Bride kidnapping in post-Soviet Eurasia: a roundtable discussion

Abstract

Throughout Eurasia, bride kidnapping continues to be a fairly common way to get married. The practice is becoming increasingly controversial. Some local actors argue the practice is a cultural tradition, while others question its acceptability, particularly when a woman is forced to marry against her will. Many scholars, journalists and non-governmental organization workers view non-consensual variations of bride kidnapping as a form of gender-based violence. In October 2016, an interdisciplinary group of scholars gathered at the annual Central Eurasia Studies Society conference to assess existing scholarship on bride kidnapping in post-Soviet Eurasia. Using an innovative format, this paper offers an edited transcript of that roundtable discussion. The roundtable format provides readers an opportunity to see a diverse range of perspectives and opinions in response to several questions about bride kidnapping. This paper provides a thorough introduction to key issues surrounding bride kidnapping and offers suggestions for areas that need further exploration.