In September and October 2025, the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre is hosting a series of lectures dedicated to the history of Russia and its neighbours as well as the current political situation in the country. These include journalistic insights and historical analyses.
Participation in the events is free of charge. The events take place online or at the adult education centre in the TIETZ. Registration is recommended by the day of the event at www.vhs-chemnitz.de or by telephone on 0371 488 4343.
On Monday, 1 September 2025 at 6.30 pm, journalist Christina Hebel will describe her impressions of her work in Russia, focusing in particular on the changes since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. She has been reporting from Russia for SPIEGEL for more than eight years and has headed the SPIEGEL office in Moscow since April 2022. Among other things, she explores the question of how journalists work in the country, under what conditions they can travel and conduct research. What does journalistic work look like on the ground?
The event will take place online. Registration is possible until 12 noon on the day of the event via the event link. An access link will then be sent by e-mail.
On Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at 7 pm , historian Prof. Dr Jörg Baberowskie will present a historical view of Russia's development during the time of the Tsarist Empire in the TIETZ event hall. The professor of Eastern European history at Humboldt University Berlin and author of numerous books and essays will read from his book "Der sterbliche Gott. Power and Rule in the Tsarist Empire", which was published in 2024. He will provide an insight into the history of Russia from the perspective of rule and its constraints.
According to his thesis, the staging of the Russian rulers as powerful autocrats attempted to conceal the fragile structure that lay behind them. But how did the tsars and their bureaucracy manage to successfully hold together a multi-ethnic, poorly integrated empire over two centuries? How does this influence the bridge to contemporary Russia?
Registration and further information on the course can be found under the link to the event.
On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, from 7 p.m., ZEIT journalist and historian Michael Thumann will provide insights into his book "Eisiges Schweigen flussabwärts. A journey from Moscow to Berlin". The travelogue, published in spring 2025, includes stops in Georgia and the Baltic states.
Michael Thumann incorporates personal experiences and impressions into the report: He began his studies of Eastern European history 40 years ago, which led him to travel to Moscow for the first time in 1986. Since then, he has returned there repeatedly as part of his work as Eastern Europe correspondent for DIE ZEIT.
In his book, the author asks how the background to current Russian politics and the war in Ukraine can be understood. He also includes the perspective of the neighbouring states and historical flashbacks. As part of the reading, Michael Thumann would like to enter into a dialogue about this.
Registration and further information on the course can be found under the link to the event.
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