The Nation and the Art of Balance

Denmark and Poland on the Map of Europe during 1st World War

Marek Kornat (historian, professor, the Polish Academy of Science) in conversation with Uffe Østergaard (historian, professor emeritus, CBS) and Claus Bundgård Christensen (historian, associate professor, RUC).

While the great powers were waging war, the smaller or non-existent countries were trying to find their way.

Denmark barely managed to maintain neutrality and ended up being reunited with Southern Jutland in 1920. Poland was not even present on the map, but was fighting for national independence, and the Polish state was finally restored in 1918.

But what was a state actually? The old empires were falling apart, and the idea of the nation state was spreading. Which other state forms could be imagined? And how was it possible to balance between the great powers and pursue a national agenda? Which relevance did these questions have in Denmark? And in Poland?

This and much more will be debated when three well-known historians meet at University of Copenhagen and present their points of view.

Free entry.

The event will be held in English.

After the event, refreshments will be served.

Guided tour to Mosede Fort

In the afternoon, from 14:30 to 16:30, there will be a dialogical guided tour at Mosede Fort (museum for 1st World War). Some of the presenters will comment on the exhibition and relate it to the discussion.

Registration by e-mail to Rune Larsen is mandatory as since only a limited number of visitors can be taken in the tour.