The only way out is through? The psychology of violent processes

What happens when the state suddenly turns violent?
How does civil society feel, and how much room remains for civil disobedience?
Russia's entry into the war reveals a disturbing trend: the entire state is transforming into a closed system where many freedoms and human rights are gradually restricted through a series of small steps. The restrictions begin in public discourse, extend into legislation, and culminate in an atmosphere where any opposition is silenced.
This raises an important question: what options remain for each individual? To speak out and face the immense violence, or to silently watch the disheartening developments unfold? Is the only way out truly through, or might there be another perspective?

📅 23rd October, 2026

🕒 8:00 - 9:30 PM CEST

About the presenter: Dr. Natalia Iost studied Political and Social Sciences and Jewish Studies at the Universities of Ulyanovsk, Heidelberg, and Stuttgart. From 2014 to 2016, she worked as a research assistant in different departments of the Institute for Social Sciences in Stuttgart, and from 2017 to 2018 at the College for Jewish Studies in Heidelberg. During her studies in Heidelberg, she undertook a two-month research stay in Israel, where she conducted expert interviews with peacekeeping and reconciliation organizations and representatives of various minority groups. From 2018 to 2021, she worked as a research and teaching associate at the Chair of International Relations and Regional Studies at the University of Greifswald. Since March 2021, she has been a member of the Research Group ‘Baltic Peripeties'. Her research fields include the Baltic Sea Region, Russian foreign policy, hard and soft security, conflict, and conflict resolution.