What Would Erasmus Say About Peace In Ukraine?

The article presents a multifaceted discussion on the war in Ukraine and broader themes of peace, culture, and international relations, drawing on historical, political, cultural, and ethical perspectives. Luc Reychler analyzes the Ukraine conflict through the lens of Renaissance scholar Desiderius Erasmus, emphasizing the war’s anticipated nature, shared responsibilities of Russia, Ukraine, and the West, and the challenges posed by restricted public discourse and war logic, while advocating for ceasefire and sustainable peacebuilding. Maurizio Abbate highlights the role of concentrated economic power and cultural degradation in perpetuating conflict, calling for a new cultural Renaissance that centers human dignity over profit and fosters solidarity among diverse peoples. Tatjana Zdanoka addresses the demonization and marginalization of Russian culture and Russian-speaking minorities in Latvia, detailing state-led campaigns against Russian-language education and cultural monuments amid rising Russophobia. Liz Augustat focuses on the philosophical and scientific foundations for global peace, proposing the establishment of international ethical councils to unify diverse cultures and religions under shared universal values, thereby fostering a new paradigm of collective responsibility and intercultural understanding. Together, these contributions underscore the complexity of achieving peace in Ukraine and beyond, emphasizing the interplay of historical awareness, cultural respect, ethical frameworks, and inclusive dialogue.