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Thinking in Dark Times

Volodymyr Yermolenko
Ukraine
Philosophy
Freedom
Russian Invasion
Russia
Democracy
Communism
Hannah Arendt
PEN Ukraine
Cultural Renaissance
Imperialism
Russian Imperialism
Totalitarianism
World War II
20th Century Ideas
Kherson
Evil
Colonialism
War
Autocracies, Incorporated

A philosophical and cultural podcast from Ukraine. By Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher and writer. I live and work in Ukraine, doing both intellectual and practical volunteering work in the context of the Russian invasion against Ukraine. I try to see the light through and despite the darkness. Support my work at: www.patreon.com/thinkinggg

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes19Founded10 months ago
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PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

What’s the difference between colonialism and imperialism? What types of colonialism can we identify — and which of them are playing out in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other countries?

This conversation is not purely academic. It helps us bette... more

In this episode, I pose a question about evil. I argue that while the relativization of the concept of evil may once have been necessary, it has now swung to the opposite extreme—one in which we often fail to ask moral questions at all.

I suggest t... more

Joseph Stiglitz is a world-renowned economist and thinker who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2001.

I met him in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, in June 2025 during the inspiring Zeg Festival in which we both participated.

In t... more

Some might argue that the concept of evil is outdated in our relativistic age. And yet—how can we speak of war crimes, cruelty, or the neglect of human dignity without invoking the word evil? Perhaps it’s time to take it seriously again, to revisit t... more

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Recent Guests

Botakoz Kassymbekova
Renowned scholar of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, currently professor of Eastern European history at the University of Zurich
University of Zurich
Episode: Why colonialism is more complicated than you think - with Botakoz Kassymbekova
Joseph Stiglitz
Nobel Prize-winning economist and thinker
Episode: Nobel-Winning Economist Joseph Stiglitz on the Failures of Neoliberalism and Sanctions Against Russia
Marci Shore
An American intellectual and historian specializing in 20th century European intellectual history, particularly Hannah Arendt
University of Toronto
Episode: Hannah Arendt on evil: what can we learn from her today? - with Marci Shore
Peter Pomerantsev
Renowned scholar of propaganda and information warfare
Episode: How to win an information war? - with Peter Pomerantsev
Aman Sethi
Indian journalist and editor-in-chief of Open Democracy, an independent international media platform based in London
Open Democracy
Episode: Ukraine and Democracy in the Global World – with Aman Sethi
Margaret Atwood
One of the greatest living writers, author of The Handmaid's Tale
Episode: Margaret Atwood on tyrannies and the fragility of freedom
Timothy Snyder
A famous American historian
Episode: On freedom: Timothy Snyder in Kyiv
Anne Applebaum
Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist, historian, and political analyst
Episode: Anne Applebaum on autocracies, pacifism, and Ukraine

Host

Volodymyr Yermolenko
Ukrainian philosopher, writer, and chief editor of UkraineWorld, with a focus on cultural discussions in the context of war and crises.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 16 ratings
  • Essential

    I discovered this podcast via ‘Affaires étrangères’ and found it extremely insightful. How do we want to be governed?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bonneaventure99
    Ireland7 months ago

Listeners Say

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Listeners find the content extremely insightful, especially in terms of understanding governance and political frameworks.
The discussions tend to provoke thoughtful reflection on societal issues, making it a valuable resource for those interested in contemporary philosophy and cultural critiques.

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Talking Points

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Why colonialism is more complicated than you think - with Botakoz Kassymbekova
Q: What were the imperial and colonial practices inside the Soviet Union?
The Soviet Empire engaged in practices akin to colonialism, often using propaganda to disguise its control over various nations.
Why colonialism is more complicated than you think - with Botakoz Kassymbekova
Q: How important is territory for Russia?
Territory is crucial for Russia's identity as an empire, with expansion tied to prestige and political power.
Why colonialism is more complicated than you think - with Botakoz Kassymbekova
Q: Why do you think that we can and should apply the framework of imperialism and colonial studies to Russia?
Russia is definitely an empire, especially before 1917, and it's essential to differentiate between colonialism and imperialism to understand its contemporary role.
Thinking in Dark Times. Lessons from Ukraine. - Volodymyr Yermolenko at IWM in Vienna
Q: How do acting and thinking interrelate?
Acting and thinking are interconnected, with action acting as a manifestation of belief in the possibility of change and thought supporting action.
Anne Applebaum on autocracies, pacifism, and Ukraine
Q: What unites China, Russia, Iran and maybe even India in their worldview?
Applebaum notes that while there are different relationships concerning imperialism, all these nations seek to uphold their sovereignty and reject external criticism regarding their governance, avoiding adherence to international laws and human rights.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Thinking in Dark Times

What is Thinking in Dark Times about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series offers an engaging exploration of philosophical and cultural themes, often framed against the backdrop of contemporary crises, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With guests ranging from historians to economists, discussions frequently dissect subjects like neoliberalism, democracy, totalitarianism, and the nuances of propaganda, weaving in historical remarks and personal anecdotes to deepen understanding of these complexities. The emphasis is on examining moral dilemmas, the challenges of authoritarianism, and the resilience found within cultural expressions amidst adversity, positioning it as a significant intellectual discourse relevant to current global events.

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1. The David Frum Show
2. The Ezra Klein Show
3. The Rest Is Politics: US
4. The Rest Is Politics
5. Haaretz Podcast

How many episodes of Thinking in Dark Times are there?

Thinking in Dark Times launched 10 months ago and published 19 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Thinking in Dark Times?

Recent guests on Thinking in Dark Times include:

1. Botakoz Kassymbekova
2. Joseph Stiglitz
3. Marci Shore
4. Peter Pomerantsev
5. Aman Sethi
6. Margaret Atwood
7. Timothy Snyder
8. Anne Applebaum

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