Meet Aivis: A Culturally Conservative, European Millennial

24 Feb, 2015 by Counter Cultured

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Aivis Indāns, originally from Latvia, is a culturally conservative and European Millennial who lives in the UK. I first met Aivis last year in the summer when he was visiting Washington, D.C., through my sister who was corresponding with him via Twitter. Gabriella and I love to meet conservative Millennials from around the world, especially those from the Baltics who share the same passion for spreading free market principles and cultural conservatism in their countries. We conservatives of the world must unite, indeed!

A picture of Aivis and I in the Old House Chamber in the US Capitol building. I gave Aivis a tour of the Capitol when I worked in Congress.

I interviewed Aivis for our blog recently. I asked him questions about his upbringing, political philosophy, the current political climate in Europe, and what he aspires to do in the future to continue promoting conservative values in Europe. Aivis gives us hope that conservative cultural change and renewal are possible in Europe, as there are many Millennials just like him in different European countries.

AMH: How did you get started in politics? What are some ways counter cultural Millennials in Europe can advance free market principles and cultural conservatism in their respective countries?

AI: Thank you for interviewing me! I have followed Counter Cultured for a long time now, and have always agreed with its message and mission.

I am currently a final year student of Politics and International Relations at Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom. My family moved to the United Kingdom when I was aged 11, so I’ve lived half of my life in the UK. Nevertheless I have a strong love for Latvia and conservative values, and plan to advance them in the future.

It all started a few years ago on one of my trips back to Latvia (where I originate from) when I walked into a bookstore and bought a book on history. Then a snowball effect took place within my mind, and I started reading more philosophical and political books, and came to the conclusion that free-market principles and cultural conservatism could best advance European politics in Latvia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Communism and social-democratic theories have been tested in practice, and everywhere their results were far from ideal. Even in Scandinavia, where these ideas are most predominant, we are now seeing a move away from social democracy.

Firstly, to advance such ideas, I think we need to start locally. Join a chapter, or create one, and make sure that your voice is heard at university, school, or a public meeting. Often, I find that students at my university have good intentions but their approach to things via socialism or progressivism has failed elsewhere. I always make sure I speak up – and I would encourage others to do so as well. This encourages a debate and an exchange of ideas.

Check out the rest of the interview at Counter Cultured.