Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs

How has geography become the central infrastructure of political authority in Putin’s Russia? Dr. Sofia Gavrilova (Fung Global Fellow, Princeton and Senior Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography), argues that that propaganda in Russia operates less through persuasion than through participation — by enrolling ordinary people in the everyday work of imperial reproduction. At the heart of the project is the concept of the “Volunteer Empire”: an empire reproduced through organized presence, care, and curated experience.

Did you study abroad in 2025-26? Come meet up with other Middlebury students who did too at our returnee reception. IGST faculty and study abroad staff will be on hand to welcome you back, raise a glass, and listen to your stories. [Bring your government ID for 21+ libations.]

Are you interested in learning more about the Rohatyn Global Scholars Program? Join us for one of our Information Sessions to find out more. 

Tuesday, September 22nd at either 12:30 pm (with pizza) or 4:00 pm (with snacks) in the Robert A. Jones ‘59 building conference room. 

Interested in learning more about the Rohatyn Global Scholars Program? Join us for one of our Information Sessions to find out more. 

Tuesday, September 22nd at either 12:30 pm (with pizza) or 4:00 pm (with snacks) in the Robert A. Jones ‘59 building conference room. 

International and Global Studies’ Global Migration and Diaspora Program presents “Democratic Drain: Global Migration and the Struggle for Democracy” with Justin Gest.

The Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs Global Fellows Program presents “Interactive Peacemaking and Coordination in Complex Peace Processes” with Susan Allen.

This public event will welcome a delegation of Maori and Pasifika colleagues visiting Middlebury College from Aotearoa/New Zealand. Panel members will discuss the role of purakau (storytelling), waiata (song), and whakatauki (proverbs) in Indigenous Maori and Polynesian practices of wellbeing and planetary stewardship. Through the teachings of the kuaka, a shorebird known for its remarkable migration from Aotearoa to North America, this event invites attendees to explore the idea that journeys are collective and community futures can soar in spaces of mutual learning, responsibility, and relationship.

On the second day of the symposium, Mexican director Michelle Garza Cervera will answer questions (in English) about her acclaimed debut film Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022). This will be followed by a conversation in Spanish between Michelle and Rita Segato, offering a broader dialogue on gender-based abuse and violence against women in Latin America. The conversation between Michelle and Rita will be translated into English for the audience.

Cookies and drinks will be provided.

Presented in Spanish with real-time translation to English

The symposium will kickoff with a keynote presentation by Argentine anthropologist Rita Segato, followed by an open discussion with students, faculty, and community members. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided in Sunderland Lobby beginning at 4:00 PM.