The Mantra of Non-interference
Systems of Belief among Putin’s Friends
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Russia’s actions in Ukraine have polarized the German public. While some simply condemn the annexation of the Crimea and the war in Donbas by referring to international law, others have a different understanding of Russia. Some even openly legitimize the annexation. For them, “the West” is mainly responsible for the crisis. The apologetics of “Putin’s friends” feed on a persistent anti-Americanism, the consensus culture and pacifism that emerged in Germany after the Second World War, a historically reductionist and unreflective feeling of guilt towards Russia because of the war, clichés regarding Eastern Europe, and a poor knowledge of Ukraine. This mix is fertile ground for the widespread attitude of non-interference.
(Osteuropa 9-10/2014, pp. 5–12)