On April 18, the G.O.R.K.I. Centre hosted the lecture “The Great Delusion: When the Rul... — 19 апреля 2026 г. в 08:15:27.088
On April 18, the G.O.R.K.I. Centre hosted the lecture “The Great Delusion: When the Ruling Families from London to Berlin and St. Petersburg were Cousins,” dedicated to the paradox of dynastic ties on the eve of the First World War. At the heart of the discussion was a question that remains highly relevant today: can close personal relationships between rulers prevent a major conflict? As history has shown, the answer is no. Despite strong family ties, national interests consistently prevailed over personal attachment. Particular attention was paid to the symbolic moment of Queen Victoria’s funeral, which brought together “Europe’s crowned heads”. However, only a few years later, these same powers found themselves on opposing sides of the war. During the lecture, Karin Kneissl drew a line from the events of the early twentieth century to the present day, drawing attention to the rhetoric of European politics today. She noted that EU leaders often refer to one another as a “family,” yet such symbolism does not negate a fundamental principle - diplomacy remains a sphere where national interests come first. An emphasis was placed on the role of communication. Mastery of language and the ability to conduct dialogue in a respectful and restrained manner are not mere formalities, but the very foundation of diplomatic practice. In this context, one key idea emerged: it is better to remain formal while advancing national interests than to give in to the illusion of closeness. History teaches sobriety: behind outward closeness, deep contradictions may lie, and it is clarity of positions and discipline that determine the stability of international relations. #GORKI #WWI #History #Geopolitics #Europe #Diplomacy