Lecture by Gabriele Krone-Schmalz on Russia and European Policies

Introduction

• Gabriele Krone-Schmalz, German intellectual and former journalist.
• Quote by Heinrich Heine: Reflects despair regarding saviors of the fatherland.

Democracy and Journalism

• Democracies rely on informed citizens.
  • Importance of education and comprehensive information.
  • Journalism as a pillar for democracy.
• Responsible decision-making in news reporting.
  • Avoid making politics instead of explaining.

Historical Background

• Begins with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, not just the Russian attack on Ukraine.
• Mikhail Gorbachev's era: Openness to the West, transition from planned to market economy.
• Three revolutions to manage:
  1. Planned to market economy transition.
  2. Communist party dictatorship to constitutional structures.
  3. Soviet Union to nation-state transition.

Western Perception and Influence

• Russia often blamed for Soviet Union's past crimes.
• Boris Yeltsin's era brought chaos and oligarchs.
• Putin restored order and made cooperation offers.

Russia’s Security Concerns

• Emphasis on security architecture including Russia.
• Misrepresentation of Russia as imperialistic.
• NATO eastward expansion and its consequences.

Geo-Political Interests

• Russia's geographical security sensitivities.
• Historical fears and strategic military bases.

Western Policies and Missteps

• U.S. interventions in Kosovo and Iraq without UN approval.
• Termination of disarmament treaties by the U.S.
• NATO's role: Expansion instead of inclusive restructuring post-Cold War.

Current Situation and Forward-Thinking

• Misunderstandings around détente policies.
• Importance of strategic interest formulation by Germany and the EU.
• Need for de-escalation and peace politics.

Language and Media Sensitivity

• Develop sensitivity to language used in media.
• Avoiding double standards.

Conclusion

• Call for a debate culture and expression of diverse opinions.
• Ending with a quote emphasizing the importance of wisdom over authority.