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Ukrainian statehood and identity,
Diverse VoicesLeft to right: The event took place on 1 July 2025, one of the hottest days in Germany this year, at the Center for Liberal Modernity. Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi, Prof. Stefan Troebst, former Director of the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe.
In a wide-ranging and engaging discussion, the Center for Liberal Modernity (Zentrum Liberale Moderne), the Ukrainian Institute in Germany, and the Ukrainian Jewish Encounter (UJE) hosted a panel discussion on how Ukraine's history has shaped its place in Europe with historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi in Berlin on 1 July 2025.
The talk was moderated by Prof. Stefan Troebst, former Director of the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe, with introductory remarks by Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, and Dr. Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany. The event took place in Berlin at the Center for Liberal Modernity on one of the hottest days in Germany so far this year.
Dr. Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany gives introductory remarks.
In the talk, Prof. Magocsi discussed how Ukraine's complex, multiethnic history is essential to understanding its European identity today. The Center for Liberal Modernity noted the discussion "explored how Russia's war has reinserted Ukraine into Europe's mental map — challenging selective education systems, the collective amnesia regarding German responsibility towards Eastern and Central Europe (apart from Russia) after the Second World War, and outdated narratives of power that viewed Russia as a familiar "great power" [that] other European powers were more accustomed to dealing with. As Prof. Magocsi made clear: It was, in fact, Russia's attack on Ukraine that galvanized Europeans, forcing the realization that if they want to exist, they must be ready to defend themselves. One of the key takeaways: understanding Europe's future requires reckoning with all of its geography and history, including Ukraine, and seeing Ukraine's security inseparable from Europe's security."
How Ukraine's History Has Shaped Its Place in Europe, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi, 1 July 2025, Berlin, Germany
Left to right: The event took place on 1 July 2025, one of the hottest days in Germany this year, at the Center for Liberal Modernity. Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi, Prof. Stefan Troebst, former Director of the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe.
Left to right: At the event. Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi, Prof. Stefan Troebst, former Director of the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe.
Dr. Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany gives introductory remarks.
Left to right: At the event. Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi, Prof. Stefan Troebst, former Director of the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe.
Left to right: Dr. Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany, Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi.
Left to right: Dr. Kateryna Rietz-Rakul, Head of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany, Marieluise Beck, Co-founder of the Center for Liberal Modernity, historian and UJE Board Member, Prof. Paul Robert Magocsi.
After the event, which was held at the Center for Liberal Modernity in Berlin, Germany on 1 July 2025.
After the event, which was held at the Center for Liberal Modernity in Berlin, Germany on 1 July 2025.
After the event, which was held at the Center for Liberal Modernity in Berlin, Germany on 1 July 2025.
