The Role of Independent Russian-Language Publishing in Countering Disinformation and Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Germany

Germany is home to one of Europe’s largest and most diverse Russian-speaking communities. Yet this public remains fragmented across different media environments, while many of its members are difficult to reach through conventional institutional communication.

How can independent publishing help rebuild trust and create a shared space for dialogue?

This panel explores publishing as a form of democratic infrastructure. The speakers will discuss how books, translation, distribution and cultural mediation can offer alternatives to propaganda-driven narratives, reach beyond established cultural bubbles and connect Russian-speaking audiences with the wider European public sphere. 

The discussion will also consider how European institutions can support independent Russian-language culture without equating language with political allegiance or replacing one cultural monopoly with another.

The panel is presented by ARPOR — the Association of Russian-Language Publishers Outside Russia, which brings together independent publishers working beyond censorship and state control. ARPOR supports professional collaboration, international visibility and the development of a diverse, open and sustainable Russian-language publishing landscape in Europe.

Independent Russian-language publishing has been forced to leave Russia. It does not intend to remain culturally isolated in exile.

 

Speakers 

Maria Alef — cultural manager and co-publisher of Vidim Books
Natalia Smirnova — founder of Babel Books Berlin

Egana Djabbarova — poet, essayist and scholar

 

For contacts:

events@arpor.org

arpor.org