Research

The research carried out at the Viadrina Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies is dedicated to Poland and Ukraine in a broad transregional context, considering the close entanglements – commonalities as well as conflicts – in this multi-layered contact zone. Polish and Ukrainian studies are understood as an integral part of Central/Eastern European studies. Recognizing the cultural and political agency of Poland and Ukraine, we treat our research as an integrative endeavor with a strategic interdisciplinary focus. 

Our goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary social, economic, and cultural processes in Poland and Ukraine against a European and global background. Topics of our Center's studies include for example, historical experiences of conflict resolution and co-existence, contemporary challenges of migration and decolonization, market transformation since 1989, situational bilingualism and popular culture, memory wars and reconciliation. Special attention is given to the region's multi-ethnic heritage, including Jewish and Muslim communities.

We are seeking a new analytical language to describe the diverse, pluralistic, and fascinating social reality of Central and Eastern Europe, and to critically rethink dominant theoretical approaches. To this end, we plan to launch a new book series both in Germany and in Ukraine.