On December 10, 2024, the Vytautas Magnus University Lithuanian Emigration Institute and The Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum hosted the fifth Vytautas Kavolis Workshop titled “The Fate of Leftist Sensibility.”
This year’s workshop focused on the intellectual legacy of non-communist Lithuanian leftism, the development of leftist thought within the Lithuanian diaspora, contemporary leftist political ideas, and their ability to address social injustice and inequality.
During the event, presentations were given by philosopher Gediminas Karoblis, historian Gintaras Mitrulevičius, political scientist Liutauras Gudžinskas, and social and economic policy expert Skirma Kondratas. Skirma Kondratas discussed the political choices of Lithuanian Americans, the highly politicized social and economic landscape of U.S. politics, and the increasingly indistinguishable ideological positions of Lithuanian political parties.
Historian Gintaras Mitrulevičius introduced the wide spectrum of socialism, Marxism, and communism, as well as various historical examples of these ideologies. He emphasized the need to understand the theoretical heritage of 19th-century socialism while distancing it from the visions of leftism shaped by the Soviet Union and its totalitarian leaders.
Political scientist Liutauras Gudžinskas acknowledged that the metaphor of “leftist sensibility” offers an intriguing perspective. He argued that emotions, rather than theoretical models, are becoming increasingly important in modern politics, as they help explain growing polarization in contemporary societies. Sensitivity and attention to human dignity, he noted, could help slow this polarization.
Philosopher Gediminas Karoblis connected leftist sensibility with attention to the dignity of others and discussed different concepts of social justice. In his presentation, he analyzed sermons by Lithuanian priest Jonas Juraitis, mostly published in the second half of the 20th century in a newspaper from the Valais canton in Switzerland. The philosopher examined how this priest addressed emerging welfare state issues and viewed topics relevant to leftist political thought.
Finally, the participants of the fifth Kavolis Workshop reflected on how the long Soviet occupation affected Lithuanian society’s sensitivity, the development of leftist political thought, and the country’s ability to tackle challenges related to social injustice, labor organization, and migration.
The organizing committee consisted of Egidijus Aleksandravičius, Egidijus Balandis, and Martynas Butkus.
Photographs were taken by Andrėja Taranda.
