Scholar Karl Schlögel secures the German Peace Prize.
Karl Schloegel, a renowned Eastern Europe expert, has been awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for 2025. The prestigious award recognises Schloegel's significant contributions to understanding Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's aggressive policies.
Born in 1948, Schloegel's fascination for Eastern Europe began with a trip to the Soviet Union in 1966. He studied philosophy and East European History at the Free University of Berlin, specialising in Stalinist Russia.
Schloegel's analyses typically situate Russia’s actions within a broader historical, geopolitical, and cultural context. He often emphasises the long historical entanglements and cultural memory that shape Russian policy and identity, including the impact of imperial legacies and the Soviet past on Putin’s worldview and aggressive posture.
Key themes in Schloegel's work include Putin’s restorationist ambitions, nationalism, authoritarianism, and their role in aggressive policies. He critically examines the ideological and political dimensions of Putin’s regime, focusing on how nationalism and authoritarianism feed into Russia’s aggressive foreign policy.
Schloegel has been vocal in his criticisms of Putin, stating that Russia started a war in Europe with its invasion of Ukraine. He emphasises the importance of Ukraine's defence for Europe's shared future and has expressed the need for Germany to stand with Ukraine.
The jury's statement praised Schloegel for his early warnings about Vladimir Putin's aggressive expansionist policies. Last year, Anne Applebaum won the Peace Prize for her support of Ukraine against hostile Russian aggression.
Schloegel refocused his research on Ukraine after Putin's regime illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. His recent work centres around the historical context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, which began in 1950, is presented annually at the end of the Frankfurt Book Fair. This year, it comes with prize money of €25,000 ($28,820). Schloegel expressed that winning the prize is a surprise and great honour.
In summary, Schloegel's work provides valuable insights into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, situating it within a historical, geopolitical, and cultural context. His analyses highlight the role of nationalism, authoritarianism, and imperial legacies in shaping Putin’s aggressive policies. The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade recognises Schloegel's significant contributions to understanding and countering Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.
- Karl Schloegel's analyses often extend beyond Russia's actions, encompassing the broader world-news context of war-and-conflicts and political dynamics in Europe.
- Schloegel's work sheds light on the cultural implications of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to foster understanding and cooperation among different nations, particularly America.
- As a highly respected Eastern Europe expert, Schloegel has shared his perspectives on various platforms, contributing to general-news discussions about international conflicts and their impact on society.
- Schloegel's award-winning work underscores the significance of understanding local histories and geopolitical nuances in shaping global events, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in tackling geopolitical matters.
