Gimbutas.

The burden of proof has now shifted. Those who do not accept Gimbutas' theory of pre-Indo-European Old Europe and its overthrow by invading, horse-riding Kurgan nomads need to present persuasive material evidence of indigenous warfare, sexual and economic inequality and the dominance of male rulers and male power icons (male deities) as typical of Neolithic European (pre)history. Without a preponderance of evidence to the contrary, we are justified in acknowledging that Gimbutas has proposed the most plausible and probable interpretation of the presently available material data for these aspects of Neolithic Europe.

--end quote--

 

Gimbutas' theories are dominant. If I've got it right, she preferred a Volga homeland for horse domestication and the origin of the Kurgan culture. Mallory and others, though, seem to prefer a more western location, in Sredney Stog.

 

As for the quote I give at the top, the author's view seems to be that the conquest model has become fashionable again.

 

Mark.