Thinking in Dark Times

Volodymyr Yermolenko
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  • PHILOSOPHY
Thinking in Dark Times

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: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinggg

Episodes

  1. The Re-imperialization of the World?

    10 HR. AGO

    The Re-imperialization of the World?

    Many anticipated that the 21st century would perpetuate the trend of the previous century, moving steadily away from imperialistic and colonial practices. Yet, what if the coming decades herald a reversal, ushering in not fewer, but more empires? Imagine a future where liberal democracies are overshadowed, forced to defend their existence and fight for their survival, much like Ukraine's current struggle. This possibility warrants serious consideration. I am Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, and the president of PEN Ukraine. Welcome to my podcast, "Thinking in Dark Times." To support this endeavor, please visit https://www.patreon.com/c/thinkinggg

    32 min
  2. Rethinking Imperialism

    1 DAY AGO

    Rethinking Imperialism

    In this episode, I reflect on the commonalities and differences between sea imperialism and land imperialism. I also explore different forms of power and domination within these imperialisms: domination by difference and domination by sameness. Additionally, I analyze the specifics of Russian imperialism and why it remains misunderstood worldwide. My name is Volodymyr Yermolenko, and I am a Ukrainian philosopher living in Ukraine. I am launching this new podcast because I believe Ukraine is a key place for critical thinking today. Despite the war and suffering, Ukraine is a place where important ideas are being born. Support my work: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinggg

    37 min
  3. On freedom: Timothy Snyder in Kyiv

    4 DAYS AGO

    On freedom: Timothy Snyder in Kyiv

    Timothy Snyder came to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, to present his book "On Freedom". We have had several conversations about the ideas of this book before (in Kyiv and Kharkiv), and you can find links to the podcast episodes featuring these discussions in the description. However, this was the first time we talked about this book after its publication. We recorded this conversation on February 9, 2025, at the Sense bookstore on Khreshchatyk Street, in the heart of the Ukrainian capital, very close to Maidan. Several hundred people attended, with many staying despite the lack of available seats. Most of them were young. This demonstrates how important reading and critical thinking are for Ukrainians today. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko – Ukrainian philosopher, the chief editor of UkraineWorld, and the president of PEN Ukraine. The Ukrainian translation of this book was done by Choven Publishing House (translator: Halyna Herasym) Support "Thinking in Dark Times" on Patreon:www.patreon.com/thinkinggg  Other conversations with Timothy Snyder: Kyiv, September 2022 ⁠www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHksNrj7elQ&t=10s⁠ Kyiv, September 2023 ⁠www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LkXsW14qJQ&t=724s⁠ Kharkiv, September 2024 ⁠www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR0bqQy5gzA&t=9s⁠ -- Contents: 01:54 - «I feel in Ukraine better than in most other places» 02:44 - being a historian who wrote a philosophy book 07:17 - What can the Ukrainian experience tell other nations about freedom? 12:45 - positive freedom (freedom-to) vs negative freedom (freedom-from). «Freedom isn’t just the absence of evil, but the presence of good» 15:44 - thinking about positive and negative freedom in America and Ukraine 20:30 - freedom and values 24:55 - freedom and sovereignty 32:47 - freedom and unpredictability 41:13 - the metaphor of the bell 45:07 - freedom during military occupation and de-occupation 50:30 - is history repeating itself? 1:00:00 - on social networks 1:11:50 - which values can unite Ukrainians during the war? 1:14:50 - rethinking Ukrainian history from the global perspective

    1h 23m
  4. Anne Applebaum on autocracies, pacifism, and Ukraine

    12/05/2024

    Anne Applebaum on autocracies, pacifism, and Ukraine

    Anne Applebaum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist, historian, and political analyst. A few weeks ago, she was awarded the Peace Prize of German Publishers at the Frankfurt Book Forum. Her new book, "Autocracy, Inc.", explores the fragility of today’s democracies, and an ever-stronger network of autocracies that threaten them. In this podcast, she discusses some of the book’s key ideas and Ukraine’s role in this global setting. Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of Ukraine’s largest media NGOs. Support "Thinking in Dark Times" podcast here:www.patreon.com/thinkinggg You can also support our volunteer trips to the front lines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. --- Link to Anne Applebaum's book:www.penguin.co.uk/books/455382/aut…ne/9780241627891 Link to Anne Applebaum's Frankfurt speech:ukraineworld.org/en/articles/opin…nkfurt-book-fair

    43 min

  5. 12/03/2024

    Thinking in Dark Times - What Is This Podcast About?

    My name is Volodymyr Yermolenko, I am a Ukrainian philosopher who lives in Ukraine. I am launching this new podcast because I believe that Ukraine is a key place for thinking today. Despite the war and suffering, Ukraine is a place where important thinking is being born. In this podcast, you will find my conversations with prominent intellectuals from Ukraine and abroad, as well as my reflections on key topics of today's world, as well as existential philosophical ideas and metaphors. Support my work: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinggg

    13 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

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: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinggg

Information

  • Creator
    Volodymyr Yermolenko
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Volodymyr Yermolenko
  • Show Website
    Thinking in Dark Times

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