Larry Wolff on empires and orientalism in Eastern Europe
Feb 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Historian Larry Wolff discusses empires, orientalism in Eastern Europe, and the Enlightenment era's perception of the region. The conversation examines the historical construction of Russia as a civilizing power, explores Mazepa's evolving portrayal, and compares Voltaire's and Rousseau's philosophies on Russia and Poland. Additionally, the podcast delves into the historical roles of Woodrow Wilson and Lenin in international politics post-World War I.
Eastern Europe viewed as lagging behind Western standards but capable of development in the 18th century
Semi-Orientalism portrayed Eastern Europe as intimately connected to Western Europe, challenging notions of 'otherness'
Western intellectuals' enduring admiration and disillusionment with Russia from the French Enlightenment to modern perceptions under Putin's leadership
Imperialism and aesthetics intertwined in framing Eastern Europe as a region for exploration, shaping European imaginaries and power dynamics
Deep dives
Understanding the Emergence of Eastern Europe in the 18th Century
In the podcast episode, Larry Wolf discusses how the concept of Eastern Europe emerged in the 18th century as distinct from Western Europe and the idea of backwardness within the region. Rather than being perceived as barbaric, Eastern Europe was viewed as capable of development, albeit seen as lagging behind Western standards. This nuanced understanding differed from the stark opposition between civilization and barbarism, fostering a sense of relatedness between Eastern and Western Europe.
Semi-Orientalism and Relations in European Enlightenment
Larry Wolf delves into the concept of semi-Orientalism in exploring how Eastern Europe was perceived by Western European intellectuals. Drawing parallels to Edward Said's Orientalism, Wolf highlights that Eastern Europe was not entirely 'other' or exotic but rather seen as intimately connected to Western Europe. This demi-Orientalism presented Eastern Europe as part of the European continent, allowing for a complex interplay between familiarity and exoticism.
Intellectual Fascination with Russia: Enlightenment to Modern Times
The podcast episode delves into the enduring fascination of Western intellectuals, like Voltaire and Diderot, with Russia and its potential for civilization. From the French Enlightenment's idealization of Peter the Great's mission to civilize Russia to later intellectual engagements with Russian communism, the discussion spans centuries of Western admiration and disillusionment. It touches upon the parallels between past illusions and present perceptions of Russia under Putin's leadership.
Exploring Imperialism, Aesthetics, and the Construction of Eastern Europe
The episode delves into the intertwining of imperialism and aesthetics, particularly in the context of framing Eastern Europe as a region for exploration and colonization. Larry Wolf underscores the significance of cartographical blank spaces and the allure of unknown lands in European consciousness. The discussion delves into literary representations of Eastern European territories, like Galicia, and their role in shaping European imaginaries and power dynamics.
Woodrow Wilson's Impact on Self-Determination and America's Political Evolution
The conversation shifts to Woodrow Wilson's legacy and his role in promoting self-determination, notably in the context of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires post-World War I. Larry Wolf emphasizes the limited scope of Wilson's self-determination concept, particularly in addressing the Russian Empire's national aspirations. The episode also reflects on America's historical roles in global conflicts, from Wilson's pivotal intervention in World War I to contemporary debates on isolationism and interventionism in the face of international crises like the war in Ukraine.
Challenges to American Political Unity and Global Engagement
Highlighting the evolving dynamics of American foreign policy, the podcast episode delves into the tensions between isolationist and interventionist sentiments within the United States. Larry Wolf underscores the historical shifts in American engagement from pivotal interventions in world conflicts to current debates on global involvement. The episode also touches on the political maneuvering around international crises like the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, revealing broader ideological divisions within American politics and their implications for global stability.
Intellectual Exploration and Imaging of Eastern Europe through European Lenses
The discussion explores the intellectual representations of Eastern Europe, particularly in relation to literary figures like Zachar Mazor and the fascination with Eastern landscapes. Larry Wolf sheds light on the interplay between sexualized violence and Eastern European imagery in literature, reflecting broader trends in Western thought. The conversation delves into how European authors depict Eastern European cultures and territories, scrutinizing the intricate intersections between aesthetics, power dynamics, and cultural imagination across different historical epochs.
The Explaining Ukraine podcast invites prominent American historian Larry Wolff to talk about history, imagination, and politics around Eastern Europe, in particular Ukraine.
Larry Wolff is a professor of history at New York University. He is the author of numerous books about Eastern Europe, in particular Inventing Eastern Europe: The Map of Civilization on the Mind of the Enlightenment (1994), The Enlightenment and the Orthodox World: Western Perspectives on the Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe (2001), The Idea of Galicia: History and Fantasy in Habsburg Political Culture (2010), and Woodrow Wilson and the Reimagining of Eastern Europe (2020).
Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld, and president of PEN Ukraine.
UkraineWorld (ukraineworld.org) is brought to you by Internews Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian media NGOs.
Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine
Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. We provide exclusive content for our patrons.
You can also support our volunteer trips to the frontlines at PayPal: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
