Presentations by Streams

The panel analyzes perestroika as an open, contingent process of reform and transformation. Perestroika challenged the Soviet state, institutions and individuals to adjust to a future that suddenly appeared open. Institutions and organizations -- while they could differ fundamentally in their origins, self-understandings, tasks and possibilities -- can be seen as interface and contact points between state and people. Besides, perestroika can also be perceived as a period of institutionalization. What can we learn from institutions about the dynamics that perestroika set in motion? The panel examines examples from three central areas of research that offer insights into the changes perestroika brought about: nationalities, environment/ecology, and religion/church.