This subgroup aims to decolonize academic knowledge by expanding the focus to often-overlooked regions, such as Russia, China or Turkey.

The aim is to challenge dominant narratives and highlight diverse experiences, connected to silenced historical narratives, e.g. Russian pioneerism in Asia or the Armenian genocide. A more inclusive understanding of global power dynamics and resistance movements is also connected to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Palestine, or neocolonial economic practices in Africa.

What activities are being done/will be held:
The subgroup was created in October 2023. In May 2024 we held a two-day conference in cooperation with the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, titled Beyond Western Colonialism, with participants presenting a diverse group of scholars and activists. The speakers explored the challenges of contemporary decolonial movements, and the discussions were framed around the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the historical narratives guiding political actions in Turkey and the Chinese influences in Africa, as well as the ongoing war in Palestine.

The key points are summarised in the Conference Report (September 2024), also including recommended literature on the discussed topics. A follow-up conference is planned for 2025.

Anyone interested in the topic is welcome to join the subgroup. Please, contact the DI coordinators at decolonising@eui.eu if you want to be included.