Instrumentalization of Exceptions in Social and Political Orders: Russia and Beyond
The project aims to analyze how the ideology of exceptionalism and the use of exceptions as a strategic political instrument that can irreversibly alter norms or throw them into disarray have gradually transformed Russia’s social orders since the 2000s, resulting in a de facto permanent state of emergency, bolstered by the invasion of Ukraine.
Contemporary Russian politics is essentially a politics of exceptions. While it is obvious that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created a state of exception, this development is only part of a larger strategy developing in Russia since the 2000s. This strategy that defies any attempts at a long-term normalization (and thus any normative orders) manifests itself in political decisions on the international and domestic level, for instance, in social and cultural politics, law-making, and (bio)technological breakthrough. After February 2022, the ideology of exceptionalism, with its specific elements such as Russian pseudo-conservatism, as a loose set of vague attitudes that serve as background for rapidly changing tactical orientations, the idea of a sovereign science and the rhetoric of isolationism - has amalgamated itself as the foundation of situationally oriented political decisions of the Russian government. Studying and understanding it means understanding the fundamental principles of contemporary Russian politics, such as its militant decisionism, pseudo-historical foundations, and aversion towards the principles of the common good (as opposed to the idea of satisfying momentary interests of political actors).
The key subjects of the analysis will be Russian political and legal practices based on the idea of the primacy of exceptions, but also specific cases and debates, including related publications in academic journals and social/mass media. A long-term theoretical goal of the project is to reconstruct the development of the notion of exception, considering its relation to other notions (such as ‘exceptionality’, ‘uniqueness’, and ‘exclusion’), and, in a second step, to present a structured and nuanced theory of exceptions. The project is open to collaboration with scholars specializing in the history of law, bioethics, sociology, psychology, economics, and political theory.
The key subjects of the analysis will be Russian political and legal practices based on the idea of the primacy of exceptions, but also specific cases and debates, including related publications in academic journals and social/mass media. A long-term theoretical goal of the project is to reconstruct the development of the notion of exception, considering its relation to other notions (such as ‘exceptionality’, ‘uniqueness’, and ‘exclusion’), and, in a second step, to present a structured and nuanced theory of exceptions. The project is open to collaboration with scholars specializing in the history of law, bioethics, sociology, psychology, economics, and political theory.
Contemporary Russian politics is essentially a politics of exceptions. While it is obvious that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created a state of exception, this development is only part of a larger strategy developing in Russia since the 2000s. This strategy that defies any attempts at a long-term normalization (and thus any normative orders) manifests itself in political decisions on the international and domestic level, for instance, in social and cultural politics, law-making, and (bio)technological breakthrough. After February 2022, the ideology of exceptionalism, with its specific elements such as Russian pseudo-conservatism, as a loose set of vague attitudes that serve as background for rapidly changing tactical orientations, the idea of a sovereign science and the rhetoric of isolationism - has amalgamated itself as the foundation of situationally oriented political decisions of the Russian government. Studying and understanding it means understanding the fundamental principles of contemporary Russian politics, such as its militant decisionism, pseudo-historical foundations, and aversion towards the principles of the common good (as opposed to the idea of satisfying momentary interests of political actors).
The key subjects of the analysis will be Russian political and legal practices based on the idea of the primacy of exceptions, but also specific cases and debates, including related publications in academic journals and social/mass media. A long-term theoretical goal of the project is to reconstruct the development of the notion of exception, considering its relation to other notions (such as ‘exceptionality’, ‘uniqueness’, and ‘exclusion’), and, in a second step, to present a structured and nuanced theory of exceptions. The project is open to collaboration with scholars specializing in the history of law, bioethics, sociology, psychology, economics, and political theory.
The key subjects of the analysis will be Russian political and legal practices based on the idea of the primacy of exceptions, but also specific cases and debates, including related publications in academic journals and social/mass media. A long-term theoretical goal of the project is to reconstruct the development of the notion of exception, considering its relation to other notions (such as ‘exceptionality’, ‘uniqueness’, and ‘exclusion’), and, in a second step, to present a structured and nuanced theory of exceptions. The project is open to collaboration with scholars specializing in the history of law, bioethics, sociology, psychology, economics, and political theory.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No, we do not have a political agenda, or engage in political campaigning. The objectives of our professional, non-profit association are to assist our emigrated colleagues and to conduct joint research with scholars around the world.
As you can see from the list of the projects of our association, the scope of our research is quite broad: from historical studies that shed light on the origins of current events to interdisciplinary research in political philosophy and political theory, epistemology and sociology, bioethics and medical humanities, philosophy of science and many others.
There are no restrictions. We welcome the participation of colleagues from any country.
We conduct our activities in various languages, mainly French, Russian and English.
No, IPHI was created as an international association with the objective of cooperation between researchers from different countries. IPHI will carry out projects that touch on all areas of humanities and social sciences. The association brings together researchers from different countries. The main languages of IPHI research projects are French, Russian, English and German, but other languages are also possible.
No, it is not obligatory. Everyone is free to choose whether or not to make information about themselves public. However, for those planning to publish descriptions of their projects on our website, their name is required, as our projects are not anonymous.
We welcome participation in our events and projects and are always open to new proposals. At the same time, we do not oblige members to participate; it is their voluntary decision.
We will be delighted to hear from Ukrainian colleagues who wish to join our projects and events. We treasure the cooperation and the opportunity to look at topical issues from different angles.
We cooperate with colleagues in Russia. However, we do not publish information about them on our website to avoid exposing them to additional risks.
In the future, we will prepare separate pages in the respective languages for projects concerning Ukraine, Belarus and other countries.
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We welcome you to join the Independent Institute of Philosophy Association if you share our values of liberty, oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine, are eager to promote the development of critical philosophical thought, and are open to international collaboration in the social sciences and humanities.
