Facing the Catastrophe

Originally published in Germany in its uncensored Russian version and now available in English, this volume presents a unique collection of essays by Russian-speaking intellectuals from Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. The book offers a profound analysis of the catastrophic war in Ukraine through philosophical, moral, sociological, and historical lenses. Although published abroad to avoid Russian censorship, the book has been banned in Russia for "discrediting the Russian armed forces." This manifesto critically examines the origins and social impact of the war, and continues to engage a global audience and foster vital discussions about the conflict and its profound effects. The English edition makes these important insights accessible to a wider audience and enhances global understanding of the war's complexities. It invites international readers to engage with the philosophical debates it presents, contributing to a broader discourse on peace, justice, and accountability in times of conflict.Nikolaj Plotnikov is a philosopher and cultural studies scholar and Professor of Russian Cultural and Intellectual History at the Ruhr University Bochum. His research focuses on the analysis of the transfer of European ideas in philosophical, aesthetic, and political discourses.