Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the war in Eastern Ukraine have brought Russia-West relations to a post-Cold War nadir that neither side seems able or willing to escape. Europe's past, however, may hold answers. Last year marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, one of history’s darkest hours and the low point of Polish-German relations. In the current context of ongoing conflict, the success of Polish-German reconciliation and cooperation takes on a new importance.

Dr. Bartosz Rydlinski analyzed the conditions of Polish-German reconciliation and discuss lessons for the present.

This event is co-sponsored by the Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies at Georgetown University.