New Beginning, Upheaval, or Fleeting Fad?
Ukraine Expertise in Germany 1991–2025
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Knowledge arises under specific social conditions. This also applies to knowledge about Ukraine. For a long time, there was hardly any expertise on Ukraine in Germany. Russia dominated politics, public discourse, and universities. A lack of expertise on Ukraine was not considered a shortcoming. And the logic of academic over-specialization and career advancement prevented the systematic development of Ukrainian studies. This is slowly changing. The Euromaidan, the annexation of Crimea, and Russia’s war against Ukraine have promoted the development of Ukrainian studies in Germany. But whether they can establish themselves remains to be seen.
(11-12/2025, pp. 309–329)