War in Ukraine – Different Perspectives from East and West Germany and the EU?

West and East Germans have a different view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. This is evidenced by opinion polls conducted in Germany since the beginning of the war. Attitudes differ when it comes to the reasons for the war, the role of the USA and NATO, the role of sanctions or the supply of weapons to Ukraine. The reason for this is the legacy of German division, but also a variety of images of Ukraine that are culturally and historically shaped. Knowing them helps to explain the different perspectives on the war and to classify them. These images affect political debates about how to respond to aggression and support Ukraine.

Likewise, the war in Ukraine revealed differences in attitudes towards Russia among EU member states. Some divisions can be traced back to the different, historical experiences of the countries of Central Europe and the Cold War divide. But they are also based on contemporary political and economic relations between the EU countries and their neighbour to the east.

This conference aims to contribute to a better understanding of these complex European and German realities. The debate will focus on the different perceptions of the war in Germany and in its neighbouring countries (Czech Republic, France, Netherlands and Poland). We ask how the German debate and images of Ukraine are discussed in Germany's neighbouring countries.

Date: Wednesday, September 14th 2022, 16:00h-19:30h

Venue: City Hall Dresden, Ratskeller, Kreuzstraße 8, 01067 Dresden

Event Language: English

Please register for participation via: simone.klee@iep-berlin.de

Follow the debate live via ZOOM!

Meeting ID: 811 6105 0395

Password: 294955

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