Russia has long been presented simply as an authoritarian state. However, elections continue to be held in the country. In this talk, we will look to understand why this is the case and what this means for Russia and even us in the UK. We will look at the changing role of political opposition in Russia and the relationship that has changed the last 26 years or so for the citizens of Russia. What will be show is the important visual and cultural roles of elections in Russia, and how this model relates to other countries like the UK.

Dr Joe Colleyshaw is a Lecturer in Russian and Slavonic Studies, at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at the University of Leeds.

This is a Leeds City of Languages Festival event. Check the full programme at leedscityoflanguages.leeds.ac.uk