In Praise of Imbalance
Remarks on Poland and Germany
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Felix Ackermann considers German-Polish relations asymmetrical. But “asymmetry” is a problematic term for describing relations between two societies. Imbalances are inherent in every social relationship. If the establishment of symmetry is unattainable, the pursuit of symmetry can lead to a permanent state of grievance. Grievance is an important emotion of social polarisation and an instrument of inter-state confrontation.
(Osteuropa 1-2/2023, pp. 123–132)