This book draws on the authors experience from 26 years of Ukrainian diplomatic service in, among others, Bonn, Berlin, Washington, and Vienna, and his work as a speechwriter to most Ukrainian foreign ministers for the last two decades. Scherbas captivating essays reflect his views of international affairs from a Ukrainian perspective. His deliberations are presented in uncomplicated, plain language. The articles assembled here have repeatedly caused discussion in Ukraine and abroad. By his opponents, Scherba is often described as being surprisingly undiplomatic and even provocative. For instance, his article Why nationalism cant be the national idea of a European Ukraine, published on a Ukrainian nationalist website, stirred considerable controversy in Ukraine. Aside from explaining Kyivs take on some key issues of international relations, these essays provide insights into Ukrainian political thinking since the start of Russias military aggression in 2014, and into the painful politi
