There are two constant traits in the French elite intellectual worldview: - unconcealed unconditional sentiment to Russia, - overwhelming disregard towards nations of Central-East Europe (CEE). And neither brings actual advantage to France! Historical misfortunes of nations surrounded on the playground of central-eastern Europe by colliding Prussian, Russian, Habsburg, and Ottoman empires gained the region distinctively liquid and undifferentiated character within the Western public opinion. Collectively recognized as citizens of unspecified principalities geographically positioned “somewhere in the Carpathians” (roughly between Anthony Hope’s Ruritania and Hergé’s Borduria), they suffer endless torment of the political overlook and cultural disregard.
France, Central-Eastern Europe, and Russia
France, Central-Eastern Europe, and Russia
France, Central-Eastern Europe, and Russia
There are two constant traits in the French elite intellectual worldview: - unconcealed unconditional sentiment to Russia, - overwhelming disregard towards nations of Central-East Europe (CEE). And neither brings actual advantage to France! Historical misfortunes of nations surrounded on the playground of central-eastern Europe by colliding Prussian, Russian, Habsburg, and Ottoman empires gained the region distinctively liquid and undifferentiated character within the Western public opinion. Collectively recognized as citizens of unspecified principalities geographically positioned “somewhere in the Carpathians” (roughly between Anthony Hope’s Ruritania and Hergé’s Borduria), they suffer endless torment of the political overlook and cultural disregard.