching materials and a catered lunch. Preference is given to full-time teachers.

Please mail your check (made out to the University of Washington) for the $35 registration fee to:

Attn: Tess Ames
Center for West European Studies
120 Thomson Hall
Box 353650 Seattle, WA 98195

The workshop is now full. Interest in this year’s event has been great and registration will remain open – anyone who registers from now on will be added to a wait list and alerted if spots open up.