Culture in Central Europe: Possibilities and Preconditions
Culture in Central Europe: Possibilities and Preconditions

Summary/Abstract: The search for a new centre The search for a conceptual grasp of the term “Central Europe” allows for different approaches depending on the time of the search or the observer’s point of view. Thus, for instance, the scientific understanding provided by “physical geography” plays a role, as does its political-ideological evaluation. Different starting points – be they in the area of politics, the economy, or arts and culture – lead to very different, at times even paradoxical results. The term “Central Europe,” together with the oftused synonym “Middle Europe” (Mitteleuropa in German), was not only culturally charged until recently, but continues to retain a psychological, even anthropological ring even today. Depending on the subjective perspective, the centre of one moves into the distance of the other. Nevertheless, the centre has always exuded a special attraction. Periphery and marginality are scorned; no one wants to stand at the margins – or worse, live there. The centre or middle – in contrast to “mediocrity” – is understood as a symbol of belonging, and can be used as an instrument of separation or exclusion, thereby leading to a feeling of superiority. Generally, the centre is positively charged, as we often see in politics. Thus as a political destination it is often equated with “measured,” “moderate,” and maybe even “classic,” and the presumed “Golden Mean” is frequently designated as a populist programme.[…] This article appears courtesy of Europäische Rundschau.

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