Russian Historian Tamara Eidelman Finds New Home in Exile After Being Labeled a 'Foreign Agent'
Russian historian Tamara Eidelman, a dissident and vocal critic of the Russian government, went into exile in Portugal after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
With her suitcase and her daughter in Portugal, she has started a new life, accepting that she may not return.
Eidelman, who has over 1.6 million followers on YouTube, is part of a growing group of Russian intellectuals and cultural figures who have left Russia due to political reasons and are rebuilding their careers abroad.
Despite government restrictions, they can still reach their audience in Russia through social media, catering to the large diaspora of Russians who have also left the country in recent years.
Tamara Eidelman, a Russian intellectual and cultural figure declared a "foreign agent" by the Russian government, believes that today's emigration offers an advantage of maintaining ties with their homeland and exchanging ideas.
Despite restrictions, Russians can still access information from those who have emigrated, which is valuable and should be cherished.
Exiled Russians, according to political analyst Alexander Morozov, may not significantly impact political life inside Russia but can serve as keepers of ideas, centers of expertise, and providers of civic education.
A Russian historian and educator named Eidelman moved to Portugal after political changes in Russia.
In her first few months, she focused on settling in and continuing her work.
However, she eventually realized she would be staying in Portugal for an extended period.
Despite her belief that Russia's current regime would eventually collapse, she expressed uncertainty about whether she would be present to witness it.
The author of the text suggests that those who maintain trust and symbolic capital can contribute to Russia's renewal during political transitions.
A YouTube historian named Eidelman has seen her following grow from 500,000 to 1.63 million since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with a team of 30 people.
Her lectures cover Russian, Ukrainian, and world history, and she has delivered a presentation against Putin's assault on democracy.
Eidelman supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
In a lecture titled "The Judgment of History," she explored the historical responsibility for crimes, with an implied reference to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
In an interview with AFP, Ukrainian-American lawyer and human rights activist Eidelman expressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for direct crimes against Ukraine, but also emphasized the need for moral responsibility.
A Russian-born woman named Alina, who attended one of Eidelman's talks in Washington, shared her perspective that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a crime against both countries and a betrayal to those who disagree with it.
Alina found solace in Eidelman's lectures, believing they offer hope and a path forward during difficult times.
The text expresses a sense of connection despite physical separation.
The author feels understood and less alone in their experiences.
Eidelman, who has over 1.6 million followers on YouTube, is part of a growing group of Russian intellectuals and cultural figures who have left Russia due to political reasons and are rebuilding their careers abroad.
Despite government restrictions, they can still reach their audience in Russia through social media, catering to the large diaspora of Russians who have also left the country in recent years.
Tamara Eidelman, a Russian intellectual and cultural figure declared a "foreign agent" by the Russian government, believes that today's emigration offers an advantage of maintaining ties with their homeland and exchanging ideas.
Despite restrictions, Russians can still access information from those who have emigrated, which is valuable and should be cherished.
Exiled Russians, according to political analyst Alexander Morozov, may not significantly impact political life inside Russia but can serve as keepers of ideas, centers of expertise, and providers of civic education.
A Russian historian and educator named Eidelman moved to Portugal after political changes in Russia.
In her first few months, she focused on settling in and continuing her work.
However, she eventually realized she would be staying in Portugal for an extended period.
Despite her belief that Russia's current regime would eventually collapse, she expressed uncertainty about whether she would be present to witness it.
The author of the text suggests that those who maintain trust and symbolic capital can contribute to Russia's renewal during political transitions.
A YouTube historian named Eidelman has seen her following grow from 500,000 to 1.63 million since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with a team of 30 people.
Her lectures cover Russian, Ukrainian, and world history, and she has delivered a presentation against Putin's assault on democracy.
Eidelman supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
In a lecture titled "The Judgment of History," she explored the historical responsibility for crimes, with an implied reference to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
In an interview with AFP, Ukrainian-American lawyer and human rights activist Eidelman expressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for direct crimes against Ukraine, but also emphasized the need for moral responsibility.
A Russian-born woman named Alina, who attended one of Eidelman's talks in Washington, shared her perspective that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a crime against both countries and a betrayal to those who disagree with it.
Alina found solace in Eidelman's lectures, believing they offer hope and a path forward during difficult times.
The text expresses a sense of connection despite physical separation.
The author feels understood and less alone in their experiences.
Translation:
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Translated by AI
