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The region of Central and east Europe is simply a complex 1 with an frequently forgotten past of multiculturalism and co-existence. It is besides 1 of conflict, imperialism and wars, which proceed even today. As large Powers one more time effort to decide the destiny of Central and east Europe it should be useful to reflect on this region’s past and guarantee that peaceful co-existence is simply a legacy that is not forgotten. That is why in this issue we have decided to dig deeper to uncover the various layers of legacy, many of which point to a strong multicultural past, unlike what many Western Europeans nations experienced. This in fact is what makes this region unique. From the Baltics down to the Western Balkans, various societies have long been shaped by a confluence of cultures, religions and traditions. Empires specified as the Habsburg, Ottoman and Russian left lasting imprints, creating a mosaic of identities that proceed to influence the region today. Yet, this diversity has frequently been overshadowed by nationalist narratives and geopolitical struggles. In this issue, we research how this historical multiculturalism persists in memory, language and everyday life, and how it might service as a foundation for a more inclusive and unchangeable future amid ongoing challenges.
But these lessons are not all positive. As Tomas Venclova points out in the beginning interview of this issue, the threat of Russian imperialism looms large. And as we set this issue to print, this message could not be more relevant. At the end of February, we will commemorate the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The level of demolition and panic brought on by this invasion has yet to be full comprehended, as the war continues to take lives, displace millions and challenge the very foundations of European security. As we reflect on the region’s history, we must ask: have we truly learned from the past, or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes? Following the fresh moves by the president Donald Trump and his administration, we can only hope that the way forward will not be paved by concessions and appeasement to the Kremlin.
CONTENTS
Layers of legacy
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was far from being just “Poland” A conversation with Tomas Venclova
Is Ukraine multicultural or just Ukrainian with influences from another cultures? Roman Kabachiy
A pagan canary in a Catholic coal mine Michael Strmiska
Oriental or local? Poland’s Tatar community Michał Łyszczarz
Tracing 700 years of Armenian heritage in Poland
Ottilie Tabberer
Polish language and nation. A alternatively fresh pairing Tomasz Kamusella
Seeing the present in the past. Byzantium and the Balkans Mirela Ivanova
Multiculturalism in the Balkans. Prospects and perils
Miloš Milenković
From civic-minded, multinational Vojvodina to patriotic, nationalist northern Serbia Boris Varga
Essays and analysis
Serbia’s students deliver a crucial blow to the government Filip Mirilović
Azerbaijan’s foray into “anti-colonial” advocacy
Svenja Petersen
Is Georgia experiencing its own Belarus moment? Giselle Bosse and Wicke van den Broek
The controversy about Tajikistan’s past textbooks Karolina Kluczewska
Russia and Iran. Tactical alignment or strategical alliance? Tiziano Marino
Brussels and/or Beijing? Moldova’s beginning holds promises and risks Anda Bologa
Moscow’s tool of confrontation in the Baltic Sea region Miłosz Cordes
What is incorrect with Latvia? Why the mediate Baltic state lags behind Will Mawhood
Ukraine after the war Lessons of resilience Roksolana Ivanova
The refrigerator and the television. Sanctions as war by another means Greg Mills, Ray Hartley, Luis Ravina and Hryhoriy Nemyria
All for 1 and 1 for all against disinformation to defend democracy Anna Beitane, Stefano Braghiroli, Cécile Dolbeau-Bandin and Caroline Dufy
Stories and ideas
The contradiction of the female figure in Belarusian politics Nasta Zakharevich
Sandwiched between elections, Moldova’s indie artists are planning fresh futures
Katie Toth
On the traces of Migjen Kelmendi, stone icon and Kosovar intellectual Erik Da Silva
Art, culture and society
Life on the exhale Krzysztof Czyżewski
What “Travels with Pozner and Urgant” says about Russian society James C. Pearce
History and memory
Memory politics in Ukraine and Russia as a component of modern warfare Oleksii Lionchuk
On fascism Engelbert Besednjak
