This study, "Historical Analogies, Traumatic Past, and Responses to the War in Ukraine" by Irena Kalhousová, Eugene Finkel, and Jiří Kocián, explores how political leaders in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic use historical analogies to frame and justify their nations' responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Through analysis of speeches and statements, the authors reveal how each country's foreign policy narratives draw upon distinct historical traumas and national experiences, like the Second World War, the Cold War, and specific events such as the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
This comparative approach highlights the ways in which leaders use history to shape public perception, express national values, and drive support for Ukraine. The findings underscore the nuanced relationship between collective memory and policy-making in times of international crisis.