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Intentional Communities Finding Space Amid Geopolitical Turmoil: Belbek Valley Case Study

Author

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  • Maria S. Tysiachniouk

    (University of Eastern Finland, Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Yliopistokatu 7, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland)

  • Juha Kotilainen

    (University of Eastern Finland, Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Yliopistokatu 7, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland)

Abstract

The authoritarian regime in Russia represents a political context of societal turmoil in which the challenges for building sustainability can be studied. We explore intentional communities (ICs) with an environmental component that often appear with a focus on other issues such as spirituality and culture. Our focus is on Crimea’s Belbek Valley, a contested space that has nevertheless become attractive for ICs. We use semi-structured and open-ended interviews to collect data, which we analyze thematically. We discuss the reasons for the emergence of the ICs in the Belbek Valley and the variety of different ICs and initiatives there and build a typology of the ICs. They stand in stark contrast with neighboring traditional villages in Crimea. The Belbek Valley’s ICs are small-scale alternatives to the mainstream lifestyle, and they aim for a low carbon footprint, practicing permaculture, the application of energy and water saving technologies, vegetarianism, and yoga. The number of environmental practices adopted by each IC depends on the scale of their activities and investments in the infrastructure. We conclude by emphasizing the paradoxical nature of the Belbek Valley becoming a hub for ICs seeking long-term sustainability amid geopolitical turmoil.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria S. Tysiachniouk & Juha Kotilainen, 2022. "Intentional Communities Finding Space Amid Geopolitical Turmoil: Belbek Valley Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-28, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:18:p:11138-:d:907893
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Ambrosio, 2016. "The rhetoric of irredentism: The Russian Federation’s perception management campaign and the annexation of Crimea," Small Wars and Insurgencies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(3), pages 467-490, May.
    2. Elisabeth Van de Grift & Joost Vervoort & Eefje Cuppen, 2017. "Transition Initiatives as Light Intentional Communities: Uncovering Liminality and Friction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Chaudhry, Suparna, 2022. "The Assault on Civil Society: Explaining State Crackdown on NGOs," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 76(3), pages 549-590, March.
    4. Hale, Henry E., 2022. "Authoritarian Rallying as Reputational Cascade? Evidence from Putin’s Popularity Surge after Crimea," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 116(2), pages 580-594, May.
    5. Louise Meijering & Paulus Huigen & Bettina Van Hoven, 2007. "Intentional Communities In Rural Spaces," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 98(1), pages 42-52, February.
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