“What Is Ideology?” — a lecture by historian of ideas Marina Simakova

“What Is Ideology?” — a lecture by historian of ideas Marina Simakova

It is impossible to imagine the history of the 20th century without discussing ideology — a century marked by revolutions, totalitarian regimes, the postwar division of Europe, and the Cold War. Yet the very concept of ideology is surrounded by myths: it is often confused with propaganda, political programs, or political technology. Some even believe that the age of ideologies is over and that modern regimes no longer rely on them.

So what is ideology? How is it different from a political idea? When did the first ideologies emerge and what forms can they take? Why isn’t ideology simply a political version of religion? And what is happening to ideologies today?

We will explore all these questions in the upcoming lecture.