Kick-off event “European Book Club” with Jarosław Kuisz and Karolina Wigura

Set against the backdrop of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the event explored the haunting spectre of historical traumas in Eastern Europe and the enduring fear of losing sover­eignty by being sacri­ficed in the chess games of great powers.

The authors of the essay delved into the Eastern European mentality, examining the swift and unequivocal response to external threats in the aftermath of the Russian attack on Ukraine. Their lucid analysis contrasted this with Western European countries, revealing the layers of memory that shape Eastern European nations’ unique approach to inter­na­tional politics, the European Union, and military self-defence.

The event brought together a diverse inter­na­tional audience eager to unravel the intri­cacies of the Eastern European mindset. Attendees explored how historical traumas continue rever­ber­ating in current conflicts and contem­plated the paradoxes of sover­eignty in a region where the past profoundly influ­ences the present.

Adding valuable insights to the discussion, Gwendolyn Sasse, Director of the Center for East European and Inter­na­tional Studies (ZOiS) and Einstein-Professor for the Compar­ative Study of Democracy and Author­i­tar­i­anism at Humboldt University and Felix Ackermann, Professor for Public History at Hagen University, served as commen­tators, providing additional perspec­tives on the themes explored in “Posttrau­matic Sover­eignty.” Their contri­bu­tions enriched the conver­sation, offering a more compre­hensive under­standing of the complex dynamics at play in Eastern Europe. Moreover, Ralf Fücks, Managing Director Zentrum Liberale Moderne, steered the discussion, ensuring a balanced and insightful explo­ration of the themes discussed in the book.

The European Book Club event was a compelling journey into the historical, political, and cultural factors that shape the region, fostering meaningful discus­sions and connec­tions among partic­i­pants. The Zentrum Liberale Moderne looks forward to hosting more engaging discus­sions throughout the year as part of this enlight­ening series.

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