This blog is part of the series “David against Goliath: Lessons of Resistance from Eastern Europe and Central Asia” by the Perspektive Ost program at Polis180.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia are often overlooked in discussions on democratic resilience, yet the region has become a frontline of resistance against authoritarianism and neo-imperialism. From Ukraine’s defiance of Russian aggression to grassroots movements in Georgia and Belarus, these examples demonstrate how lived histories of oppression fuel both pragmatic and idealistic struggles for democracy. This blog series highlights evolving, people-led forms of resistance that challenge unjust power and offer valuable lessons for global efforts to defend democratic values today.
A blog by Celine Cojocar and Linus Steinmetz
Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a Hub of Resistance Movements
When Russia invaded Ukraine for the second time in less than 10 years in 2022, many Western leaders were unprepared, denying the possibility of an invasion until only a few hours before Russian tanks entered Ukrainian territory. At this point, Poland had already raised their defense budget to over 4% of their GDP. Now in 2025, they are aiming at 4,7% of their GDP, even surpassing the US. In 2008, the Baltic countries and Poland were already at the forefront of a joint declaration to condemn Russia’s invasion of Georgia, demanding that “the EU and NATO must take the initiative and stand-up against the spread of imperialist and revisionist policy in the East of Europe” – even going as far as to criticize French peace plans due to a lack of affirmation of Georgian territorial integrity.
After years of advocating for tougher sanctions, more effective cybersecurity infrastructure, and more support for partner countries in the Eastern Neighborhood, the full-scale Russian invasion catapulted the Eastern European countries into a new leadership position. Yet, the misconception that Eastern European countries are somewhat behind Western Europe when it comes to values of democracy persists.
However, despite persisting challenges around corruption or the rule of law, the last 30 years have shown numerous examples of resistance coming from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, whether it is small countries standing up to threats from bigger neighbors, like Ukraine standing up against Russian imperialist aspirations, or civil society risking their lives protesting for a better future and a democratic system in Belarus, Serbia and Georgia.
While not all attempts at standing up against authoritarian tendencies have been successful, these acts of courage are examples and can offer lessons not only for the region, but for the world. Especially in a time, when disillusionment, anxiety, and nihilistic world views seem to become more prominent among younger generations as a reaction to the overwhelming issues of climate change or war, these stories of people resisting anti-democratic tendencies can provide hope, and become a starting point for civic movements globally. They are a reminder of the promise and the purpose of the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic Alliance.
We see Eastern Europe and Central Asia as examples, in which pragmatism and idealism of resistance movements, as well as the living memory of oppression, work against political nihilism in the face of democratic backsliding or external aggression. In practice, these acts of resistance can take different forms and it is obvious that success is not a given for David in a fight against Goliath. Resistance itself can broadly be understood as a range of actions challenging power which is oppressive, unjust or tyrannical. Two power structures facing resistance seem most central to the region: Authoritarianism within states and imperial power imbalances between states.
First there is the central role of the state in the region, which is often torn between democratic aspirations and authoritarian relapse. The collapse of the Soviet Union left behind uncertain and often fragile state structures that left room for highly dynamic power relations between citizens, as well as economic and political elites – a theme that has shaped much of the region’s recent history.
The second power structure can be understood through the legacies of former empires, which shaped the region and continue to influence the political and cultural landscape of Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the 21st century. Today’s resistance movements mimic the anti-colonial struggles of the 20th century, where decolonial thinkers emphasized not only political resistance but also the power of cultural expression and everyday defiance to foreign impositions.
Outlook
Through this blog series, we aim to highlight current, collective and people-led forms of resistance in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. By focusing on how resistance movements are evolving, who they challenge and why, we seek to shed light on what these regional stories reveal about broader, 21st-century struggles against repression. Our goal is to present the region in a new light, emphasizing the movements and leaders, successful or not, who push back against authoritarianism, offering lessons that resonate far beyond national borders and reflect the defining political challenges of our time.
Celine Cojocar has joined Polis180 in 2022, actively contributing to the Perspektive Ost Programme. She graduated with a Master in European Affairs from Sciences Po Paris and her research focuses on issues relevant to Eastern Europe, particularly Romania, including Diaspora policies, disinformation and artificial intelligence, migration issues as well as minority rights. Moreover, she is the co-founder of a film festival about the wars and post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
Linus Steinmetz has been a member of Polis180 since January 2025 and publishes on topics including Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and climate diplomacy. He studies political science and economics in Berlin and Paris. His research focuses on climate security, European security policy and authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
The Polis Blog serves as a platform at the disposal of ‘Polis180’s & ‘OpenTTN‘s members. Published comments express solely the ‘authors’ opinions and shall not be confounded with the opinions of the editors or of Polis180.
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