Life in Occupation: Remote Ethnography of the Russo-Ukrainian War - Seminar recap
On March 13th, 2025 the OHPA hosted a seminar with Dr. Vicente Ferraro from the Centre for East European and International Studies, Berlin. In his talk “Life in Occupation” he presented his ethnographic study on the experiences of street-level bureaucrats—particularly educators—during the Russian occupation of parts of Ukraine. Drawing from in-depth interviews, official reports, and fieldwork across Ukrainian cities, Dr. Ferraro explored how war alters the functioning of public servants and the delivery of essential services. The focus was on teachers who, in many cases, became front-line actors in a war that is both material and cultural.
He highlighted the intense ethical dilemmas faced by educators: choosing between collaborating with occupying forces or resisting at great personal risk. Strategies varied, from fleeing occupied zones to teaching secretly online, with many continuing work under extreme surveillance and threat. His fieldwork included visits to destroyed schools and interviews with traumatized educators, emphasizing the psychological toll of the conflict.
The seminar also touched on the broader political implications, showing how Russia uses education to assert control and identity in occupied regions. Despite these challenges, stories of resilience, adaptation, and resistance showcased the courage and complexity of those living and working amid war.
The full talk as well as the subsequent discussion is available to view on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/JHrOtm4UTKo