Ekaterina Shulman and Maxim Kurnikov. European Tour

Political scientist Ekaterina Shulman and journalist Maxim Kurnikov have announced the dates for their European tour, during which they will present a series of original lectures on the historical mechanisms of power transitions, political reforms, and their connection to current events.

Ekaterina Shulman is a political scientist, columnist, candidate of political sciences, and one of the most renowned Russian-speaking public lecturers. Thanks to her ability to explain complex political processes in an accessible way, combining in-depth analysis, historical examples, and subtle humor, her talks draw packed audiences in various countries.

Maksim Kurnikov is a journalist, media manager, editor-in-chief of Bild’s Russian-language service, and head of the online publication “Echo.” Together with Ekaterina Shulman, he hosts the original socio-political program “Status,” which airs on the YouTube channels of Bild and “Zhivoy Gvozдь.”

As part of their European tour, viewers can look forward to new lectures on how the eras of authoritarian rulers come to an end, how defeats in wars lead to large-scale transformations, why yesterday’s advocates of hardline policies often become the initiators of reforms, and what processes take place within political elites at pivotal moments in history.

Special attention will be paid to historical examples that provide a better understanding of contemporary political processes. The authors will discuss the final years of Nicholas I’s reign, the consequences of the security forces’ unlimited power, the causes of political change, and the mechanisms of transformation within state institutions.

September 3, 2026, 7:00 p.m. — Helsinki

Topic: “The Death of the Autocrat: Defeat and Reforms”

September 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m. — Dresden

Topic: “Status”

September 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. — Cologne

Topic: “The Death of the Autocrat: Defeat and Reforms”

September 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. — Stuttgart

Topic: “After the Tyrant: How Soviet Power Survived Stalin’s Death”

After each lecture, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of Ekaterina Shulman and Maxim Kurnikov during an open discussion. Books and souvenirs will also be available for purchase at the venues, followed by a book signing.

All events will be held in Russian.