This book draws on the author’s experience from 26 years of Ukrainian
diplomatic service in, among others, Bonn, Berlin, Washington, and
Vienna, and his work as a speechwriter to most Ukrainian foreign
ministers for the last two decades. Scherba’s captivating essays reflect
his views of international affairs from a Ukrainian perspective. His
deliberations are presented in uncomplicated, plain language. The
articles assembled here have repeatedly caused discussion in Ukraine and
abroad.
By his opponents, Scherba is often described as being
surprisingly undiplomatic and even provocative. For instance, his
article “Why nationalism can’t be the national idea of a European
Ukraine”, published on a Ukrainian nationalist website, stirred
considerable controversy in Ukraine. Aside from explaining Kyiv’s take
on some key issues of international relations, these essays provide
insights into Ukrainian political thinking since the start of Russia’s
military aggression in 2014, and into the painful political intramural
fights in Ukrainian society ever since.
