Issue 1-2/2025: Layers of Legacy

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The region of Central and Eastern Europe is a complex one with an often forgotten history of multiculturalism and co-existence. It is also one of conflict, imperialism and wars, which continue even today. As Great Powers once again attempt to decide the fate of Central and Eastern Europe it should be useful to reflect on this region’s past and ensure that peaceful co-existence is 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 such as the Habsburg, Ottoman and Russian left lasting imprints, creating a mosaic of identities that continue to influence the region today. Yet, this diversity has often been overshadowed by nationalist narratives and geopolitical struggles. In this issue, we explore how this historical multiculturalism persists in memory, language and everyday life, and how it might serve as a foundation for a more inclusive and stable future amid ongoing challenges.

But these lessons are not all positive. As Tomas Venclova points out in the opening interview of this issue, the threat of Russian imperialism looms large. And as we set this issue to print, this statement could not be more relevant. At the end of February, we will commemorate the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The level of destruction and terror brought on by this invasion has yet to be fully 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 recent moves by the President Donald Trump and his administration, we can only hope that the path 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 other 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 rather recent 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 significant blow to the regime 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 history textbooks Karolina Kluczewska
Russia and Iran. Tactical alignment or strategic alliance? Tiziano Marino
Brussels and/or Beijing? Moldova’s opening holds promises and risks Anda Bologa
Moscow’s tool of confrontation in the Baltic Sea region Miłosz Cordes
What is wrong with Latvia? Why the middle Baltic state lags behind Will Mawhood
Ukraine after the war Lessons of resilience Roksolana Ivanova
The refrigerator and the television. Sanctions as war by other means Greg Mills, Ray Hartley, Luis Ravina and Hryhoriy Nemyria
All for one and one for all against disinformation to protect 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 new futures Katie Toth
On the traces of Migjen Kelmendi, rock 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