Undoubtedly, at the outbreak of 2020, tensions are on the rise – not only in our region but also in global affairs. If the final weeks of 2019 were any indicator, this decade may indeed bring a new level of instability and uncertainty towards the future. Thus, in this issue we dig deeper to explore the emerging trends in the world and try to better understand what they mean for the region on which we focus. Among the issues that we consider vital now are political polarisation, growing populism, the battle of narratives, economic shifts and the start of the next generational change.
The issue opens with an interview with American analyst Brian Whitmore, who explains these new trends in detail, looking in particular at Russia, Ukraine and the mood in Washington DC ahead of this year’s US presidential election. The provocative essay by Paweł Kowal outlines why we may be nearing the end of a second belle époque and what this means for the West. Kowal argues that the growing power of the oligarchy is becoming an underestimated trend in the West and poses a serious danger to democracy.
Another trend that we address in this issue is the growing call from some western politicians, experts and media for better relations with Russia and the Kremlin, despite no progress in the war in Ukraine (and constant attempts to undermine the western democratic process). Most vocal and prominent were Emmanuel Macron’s statements calling for a renewed strategic dialogue with Russia. Likewise, a recent issue of Foreign Affairs published Thomas Graham’s essay meant to convince US policy-makers to “let Russia be Russia” and give up on any Euro-Atlantic ambitions of the post-Soviet space. We believe that New Eastern Europe should be at the centre of this debate, which is far from over. We asked a group of experts to weigh in on this discussion – including from the United States, France, Germany, Poland and Russia.
We urge you to also take a look at a special section we have in this issue which examines the role of information in shaping the hearts and minds of the society. We all know the challenge that exists, but more can be done to make us more resilient and less susceptible to manipulations and disinformation – whether these threats come from foreign or domestic sources.
Please join us online at www.neweasterneuropeeu for up-to-date information on the latest developments in the region and don’t forget to check out our podcast series: “Talk Eastern Europe” and “In Between Europe”. Enjoy the reading!
The Editors
New Eastern Europe is a new bi-monthly magazine dedicated to Central and Eastern European affairs. The magazine is the sister edition of the Polish version Nowa Europa Wschodnia, which has been on the Polish market since 2008. Countries in particular focus in New Eastern Europe include Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, as well the Caucasus region - Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Chechnya, etc.
Articles in New Eastern Europe focus on a wide range of social, political and cultural issues facing this region. The journal includes original opinion and analytical texts; historical accounts; reports from correspondents in the countries with full colour photos; and reviews of books, music and film about and emerging from Eastern Europe.
The issue opens with an interview with American analyst Brian Whitmore, who explains these new trends in detail, looking in particular at Russia, Ukraine and the mood in Washington DC ahead of this year’s US presidential election. The provocative essay by Paweł Kowal outlines why we may be nearing the end of a second belle époque and what this means for the West. Kowal argues that the growing power of the oligarchy is becoming an underestimated trend in the West and poses a serious danger to democracy.
Another trend that we address in this issue is the growing call from some western politicians, experts and media for better relations with Russia and the Kremlin, despite no progress in the war in Ukraine (and constant attempts to undermine the western democratic process). Most vocal and prominent were Emmanuel Macron’s statements calling for a renewed strategic dialogue with Russia. Likewise, a recent issue of Foreign Affairs published Thomas Graham’s essay meant to convince US policy-makers to “let Russia be Russia” and give up on any Euro-Atlantic ambitions of the post-Soviet space. We believe that New Eastern Europe should be at the centre of this debate, which is far from over. We asked a group of experts to weigh in on this discussion – including from the United States, France, Germany, Poland and Russia.
We urge you to also take a look at a special section we have in this issue which examines the role of information in shaping the hearts and minds of the society. We all know the challenge that exists, but more can be done to make us more resilient and less susceptible to manipulations and disinformation – whether these threats come from foreign or domestic sources.
Please join us online at www.neweasterneuropeeu for up-to-date information on the latest developments in the region and don’t forget to check out our podcast series: “Talk Eastern Europe” and “In Between Europe”. Enjoy the reading!
The Editors
New Eastern Europe is a new bi-monthly magazine dedicated to Central and Eastern European affairs. The magazine is the sister edition of the Polish version Nowa Europa Wschodnia, which has been on the Polish market since 2008. Countries in particular focus in New Eastern Europe include Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, as well the Caucasus region - Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Chechnya, etc.
Articles in New Eastern Europe focus on a wide range of social, political and cultural issues facing this region. The journal includes original opinion and analytical texts; historical accounts; reports from correspondents in the countries with full colour photos; and reviews of books, music and film about and emerging from Eastern Europe.
