Caring for Democracy: Life-Making Practices in Geopolitical Uncertainties

Amidst the looming war fears in Europe and emptying villages in border regions, whilst economic and political powers are concentrating in centers, the fate of democracy and a sense of normality lie not only in the strength of state institutions but, crucially, in the hands of decentralized communities that make up the fabric of a society at large. The key to resilience of a country against various disasters and chaos is the invisible force of life-making practices. From volunteer work in a local clean-up (talka) and help in finding a lost child, to support of lonely seniors, maintaining rituals, weddings and cemetery festivals, life-making encompass and intertwine various goals, but, taken together, they make life meaningful and livable. As the chain is as strong as its weakest link, the project draws its attention to Latgale in Latvia, the final frontier of Europe, bordering with Russia and Belarus, experiencing an information war waged by Kremlin forces, activities by antagonistic groups, economic deprivation and depopulation. Research into the communities and networks that make everyday life in Latgale is intermittent. It is imperative to study life-making ‘bottom up’ through the standpoints of those, who live in this border region. Geopolitical worries make this need urgent. Therefore, the aim of the project is to examine practices that sustain life in Latgale, focusing on seemingly disparate, resourceful communities and groups: hunters, mothers and youth activists.