The Institute for the Study of Religion, Economics, and Society 

welcomes 

Dr. Vladimir Avetian

Dr. Avetian will discuss “Ink and Ire: The Revolutionary Impact of Russian Literature”

Can the written word spark resistance against an autocratic state? We examine Russian literature from its Golden Age, illustrating how the Sovremennik magazine, initiated by the legendary poet Alexander Pushkin and featuring works of Russian literary giants, served as a gateway to more radical ideologies, ultimately igniting violent dissent against the Czarist regime. Using Pushkin’s ‘circle’ and his chance encounters as an instrument for the magazine’s spread, we find evidence of a causal relationship. The magazine cultivated a market for revolutionary ideas, inspiring underground publications and new generations of readers and writers. Our findings highlight that Russian literature, one of the most influential literary movements, catalyzed violent political dissent against the Czar.

Vladimir Avetian is a postdoctoral researcher at the Chair of Governance and Regulation at the University of Paris Dauphine-PSL. His research focuses on political economy, culture, and urban economics. He leverages large-scale datasets, including user-generated and textual data, to explore complex social issues that are challenging to analyze through traditional methods. Vladimir received his PhD in Economics from Sciences Po in 2022.