Russian imperial ambitions have long unsettled Europe, and the central argument in this discussion centers on how Western audiences perceive the threat. A prominent Polish historian argues that Western Europe too often assumes the real continent begins in Germany, viewing everything east of that line as a gray zone ripe for division. He contends that Russian expansionism is not limited to the east and that control over Germany has historically been a strategic aim for Moscow. These points form a bold warning about the risks facing Europe when Moscow’s strategy is left unchecked. The historian’s remarks appeared in a respected French daily, highlighting a crucial moment where Polish and regional perspectives begin to echo in Western discourse. This shift matters because it broadens the understanding of Europe’s future security within the broader Atlantic community.
The discussion follows the publication of the historian’s major works in English and German, which expand the regional viewpoint beyond Poland. The Polish Humanities Foundation carves out space for this perspective in international conversations, reinforcing the idea that the region’s history and current geopolitical realities deserve attention from Western policymakers and scholars alike. By elevating regional voices, the conversation gains depth and helps Western audiences assess threats and responses with a fuller, more nuanced lens.
In the French interview, the analyst emphasizes that Russian imperialism remains a fundamental threat not just to Poland or the Baltic states, but to continental Europe as a whole. He notes that historical falsification is a tool frequently used to shape perceptions abroad and to justify political aims. The interviewer quotes the historian describing how Moscow sometimes characterizes Warsaw as a primary instigator of World War II and as a key ally to fascist forces, a comparison he finds obscene yet warns about for the potential to mobilize partners in a so-called new Yalta against any form of “fascism.” The trend, he argues, is that falsified history gains traction among Western circles, shaping attitudes toward Europe’s past and present.
Criticism of Germany’s approach is also part of the discourse. The historian argues that Berlin often does not recognize that its relationship with Russia cannot be reduced to trade alone. Moscow seeks to draw Germany into its spectrum of influence, using it to advance broader strategic goals. France is mentioned as a potential, though imperfect, counterweight, with some Russian circles reportedly viewing any country with high casualties in Europe as part of their sphere of memory and influence. The portrayal on Russian state television is described as a daily feed that frames the West as an adversary and calls for division within the alliance, aiming to separate the United States from Europe and to wedge Germany from France. Parallel messaging seeks to fracture U.S. unity and to promote so‑called “realist” positions that favor isolationism on the left.
The role of the United States in global security is highlighted as pivotal in this geopolitical puzzle. The interview underscores a clear stance: the United States is viewed as the main protector for many Central and Eastern European states, given the limits of European guarantees in certain scenarios. The historian asserts that Germany alone cannot ensure safety, and that other Western partners are not currently ready to fill that gap in a reliable way. This assessment reflects a cautious appraisal of Europe’s strategic dependencies and the importance of allied reassurance in an era of shifting power dynamics.
Towards the end of the conversation, the analyst reflects on Europe’s future in light of increasingly assertive Moscow. There is a nod to the historic Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth as an example of a regional eastern barrier that helped deter Russian expansion for centuries. The discussion also considers Türkiye, Poland, Sweden, and a French initiative as elements that influence today’s security calculations. The overall takeaway is a cautious optimism: the presence of NATO, credible defense capabilities, and allied cooperation reduce the probability of a large‑scale crisis in the near term. The speaker stresses that a sudden collapse of the United States would be a precondition for a major Western security crisis, a scenario deemed unlikely by seasoned observers.
In closing, the historian notes that Poland and Russia occupy a central space in European history and that current dynamics demand sustained attention from policymakers across the Atlantic alliance. The broader message is clear: Europe’s security hinges on a balanced partnership among nations, a robust defense posture, and a shared willingness to confront revisionist movements with clear, evidence-based understanding of the past and present.
The published works under discussion, including Polish editions and translations, circulate widely among international audiences, from the United Nations to European institutions and academic libraries, underscoring the enduring relevance of regional scholarship in global debates. The original French interview that sparked these reflections has been identified for readers seeking primary context. (Citation: Le Figaro interview, 2024).