“At the Fence of Metternich’s Garden“ Mykola Riabchuk | Book Presentation & Discussion

British-Ukrainian Aid hosts a book presentation by Mykola Riabchuk, Honorary President of Ukrainian PEN, who reflects on the ideological significance of Europe for recent Ukrainian history, culture and politics in conversation with Ukraine experts Professor Andreas Umland and Dr James Sherr. In his recent book of essays ‘At the Fence of Metternich’s Garden’, published by ibidem/ Columbia University Press as volume 5 of the ‘Ukrainian Voices’ book series, Dr Riabchuk shares his insight on his personal experience of a Ukrainian intellectual engaged in a painstaking but fascinating process of his country’s ‘Europeanization’ and articulates eloquently the clash between Ukraine’s aspirations and European Realpolitik. The title refers to the notorious Chancellor Metternich’s quip that Asia presumably begins at the eastern fence of his garden. “If Mykola’s book achieves nothing else, this collection of essays will stand as a remorseful commentary on the West’s lack of historical perspecti