"The Thing is": Dnipro is Europe's Thermopylae
A discussion on the implications of the ongoing war in Ukraine, featuring insights from political scientist Roman Kuźniar, highlights the complexities of international order and democracy.
The article marks the 1462nd day of the ongoing war in Ukraine, reflecting on the transformation of both Ukraine and Europe since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. In an interview with Bogusław Chrabota, political scientist Roman Kuźniar discusses how the conflict has redefined the geopolitical landscape, noting a significant decline in the liberal international order, which he believes has been largely abandoned by the United States and has negatively affected global stability.
Kuźniar points to a growing 'pagan reaction' against liberal democracy, characterized by a resurgence of anti-liberal sentiments that challenge the norms established after the Cold War. While he acknowledges the current struggles for liberal democracy in Europe, he expresses hope that it will ultimately prevail despite the challenges ahead, suggesting that the continent may face a more difficult political climate in the coming years.
The dialogue also examines the broader implications of Supreme Commander Gen. Valery Zaluzhny's recent statements, which resonate across Ukraine, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and the need for strategic unity against aggressors. As the anniversary of the conflict looms, these discussions underscore critical concerns regarding the durability of democracies in Europe and the resilience of liberal values in the face of rising authoritarianism.