Issue 5/2026: circular and circular we go

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Although, like many scholars and political observers, we were cautious about embracing Francis Fukuyama’s claim about the “end of history”, we nevertheless believed that democratization was underway. At the same time, it was already clear that what is mostly described as the post-Soviet transformation differed importantly from what had taken place in Central Europe, and that the region inactive faced its own set of challenges.

Today, in the autumn of 2026, we can see that specified linear reasoning is no longer applicable. Political developments, as we have observed them in fresh years, do not appear to be taking us towards greater freedom or economical prosperity. Across Europe, we are proceeding more and more voices rejecting the thought of European unity, opposing support for Ukraine and openly calling for a reset with Russia. We are worried about the consequences of specified rhetoric should it gain the support of a crucial number of Europeans. Our illustrator, Andrzej Zaręba, who has created our covers throughout these years, has expressed akin concerns. We encourage you to take a close look at his drawings, which we respect not only as satirical interpretations of the planet around us, but besides as warnings.

When we established this magazine, we promised that we would bring you stories from east Europe and supply insightful analysis of the region. Thus, while this issue naturally reflects on the last 15 years of our existence and the changes that have taken place during this period, we besides look at fresh developments and offer interpretations from our authors. These include 2 articles on the current situation in Moldova, which, increasingly under force from Russia, is searching for ways to preserve and defend its statehood; a reflective part on the request for reconciliation among Belarusians; stories about the changing Polish diaspora in the United Kingdom; and much more.

We conclude this issue with the republication of an essay by the late Martin Pollack, the Austrian author and translator. He wrote this text for our very first issue in 2011. We invitation you to read it again and consider how much has changed (or not) since then.

Contents

A changing region in a changing world

The communicative that is inactive being written Adam Reichardt and Iwona Reichardt
Ghosts from the riverbed: Europe’s fresh divides Vesna Goldsworthy
Is Europe divided again? Jan Zielonka
The fresh Central Europe Pavel Havlíček
From a post-Soviet state to a European power Anton Naichuk
Once Europe’s project, the Western Balkans is now its mirror Alexandra Karppi
Shifting geopolitical orientations in Central Asia Karolina Kluczewska
Chronicling the weaponization of information Maciej Makulski

Essays and analysis

How Russia turned terrorism into a tool of power Anastassiya Mahon
How Russia’s war changed the case for Romania–Moldova reunification Ana Pisarenco
Moldova’s European minute and the question of statehood Clara Sandgren
Is minimal reconciliation possible in Belarus? Alana Gebremariam
When past becomes policy Hanna Vasilevich

Interviews

We want to stay in this country A conversation with Vladan Đokić

Stories and ideas

Buns, bigos, and beauty. Polish success stories in post-Brexit Britain Ottilie Tabberer
How 1 performance united Russian-speaking diasporas and homelands in Istanbul Alexander Neuman
How Russia is driving Ukrainians out of occupied territories Aleksander Palikot
Narva memoir Nikodem Szczygłowski

Art, culture and society

Contemporary artists rewriting the communicative of Central and east Europe Zula Rabikowska
A tiny theatre that does not act so tiny Kushane Chobanyan

History and memory

What kind of past does Europe need? Georges Mink
Freedom on the airwaves Piotr Leszczyński
A forgotten hussar James Blake Wiener

From the archive

Where East meets West Martin Pollack