Focus on the Baltic Sea: Geopolitical tensions and the Ukraine conflict are escalating!

Focus on the Baltic Sea: Geopolitical tensions and the Ukraine conflict are escalating!

On June 13, 2025, the University of Greifswald received approval from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for a second four and a half year funding phase of the International Research Training Group 2560 “Baltic Peripeties”. This college is dedicated to examining how narrative processes and narratives shape the perception of historical and current turning points in the Baltic Sea region. In times of geopolitical tensions and conflicts, which have been intensified in particular by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, this research takes on particular importance.

In this context, the university works with international partners, including the universities of Tartu (Estonia) and NTNU Trondheim (Norway). Subjects such as Baltic studies, Finnish studies, German studies, history, political science, Scandinavian studies, Ukrainian studies and philosophy are represented in the college. The research particularly analyzes the escalation of crises and conflicts that can be observed in the Baltic Sea region, as well as the breaks in horizons of expectations, with the turning point year of 1989 playing a central role. These perspectives are particularly relevant in a geopolitical climate characterized by hybrid threats and military activity.

Geopolitical implications of the Baltic Sea

The geopolitical situation in the Baltic Sea region has changed rapidly. Loud swp-berlin.org the Baltic Sea has become the most important arena of global great power rivalry. These tensions are reflected in the increased military readiness of neighboring countries, which are mobilizing their armed forces in response to Russia's aggressive actions, including acts of sabotage and drone strikes.

NATO plans for the region are regularly revised to strengthen the defense of the Baltic states. This happens especially in the context of military support to Ukraine, which is provided through the Baltic countries. In addition, the Baltic Sea is crucial for the sea routes that secure trade, especially for Finland. The military presence and strategic importance of the Baltic Sea acquired additional dimensions with the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, while all Baltic Sea countries except Russia are NATO members.

Scientific perspectives and approaches

The second funding phase of the graduate school will further develop narratological, discourse linguistic and empirical approaches to understand the dynamics of change in the Baltic Sea region. The results of the first funding phase have already shown profound connections between aesthetic and linguistic-historical upheavals as well as regional political upheavals. Prof. Dr. Katharina Riedel, Rector of the University of Greifswald, described the approval as a great success and a signal for research in the humanities.

Particularly with regard to the culture of remembrance and the critical research of narratives, Prof. Dr. Eckhard Schumacher, speaker of the college, explained the relevance of the research against the background of geopolitical challenges. Up to 30 doctoral students at the three locations will benefit from a trinational qualification program, which is intended to promote scientific collaboration and exchange.

Dr. Alexander Waszynski, scientific coordinator of the college, emphasizes the support for the early career phase of scientists. Contact persons for academic cooperation include Prof. Dr. Eckhard Schumacher at the University of Greifswald and Prof. Dr. Ingvild Folkvord at NTNU Trondheim and Prof. Dr. Anti Selart at the University of Tartu.

The Baltic Sea therefore not only acts as a geopolitical magnifying glass, but is also an important space for scientific knowledge and interdisciplinary exchange, which will be of crucial importance in the coming years. With a new phase of research, deeper insights into regional challenges, crises and the role of narrative in historiography can be expected.