Ekaterina Shulman and Maxim Kurnikov in Helsinki 3 September 2026

Ekaterina Shulman is a renowned political scientist and columnist, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, and is a popular speaker on issues related to Russian lawmaking. Her ability to explain complex issues in the political world in simple terms—reasoned yet with her characteristic sense of humor—has won over millions of viewers in various countries. Ekaterina Mikhailovna is one of those rare speakers who receives standing ovations both at the beginning of an event, when she takes the stage, and at the end of the event.

Maxim Kurnikov is a journalist and media manager. He is the editor-in-chief of Bild’s Russian-language service and the head of the online publication “Echo.”
Together with journalist Maxim Kurnikov, she hosts the weekly original program “Status” on the YouTube channels of Bild and “Zhivoy Gvozдь.”

Topic: “The Death of an Autocrat: Defeat and Reforms”
Since Ekaterina Shulman and Maxim Kurnikov specialize in the deaths of tyrants, they decided to discuss the end of Nicholas I’s reign and how yesterday’s reactionaries become tomorrow’s reformers.What does the unlimited power of the security forces lead to? How do changes brew within the elite? And how do lost wars lead to reforms? In this lecture, Ekaterina Shulman and Maxim Kurnikov will discuss these and other topics relevant today.