The Old Bridge at Mostar, Bosnia

This image: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/946/

It’s been called The New Europe. Before that, of course, it was The Eastern Bloc. We’ve heard time and again about its troubled and complicated history, and how this impacts on the present – evidenced by brutal conflicts such as the wars in the former Yugoslavia and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.  

Differences of language, culture, religion, and, later, political credo have all played their part in the shaping of Eastern Europe’s divisions as well as its concepts of shared identity. Much of this history is still very alive today, though often poorly understood in the West. As the post-War geopolitical order begins to change, Eastern European nations, as well as the region more generally, will undoubtedly play a key role in the future of the continent. A civilization often defines itself most clearly on its fringes. 

This ten-week course will explore the history – ancient to modern – of a region stretching from Poland in the north to the Balkans in the south, and including the Europe-facing republics of the former USSR. Quite a journey – best book your ticket now!

RJW F2429 Online course (via Zoom)

10 weeks, Wednesday 25 September - Wednesday 11 December (incl., with half-term break on 30 October)

NB These are revised dates, due to ill health w/c 18 November.

£120 (individual registration); £216 (for two people sharing one screen).